TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH
MINUTES
TOWN COMMISSION - WORKSHOP
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TUESDAY
April 30, 2002
TOWN HALL - COMMISSION ROOM
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A workshop of the Town Commission of the Town of Melbourne Beach, Florida was called
to order by Mayor Wille at 7:02 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 in the Commission Room at Town
Hall.
Present:
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Vice Mayor Smith
Commissioner Crispen
Commissioner Guglietta
Commissioner Walters
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Absent:
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Mayor Wille
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Others Present:
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Town Manager Hoskovec
Resident Frank Thomas
Town Clerk Masny
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DISCUSSION OF TOWN MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Commissioner Walters stated that the Town Commission had discussed as a group that after a Town Manager
was hired, we would set some guidelines and priorities for him/her to follow to make the position a little easier.
Commissioner Walters stated that one of the Commission members had asked the question, "How do we want
the Town Manager to report to us?" Commissioner Walters asked do we want the Town Manager to make a
recommendation on every item on the agenda? Commissioner Walters stated that he does not because that
puts the Town Commission in a situation where people can say that you went against your manager's advice.
Commissioner Walters stated that he is as well educated and knowledgeable about the community as the Town
Manager is and can make his own decisions on issues. Commissioner Walters stated that the Commission had
also discussed how we want the Town Manager to report to us. Commissioner Walters stated that he would
suggest that the Town Manager report to the rest of the Commission when he is asked to do a task by an individual
Commissioner so that we know where, what and why things are being done. Commissioner Walters stated that we
are supposed to make these types of decisions as a group.
Commissioner Guglietta stated that the Town Manager was well aware, as were all the candidates interviewed, and
they knew there were a lot is issues and items in need of attention. Commissioner Guglietta stated that three (3) of
us are new on the Commission and he did not want to see any one Commissioner give direction and guidance to the
Town Manager. Commissioner Guglietta stated that he has seen nothing but teamwork between the Town Manager
and staff, but the Town Manager does need guidance from the Town Commission.
Commissioner Walters stated that so there are no misunderstandings, the Town Commission should, as a group, set
up a list of priorities and that the Town Manager supply the Town Commission with a monthly report so that when
anyone asks us a question regarding a project, we can inform them as to the status. Commissioner Walters stated
that he does not want one Commissioner to have the authority to change the direction given to the Town Manager from
the entire Commission.
Town Manager Hoskovec asked of the Town Commission that if he receives a request from one of the Town Commissioners
and not the entire Commission, he should present the request to the Commission and let the entire Commission decide
if they want him to act on the request? The members of the Town Commission present agreed to this direction. Town
Manger Hoskovec stated that if a memo or a request comes into Town Hall, a copy goes into every Commissioner's mailbox.
Town Manager Hoskovec stated that if there is something the Town Commission wants done, it needs to be done in an
open session and he will take his direction from the body and not the parts. Town Manager Hoskovec stated that he
has met with staff and delivered his message that they are to stay out of the politics and if the Town Commissioners
are coming to staff with issues, they are to send the Commissioners to him.
The Town Commission discussed past practices of the Town Manager and Town Commission with Town Manager
Hoskovec and discussed past practices they would like to change.
Commissioner Crispen stated that he would like a witness present whenever the Town Manager and a Town
Commissioner are holding a discussion, which may alleviate the problems with the past practices. Commissioner
Crispen stated that he believes there will not be problems such as this if the Commissioners trust each other.
Vice Mayor Smith asked if the direction of the Town Commission is clear? Town Manager stated that he understands
the direction.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED MUNICIPAL COMPLEX
Commissioner Walters stated that the plans were received today for the municipal complex and we can wait to discuss
them at a future meeting.
DISCUSSION OF VOLUNTEER POSITION OF TOWN HISTORIAN
Commissioner Guglietta stated that he had requested this item on the workshop agenda so that Frank Thomas can
discuss some of his plans with the Town Commission. Commissioner Guglietta stated that it was discussed that
the Williams Building Committee become the Historical Committee when they are finished restoring the building.
Frank Thomas, 606 Atlantic Street addressed the Town Commission and stated that he has been covering the
history of this Town for 40 years, has been a Town Commissioner and served on Town Boards. Mr. Thomas showed
some pictures he took in the 70's and stated that basically everything he has is his "stuff". Mr. Thomas showed the
Town Commission a painting of the pier at sunset that he said was originally in the Fire Department, over the water
heater but in a different frame. Mr. Thomas stated that this painting shows historically that the pier was enclosed and
not many people know that. Mr. Thomas stated that he kept collecting items such as this. Mr. Thomas also shared
his history books and a scrapbook he put together with the Town Commission and stated that he has tape recordings
of Ms. Ryckman and Mr. Beaujean's voices telling stories and history of the Town. Mr. Thomas stated that he would
like the Town Commission to know that these items exist and that he has them.
Commissioner Guglietta asked Mr. Thomas how can the Town Commission get him to share with the Town its history
that he has preserved? Mr. Thomas stated that he would like some appreciation for it, not a plaque or certificate.
Commissioner Crispen asked Mr. Thomas to tell the Town Commission what he considers appreciation. Commissioner
Walters stated that he has spoken to Mr. Thomas about this and explained that Mr. Thomas has received, as Town
Historian, articles from residents for the Town in the past and suggested that the Town Attorney draw up a contract
with Mr. Thomas that after the Williams Building is rehabilitated and the library is finished he agrees that all that he
has will become property of the Town and it will be inventoried in exchange for the title of Town Historian. Mr. Thomas
will oversee these items and in the event that his health should fail, all of these items become the property of the Town
and cannot be taken away as long as he is Town Historian. Commissioner Walters also suggested that Mr. Thomas
be a member of the Historical Board.
Vice Mayor Smith stated that she believes this is a great idea because Mr. Thomas was appointed Town Historian
in 1973 and the resolution was rescinded in 1994 because of a dispute. Vice Mayor Smith stated that if Mr. Thomas
were willing to do this, this would be the least we could do.
Commissioner Crispen asked what "Town Historian" means? Mr. Thomas stated that there would be no listed
duties and responsibilities, it would be what the Town would like done such as looking into putting the Ryckman
House on the National Register of Historic Places like it should be. Commissioner Crispen stated that there are
no duties and responsibilities until the Commission requests something and asked Mr. Thomas if he can say no?
Mr. Thomas stated, sure. Commissioner Crispen stated that if you say no enough times and we think that the Town
Historian should be doing this, but I heard someone say that we can have all this until such time as you are no longer
Town Historian. Mr. Thomas stated, its yours. Commissioner Crispen stated that this is a great idea.
Commissioner Guglietta stated that by allowing this to happen, our young residents will see all of these beautiful
artifacts in the library, Williams Building and Community Center. Commissioner Guglietta stated that he thinks
Mr. Thomas should be given credit and recognition as Town Historian.
IT IS THE CONSENSUS OF THE TOWN COMMISSION THAT THE TOWN ATTORNEY DRAW UP A FORMAL
CONTRACT FIRST, LISTING THAT THERE WILL BE AN INVENTORY OF THE ARTIFACTS AND THAT THEY ARE
THE PROPERTY OF THE TOWN AND IF AN ARTICLE IS THEN GIVEN TO MR. THOMAS AS TOWN HISTORIAN,
IT IS LISTED ON THE INVENTORY AND BECOMES PROPERTY OF THE TOWN, AND IN THE EVENT OF HEALTH
PROBLEM, THE PROPERTY BELONGS TO THE TOWN. AFTER THE CONTRACT IS SIGNED A RESOLUTION
BE DRAWN UP NAMING MR. THOMAS TOWN HISTORIAN. THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
TOWN HISTORIAN ARE TO EMANATE WITH THE TOWN COMMISSION.
Town Manager Hoskovec stated that the Town would set up the Historical Committee first, and then draw up the
contract to set up the historian appointment and then pass the resolution.
The Town Commission advised Mr. Thomas that the contract and resolution will be ready when he gets back in
Town this fall.
DISCUSSION OF TOWN MANAGER PROJECT PRIORITIES
Town Manager Hoskovec reviewed a memorandum that he drafted regarding a partial list of issues and priorities
currently facing the Town with the Town Commission. (copy attached) In addition to the project priorities the
Town Commission and Town Manager discussed the status of annexation property to the Williams Building,
the Town Manager requesting the Town Attorney to review the contract with Outlaw Engineering, running an
ad for a Town Attorney, obtaining an opinion from the Town Attorney regarding public records and sunshine law
with the Fire Department and Corporation, updating building code to comply with the new wind speeds and wording
for fence installation and shed sizes.
There being no further business, the workshop adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
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CONNIE J. SMITH, VICE MAYOR
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CYNTHIA E. MASNY, CMC TOWN CLERK
Note: A mechanical recording has been made of the foregoing procedures of which these minutes are a part
and is on file in the office of the Town Clerk.
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