10-2024-10-14-2024-Regular-Town-Council-Meeting

TOWN OF OCEAN BREEZE MINUTES REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 14, 2024, 6:00PM Ocean Breeze Resort Clubhouse, Pineapple Bay Room 700 NE Seabreeze Way, Ocean Breeze, FL

DUE TO THE LACK OF A QUORUM, NO TOWN BUSINESS WAS CONDUCTED

1. Call to Order - President Kelley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

- Pledge of Allegiance - Mayor Ostrand led the Pledge of Allegiance

- Roll Call - Present: Mayor Karen M. Ostrand, President Sandy Kelley; Vice President Kevin Docherty; Council Member Gina Kent; Absent: Council Member Michael Heller and Council Member Matthew Squires

- Staff Present - Town Management Consultant, Terry O'Neil; Attorney, Gemma Torcivia Permit Processor, Pam Orr; Town Clerk, Kim Stanton

2. Approval of Minutes - No vote due to the lack of a quorum.

3. RESOLUTION No. 354-2024 - A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF OCEAN BREEZE, FLORIDA RECOGNIZING CITY GOVERNMENT WEEK, OCTOBER 21-27, 2024, AND ENCOURAGING ALL CITIZENS TO SUPPORT THE CELEBRATION AND CORRESPONDING ACTIVITIES - Not applicable due to the lack of a quorum.

4. Comments from the public on topics not on the Agenda - Candidates Sandy Kelley, Gina Kent, Gail Bologna, Peg Pugsley, George Ciaschi, and Janet Galante spoke about their qualifications and candidacy for election to the Town Council.

Gene Simmons, 267 NE Coastal Drive, Ocean Breeze, asked why construction in the Resort had stopped.

Lynda Capobianco, 1394 NE White Pine Terrace, resident of Seawalk, asked the candidates about their views concerning an increase in the millage rate in upcoming years.

Mr. O'Neil spoke about the emergency tolling notice extensions issued by the State of Florida which allowed the developers to extend their construction obligations. He stated that residents should contact their State Legislative officials.

Vice President Docherty asked about these states of emergency.

Mr. O'Neil further explained the tolling extensions with regard to the placement of recreational vehicles within the Resort. He stated that for nearly three years, the Town had requested that the operators of the Resort "true-up" the work done in the north section where there were numerous water main breaks and flooding issues. He added that the building code would not allow issuance of permits when there was a significant violation present. He commented that if Sun Communities were to execute a stipulation agreement with the Town assuring the Town of their plans, he was confident that the Council and the community would be flexible, and construction would begin again. He added that the silence of Sun Communities for two and a half years had caused this unfortunate action by the Town.

October 14,2024

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Kristen O'Shaughnessy, 1424 NE White Pine Terrace, Seawalk resident, asked if this was something that might be addressed before the election.

Mr. O'Neil answered that if the residents would like to contact Pam or Kim in the Town office, they would provide a list of the candidates and their contact details.

Council Member Kent stated that there was a list of the candidates and their views online. She welcomed anyone to contact her.

Susan Kelly, 60 NE Driftwood Drive, Ocean Breeze Resort, asked about the recreational vehicles in the Resort, construction around her home, green space, lack of communication on the part of the Resort, investment in her home and if the tolling extensions were specific to certain lots, or did they cover the entirety Ocean Breeze Resort.

Mayor Ostrand gave a brief history of the development of the Resort and explained the tolling extensions. She invited anyone to speak with her concerning the issues of the Town.

Mr. O'Neil explained that the PUD, which was limited by the pre-emptions, would have limited the recreational vehicles to a designated area for forty-four units. He added that until January 2022, recreational vehicles were allowed elsewhere, however the lots in the northern section within the Resort required a minimum of three months and the southside accommodated short-term.

Ms. Kelly asked about disbursing the recreational vehicles differently.

Mr. O'Neil answered that the Town could talk to the Resort, along with the other issues that need to be resolved.

Kathy Garland, 106 NE Bay Drive, Ocean Breeze Resort, asked about gaining beach access for people in wheelchairs and walkers.

Mr. O'Neil answered that Martin County maintained the beaches and that the Town could make some inquiries. He stated that there were ADA requirements that dealt with accessibility. He added that if she would contact the Town office, staff would pose the question to the County.

Sara Vento, 60 NE Driftwood Drive, Ocean Breeze Resort, answered that lifeguards would assist with access to and from the beach.

Mr. O'Neil answered that when the development was approved, compliance with ADA was reviewed with the building construction, location of sidewalks, etc. He added that the Town was willing to look into this and find out more, and that the Town's Building Official had access to this information. He commented that the Resort was interested in being ADA compliant.

President Kelley asked if the residents of the Resort had an HOA.

"unknown individuals" answered "no."

October 14,2024

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Edwina Benham, 74 NE Riptide Drive, Ocean Breeze Resort, spoke about the private residents Facebook group at Ocean Breeze Resort.

Council Member Kent and President Kelley stated that the Seawalk community also had a resident Facebook group.

5. Comments from the Council on topics not on the agenda President Kelley asked Town Clerk, Kim Stanton to provide an update on the 2024 election.

Kim Stanton gave details regarding the 2024 Town election and commented that the official results would be available no later than November 16,2024. She stated that once the election returns were official, there would be a notice on the Town's website and on the Town office door.

Discussion ensued regarding the Town's polling locations.

Vice President Docherty discussed the Florida League of Cities' committee meetings, home rule, Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities, notifications of water main breaks within the Resort, grant programs (e-Civics) and HB 1385.

President Kelley asked for further comments from the Council.

There were none.