TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH
 AGENDA
 TOWN COMMISSION - Workshop

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CALL TO ORDER                          MAYOR WILLE

INFORMAL REVIEW AND DISCUSSION REGARDING SELECTION OF
GRANTS/LOBBY CONSULTANTS

PURSUANT TO SECTION 286.0105, FLORIDA STATUTES, THE TOWN HEREBY 
ADVISES THE PUBLIC THAT: 
If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Town 
Commission with respect to any matter considered at its meeting, he will need a record of 
the proceedings and that for such purpose, affected persons may need to insure that a verbatim 
record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which 
the appeal is to be based.  This notice does not constitute consent by the Town for the introduction 
or admission into evidence of otherwise inadmissible or irrelevant evidence, nor does it authorize 
challenges or appeals not otherwise allowed by law.

INFORMAL REVIEW AND DISCUSSION REGARDING SELECTION OF GRANTS/LOBBY CONSULTANTS


Town Manager Ciummo stated that the Town solicited proposals and received four very qualified proposals 
for grants consultants and one proposal for lobbyist.  Town Manager Ciummo stated  that she reviewed all 
of the proposals and all meet the criteria advertised in the scope of services. Town Manager Ciummo stated 
that she would feel comfortable working with any of the firms and the decision should be based on other 
factors rather than the fees listed.  Town Manager Ciummo stated that at this point, the Town already has 
committed approximately $290,000 for grant funding.

The Town Commission and Town Manager reviewed the Town=s existing grants and the funds allocated for 
the Town's matching portion of these grants.   Town Manager Ciummo discussed the idea of the Town 
Commission selecting one grant consultant to apply for all of the grants the Town is interested in versus 
the idea of selecting grant consultants based on their field of expertise.

Town Manager Ciummo recommended that the Town Commission focus on certain types of grants and the 
selection of the grants/lobby consultants be associated with their expertise related to these types of grants:  
Pier restoration project - Florida Inland Navigation District Grant; Loggerhead Park Preserve 
development/enhancement - Forever Florida; 319 Grants for drainage projects and stormwater 
management - Indian River Lagoon and St. Johns River Water Management District.. 

Town Manager Ciummo suggested that the Town wait a year or so to think about applying for grants associated 
with the historical aspects such as the Main Street Program.  The Town Commission agreed with the Town 
Manager's suggestion.

Town Manager Ciummo suggested that the Town Commission appoint two (2) grants/lobby consultants and move 
forward with work orders as the projects become available such as selecting Lawandale's group when historic 
grants/main street grants become available.

After a discussion regarding the process of selecting the grants/lobby consultants, it is decided that the Town 
Commission make a selection at the October 18, 2000 regular meeting.  The Town Commission advised that 
the Town Manager contact the firms and request that they attend the meeting to give a brief presentation and 
answer any questions from the Town Commission.  

Mayor Wille requested to review the list of grant opportunities and update it according to the Town's priorities. 
(revised copy attached)

Town Manager Ciummo stated that she met with the Parks Board last night and advised the Town Commission 
that the Parks Board would like to use waste tires for the playground surfacing areas, take a trip to Sarasota to 
look at a Vixon Hill gazebo for the park.  The Board advised that if the Town Commission would like to look at a 
design-build gazebo, the Town will have to go out for bids based on the Vixon Hill specifications.  Town Manager 
Ciummo suggested that one of the Commissioners take this trip with the Parks Board and suggested that the 
Town pay for a rental van for the day. Commissioner Stacey volunteered to join the Parks Board when they take 
the trip to Sarasota.

Town Manager Ciummo was advised that the Town Commission will make any final decisions as to the design, 
bids, etc. for the park equipment and that the Board may need be required to post a meeting notice when they 
make their trip to Sarasota.

Town Manager Ciummo reported that she and the Police Chief will be going to the Cocoa Police Department to 
see their new facility.  Mayor Wille reminded Town Manager Ciummo that during this trip to the Cocoa Police 
Department, she and the Chief could look into using the Town's education and trust funds for use in the 
Town's municipal complex.   

Commissioner Smith stated that it seems there should be more discussion regarding the municipal complex 
and the phasing of the project.  Mayor Wille stated that he talked to Jack Rood last week and he was advised 
that he is in the design phase currently and his engineers are looking at things.  Mayor Wille advised that the 
Town Commission will receive some reviews of the project. Town Manager Ciummo advised the Town Commission 
that she told Mr. Rood that the Town Commission does not need to see the site plan for the stormwater permit. 

Mayor Wille requested that the Town Commission receive a copy of this to review prior to submission for approval 
to the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Mayor Wille requested that the Town Manager and Town Attorney check how the new communication services 
tax will affect the Town's effort to utilize the utility tax revenues.   

Town Manager Ciummo stated that she will request that the Town Attorney give the Town Commission another 
report on this.  Mayor Wille stated that he is concerned with how this will affect the Town's future planning.


The workshop adjourned at 9:00 pm.




________________________________________
ROBERT D. WILLE, MAYOR


________________________________________
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.