Atlantic Beach, FL

Environmental Stewardship Committee Tree Subcommittee

The Environmental Stewardship Committee Tree Subcommittee meets Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 800 Seminole Road, to review one appeal. Homeowner Paul Kerr, represented by his brother Michael Kerr as power-of-attorney, is appealing staff's denial of an arborist report seeking removal of a 28-inch live oak in the front yard at 163 Sylvan Drive without mitigation. Staff determined the submitted arborist reports do not establish that the tree poses an unacceptable risk or that removal is the only practical means of mitigating that risk under Florida Statute § 163.045. The subcommittee will make a recommendation by majority vote to the Code Administrator to approve the appeal, approve it with conditions, or deny it.

• APPL26-0003: appeal of staff denial for removal of a 28" DBH live oak at 163 Sylvan Drive without mitigation
• Staff report by Payton Jamieson, Principal Planner, and Chris Delk, City Arborist, dated September 30, 2026
• City Arborist Chris Delk met with Michael Kerr onsite August 16, 2026 at 12pm to assess the tree
• Tree is described as actively uprooting the driveway at the duplex property, developed since 1983
• Subcommittee recommendation by majority vote to the Code Administrator: approve, approve with conditions, or deny

Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC)

General Employee & Police Pension Board of Trustees

Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC)

TEST

Regular City Commission

The Atlantic Beach City Commission will hold public hearings to adopt the final operating budget for fiscal year 2026-27 and set the property tax millage rate. They will also consider resolutions approving a tentative police collective bargaining agreement and a one-year grant-writing services contract with Langton Associates, Inc. The agenda includes routine items such as minutes approval, public comment, and a 90-day calendar.

• Public hearing and final reading of Ordinance No. 20-26-184 adopting the FY 2026-27 operating budget
• Public hearing on Resolution No. 26-110 levying the ad valorem property tax millage rate
• Resolution No. 26-118 approving tentative police collective bargaining agreement with $138,404 estimated wage increase
• Resolution No. 26-121 authorizing $48,381.12 one-year contract with Langton Associates, Inc. for grant-writing services
• Accept 90-day calendar (September-November 2026)

Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)

The Environmental Stewardship Committee will consider a heritage tree application for two live oaks at 2049 Selva Marina Drive, review a tree data summary, and discuss several tree-related items including possible Chapter 23 changes, tree fund budget, and fall planting plans. The agenda also includes discussion of a Donner Park Phase 2 grant and an upcoming appeal regarding tree mitigation.

• Heritage tree application for two live oaks (40 and 32 inches DBH) at 2049 Selva Marina Drive
• Tree data summary shows 143 trees removed and 82 planted year-to-date, with $349,296.25 in proposed mitigation payments
• Discussion of possible Chapter 23 changes and tree fund budget approval
• Donner Park Phase 2 grant discussion
• Review of staff plans for street and park fall tree plantings

Community Development Board (CDB)

The Community Development Board will consider three variance requests related to setbacks for residential properties, plus discuss a floodplain storage code update and fence height regulations. The board will also approve minutes from its August 25 meeting. Public comment is invited.

• 302 Magnolia Street: variance to allow pool within required 5-foot setback (Section 24.164(b))
• 190 Club Drive: reduce front yard setback from 25 to 20 feet and side yard from 15 to 10 feet for home additions (Section 24.106(e))
• 1793 Park Terrace East: variance to exceed 20-foot rear yard setback for porch construction (Section 24-105(e))
• Floodplain Storage Code Update discussion
• Fence Height report (Section 24-157)

Regular City Commission

The City Commission will consider several resolutions regarding infrastructure, including water replacement projects and wastewater plant design services. The agenda also includes multiple requests to designate specific live oak trees as heritage trees.

• Designating live oak trees at 2210 Oceanwalk Dr W., 1880 Live Oak Ln, 1885 Live Oak Ln, and 1800 Sevilla Rd as heritage trees
• Approving water replacements project, including roof plants and treatment #2 and #3
• Authorizing design services from Fisher Koppenhafer, PA for the wastewater treatment plant operations building
• Emergency expenditure for structural piling work at Views Preserve with Hager Construction
• Awarding multi-year contract for landscape maintenance (Bid 2526-14)

Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)

The Environmental Stewardship Committee will hold a regular meeting with a consent agenda to approve draft minutes from four prior meetings. The main business includes updates on fall tree plantings, a Lights Out bird migration program, and an edible garden, plus discussions on 2027 programming and priorities. The committee will also review tree-related items, including incentives for tree preservation and the status of a biennial tree report.

• Approve draft minutes from ESC meetings on 07.08, 07.22, 08.12, and 08.26.2026
• Update on Fall Tree Plantings
• Discussion of Lights Out program for fall bird migration
• Review of tree preservation incentives and biennial tree report status
• Discussion of 2027 ESC programming and FY2027 priorities

Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC)

The Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee will review grant recommendations for the 2026-27 cycle. The committee will also discuss planning for the Marsh Oaks ribbon cutting.

• Review of 2026-27 grant recommendations totaling $40,000 in recommended amounts
• Grant recommendation for Beaches Fine Art Series ($4,000 recommended)
• Grant recommendation for Beaches Museum ($3,000 recommended)
• Grant recommendation for Possibilities Plus ($5,000 recommended)
• Marsh Oaks ribbon cutting planning

Code Enforcement Special Magistrate

The Atlantic Beach Code Enforcement Special Magistrate will hold a meeting on September 3, 2026, to hear three new business cases involving property code violations. The agenda also includes approval of the July 9, 2026 meeting minutes. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed.

• Case CE26-0078: DONOR PATRICIA A ESTATE, 378 SARGO RD, violation for outside storage and missing address identification
• Case CE26-0105: PDM REAL ESTATE LLC, 21 17TH ST, violation details not specified in agenda
• Case CE26-0122: WENDY TOVAR, 1187 Camelia St, violation details not specified in agenda
• Approval of minutes from the July 9, 2026 Code Enforcement Special Magistrate meeting

Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)

The Environmental Stewardship Committee will review three heritage tree designation applications, discuss the semi-annual tree permit report, and address follow-up items from the recently passed landmark tree protection ordinance. The meeting is largely procedural, with staff recommendations to approve all three heritage tree designations.

• Heritage tree designation for three live oaks at 1885 Live Oak Lane (DBH 36.9, 30.5, 36.6 inches)
• Heritage tree designation for a live oak at 1800 Sevilla Boulevard (DBH 50.1 inches)
• Heritage tree designation for a live oak at 1880 Live Oak Lane (DBH 40.2 inches)
• Semi-annual tree permit report to commission, due Nov. 30 for Dec. 14 meeting
• Follow-up on Ordinance No. 95-26-128 (landmark tree protection) passed July 13

Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC)

The Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee will hear presentations from grant applicants and deliberate on funding recommendations. They will also discuss Dutton Island kayaking and paddleboarding programming and the Atlantic Beach Youth Council program. The meeting includes approval of the July 14, 2026 minutes.

• Grant applicant presentations from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, including Journey of Healing, Beaches Fine Arts Series, and FACE4Kids
• Discussion of Dutton Island kayaking and paddleboarding programming
• Review of Atlantic Beach Youth Council program and related resolutions
• Approval of minutes from July 14, 2026 ARCC meeting

Community Development Board (CDB)

The Atlantic Beach Community Development Board will consider six requests for variances and one use-by-exception approval, covering floodplain storage, side yard setbacks, accessory structure size, tree mitigation, and a craftsmen/artist operation. The board will also approve the minutes from its July 21, 2026 meeting. Public comment is invited.

• 650 Sherry Drive: variance for floodplain and compensatory storage (ZVAR26-0014)
• 1337 Estrela Lane: variance for side yard setbacks (ZVAR26-0015)
• 1415 Ocean Boulevard: variance for accessory structure size (ZVAR26-0016)
• 740 Sherry Drive: variance for tree mitigation (ZVAR26-0017)
• 150 Levy Road: use-by-exception for craftsmen/artist operations over 2,000 sq ft (UBEX26-0002)

Regular City Commission

The Atlantic Beach City Commission will consider awarding three multi-year contracts for landscape maintenance, beach cleaning, and electrical motors & pumps repair, and will hold a public hearing on an ordinance amending the FY 2025-26 operating budget. The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes, a 90-day calendar, and a semiannual tree report.

• Resolution 26-102: Award multi-year contract for landscape maintenance (Bid 2526-14)
• Resolution 26-103: Award multi-year contract for beach cleaning services (Bid 2526-15)
• Resolution 26-104: Award multi-year contract for electrical motors & pumps repair (Bid 2526-16)
• Ordinance 20-26-183: Public hearing and final reading to amend FY 2025-26 operating budget
• Environmental Stewardship Committee semiannual tree report

Budget Workshop

The City Commission is holding a budget workshop to discuss the proposed FY 2026-27 municipal budget of $58,566,755, a 1.62% increase from the prior year. The budget maintains the current millage rate of 2.7499 mills and includes a net reduction of 2 full-time positions, a modest wage increase, and strategies to address revenue shortfalls from state tax changes and the sunsetting of the Better Jacksonville Plan sales tax. No final decisions are being made; this is a discussion and staff presentation.

• Proposed total budget: $58,566,755, up 1.62% from $57,616,034
• Millage rate held at 2.7499 mills; average homestead tax bill $1,100.45
• Net reduction of 2 FTE positions; eliminates HR Deputy Director, Water Plant Operator, Building Maintenance; adds Communications Specialist
• Municipal minimum wage raised from $16.83/hr to $18.00/hr
• Fire contract savings of $750,000 annually for 2-year extension

Police Officers' Pension Board of Trustees

The Atlantic Beach Police Officers' Pension Board of Trustees will discuss a proposed FY27 budget expense reduction from $54,559 to $16,128, a possible annual COLA for pensioners, and an alternative 13th check option. They will also receive the investment advisor's quarterly report and consider a new legal services agreement.

• FY27 budget expense recommendation of $16,128, down from current $54,559, based on $24 per member per month
• Discussion of annual COLA for police pensioners, proposed by PBA union, and alternative 13th check option
• Investment Advisor Report: General Employees' Pension Plan returned 7.7% for quarter ending June 30, 2026
• New JonesWalker LLC legal services agreement presented for signature
• Soliciting nominations for trustee seat of Chase Jamieson, who is moving in October

General Employee & Police Pension Board of Trustees

The General Employees' Pension Board of Trustees will review a quarterly investment report showing a 7.7% return, discuss a proposed FY27 budget expense reduction from $89,365 to $27,648, and receive updates on legal services and an overpayment. The board will also consider approving the May 28, 2026 meeting minutes.

• Quarterly investment report: General Employees' Pension Plan returned 7.7% for quarter ending June 30, 2026
• FY27 budget expense restructuring recommendation: reduce annual allocation from $89,365 to $27,648 based on $24 per member per month
• New JonesWalker LLC legal services agreement for signature
• Update on overpayment to Eddie Brown 2024, son of pension beneficiary Martha Brown
• Approve minutes of May 28, 2026 regular meeting

Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)

The Environmental Stewardship Committee will hold final votes on a Tree Permit Report to the Commission and a Tree Fund Budget. The committee will also hear a presentation from JEA on its Fleet Electrification Program and receive an update on the Parks Master Plan.

• Final vote on Tree Permit Report to Commission
• Final vote on Tree Fund Budget
• Presentation by Scott Dye with JEA on JEA Fleet Electrification Program
• Parks Master Plan Update & Public Meetings (September 2nd @ 2pm and 6pm)
• Discussion of ESC Candidate Ranking Motion

Regular City Commission

The Atlantic Beach City Commission will meet to vote on a resolution that dissolves the formal Teen/Youth Council and replaces it with a staff-administered youth program. The meeting will also consider approving several contracts, including wastewater treatment upgrades, street drainage improvements, water treatment plant painting, and a street sweeping truck lease.

• Approve Resolution No. 26-97 to dissolve Teen/Youth Council and establish Atlantic Beach Youth Council (ABYC) as a staff-administered program
• Approve Resolution No. 26-94 for wastewater treatment plant mixer tank contracts
• Approve Resolution No. 26-95 for Mary Drainage Street 2526-05 #4 improvements project
• Approve Resolution No. 26-93 for Water Treatment Plant #1 interior painting
• Approve Resolution No. 26-96 for street sweeping truck lease purchase

Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)

The Environmental Stewardship Committee will review staff recommendations to approve heritage tree designations for 1885 Live Oak Lane and 1800 Sevilla Blvd. It will discuss the semiannual tree permit report, the pending approval of the tree fund budget, and updates on Chapter 23 changes and free arborist day. New business includes addressing amendments and staff follow‑up for the Landmark Tree Protection Ordinance (Ordinance No. 95‑26‑128).

• Heritage tree designation recommendation for three live oaks at 1885 Live Oak Lane
• Heritage tree designation recommendation for a live oak at 1800 Sevilla Blvd
• Semiannual tree permit report to be submitted to the Commission by Nov. 30
• Tree fund budget pending Commission approval
• Landmark Tree Protection Ordinance (Ordinance No. 95‑26‑128) amendments and staff follow‑up

Community Development Board (CDB)

The Community Development Board will consider three variance applications. One seeks to exceed the limit on accessory structures at 410 Sargo Lane under Section 24-151(c)(2). A second seeks to raise the front‑yard fence height at 425 Atlantic Boulevard under Section 24-157(c)(2). The third application for 1225 Selva Marina Circle was withdrawn by the applicant.

• 410 Sargo Lane – variance to allow more than one accessory shed (Section 24-151(c)(2))
• 425 Atlantic Boulevard – variance to increase front‑yard fence height above 4 ft (Section 24-157(c)(2))
• 1225 Selva Marina Circle – variance request withdrawn by applicant

Budget Workshop

The City Commission will discuss the 2026-27 budget overview. The workshop includes reviews of Public Utilities and the Police Department, as well as the implications of a Homestead Property Tax constitutional amendment.

• 2026-27 Budget Overview
• Police Department At-a-Glance
• Public Utilities At-a-Glance
• Homestead Property Tax Constitutional Amendment Implications

Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC)

Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC)

The Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee will approve minutes from June meetings, discuss the 2026‑27 grant timeline and scoring rubric, and debrief the recent Centennial Celebration event. Members will consider volunteer needs and promotional activities for the celebration. No decisions on new funding or contracts are listed.

• Approve minutes of the June 9 and June 23, 2026 ARCC meetings
• Grant Liaison Highlights
• 2026‑27 Grant Timeline Overview
• 2026‑27 Grant Scoring Rubric Review
• Centennial Celebration Debrief

Regular City Commission

The City Commission will discuss the FY 2026-27 budget strategy and hold public hearings on three ordinances: protecting landmark trees, updating building permit fees, and consolidating parks fees. They will also hear an appeal of an administrative decision about mechanical equipment setbacks at 970 Jasmine Street. Consent agenda items include contracts for Donner Road lift station repairs and disaster debris monitoring.

• Discuss FY 2026-27 budget strategy
• Final reading: Ordinance 95-26-128 establishing landmark tree protection regulations
• Final reading: Ordinance 5-26-75 updating building, fire, public works, and zoning permit fees
• Final reading: Ordinance 5-26-76 consolidating parks and recreation facility fees
• Public hearing: Appeal of administrative decision on mechanical equipment setback at 970 Jasmine Street

Code Enforcement Special Magistrate

The Code Enforcement Special Magistrate will hear four new cases involving alleged property violations, including unpermitted storage containers and debris in rights-of-way. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and old business.

• 1400 Violet St: two storage containers on vacant lot, debris pile on right-of-way
• 82 8th St W: code violation case CE26-0025
• 90 Dutton Island Rd: code violation case CE26-0042
• 705 Atlantic Blvd: code violation case CE26-0060

Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)

The Environmental Stewardship Committee will meet to approve minutes from three previous meetings, hear a chair report, and discuss ongoing projects including environmental awards, Minecraft expansion activities, and a speaker series. No public hearings or major policy decisions are scheduled.

• Approval of minutes from May 27, June 10, and June 24 meetings
• Discussion of Environmental Awards
• Updates on Minecraft extension activities
• Planning for ESC Speaker Series on July 9
• Review of Motion Tracker and Life Cycle of a Motion

Budget Workshop

The City Commission is holding a budget workshop to discuss opportunities and challenges for the upcoming fiscal year. Public comment and Q&A are included.

• Overview of FY 2026-27 opportunities and challenges presented by City Manager Hogencamp

Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)

The Environmental Stewardship Committee reviews 2025 tree canopy data showing a net loss of thousands of inches, a motion to fund free arborist days, and a landmark tree protection ordinance headed for commission first reading. They also discuss tree fund budget status and tree plantings in drainage swales.

• Landmark tree protection ordinance (Ordinance No. 95-26-128) draft for first reading at June 22 commission meeting
• Motion to approve up to $12,000 for free arborist days (2-4 times/year) for mature tree assessments
• Tree fund balance reported as $613,855 as of June 1, 2026
• 2025 tree data: 4,436 inches removed with permits vs 1,839 inches planted; 156 mature trees lost via arborist letters with no replacement or fees
• Semi-annual tree permit report to commission and review of possible Chapter 23 (tree code) changes

Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC)

The Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee is meeting primarily to provide information and answer public questions regarding grants for the 2026-27 cycle.

• Public Q&A session on 2026-27 Grant Information

Regular City Commission

The commission will consider approving an employment agreement for Kevin Hogencamp as permanent city manager and rescinding the prior search resolution. Other actions include introducing new fee schedules for building, public works, parks, and zoning, and a new ordinance to protect landmark live oak trees. The commission will also award contracts for public works equipment building construction, the annual milling & paving project, and sidewalk design for Sailfish Drive multi-use path, and extend the paid parking program at Beaches Town Center.

• Approve employment agreement for Kevin Hogencamp as permanent city manager (Resolution 26-81) and rescind search (26-82)
• Introduce ordinance to consolidate and update city fees including building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, public works, zoning, and parks fees (Ordinance 5-26-75, 5-26-76)
• Introduce ordinance creating landmark live oak tree preservation regulations (Ordinance 95-26-128)
• Award construction contract for Atlantic Coast Public Works Equipment Building and approve 2026 annual milling & paving project (Resolutions 26-79, 26-80)
• Extend paid parking program at Beaches Town Center through Dec 31, 2026 (Resolution 26-83)

Community Development Board (CDB)

The Community Development Board will vote on a variance request for 1890 Beach Avenue to allow a wider driveway and increased lot coverage beyond code limits. The board will also discuss updates to the floodplain ordinance. Approval of previous meeting minutes is on the agenda.

• Variance request ZVAR26-0010 for 1890 Beach Avenue: driveway width (Section 24-162) and lot coverage (Section 24-108(f))
• Floodplain Ordinance update discussed in staff report
• Approval of minutes from May 19, 2026 regular meeting

Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC)

The Environmental Stewardship Committee will approve minutes from two previous meetings and review FY2027 commission priorities. They will discuss governance issues including quorum and voting procedures for the tree subcommittee, and review a draft of their accomplishments for a presentation to the city commission.

• Approve minutes of May 13 and May 27, 2026 ESC meetings
• Discuss quorum and voting rules for Tree Subcommittee meetings
• Review FY2027 Commission Priorities document
• Review ESC accomplishments presentation for July 13 commission meeting
• Update on Minecraft Extension Activities program