--------- Morning. We will call the August 5th, 2025 development review committee meeting to order and we will start with roll call. Planning is present. Police Jason Worman present. All right. Public works. Dave Smith, >> fire,
>> Jeremy Holderfield, >> and building >> John Hansen. >> All right, we have a couple of uh special events on the agenda. Let me just get the agenda queued up real fast here and we'll call Lexi up and we'll go over those.
>> Oh, yes. Public comment. Is anybody from the public here to speak about any items uh on the not on the agenda or any items on the agenda? If so, you have three minutes. Hearing none, we will move forward. All right.
Bear with me for just a moment. And the first one is E2613 Horsepower for Heroes at Caitlyn Nelson Park. >> So this [snorts] event is at a Popka Police Department event. It's um Horsepower for Heroes on Saturday, November 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is a car show um at Kitland
Nelson Park. They're expecting about 250 people, no alcohol. Um their setup will include food trucks and 10x10 tents. Parking will be on Edwards Field and the surrounding paved spaces. And they are requesting to close down East Orange Street from North Park Avenue to
Goodrich Avenue from 7:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. And this will be used for additional event space for more show cars. >> Any questions? Hearing none. Planning does nothing further. Police >> and no comment. >> Public works. >> No comment. >> Fire. >> No comment. Thank you.
>> Building. >> Nothing. Thanks. >> All right. That's the first one. The second one is the Elton John Tribute Dinner Show on the 15th of August and Dale Smith will be performing at that one. [laughter] >> Uh, I'd like to make a comment. I'm one
of the few children who were sent home from choir practice, not because I was disruptive, but because I couldn't sing. [laughter] So, the VFW is um looking to do an Elton John tribute dinner and show at the Apakka Community Center on Saturday, August 15th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
This is a public fundraiser event with dinner, music, and dancing at the Apakka Community Center. They're expecting about 250 people. They um have hired off duty because there will be alcohol. Uh their setup will include table chairs in the existing stage and there is an
admission fee required for attending. Are Benny and the Jets gonna be there? [laughter] >> I had to. I'm sorry. >> Oh, stop it. You crocodile rock. [laughter] >> Any questions? All right, that was my
question. Planning has nothing further. Police, >> I've got nothing. >> Public works. >> No more comments. >> Fire. >> No comments. Thank you. >> Building >> nothing. Thanks. >> Okay. Thank you, Lexi. >> Thank you. >> Next item on the agenda is Sir Arthur Court uh resoning first middle. Amir is
the project manager. >> Good morning everyone. So this is a reszoning of three residential lots from transition to RSF-1A. Uh staff just had only you know minor comments that doesn't you know affect
the you know um approval of the project. So, except uh the only thing was that we can't uh move forward for public hearings until we do the Orange County um uh school capacity uh you know report. >> All right. And I know the applicants here in attendance. Mr. Cooper, do you
have anything to add or present to the DRC? >> I'm here to ask and to listen. [laughter] Uh this is uh I don't know Mirror has already explained basically everything and I'm sure most of you people have
looked at all this but it's three individual lots over on Lake McCoy. Uh very nice area. We've honed it for about probably close to 20 years. Uh we haven't done much with it and uh it just uh we've been too busy to mess with it.
So we in turn want to go ahead and get it reszoned uh for residential. And it's a beautiful piece of property and we just figured we would put it into the city of Papua. We had it and extent quite a few years ago and uh it's a
it' be a nice place to put three houses >> and air what was the zoning designation they're requesting? >> Uh RSF-1. >> Okay. >> RSF-1A. Okay. All right. And that's consistent with the area. Okay. All right. >> And the hydrant. A lot of things have
already put in been put in. There's a uh force man from each one of the houses to go up to a manifold that the city put the manifold in and they put the the gravity drain line into their manhole. The uh
John Dredge when he was here, he had them put up a fire hydrant. The fire hydrants out there and the water's already there. The electric's already there. The power company put the pole up. So basically all the services are done including the communication for uh
Bright House or whoever serves that area. Any questions for Mr. Cooper on this? Okay. Being that you still have to get your capacity uh agreement or a capacity determination from Orange County Public
Schools, as Amir said, we can't go forward to public hearing until that's requ provided by you. Um, >> can you give me something in writing on that? >> Yeah, I'll send you an email. >> Yeah, send me an email on it so we can uh react accordingly. >> Okay. So, at this time, the planning
department would recommend denial until that's provided because it doesn't meet all the requirements for the reasonzoning. >> We had that if you'd let us know that we'd already had, you know, but that's that's here and there. >> So, we'll try to get it right away. >> Yeah. >> And he can help you with that, too. >> Okay. All right. 104. >> Yeah. >> Thank you.
>> Police, any additional questions, comments? >> No. No comment. public works. >> You're going to have three individual grinder pumps. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Small ones. They're e- pumps. >> Yeah. We've just started a new process on permitting those. So, when you get ready to do that, get
>> that'll be whenever we give the do the building department the drawings. We'll also give a copy of that to you guys. >> Okay. Thank you. Fire. >> No comments. Thank you. >> Building >> nothing. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Cooper. >> Okay. And you let me know on that.
>> All right. The next item, Eden Crest phase 2 plat fourth submitt air. >> So this is the resubmitt for the Eden Crest phase 2 plat. Um includes uh town homes and single family homes. Uh uh
applicant met all of the legal comments and also survey comments. So planning uh recommends approval. >> All right. Uh is the applicant in attendance today? All right. Do you have any questions or comments for the DRC? All right. Based on air's comments,
planning recommends approval of plat is an administrative function per Florida law, meaning that it is not required to go to planning commission or city council and therefore would only require the signature of the city manager and the city engineer. Uh police,
>> I have no comment. >> Public works, >> they addressed all my comments. >> Okay. Fire. >> No comments. >> Building, >> nothing. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. Okay. The next item is the Wild Oak Cell Tower construction site plan second submitt. Jean Sanchez is the project manager.
>> Good morning. This is the resubmitt for the 120 foot tall wireless communication tower in Wild Oaks. Um, this is proposed to be on Saddler. Um, my comments were actually addressed uh via email before
this this uh meeting and I got no additional comments from the rest of DRC members. Um, that's where we are. >> All right. It is the applicant in attendance. All right. Do you have any questions or comments for the DRC? >> I do. >> Okay. Uh based on that, it sounds like
planning will recommend approval. Is there no remaining comments? Police? >> No comment. >> Public works. >> Yeah, I approved it back in June. So, >> okay. Fire. >> No comments. Thank you. >> Building, >> no comments. Thanks. >> Thank you, Jean. >> Next item is the Everly Onage Road
subdivision construction site plan third submitt and air is the project manager. So, this is the Everly Ownage uh subdivision. Uh future land use is mixed use. Zoning is mixeduse neighborhood. It's located in the KPI area of the city
and it consists of uh 67 single family lots. Uh but uh all comments from planning and zoning uh were met. So, planning and zoning recommends approval. Is the applicant in attendance? Do you have any questions or comments for the DRC or any does anybody have any
questions for the applicant? Additional >> class 1828 engineering. Uh, no additional questions. >> All right. Planning has nothing further. All the comments have been resolved. Uh, police, >> no comment. >> Public works.
>> All my comments were addressed. >> Okay. Fire. >> No comments. Thank you. >> All right. Building has no comments. Sounds like the DRC is recommending approval on this one. and it's a construction site plan which means that it is a DRC level approval. It's not required to go to planning commission or
city council. Final item on the agenda, Pali Acres fifth submitt air. All [clears throat] right, save the best one for the last. So, um consist of it's a single family subdivision. It's a MU
it's a MDP. Um it's um zoning is planned development. Future land use residential low suburban. It consists of I think it's a 501 lots and uh planning and zoning had no additional comments.
Previous comments were met. So planning and zoning recommends approval. >> All right. Applicants in attendance for this. Any questions for the applicant or does the applicant have any questions for the DRC? Uh >> Luke class 1828 engineering. No additional questions.
>> Okay. Any questions for Luke? Hearing none, planning has nothing further. Uh, planning comments have been satisfied. This will then proceed on to planning commission and then city council. It's it's over 25 lots and the code requires it to go forward for approvals. Police,
>> I've got nothing. >> Public works. >> You know, we had some discussions about the roadway widening on Vic and things like that. So, we just need to make sure that the comments that Luke put on the plans get into the staff report. So, in case there are any questions about what
is happening on Vic Road. >> Okay. >> And I'll I'll supply those to you. >> Okay. Thank you. Fire. >> No problems. >> Building. >> Nothing. Thanks. >> All right. And I want to add Amir's being a trooper. We're putting him through the ringer. Tomorrow's his 30th birthday. So, he's not going to be a
young man anymore. So, that's why we're putting him through the ringer. [laughter] >> I just wish I could remember that far back. >> So, we wish him a happy birthday. Does anybody have anything for >> Thank you. You're welcome. Does anybody have anything for discussion?
>> We're journed. Part: 2
like to call to order the city of Apakka commission meeting for August 5th, 2026. And I'd like to recognize Vice Mayor Velasquez for the invocation. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Pastor George. [snorts] Good afternoon everyone. Thank you for
coming to the meeting today. I'd like to introduce our local pastor, Pastor George Solo Langon. He's been a personal friend of mine for almost 10 years. And if you all can remember Mosquito Creek, that's where the church has been, Remnant Christian Church. and he has
been an actual contributor and supportive of our community and even yesterday he had a big backpack uh event for our community. So welcome pastor George Solando. >> Please everyone stand.
Thank you so much, Mayor Nick Neesa, Vice Mayor Diane Velasquez, and all the city commissioners for all you do for Apopka and our leadership and for welcoming the power of prayer. So, let's bow our heads. Father, we just thank you for the
wisdom of God today. Lord, in this meeting, we ask, we call upon your wisdom, Lord. when you appeared to King Solomon, you asked him whatever he wanted to ask and he asked you for wisdom to be able to lead your people well. So we ask for your wisdom in this
meeting today. Lord, I pray Lord God for all who are involved in this meeting that they would lead with integrity, with unity, Lord God, with purpose and with unity. I pray that every decision will be anchored by your will for the
city of Apakka. Lord, I pray blessings over all the leaders in this room. And I pray lastly the blessing that Moses gave, Lord God, for the people of God in the book of Numbers. And he said, "May the Lord bless you. May the Lord keep you. May the Lord make his face shine
upon you. May the Lord raise his countenance upon you, give you peace, and give you strength." I pray that for every person here, every leader here in Jesus name. Amen. >> Amen. Thank you, pastor. >> Please remain standing. We're going to
do the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
You may be seated. Thank you. >> Thank you, Vice Mayor. That was special. Uh, we'll now open up public comment period. Mrs. Bone. Hi, >> Dr. Glen Moyer. Good afternoon, mayor, vice mayor, commissioners. My name is Dr. Jim Moyer.
I'm the elected orange and water conservation district to supervisor serving a Popkin Northwest Orange County. This presentation is mine and mine alone as always. Uh the purpose again which I try to say every time of
Orange and Water Conservation District, the purpose of the district is to work in conjunction with other governmental entities in implementing land and water resource protection practices by assisting, guiding, and educating the
public. The city of Apaka generously has allowed me to have office hours here the third Thursday of the month from 11 to one to join me. Um, as a Florida special purpose district,
we have limited amount of authority over things like global warming. Uh there are many things beyond our control. uh for example CO2 emissions from fossil
fu fuels and uh it's by far beyond what's mandated by the Florida soil and water conservation districts. Uh Bill Gates who I I'm around the same age I grew up with him. I have a lot of respect for Bill Gates.
Um, I personally believe planting trees is important, but Bill Gates says, "I don't use some of the less proven approaches. I don't plant trees." Gates does mention that he puts his money in direct air
capture, heat pumps, and installing so solar panels. Uh, this is a summary of some of the next few slides. Uh there's many impacts on soil and water which we'll get to real quickly but I don't
have a lot of time here. So um lack of reg regulations and enforcement led to overfertilization unregulated business uncontrolled development. Uh other animals and plant feral hogs,
invasive plants, uh other human activities, overg grazing, over agriculture. uh deforestization contributes to global warming, reduces the aquifer replenishment, disrupt
[snorts] water cycle leading to droughts, what I call bipolar weather conditions, and erode soil. Uh again, the UN report earlier this year mentioned the three core conditions
here. Uh please change habits, concern water use, clean water bodies. Thank you for your time and God bless you all. >> Thank you Dr. Moore. >> Okay, Nikki McGuire. Great afternoon, mayor, vice mayor, commissioners, and everyone in the
rightful place. I am super excited to do this presentation because on Saturday, last Saturday, I got to watch every child smile as I say seasonal goodbyes to them, for them to go back to school.
Um, I know I only have three minutes. So, what I would recommend is that this presentation, please go to YouTube and then you can hit pause on each slide and enjoy each slide as you go. But on behalf of Naomi Kids, I want to thank
everyone for their support. It doesn't matter. Um, there is value in as much as giving $1 as much as even if you give a thousand. We appreciate it all. I want to share with you guys um this
summer our mission statement is protecting the minds of today's youth to become tomorrow's leader with an academic focus with our mentoring program. And this summer we were proud to watch a four-year-old who came into our program
just turned four and left in two months nine weeks reading at a first grade level. We do not take it lightly. And what we do with the kids is not overwhelming them, is not forcing them,
but having fun with them and showing them that learning can be fun. Um, oops, sorry, wrong button. All right. Our team making a difference. So, we can only do it through partnerships. So,
with Caressos, we had four interns this summer. We had five core staff members and nine volunteers earned community service. Most of them were from the PopGirl High School Beta Club. Two of the volunteers through partnership again
and I'm going to keep saying because partnership is a big deal to us. We were able to get one a full-time job with Domino's Pizza and another one got a full-time job with Home Depot. So we proud of our partners and our
partnership, our back to school shopping experience. Thank you again, Vice Mayor. Vice Mayor has not Naomi kids is going on 13 years. Vice Mayor has not missed one of our events. And so I appreciate Vice Mayor for showing up on Saturday to
watch the kids smile while they do their shopping. We are going to be um Nelson is also in the picture. that's the owner of Domino's. Um he has pushed after the event for us to expand the program to the shopping program to make it much
bigger. We as Naomi kids, we're going away from the backpacks because everybody's doing that. We're doing the school shopping now. It takes a village. So, thank you to all our sponsors. And remember, you can go on our website and
assist us with donations. Every dollar counts. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. McGuire. fraud. Also, [clears throat] >> I just set the forward. >> Thank you, mayor and commissioners, for your service. Before I begin today, I
want to correct something that from the last meeting. I questioned that the last three planning commission appointees without having all the facts that was inappropriate and I apologize. Thank you to planning commissioner Doome for calling this to my attention. In an email shared with all on the dis but
directed at Commissioner Anderson, it became or wound up becoming an op-ed. Commissioner Anderson, please accept my apology. I want to thank you Dr. Thomas and Mr. Bell for calling this to my attention and uh Mr. Bell is an honor to serve with you on the mayor's
transition team. You bring a lot to the table. As you can see, Apakka continues to have the lowest millage rates in our reg region. Apakka 4.15, Winter Garden 4.49, AOE 5.21, Mount Door 6.25, Sanford
7.25. These communities the last 11 years have averaged 1.65 more mills than we do. These are the communities that us and Apakka go to dine, shop, attend events, and enjoy vibrant downtowns. Like Apakka, they face growth and
infrastructure challenges. They just have invested more and what needs to be done. Kind of what you get what you pay for. And we have met the enemy and the enemy is us. Apakka is the first city my
family chose to live in. Every other move I had was for college or for work. We chose Apothec's Y. It's near and dear to me and why I'm care. Apopa's approach has typically been reactive, postponing difficult decisions until they become
major emergencies. During the time, one thing after another, we while expecting different results. If you do keep doing it over, we're going to have the same results. That's what we're doing. We're stuck in that. We need an independent forensic audit, not to point fingers, but to understand what happened,
strengthen internal controls, and make sure we do not repeat the same mistakes. For the second time in three years, the city has changed financial software in the middle of a budget year and in the middle of budgeting. You can't put together a good budget without good
numbers. And when people are worried about reloading the new system, it's ludicrous. Since October 24, the city has averaged 2400 [snorts] hours of overtime a week. A week. And
while we have 50 plus vacancies, we need to focus. That's 50 to75,000 a week down the toilet. This is a financial employee bio burnout issue. Many of the challenges faced in PAKA developed over many years. It's not going to be fixed with one budget
process along the way. The road map is straightforward. Build a realistic budgets. Improve financial accountability. Prioritize and fill critical vacancies before adding additional layers of management. Review overtime every week. Conduct monthly department financial reviews. Invest
proactivity instead of reactive crisis. Beginning today, you have the opportunity to establish a new standard of budgeting, planning, accountability, and transparency. Please seize this opportunity. As Mother Teresa said, "Let no one ever come to you without leaving
better or happier." It's my hope that we can all work together and bring this forward and make Popco what we can the best possible city to live in. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Olsson. If we can moving forward, just make sure we stick to the time as much as possible. I appreciate it,
>> Supervisor Dr. Good afternoon. >> Good afternoon. The first thing I'd like to do is again thank the city for sponsoring the Orange Soil and Water Conservation District for a meeting and kind presentation of the
chamber hall August 14th 300 p.m. The board will be meeting here and it will be streaming or recorded >> streaming and that's wonderful. Uh normally we're on air with Orange TV,
but we don't get on YouTube. So, uh that's wonderful. Um and we certainly do appreciate the relationship and the relationship goes back 80 years because some of the uh most powerful board members um back in the day were from
Apopka because of the agriculture here. [snorts] Um, I did want to say that we've confirmed that plastic to to-go cups, which are normally thrown in the trash, can now be recycled. [snorts] And I just reconfirmed it with
Josh and verified it because I had sent that memo that Orange County was doing it. And he looked into it and sure enough, um, plastic to-go cups, which some people amass, a lot of them, go in recycling. And then um vape pens uh
without the cartridge in it, vape pens can be dealt with straight with Terraycle. Um either organizations or businesses or groups or individuals can make arrangements with Terraycle to gather them and dispose of them. And uh it
would be nice if maybe we had a regulation where vaping company vaping vape selling companies uh smoke shops would gather the leftover cartridges and uh send them into Terraycle. Um what
they do is they make uh like things like nuts and bolts out of them. And uh then I do have some books here um available to help support the district. And I even have some of the Pine Slim books with me of uh Northwest Orange
County, which is a lot about a pop gun. And it goes clear back to um the Native American days to the beginning. So um again, thank you. And uh I think that once the budget gets
worked on that we're going to see a big improvement in it and especially if we the line items get marked that are essentials because people are saying we don't know what those lines mean and uh so we need to see the assets and
we need to see the expenses and then what is essential in the expense non-essential and essential in the expenses. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. >> Sylvester Hall.
Sylvester Hall, Rock Springs Ridge. As I look around and we start every meeting, we started off with a prayer. I I just asked myself, when are we going to take God at his word with so much hate and so much that's going on in the world today?
And we always pray and we always give the pledge. Those things are just becoming just routine words to speak. And so when you keep hearing me coming up here and saying since I've been doing this for about two years to go and check the the cameras because it won't show up in the
minutes in the city of Apakka, in the state of Florida and in our country. We're in a national crisis because too many good people are standing by saying nothing, doing absolutely nothing. And when I say good people,
good people that can make a difference, but they remain silenced. When we normalize the abnormal, we desensitize the truth to the point the truth doesn't matter. And look at where we at now. When we know the truth, it still don't touch our heart. It still
don't move us to make a difference. We just sit there and oh, it is what it is. And so when the disaster come knocking at your door, then we will see. When I say things like the truth matters, integrity matters, honesty matters, accountability matters, responsibility
matters, character matters, leadership matters, wisdom matters, justice matters, laws matter, rules matter, morals matter, ethics matter, facts matter, and all God's people matter.
Mayor, I I uh responded to a social media social media uh post. You know what I'm saying? Do you think the mayor is running this uh moving the city in the right direction? And I said no. And the reason I gave was uh lack of decision making priorities and lack of
wisdom. Wisdom. And those by me being I would say a supporter of yours. I'm strong enough and man enough to tell you when you're wrong. And so when you surround yourself with people who don't give you good advice, that don't tell you when you're wrong, that's a long
that's a that's a wrong road to go down. And so I know you've been here for six years. If it was a new mayor just coming in and not familiar with a popka, then I can see. But you've been here for the six years I've been coming to these meetings, you've been here. Everything that Mr. Olsen and the other ones had
said before I got here, you already know that. So your refusal to do that questions how you're leading the city of Apakka. When I look at things like the city administrator, other than the police chief and the fire department, that was for me that was
priority one. And we still haven't addressed that. Those things caused me to have concern. The the the people that you surround yourself with, those things have me concerned. And Commissioner Anderson, mom used to say, you make it bear, you
lie in it. But I'm g I'm gonna say this for you. Out of all the things I see post on social media, I don't see anything posted about our President Donald Trump from that social media that makes you look like an angel so that you keep that in respect in
perspective and I hope as you move forward you find your way to the right path. Thank you. >> Thank you for your feedback, Mr. Hall. >> I just said thank you for your feedback. Sorry, >> Leroy Bell.
Leroy Bellka. Rod Olsson, I I appreciate you saying that. Uh you appreciate uh serving me with me on the transition team, and I like to say I I appreciated the opportunity, but now I need to back away
from that. And um I I do thank for the opportunity. One thing I'm not going to be I'm not going to be disrespected and I'm not going to be bullied. Uh I just did an interview with 13 and the gentleman that uh Jim, he was the one
that flipped me off in the meeting. A rock can attest to it and I I pushed back and I told you about it. But yet and still, I'm the one getting the brunt of this crap from from uh social media only because I said that I didn't think
the man was doing what he said he ran on. And for that, I said we need an audit. We never heard anything about an audit. If we find out what an audit audit and find out where we at, we can see much better. Even then I didn't
agree with all of these heavy uh position that with all these salary when you just heard Rod Olsen say that we got all these position with all this overtime not filled if we will fill these position with all these high
salary especially when it's when it earmark that we already sent one person from the transition team over to the county and now I earl that these position is going to some of the people on the transition team. I'm not for
that. Uh as the guy Jim said he was on he been on a popa 35 years. I've been here ever since 1968 and if I do the math right I think that's somewhere around 58 to 57 years. Uh the preacher just left here and he started with
wisdom. That's what Solomon asked for. But what Solomon almost also asked for discernment and that's an adjective for having and showing good judgment keen eyesight and the ability to ride to
ability to notice subtle changes and subtle details. And my thing is this. Uh I don't think in my heart to my heart in the 58 years
that I'm here, I voted for you and I supported you. I was in uh uh Walmart the other day, guy walked up, hey man, what's wrong with your mayor? I said, yeah, that's my mayor. He was talking about the 10% 6%. I said, no, he didn't vote for that.
But here's the thing. I don't think that's taking advice and the people that support you and you turning your back on for uh a disgrace candidate
from Peplo, Colorado. >> Thank you, Mr. Bill. I hear you, sir. >> I hear you. >> Valerie Sparkman. >> [clears throat and cough] [clears throat] >> I get nervous every time I get up here.
Um, I have something to read. I hope I can read it within um 3 minutes. But I want to start off with this beginning of a scripture and it says, "No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed."
Um, I'm Valerie Sparkman, the owner of Just Like Mama's Soul Food and Wings LLC. In 2024, a city code enforcement officer stopped work at my restaurant and required me to
obtain a permit for cosmetic work. I'm going to stop for a minute because I remember when I said this in 2024, um Nick Nesa, which was commissioner Nesa at that time, actually got the ball rolling. So, I don't even know if you remember that um or not, but um cuz I
didn't even know that the stop world order was invalid. At the time, code enforcement officers were prohibited from performing building related enforcements of this nature. The officer did not have the authority to issue a
stopwork order and a permit required was never needed. This was not an exper an inexperienced employee who simply misunderstood his role. He had worked for the city for more than 20 years and during his entire career, he had never issued an order
like this until he issued one against my business. This um is not merely an investig um allegation. The city's own administrator investigation internal affairs for the city of Apakka confirmed that the no non-stop work order was
never issued and that no permit was ever required and he was acting out of the scope of his authority. His his actions delayed the opening of my restaurant, cost me cost my business thousands of dollars in
expenses, lost profits, and caused significant emotional reputational harm. Yet, instead of seeing meaningful accountability, I later learned that the same employee was recognized as the civilian of the year. There is now a new administration, and
I'm asking directly, what is going to be done about this? Why should a small business like mine spend years going through legal channels when the city's own administration, internal affairs, already established what happened
right in black and white? Why is there no meaningful acknowledgement of the harm? No visible accountability, no public explanation. What has been done to ensure that this cannot happen to another business owner? This is not simply about a disagreement
over permit. A longtime city employee ex exercises his authority that did not he did not possess and he been with the city more than 20 years. and this direct action was
towards my business. Um, a new administration represents an opportunity to handle this differently. I'm asking the commission and the new administration to not ignore what's happened. Why must I continue to fight through the
legal system for the city to address facts that its own investigation has already confirmed? I'm asking that administration I'm to discrim demonstrate that the city causes document harm to a citizen and her
business which is me. It will do more than place the findings in the report. I'm asking you to act. Thank you. I'm Valerie Spartan. >> Thank you, Miss Sparkman. I'm going to dig in on this and then I'll get you a response by the end of the week and we'll meet by the end of the week if you
have time. >> Thank you. And also, mayor, is it possible that because I know this is a ongoing legal thing. Can we talk about it on the on the diet sometime? I mean, because I I'm have a lot of questions about it, but I was afraid to talk about it because I know it's a pending legal issue because I do kind of know some of the facts of it as well.
>> I need to find out what kind of pending legal issue to give you good advice on that. So, I'd say until until I have that information, I wouldn't. >> Okay. Okay. So, you're not the attorney. You're not the attorney handling the lawsuit. There is a lawsuit filed. Oh, it's not. Oh, the city hired a separate attorney to handle it. Okay. All right. Well, >> Mr. Mr. Williams, you're able to speak
on that. >> Okay. >> Uh I believe that's through our HR risk uh attorney's office. >> Okay. Okay. >> I'll look into that though and get get with you, please. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Good afternoon, Mayor. >> Good afternoon,
>> Vice Mayor and Commissioners. Um, just want to again thank you for Christmas in July that we had at uh just like mine was uh the last uh Sunday of the month last um in July.
[clears throat] I um it was a very successful event. If you go out to look at uh the pictures that are on compassion in Apopka on Facebook, you'll see um we had a packed house and I think
I stopped counting at 78. So we had enough food, enough clothing, enough hygiene items. Things really got moving. people were some people had never celebrated Christmas in July and
um they were very excited about it and I was very excited about it. Thank you for the um food donations. Thank you for the clothing donations. Thank you for um the extra water, the extra um the community
supports us so much with things that overflow um to where I've had to move from one unit to another because of the overflowing of donations that I receive um for the organization. So again, I I
never want to miss an opportunity to say thank you and just how grateful I am. Our next event will be August the 23rd. It will be at uh just like mama's and uh we will be having uh the month of August is uh
national waffle month. So we are going to have breakfast for dinner and we're going to have one of the things we're going to have is chicken and waffles. So, if you would uh continue to keep doing what you're doing to support uh the unhoused and the needy
in the area, if you would go out there and look at the compassionate and aopka and follow me, you will see that I'm uh picking up family units, you know, um kids are going back to school and with the cost of things, I'm
starting to see whole families coming and needing support and I'm sending them to places where I know they can get more support, but I am starting to see an influx of that. So, continue to do what you're doing. The things that you give uh me uh stewardship over do not go in
vain. And I um I always emphasize to the unhoused that uh the community supports them and uh especially um our mayor and and and the commissioners uh of the uh of the city. So, I thank you and
continue to do the same thing. >> Thank you, Miss Street. >> All right. >> Okay. >> Anybody else? >> Anybody from the public wish to additionally speak that maybe didn't put in a card? >> All right. Well, I appreciate everyone coming today to speak during public comment. We'll now close public comment.
Move to the approval of minutes. There's two sets of minutes for July 15th and July 27th. Any changes or adjustments that need to be made on those? If not, I will look for a motion to approve the two sets of meeting minutes as presented. >> So move. >> Motion by Commissioner Baron,
>> second by Commissioner Ruth. All those in favor say I. >> All opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Uh Mr. Williams, any changes to the agenda? >> Yes, Mayor do have one change. The applicant for business item number five, Flurry and Town Center Hotel Major Development Plan, has requested to move
the business item to the August 19th commission meeting. Other than that, no other changes. the major development plan. Okay. For Flare and Town Center. Got it. Thank you. Uh we don't have any proclamations, presentations, or awards today. Moving on to consent items. Are there any items that need to have
further discussion either from the DAS or anybody from the public wish to discuss these in any additional detail? >> If not, I will look for a motion to approve these seven items on the consent agenda. >> Moved by Commissioner Ruth.
>> So moved. Second by vice mayor. >> Yes. Second. >> All those in favor say I. >> All opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Uh business item number one. Uh the city commission rules in order of business. This one uh was one that we discussed
early on and I wanted to make sure uh I'd asked for kind of feedback preliminarily and everyone just said somewhat of a do it and we'll edit it as needed from there. So, this is a I called it a Frankenstein of multiple municipalities of the same ones that uh Attorney Shepard sent to me and then we
made sure that uh you guys had as well to review. So, uh we can go in any type of manner to go through this. Um I do have Mr. Williams ready to take notes of any edits that we're going to make. I'll make some notes as well of any adjustments. So, are there any specific questions or adjustments or
clarifications uh on any part of it? Uh I do uh mayor. Um so um on the first section where it says regular special meet in special meetings on number two where it says notice of a special meeting must be
given to each member uh within 24 hours. >> Um I I I have a bit of a concern. The only reason is because with war with my job I I have a full-time so um it may require some adjustment for me. Um so I
do ask at least maybe three or four days in advance would be more a little bit more helpful for me so that way I can coordinate schedules and kind of change things around. Um but that's that's one. Um again the same for
on the agenda um the 24 hours in terms of special meeting um I guess it's like maybe almost to the bottom last two sentence agendas for any special meetings called uh will be provided with uh much advanced notice as
possible but at minimum 24 hours prior to special meeting. So that was my um >> which one was that? The second one >> on agenda on page one >> I saw that this last it's almost like till the last two sentences uh agendas
for any special >> what would you like that adjusted to? >> Um just at least gives us a few days in advance. >> Okay. >> Um >> and I'm fine with that. The only these are uh kind of more oneoffs and yeah >> less used but I absolutely hear that. So, >> um >> I just want to make sure that we are
able to meet that just in case there is something uh more short-term. >> Um like one that's coming up may be specifically the fire union contract. >> Okay. >> That may be coming up to where we have to do a special meeting, but uh to to
approve it, make sure that we're meeting timelines uh I [clears throat] don't want to rush it, but at the same time, I want to make sure we're getting it right. So, >> yeah. >> Okay. >> Happy to adjust that however we need to. just want to make sure that it gives us a little flexibility to make sure it's being pumped out and >> Okay. Yeah. And that was my
recommendation. Um and so my other one would be the manner of addressing commission time limit. So I it says uh address to three minutes. Uh I have requested um it previously uh during our commission
meetings to move this up to four minutes. So, I'd like to see that. >> And this matches the policy that was previously approved and that's the only reason I did that. Okay. >> Um, what I want to do or I guess my ask is that previous that we've done in the past is that we've kind of made a request like that. My ask I guess moving
forward is during your commission reports or anything like that make an official motion so that everybody just gets on the same page there and it's not oh well I only heard it or whatever it may be. There's no um ambiguity there. That's my only ask there on that. But I'm happy to and that's the only reason I copied it there is uh is it matches
that policy. So we just if I may ask that you >> make a motion >> if you feel that you would like to make a motion then make that motion and we'll um absolutely receive it. >> So do I make that motion now or do I need to do that during my commission report? >> If possible do during commission report. Okay. And then uh two we'll make sure this is adjusted as well.
>> Okay. >> Um or we can put in here to match >> uh any the verbiage in here uh we can say limit their address to match >> uh the policy in place for public comment. So, this doesn't have to be readjusted after this. It'll automatically match whatever may be adjusted from there. Okay.
>> Does that is that okay? >> Yeah. No, that's fine. I'll make that motion during my commission report to to change the minutes to four minutes instead of three. Um, >> do you want to go over that policy in more depth or you only want to change that part of the policy?
>> In the in the public comment section, not the public comment section of our policy. Correct. >> Um, >> no. No, I I mean I've got to review the policy completely just to make sure, but I I I would like to see at least this part of the policy
change to four minutes from 3 minutes to four minutes. Um but >> Okay, understood. I just want to make sure I'm on the same page. Okay, understood. So, if we can what we'll do is adjust uh that to say to to match city policy, >> something along those lines. >> Okay.
>> Um there was one more I thought I highlighted it. It'll come to me. >> No problem. >> We can move forward. >> All right. We'll come back. >> Thank you. >> Uh, anybody else have comments, questions, clarifications?
>> So, in the um also there is one second. So, the agenda language contains two potentially conflicting um instructions. So one hand it says staff will arrange submitted items for approval by mayor
but it later says that any member of the city commission may cause an item to be placed on the agenda by submitting it on time. Uh the key question is is kind of what the approval of the mayor means. >> So it's effectively that final approval
will come through my office. So, you can request that it within these timelines obviously put in there. Uh, and the timelines were created. It's similar to what I've already instituted and updated since I became mayor of getting the agenda out at least a week early. Uh, that's been a a big one to
make sure that the residents and the commission have as much information as long as possible. A and then with that that 9-day period as well, I know it's a random one, but the Monday before the agenda comes out, I make sure that's the deadline and then everything's put in. So that's why that timeline is there
but that uh the final approval will come through my office. So it can be requested to be put on the agenda and that is what I request to be on uh nine days in advance and then final approval will uh come through my office and then the agenda itself will obviously be posted seven days in
advance. So I I think that the only issue with that is it kind of gives the give you authority to the mayor I should say the authority to withhold a timely commissioner's um um sponsor item. So there's there's nothing that s that will
there's really no framework to say okay if both commissioners submit something you kind of can determine and I think that's been an issue before in the previous administration in that certain commissioners would request the mayor add them to the agenda in a timely fashion and the mayor would never add it to the agenda. So I want to make sure
that if someone submits something in a timely fashion that is added to the agenda and not at the mayor's discretion >> and there has to be some discretion built in just per the charter itself. So, I hear what you're saying. Absolutely. Obviously being on the uh receiving end of that multiple times. So, uh what I want to make sure here and
what this allows is that we don't want an agenda like today where there's 2,800 pages. Uh and no offense to our developers, but it's because of our developers. So, what I don't want to do is have if multiple um agenda items from the commissioners are coming up, I want to be able to space it out properly that
uh we can place them where they need to or if they need a little more discussion of which direction uh one thing is going versus another. It allows that time as well because um we want to make sure that that's why we do those workshops and we're going to be starting that again um this following meeting is to
make sure that everyone's on the same page there at the same time so that it's not just one specialty item that um that needs more discussion to be fleshed out and really have more uh staff input to really refine it to what
it should be or could be as an action item then. So, so I I want to see some language saying that within two commissioner meetings that the item will be placed in the agenda because once again it still does not give the
commissioner the the commission um a role or the authority to say we want this on the agenda because you it's at your discretion so it could be kicked down the road for two years. >> Well, that's correct and I don't at the same time that it that kind of is the no >> the office and what the charter has dictated. So, I hear you and that's
something that it can absolutely be a motioned item and things of that nature. Uh, but just because it's requested doesn't mean it absolutely has to get on there. Well, that's that's I think that's an issue because I think if we're going to develop a rules and order of of of of the quorum that the commissioner has a
right to have something on the agenda and there needs to be a time frame because you were on the other receiving end of that where you had the other commissioners had asked the previous mayor whatever mayor to put something on the agenda and according to you in your own words it was never added to the
agenda. So, it needs to be something in here, which I don't know why this is debate, but it need to be something in here where it says within two meetings at least there would be an effort to be put on there because if not, it's kind of still left up to the you in the air and it could be something that's timely, something that's important that the
commissioner wants to be heard and as an item on the agenda. So, I think every commissioner should have a right to have something placed in a timely manner on the agenda. >> And I don't disagree with you on that. It's what we can't get into is that I have I I see the agenda two to three
meetings from now still. So, I'm already planning that out. So, if stuff is being added late, uh it creates difficulty to plan properly. So, I'm okay to add definitely a timeline or a uh provision in there that allows and creates that
vehicle to get on the agenda in a proper time. Uh the concern is just that I my office sees again three to four meetings from now, two to three meetings from now of what that looks like. So I don't want to box us into where I've got
to be moving to where we're at now today. 2,800 pages because we we pushed some of things around which was fine. Uh but it caused a 2,800 page agenda. And so that's where there's got to be some flexibility to be able to move items
around at the times needed. So I'm okay. I'm absolutely okay to put any a something in there uh that like you had said to best efforts to get it in within two to three meetings. I'm absolutely okay with that. It's just there needs to be some flexibility that that may not
happen due to if we're dealing with budgets or uh anything that may be going on at that time or or a lot of developments going on. it pushes things out. So I I'm absolutely okay with that to to add some language in there to to the you know to best efforts be put on
the agenda within three meetings something along those lines. >> Okay. Thank you for that. >> Where would you do you have a specific >> two two at least anywhere in there? >> Could they give a month? So two at least a month within a month. So within >> we let's do a within a month. I like
>> um >> Okay. >> Okay. In addition to that, the minority commissioners cannot call a special meeting. So a special meeting may be called by the mayor, the vice mayor when the mayor is absent or a majority of the commission. So what that means is is
that the minority commissioner cannot call a special meeting. And I think every commissioner should be able to call a special meeting. >> I don't think I think I was following the charter on that one. >> I don't see we're in the charter. I looked at the charter. I didn't see that in the charter. in the charter. >> It's the provisions within um that the
charter is there. And so the problem with again a lot of this was based on the charter itself. So it it's the powers that are prescribed there. So we can't take away powers there. But uh >> which which item on the um I'm sorry uh attorney which part of the charter that
states that >> I'm looking that up. >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. city commission. This is 2.8 of the charter. >> Excuse me. Uh the city commission shall meet regularly at such times and places a city commission may prescribe by rule.
Special meetings may be held at the call of the mayor or the mayor in mayor's absence at the call of the vice mayor or at the request of a majority of the city commission and whenever practicable the city commission shall provide for not less than 12 hours notice to the public. That's that's 2.08.
>> So that's where I'm copying that from. >> Okay. So how so that's something that would have to be changed because that that's a so we're just trying to understand this. So the charter already did state. So we have a this here every every language in here was drafted by the charter.
>> Not at all. No. When you say everything >> in the rules that you're talking about >> Uhhuh. >> No. Absolutely not. >> Okay. So this language here, if we change this language here, how do we change this language here to be to be fair to? Because it seems like to me
like a lot of this language is is the majority in the mayor. So, if you have a council that's the majority, then they're kind of controlling the whole entire council. And this kind of like to me it's kind of set up this way. It kind of go through all the language. I might have a whole different things that I'm kind of pointing out of this, but it's actually is
we'll we'll do that. I mean, the majority commissioner won't have any say on absolutely anything. It really won't have a voice. >> So, so you can be clear. Uh the baseline of what is required is what the charter says and and must be followed. If you adopt rules that you applied to
yourselves, for example, speaker rules, they're not in the charter, >> but you can have them. And if you adopted a rule, which you could also rescend and you could change just like you're doing now, because you have rules already, you could make a rule that allowed for a special call of a meeting by some other device. Uh, for example, I
mean, it doesn't say this, but if if you wanted to empower the clerk to call a special meeting for whatever reason, you could do you could make that, but you could also change that rule because it's not in the charter. But if someone doesn't qualify under whatever rule you make, but qualifies under the charter, they get to do it regardless of the
other rule. Do you follow what I'm saying? >> The charter trumps if there's a conflict, but not it's not it's not to stop you from having additional rules. It's to be a baseline of the minimum you can expect. >> Okay. And when can we update the charter?
>> Just literally. That's just a question. Can we update it again? is only a >> sure you can do it as many times as you want whenever you want but it understand you [clears throat] can do it on a specific issue like this one okay or you can do the complete review which we did which took a long time.
>> Oh so so I will if I wanted to update that language in the charter I can just call how do I do it? Do I make a motion to revisit the charter to update that language? It should be on an agenda. But yes, uh then you would discuss the item and if you get agreement, then I can just like I did the other stuff. I draft
a question, the language, the so forth and then if it gets voted to go forward, it goes on the ballot. >> Okay. >> So on an election, >> yeah, >> of some sort. Yeah. >> Okay. And we just did. Okay. And the second question is um in regards to I
guess will any rule. Well, you know, I I answered that for myself. Okay. I'm not finished. One second. Let me go back up. >> Do you want to come back to you? >> No. >> Okay. >> I do not. I just want to make sure that based off what he said that it did
some things don't apply. Okay. So, no individual notice or regular scheduled meetings. The rule states that the no notice of a regular meeting must be given to individual commission members. Um, and I think the issue with that is is that um, if it's moved to another day, moved to
another hour, cancelled by the majority or unilateral that we once again, it's just it's kind of the same thing and maybe that it was that part in the charter as well. >> The charter was that in the charter as well. Do you know which part of this was in the charter? Was all of this drafted?
Mayor, >> do give us some background. So, uh, the mayor had asked me, as he mentioned, to gather rules of procedure from various jurisdictions. Some we represent, some we got from other places so y'all would have some things to look at and
consider. And then I think as he said, he looked through the documents to try to put together what he thought would work for y'all and then come to you for comment. But rules of procedure for a council can be changed candid like people change underwear because they're
your rules. So, for example, if you said, "We love the idea of Robert's rules," which by the way is a terrible idea. You could adopt something that said, "We're going to follow Robert's rules right now." You could do that and the very next meeting, you could change it because it's a rule that you get to create. Um, and so, as long as it
doesn't conflict with what's in the charter, you're good to go. Um, if you want a charter amendment, then that becomes much more formal, as you already understand, and that requires charter language, an election, and a vote. >> Okay. All right. Number seven. So the no
express appeal for the presiding officer's ruling. The mayors decide all questions of order, but the rules do not provide an express procedure allowing commissioners to appeal the mayor's ruling to the entire commission. Um >> there is a provision in the I read I did read this. There's a provision in the
rules that says something about uh if there's a some sort of a conflict, you can choose to follow or look at Robert's rules. I think I remember seeing that in there towards the bottom. So there is a mechanism which you can choose to follow. But the reason why Robert's rules is generally not a good idea is
because if you've actually read them as many people claim to it's super complicated because it's not just what's a motion, what's a priority motion, what seconds can what require what can be reconsidered versus what can be reheard and so forth and so on. There's a lot
more to it and I would suggest kindly that General Roberts complicated things more than he simplified them. Okay. So without So that's part of the you read that in the charter, correct? >> No, the part I just read was in the rules at the at the bottom of the rules that were drafted. You you know the provision I'm talking about somewhere at
the bottom of the rules, it says something about if there's a >> an issue, we can revert to Robert's rules if we need to. Something like that. >> Yes. >> But that's without an my issue is with that is without an appeal procedure, the mayor's procedure ruling appears final unless some other parliamentary authority is incorporated elsewhere. And
that's where you're saying the Robert's rules order. Is that right? That's where you could invoke the rules if if that's a group you chose to. Yes. >> But you're recommending that we take that out that we shouldn't >> you you recommend that we take that out that we shouldn't use Robert's ruling order
>> as a as a firm we're going to follow this every time because if you do you'll really need a parliamentarian and y'all will have to really study up on them because again it's you there's a lot of informality that goes on that passes as Robert's rules. It's really not like
what is a primary motion, what is a secondary motion, what is a privilege motion and on and on and on. And the reason that's important to understand is people use the rules to tie people up in knots. I have sub subscribed to the theory and most of my in fact all of my
jurisdictions do the same that if we can all understand what we're voting on and what we're trying to accomplish that really should be the role of government. not to try to get more complicated so that the folks don't understand it and so y'all don't understand it. So it it c because I've seen it used as a weapon
and it can be weaponized. It's weaponized in Congress every day. Just watch C-SPAN. But if you want to just try to get stuff done, the best way to do it is make what we all know. Make a motion, get a second. If it doesn't get a that second, it dies for like a second and you move
on. If there's a procedural issue, somebody's talking out of turn or so forth. That's really what rules like this are generally for is to try to keep order which the charter doesn't do a great job of do no charter does do a great job of that and to make sure that
for example we we allow people to speak but we have some decorum we allow you all to have debate with some decorum and that sort of that's kind of stuff stuff that rules like these are supposed to be for so on the last page here it says uh questions of procedure not covered by
these rules the city charter the code or general law are governed by Robert Tools of newly. >> That's what I was referring to. >> Latest edition used as a guideline but not binding authority. >> Right. And >> that's my recommendation. >> I didn't put it in there, but I agree with it.
>> Okay. >> Anything else? >> Yeah, I'll just make motions and Yes, I'm I'm fine for now. I don't have to make motions to change them. any other uh adjustments, changes that we can make, any feedback?
>> No. Then I will open up to public comment. Uh anybody from public comment wish to speak on this matter? I agree that um all members should be always able to add something to the agenda and whether it's being pulled up
during their report time, a motion, a resolution, um if that's agreed upon to bring it up during that time, um getting it nine days ahead allows for the evidences to be brought forward and presented to the
citizens so that you get citizen feedback. Um and this is in the Sunshine Manual too that it's preferred um to have it on the agenda, but that it doesn't have to be on the agenda.
something can be brought up and therefore um if let's say Commissioner Anderson wants to put forward a resolution or a motion or bring something to the table period whether there's a motion involved or not just an issue
um she's able to do that and in nine days early therefore she can put the evidence in front of the citizens and the rest of the commission as a report, but if you bring it up at the meeting,
you're unless you bring in a stack of a thousand copies um or have a slideshow, then your evidences aren't going to be able to be brought forward, but issues can be brought forward easily. So, I see both sides. I see the right to be able
to do it and the privilege to be able to do it, but the preference would lie with bringing it in nine days early or with all the evidences. Just like with a consent agenda, everything has to be presented for everyone on the board to
read and understand if it goes on the consent agenda. Otherwise, they can't they don't know what they're voting on. They need that seven days in advance. And we saw in the past that didn't always happen. So, uh, look forward to
that. Um, as far as, um, special meetings, um, yes, a me, you know, as many days in advance as you can. Um, but I do believe that one person, which is a minority of
the board, um, shouldn't be able to create a special meeting unless it's one of those emergencies that we someone knows we've got a hurricane coming and they call they
asked for it prior to everyone else. Um so having one person being able to freely call meetings on a regular basis um is I think pushing the envelope.
>> Thank you Dr. Olston. First off, um disclaimer, I'm speaking I know I'm in uniform, but I'm speaking right now as a citizen, and I hope it does not affect the brand in any way. Um, as part of the changes,
I would like for the wording to be specific as to the time of how long public comments or speakers can be up here. I know um Commissioner Baron was told to during her
her presentation that she could make a motion, but to say it's going to be according to the city policy, I think that's unfair to the citizens because at that moment, you guys could then say,
"Oh, the policy is 2 minutes." But if we have it and we know it's specifically three minutes or specifically four minutes, we need to have stuff You guys are pushing for transparency. We need to know what we're up against and what we're facing. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Mr. W. I'm glad that uh Commissioner Burn uh Burn brought this up. Uh I have a problem with the agenda putting something on the agenda with the final approvement of the map
if I I won't use Commissioner Anderson because uh I get push back because what in the world he supporting her for some of you this commissioner down here I'm a citizen and I go to my commissioner and I start speaking to her
about a situation in the and she said, "Yes, I agree with that. What we need to do, we need to put this, this is a agenda item." And she said, "I'm going to see can I get this on the agenda." She bring it, she present it, it goes to
your office for nine, whatever days it take to get on the agenda, but it seems to be you decide you're a little Caesar. Well, I'll change that. You're a little Brian Nelson. You decide that you don't want it on the agenda and that give you the
power to say no, it don't go on the agenda. So now here it is that I'm getting taxation without representation. So I think that right there, somebody need to claw that back. any any concern
that a citizen have and uh either commissioner feel that that's something needed to be discussed. I think it shouldn't be nobody with any power. Remember mayor not king.
>> Thank you Mr. P. Mayor, during your campaign and um we had many conversations and one of the conversation we had and I said this not to be
uh vicious but I said our residents sometime act like dumb asses. And I said that because if you look at what's happening, we let anybody tell us anything and we
don't have we don't hold no accountability. That's why we get lied to time and time by politicians because they know they can serenate us and they'll smooth it over and then we
come back and we raise hell. But once the damage is done, the damage is done. Now, you brought up that you've been the victim of tactics like this by Mel Nelson. So for me to see you come up and
do the same thing, it bothers me. The last meeting when I was here, I said, "Mayor, you doing the same thing Nelson was doing, but you just being polite about it. No changes are being made. I constantly see you writing,
but I don't see any changes being made." With Golden Gym, I think Mr. McKenna brings a lot of knowledge. Nobody has yet to sit down with him and hey, let's have a deep dive in what you know. He already proved he embarrassed Mayor Nelson a few times on I on situation
that he spoke about. What do we do? We suppress it. So now you're doing the same thing Nelson was doing by want to control absolute power and what you ran on. I want to have the citizens involved. I wanted them to have
a decision. That's what you ran on. That's what you told them. And the citizen voted for you overwhelming because they wanted a change. Not necessarily you was a right man for the job. They wanted a change. They was tired of being victimized by
Mayor Nelson. And so when somebody's it's just like a relationship. You going through a divor divorce. Anybody who come to you and serenate, you jump on board. So please don't take the people for
granted. And remember, I always come up here and say everybody up here was chosen to serve, not to dictate, but to serve. And if we do that freely and our hearts are freely, these things can't
happen. But I want y'all to know that people see you. I see you. Others see exactly what's going on. And there will come a time when that get turned on his head where everybody will see. And I'm trying to save you from from embarrassment because it don't make any
sense. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Hol. >> Rod Olsen. Uh just a couple of comments. one with the aspect of speaking the agendas when I pulled it open multiple times I got a black half page I couldn't read half of it and on a couple of
occasions I got in I realize that's one of the things you say user error and I'm the user but I don't know if anyone else has that problem when you pull it up half the page is blacked off for the uh the documents within the agenda and it was so it's difficult to read kind of read one half move it around for another
I'm not sure if it's a technical issue or it's a rod Olson issue. Uh, with regard to agendas, I think all of you should have the ability to and with within reasonable time frames to get something on the agenda. It's one of the complaints that everyone that was on the commission before pretty much had and I
think we need to carry the aspect of and I apologize for going over three minutes. It should be four, but neither here nor there. I timed myself about 20 times at 20 minutes and 30 seconds to 2 minutes and 45 seconds. And I guess I paused once or twice or I got a hiccup or I got a little nervous for a moment
and it ran a little bit longer. We all should have four minutes. Uh there's also some of the language in the past indicated, well, and if there's 15 people want to speak, they only get one minute each or two minutes each. That's a pile of buffalo chips. We put you in
those seats. We deserve our four minutes of of fame. If someone comes up, if I agree with Mr. Hall or with M I'll get it out, Mr. Bell, I can just help say I agree with what he said with the exception of whatever. We can try to refine things maybe, but everyone should
have a right to come up and speak. Um, we're a 100 days in everything, everyone is looking for change. I want to ask everyone just a moment now to take a deep breath with me. Nice deep breath in,
nice deep breath out. Let's do another one. Deep breath in, deep breath out. Change is going to happen. Change is in wheels is progress are happening. But we have to give time for it too. We're looking for some immediate results. What
we have today, I've been lived here for 12 years. It's been history for 12 years. And for what everyone tells me goes back further than that. It is not going to change in one meeting. It's not going to change in one week. It's not going to change in a 100 days. Take a deep breath. Make sure your voice is
heard. You've got these wonderful people up here serving us. Let them know. Don't call Rod Olsen and say, "Hey, Rod, why don't you bring this up?" I get 15 of those calls every week. If I agree with it, I do. The problem is is that the people that come up represent
present every time. It's like a time I brought my shoelaces up. It's like shoelaces are like Charlie Brown. Blah blah blah blah. It's Rod Olsen again. It's Sylvester Hall against Leroy Bell. It's Dr. O. It's Jim Moyer. we take the time to come up here. Please
hear us. Give us our four minutes. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Olson. Anyone else would like to speak on this? I will close public comment then. Uh any final thoughts, adjustments, anything of that nature? I just want to say that um I appreciate
that you put this on the agenda and it has allowed not just the public, but the commission to kind of give their input. And um when we bring this back, it'll uh it should have uh language that I believe that the public would be happy
with and also the commission. Um whatever the suggestions are uh is really so that we can work cohesively up here and uh and also give that voice to the uh residents that they have been asking for.
>> Understood. Any other final comments? What I do want to revisit these we'll revisit these. >> We go we're going to revisit this again. >> This is going to come back as >> as final. I just Yeah, we'll we'll bring it back. I do want to as final comment I'll go
through and make sure that I uh I hit all the >> otherwise this will come to you as a part of your ordinance. >> I'm not sure what's going on. Hold on. >> I don't know how to stop this guidance. >> Okay, hold on.
It's you talking to me. >> Okay. I'm sorry. >> Yeah. >> Go. It's okay. Go. >> Okay. I That's That was my question. We're going to revisit this. >> So, correct. So, what I'll do is I'll I'll have it reddrafted. It'll be on the next agenda uh with the the edits and things of that nature. So,
>> um any other final comments? >> Then, uh I will I do want to go over and make sure Mr. Williams has these adjustments here. So on the the um first page under special meetings uh well excuse me regular special meetings but specific special meetings. Number two
the [clears throat] comment of um getting out the notice in advance. I was going to say try to like aim for three days is that I the the special meetings should have as much notice as possible. That's the goal. Those are going to be um far less. It's just that
in emergency sake things of that nature they may not be able to get there. So, um just want to make sure. But >> at least at least 3 days. >> We can Yeah, exactly. >> That will >> Okay. And then that same thing being updated on the second page where it says um 24 hours changed to at least at
minimum three days. And then we're going to add in a uh verbiage that says with best efforts of uh commissioner brings something on the agenda, it will be put on within a month of that being submitted. >> The best efforts part. What is that? Within a month as that's not definite.
So the best effort part >> that was I was following your language there. >> Uh no I didn't say best effort. I said will be put on the will or shall be put on the agenda. >> Okay. That's not what I heard. Okay. >> Okay. >> Yeah. No that you had said with with best effort. So um >> uh we actually disclosed public comment.
Let us discuss it and it'll be bring brought back at next meeting. >> Amen. >> All right. We'll address that one. Didn't see any more on that. uh on page four goes into uh uh public comment and it'll we'll just
the verbiage will be to match city policy and the only reason I I personally feel that we should look at that policy completely. Um I think there's some other things in there that could be adjusted. So uh to some points that were made that it limited and provided times as you'll see on our
agendas that it could be unilaterally reduced to two minutes if we want to. So there is some language that probably could be cleaned up or should be cleaned up that um I was concerned about when that policy first came up. So >> what however and whatever but just something that I I definitely want um I
think we should review completely. And then that was it. Those are the adjustments. Mr. Williams, do you have all those? >> Yes, mayor. >> Perfect. All right. Then we will table this until the next commission meeting and have it brought
back, cleaned up and for final comments and get it approved from there. >> Do we need to make a motion on that? >> The next meeting is August 19th. >> Correct. I'll make a motion. Um, I'm going to move to table this item, the city
commission rules and order of business to the August 19th, 2026 meeting to reflect the edits made today. >> So moved. >> Uh, motion by Mayor Neesa, seconded by Vice Mayor. All those in favor say I. >> I. [clears throat] All opposed. Motion
carries unanimously. All right. But moving on to the um designation of an official voting delegate for the Florida League of Cities annual conference. Each year, the Florida League of Cities requests that member cities designate one member of their city commission to be a voting
delegate at the annual conference. This designation is done by nomination of the city commission. The selected person will vote at the new on the new Florida League of Cities leadership and resolutions as presented at the conference. Uh we have a conference coming up next week. The actual meeting for the delegate will be Saturday,
August 15th at 9:00 a.m. In the packet, we did put uh the last four voting delegate members, usually commissioners. In 2022, it was Vice Mayor. In 2023, it was myself. In 2024 was Commissioner Anderson, and in 2025, it was former
Commissioner Smith. Uh so, I'm open to any discussion on uh who would like to be nominated or to nominate somebody for that. What obviously I think is the the we've already agree with you. >> Yeah. So that's it's either >> it's either Commissioner Ruth or
>> Commission. Have you done it? Have you done it before Commissioner Ruth when you were on council before? >> No. But if if I was if I was reliable to make a motion, I'd hope that we'd go down there with the United Front and nominate our mayor. >> He is new. >> So it's not not it's not usually for us
a mayor to go to that. It's usually the commissioners show up in some capacity. >> Yeah. >> Kind of rotate. Yeah, >> it's usually the commissioners at that Florida league >> and we usually rotate and that's why we put it in here to show kind of how it rotates around for the commissioners. It's additional because on my side I do
have different separate meetings that I will be part of. Um >> I just didn't want it to uh interfere with Thursday morning's ethics train. >> No, this is Saturday. This Saturday the 15th. >> We ought to nominate Commissioner Barry. >> Then make the motion.
>> I'll make that motion. >> Wait, hold on. Let me let me take >> Wait, I was going to nominate you. So, >> y'all, >> let me take public comment before we do any of that. Um, anybody from the public uh public wish to speak right now? If not, I'll close public comment and I am
open to a motion. >> I make a motion to nominate Commissioner [laughter] Sam Ruth. >> All right. >> To be our representative at the Florida League of Cities on Saturday, August >> 15th. >> The 15th. >> All right. I have a motion uh for uh the
designation to go to Commissioner Ruth. Uh do I have a second? >> A second. >> Second by Commissioner Anderson. Motion by Commissioner Baron. All those in favor say I. >> I. All opposed. >> Motion carries against. Congratulations. >> What an honor.
[laughter] >> That was not >> That's good. No, that's [laughter] >> Wow. >> I'm sure you'll represent us great. >> Have fun with it. >> Fantastic job. >> It's [laughter] nice. It It really goes by real quick.
It's just >> I'm just glad that it's you. >> You're there with everyone [laughter] else and all it is is they give you one of those little plaque uh and they'll do some things and you just >> Well, I was just hoping that he got to go in there and t the fact that he was a commissioner, now a mayor.
>> No, I appreciate that. It's totally appropriate for a commissioner to do that. So, that's perfect. >> You'll see what it is. It goes by real quick. >> It does. It's easy. >> I've been there before. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> All right. We'll move on to the next uh item on the agenda. Business item number three, which is quasi judicial, the
ridge phase three major development plan. Uh before we do that, attorney Sheepard, please remind us of what quasi judicial means in this framework. >> Yes, sir. Um and we have several quasi digital matters on the agenda today. Just some of them are under business and
some of them are under public hearings. And essentially these are land use matters that require the governing body to act as essentially judges and apply evidentiary standards to whether the decision should be pro or against whatever the application is. Uh then that means the applicant has the initial
burden to prove that they meet the standards set out in your code or your comp plan depending on the issue. But usually it's some combination of both mostly code uh that it meets that by competent substantial evidence. So what is that? That means that an ordinary routine person would be able to take
that and say that's evidence. What it is not is opinion. So you may hear opinions. They may come from the podium from citizens are concerned about I don't like it because I think it'll bring traffic or I don't think like it because I think it's too dense or whatever. Those are opinions but they're not evidence. It doesn't mean you can't
listen to them. It just means that when you apply the standards that are applicable under your own code, if they're not evidence because they aren't experts, then they're not to be considered if you're going to do this right. The important standards are spelled out for each of these things in the staff report. And the staff also
makes a a finding that constitutes evidence because your staff are considered by the courts to be experts. Whether you agree or disagree is not my point. It is that that's what the law provides. You have a planner, you have senior planners, you have engineers and so forth, and they all get together and
at the end of the reports for each of these matters, they will say whether they make a recommendation of approval or not. And the standards that your code sets out that you're supposed to apply. The reason this is important to point out is that what you're hearing from them is literally considered testimony
just as if you were in a case. And when the uh developer speaks or if it's somebody me member of the audience who speaks but is qualified a planner an appraiser for whatever a traffic engineer or something that can also be evidence but it's important that you
understand that distinction between I don't like it and evidence once the the uh applicant has made a primapacia case that it meets all the requirements frequently done by the by the staff if the staff has said we recommend approval that's telling you they've met the
standards. The burden shifts to the uh governmental body to come up with evidence that it doesn't meet if it's going to deny. And that's where you would listen to public other experts that might come and testify or whatever. At the end of the day, once the public comment is over and the uh testimony is
over, then it's up to you to deliberate and make a decision. The last thing I'll add that is if you make a decision to deny a land use quasi usial decision, your planning department is required to issue a letter that says the reasons why. So it's important for the record that you say the evidence that you
relied on to deny whatever it is that's being applied for. That's it. Thank you, Attorney Shepard. Mr. Sanchez. >> Yes, sir. Good afternoon. [clears throat] Jean Sanchez with the community development department. This item is a quasi judicial request for the
ridge phase three major development plan. The request before city commission is to approve the major development plan for multifamily development within parcel 3 of the ridge plan development. This item was previously heard by city commission on July 1st, 2026 and was
tabled to August 5th, 2026 for additional discussion regarding transportation access and roadway improvement considerations. There have been no changes to the proposed MGP since that meeting. And given the time that's passed, staff has elected to
present the item again in full for the benefit of the commission, the applicant, as well as the public. So, the subject property is located within, like I said, the Ridge PD generally on the southeast corner of Boy Scout or sorry, southwest corner of Boy
Scout Road and Aoya Papopkco Road. The proposed multif family development is located on the western portion of parcel 3 with the remainder of parcel 3 planned for future commercial and office development under a separate development plan. The property has mixed use future land
use and PD plan development zoning designations. The Ridge PD was established by ordinance number 2858 on July 21st, 2021. And the PD was later amended by ordinance number 2938 on July
27th, 2022, which modified the approved PD and expanded the overall development area. The proposed multif family use is within the approved development program for the ridge PD and the request for commissions regarding the MDP application for parcel 3 under the
already approved PD entitlements and applicable development standards. The Ridge PD was approved as a mixeduse plan development with residential, commercial, office, industrial, open space, recreation, storm water and supporting infrastructure. Parcel 3
encompasses approximately 30.49 49 acres and just about 14 acres are allocated for the proposed apartment development and the remainder is identified for like I said commercial and office use. The proposed MDP does not change the approved land uses or development
capacity established for parcel 3. Instead, it actually implements a portion of the previously approved ridge PD master plan through our major development plan process. The proposed MDP includes 363
multifamily dwelling units within 11 apartment buildings along with a clubhouse, pool, access drives, parking areas, sidewalks, landscaping, utilities, and other related site improvements. As part of the project, Barnson Lake Drive will be extended from
its um current terminus to Aoya Popco. This extension was contemplated as a as a parallel facility to Boy Scout Road. um and it helps to distribute site traffic through the roadway network. The plan also includes cross access and
pedestrian connections to the future commercial office area and parcel 8 which is identified as a community park and central amenity area for the PD. The plans identify proposed turn lane improvements along Koi Popco Road as well. Turn lane requirements were
specifically discussed during the DRC meeting with final turn lane details to be further evaluated during the construction site plan review based on final roadway design, access configuration, applicable engineering reviews. Approval of the major development plan would confirm the
project's consistency with the approved PD and as well as development standards that are applicable but would not authorize construction. Final engineering and construction details will be addressed through the constru through the construction site
plan review. The landscape plan provides a coordinated landscape treatment including canopy and understory trees, hedges around apartment buildings, clubhouse, pool area as well as pedestrians um pedestrian connections. It also provides perimeter buffers,
parking lot landscaping, foundation landscaping, and planting areas intended to soften building frontages, uh, screen parking areas, and enhance the pedestrian environment. On June 3rd, 2023, I'm sorry, on June 3rd, 2026, the development review
committee recommended approval. At its meeting on June 9th, 2026, the planning commission voted 42 to recommend approval as well. Discussion prior to that vote included transportation, access, roadway improvement considerations, and at its July 1st,
2026 meeting, the city commission table the item to August 5th for additional discussion regarding transportation improvement items. The proposed MDP does not increase the approved development capacity for parcel 3. It does not change the approved land uses, does not
authorize construction. Final technical compliance will be addressed reconstruction site plan review and permitting and based on the plan staff report and supporting exhibit staff finds that the applicant has demonstrated competent substantial evidence that the proposed MDP is
consistent with the comprehensive plan the approved ridge PD master plan the land development code as well as applicable development standards. Staff and applicant are available for questions. >> Thank you Miss Sanchez. Any questions from the DIS?
>> Um, I got a few. Um, >> most of my concerns are this this uh the corridor study. I I have a great interest in the corridor study. Apparently, it's it's going on its this would be what its fifth or sixth
year. >> It was published as I recall in 2022 or 23. 2021. It's already had a first and second read, >> okay, >> and approved. And there was a fantastic
study that was put forth. um the the contractual obligations that I was most concerned about, you know, at our previous council meeting uh pertaining the deadline of the October 19th of this
year with nothing transpiring on that which you know led me to you know push back on more so on the staff than the developers. because I appreciate everything the developer is doing.
They've been forthcoming. Um, you know, even with some of the the the comments that staff staff's been in a hurry to start that that corridor study, which you know, ultimately they've successfully paid for and and and we've received. Um, you know, they set forth
timelines of, you know, you know, we're we're not working in a vacuum. And the problem that I'm having is I'm asking for for questions from staff that nobody's aware of. And that's what bothered me at the time. If we're going to if we're going to sit up here and be
quasi judicial and I'm acting as a judge and I'm asking for the study that nobody knows about, I'm asking for contracts that I have but nobody knows about. Um it's kind of it's kind of hard for me to be impartial, which is what I was trying
to do. Um I I think you can even go back to the the comments that were made. My my attention was more into detail on our end than their end. And I still have major concerns when we we we we put on
the facades that, you know, we're not going to entertain the traffic portion of this until 2028 or further. We've been working on this for going on six years and we've done nothing. And I want everything that's occurred up to
this point to reflect the sins of the past are still hotness today. And that's my only concern that I have uh pertaining to the project because the Bradshaw Harmon connection is not going
to get started until we first take a more robust and and uh creative manner about kick kicking the tire and getting this thing started. And what I'm looking for more on our end is a more u
cooperative effort with the disast to backfill four years of nobody knew what was going on. So I mean I I'm I'm trying to respectfully just because we didn't know where it
landed four years ago. We need to catch up and accelerate that time frame. I will I will address the corridor study. Um the corridor study people knew about it. So I'm one of the people who knew about it. Um
>> you were not here though, right? >> I'm sorry. >> You were not here when we were >> I did not touch transportation. I was here, sir. I've been here since 2017. >> The night of the the night of the council the night that we had the council meeting and I was >> I was out of the office. Correct. Yes, sir. the planning manager cover
>> at the time I asked the week prior to that of me asking for the study nobody on this end was giving me the information of material that I had in my hand >> I I think they were confused there are a lot of things going on on a papa road
which is what I wanted to address about your comment on robust improvements so let's start with the corridor study um we do know about it we know about it because we used it to actually apply for the build grant >> grant back then we applied for the race grant. We did not get it the first time.
We applied again and then we got it the second time which is something the city should be proud of. It's over $17 million. Um it's for Koapkco Road complete streets. That is your robust improvement. The unfortunate thing with infrastructure is it's long range
planning and those kinds of projects. Frankly, the shortest I've seen is about 10 years to come into reality. Um, we're always trying to play catchup with these things. So, is there a specific question that is not related perhaps to executed
agreements because those I'm not really that privy with and I would have to defer that to the city attorney. >> Well, the the the information I was asking at the time was >> the information that I had in my possession. Um, we were getting we were
getting comments that was coming from the public because of the lack of transparency that we're discussing right now wasn't afforded to us back when we were when I was having the discussion at the last sitdown that we [clears throat] brought this thing forward.
>> Unfortunately, we've had staff turnovers and significant ones. We've had a change in transportation coordination, a change in setting engineer and public works, >> change in mayor, >> that too. Um, yes sir. So um we don't want to we try really frankly I'll speak
on behalf of planning. Planning tries to be really comprehensive with our stuff. We're trying to coordinate. Public works is always coordinate. We have standing meetings. So these things just take time to get familiar with. But yes, um the last 10 years and I can only speak for
the last 10 years since I've been here. There have been um a lot of turnovers. Unfortunately, that knowledge has gone away with some of the people. There are little things happening that we have to it takes time to go back and realize what's going on. Well, if we were going to be transparent there, you know,
moving forward because you I want to make sure the the developers afforded all the necessary tools he needs from us to to really keep moving forward on this project because I think it's important, you know, in the outside world, they
have time. Time is money and I want to make sure that they're afforded all the time that they can get to make sure that their uh the product that they give us is su successful. But we need to be very transparent with the transportation
obligations that we're moving uh forward in the future because the the last transportation study that was done in 2021, it's kind of died on the vine and I want to make sure that we re >> are you referring to the corridor study
because I would disagree with that. Well, there was a first second read and there was a transportation study that was actually contractually obligated us >> to at least start by October 19th of this year.
>> So, so when that study and really that agreement that you're talking about which for legal questions I'll defer that to the city attorney when that was done we did not get the build grant. There is no plan at the
time, no robust improvement plan for Ko Popka Road. We saw the writing on the wall. A lot of things were happening down there. Obviously, you know about that intersection on Koe Popka Road and Boy Scout. Semiis were getting stuck and things like that. So, that was
contemplated because we didn't have anything. We got turned down for the race grant. And then when that was executed um and this is what I'm telling you is what I understand just based on my research through these projects not necessarily because it has everything to
do with this quasi judicial item but because of my projects with the build grant and um really a lot of things in that area. So so when we got turned down for the build grant that agreement was um entered into by the city. I wasn't privy to a lot of the terms in there.
Um, as I understand it, it was reviewed by the staff who were appropriately um, you know, uh, reviewing those studies or whatever the case may be. I wasn't in the room. However, um, I know
the reason why. So, when we did get the build grant, this this agreement and its amended agreement, okay, has always been executed. So, I guess there's a kind of a double
solution to Koi Papa Road, which is good and bad. Um, I'm not sure what the city exposure is on that, but >> but but we are actively receiving impact fees for the implementation of some of this, but yet we still don't have an
idea where the funding is on the grant or when we're going to receive it. Again, if we're talking about transportation impact fee credits, I'll defer that to the city attorney and perhaps the finance director. I can't comment on those. >> And let me ask this if I can jump in here moving forward, especially with
these type of um business items and and specifically quasi judicial, but the background information you're asking about, what can we do better to make sure that you have it that that you don't feel that there's question marks out there still? uh the transparency we're having right now, it's when you ask for it and nobody knows what you're
talking about. That the lack of uh departmental transparency is was more offending than not getting the answer. Um because nobody knew what I was talking about. And I think that there's uh sometimes
well it goes back to staffing overall that there's many people wearing multiple hats and sometimes it's not the person you think sometimes and one person may be one running one specific project and that's that one person. So uh a lot of institutional knowledge is being kept by one or two people and so to your point it it does create delays
in getting information out things of that nature. So I I definitely hear that >> and and I just want to just add that because the from my understanding of of this developer the development agreement uh actually the developer was
responsible for the the corridor study and they used that the city of Apa used that to get the grant so it had to be some collaboration because you use that information. So staff had, you know, I just think maybe sometimes because I know with me being a new commissioner now, I guess I'm not really new anymore,
but I was confused at first on who to ask information for, you know, because I wasn't sure who to ask. Now I kind of know kind of, you know, who to ask. So I think that has a lot to do with it, but I'm but just based off of just meeting with the developers, going over everything. Um, that grant uh that was
secured was a result of the developers assisting the city. They kind of worked together with that. And that grant was for the widening of the Aoya Papa Road to four lanes from Herman Road to South Arthur Avenue. Is that correct? Okay. And that's at $17 million.
>> Correct. >> $5 million. >> It's just $5 million. That was a match that was set aside in the >> Right. A little bit over four. It's a 20% match. >> 20% match. Okay. And we already have funding for that. That's already was set aside in the budget. >> That's what I understand. >> Okay. I just want So I Because there was
some because I know staff knew about it. >> So I I understand. I think staff overs always create a vacuum. Um [clears throat] when our transportation coordinator left and um city engineer changed um there were a lot of things that >> so the transportation coordinator position but we don't have that position
anymore because we completely reclassified that position. So >> wait a transportation engineer >> so >> is what we've been trying to hire for but the problem is our salary right now is not what it needs to be >> coordinator. I was asking about the transportation coordinator position that we reclassified. That's a position that
was reclassified. >> I I have no idea what the positions are. I mean, that's beyond that's just once again that was a vacant position that we wouldn't have all these issues in these questions if we would have had hired a transportation coordinator. I mean, we reclassified the
position now, so we don't have >> to be fair, planning is trying to fill that gap. And I know um but you have part-time transportation planners up there. So, um, but yes, >> when they left, there were a lot of projects that we kind of had to play catch up. >> Okay.
>> I got one final question. Sure. U, so what I'm hearing you is, uh, can our existing transportation support this additional traffic that we're going to be bringing to the area >> at the time? considering that the TIA
was produced based on the entitled um bas it's what the TIA >> phase one and phase two is complete. We're moving into phase three. >> Um so I'm I'm trying to distinguish phase one phase two is completion which wasn't part of the additional you know
that was that was a projected traffic pattern that was going to be four years out. So we've rolled the clock four years. We're we're in phase three. There's four, five, and six coming. Um, our water wastewater going to be able to support
>> I'll defer that to public works, sir. >> Um, our storm water plan is, you know, what what I'm trying to do is I'm trying to um create a transparent discussion that if anybody's paying
attention, they can go back and hear this. Uh because when it doesn't work, I'm not sitting on on the, you know, I'm not the Christmas ornament. Everybody gets the the kick. And I actually asked the developers that question. We kind of talked about the different the force man
oversizing like they actually oversized the piping from the 8 in to the 24 in. The main the water man oversizing for the uh the force main. They went from 8 in to 24 in. the regional lift station. Um the code requires that we put a
duplex in two pumps. They put in three pumps for the capacity that future capacity. So I did ask those questions but I understand the developers actually exceeded what the code was. >> Yes. All these commitments they were imposed back in 202122. They have been completed on the utility side. So the
force man has been constructed as a 24 in and extended all the way along Paka modern road all the way to the new apartments there. >> Well, I think the question was specific to capacity though >> capacity station that's capacity. >> I'm worried about the hospital and the
surrounding. That's the capacity >> that's been accounted for from the very beginning >> of the capacity when the master development plan the original master development plan for the entire development was approved which is going >> almost 5 years back.
>> Yeah. >> Yes. The storm water is uh already accounted for. Uh there's an existing pond that will accommodate for all the storm water uh for this particular parcel tree. So that has also be
addressed >> and and to add secondary to that uh study the the one of the push backs that we got was about the environmental study and I I I would like to let everybody know that there is a completed environmental study and everything out
there has been checked nine ways to Sunday and it it's secure. So I appreciate you know the efforts on everybody's part to to to get some of my other questions answered. I just wanted to make sure that everybody was on record with, you know, the surrounding
areas. We're not going to, you know, this this additional impact that's that's being brought in that area is not going to have a a um u it's not going to affect the other areas around it. So, I want to make sure that yes, >> that we know that
>> and going still moving on the traffic signal at Boy Scout. So the traffic signal at Boy Scout was already identified in the original traffic impact analysis which was done
in 2021, April I believe of 2021. >> Now we're five years after that once we get into the construction site plan. Uh the request will be to update the traffic impact analysis and include all the new traffic flows
that we have including the one on Binian and the one on AOA Popco and basically within the I believe it was a two-mile radius uh from the very beginning >> but that Apop Koi side is is it it's correct me I think it's 45 and Benyon is
35 >> speed limit correct >> they changed it Um, >> yeah, changes. Binan, I believe it's also 45 in some areas. Correct. >> I saw somewhere that they were recommending a change to 35.
>> That is for Boy Scout Road. >> Okay. >> Yes. Boy Scout Road is going for 45 to 35. >> Yeah. So, Jean already explained some of the issues with the with a federal grant, with a build
grant. It's a process of could be five to six years, right? We are at a point right now that we have submitted, we have been notified by the federal government and through DOT of course that the grant will be awarded and we
submitted the final documentation for that. So, uh we expect probably by the end of the year, possibly by beginning of January that we're going to have the agreement signed before we get to that point. we cannot invest, we cannot spend any money on that project because
otherwise we can't get reimbursed. So at that point we'll engage into the design process. Technically looking we we're probably about two two and a half years from starting construction on the project and that will include uh the complete
street widening of uh Okoya Papka from Harmon Road all the way to South Hton Road. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Any additional questions? >> Well, I just I don't know. Everyone said they met with him, but I did meet with
him on the 28th. I met with Mr. Craig Perry and Pedro >> and um yeah, I was kind of brought up to date from their and my understanding is that he was not allowed to do any work
until we started the work and the grants we have but we haven't started on the widening because we haven't signed the agreement. Correct. >> Yes. >> And um so basically this what we're hearing today for the apartments
really kind of [snorts] includes this whole widening and what they're committed to but it's >> yes >> just the apartments is something that he has been doing in phases to develop this. >> Correct. And that developers agreement is only talking about improving the
section of Okoya Papka from Harmon to I believe 13th Street. So we're going further past Bradro all the way to South Horton which will include and at the time of course that was still a county road in the meantime. most of it has
been transferred with uh excluding the section between uh 13 I believe and South which the county is now improving some of the drainage system once that's been completed that will be transferred to the city. So at that point we'll have a full control over that entire section
of the road. So, and and my understanding is that with these apartments, it's anywhere between, if I'm not mistaken, they told me three to five years before it actually, or was it two to three years? Um just because the
timing of having the apartments ready for people to move in, it's important to have this road widen to have some of the transportation in place um for the impact of the additional um units that we're that you're building.
>> Absolutely. So thank you for that Vice Mayor Pedroan of Apaka Center Line Development. Uh the short answer to that is that it's a process. we have to go through the permitting even after uh if we're blessed enough to receive the approval today. It's about 2 and 1/2 years from that process in order to to move it forward with respect to
everything that we have to do in order to meet with the permitting and actual construction documents etc. So that's that's typically the time frame. >> So about two and a half to three years. >> So with that said because the impact is 300 363 >> 43 or 33
>> 363 >> right? So the impact of th of those residents coming in there, it really concerns this road. So when that's the what I'm looking for for our staff is the time frame for the road. >> I understand you were given kind of a
print out separate from the staff report about the planned transportation projects on there. And I kind of outlined like Vlad said the uh the the grant agreement for the build grant is right now being reviewed. It's uh I think it's in under legal review that
our grant administration just sent out. Um and so we're trying to get that executed. We're hoping before the end of the year like Vlad is thinking. I think he's being very liberal, but before the end of the year, we're hoping to get that started. We have dates and
milestones that um we are required to meet for that grant award. Um, and so I think I gave you something. The preliminary engineering environmentals were hoping to start in January next year. Um, this is assuming of course
that the grant agreement is executed by both the city and uh, FHWA. So um, really design starts next uh, let's see July 20 28. Right of way acquisition that we'll figure out will
start around July as well. Um, we're going to start construction. We're hoping by April 2030. Um, but those are kind of the milestones for the agreement, too. >> Okay. >> And
just one more question because you said the second grant was approved. >> What was the date of that grant? >> Which grant? Oh, the >> the build that was >> I have to check. >> Okay. I don't recall when you get Sure.
>> cuz I I I know the first grant >> sometime last year. >> Second, >> but when was the second grant submitted I mean not submitted approved. >> Um we did you were there in our community meeting outreach? One was in Carlton, one was at the VFW.
>> Um we submitted around that time. We received information that we were recipient about 6 to 8 months later. So it was sometime last year that we were awarded. But I'll have to double check and I'll I'll send that information to >> Thank you. >> to Radley. Yes, ma'am.
>> Okay. >> I I I just want to say that I um also met with with Mr. Pedro, Mr. Perry as well. So, um, expert Tay on that as, um, but I I do want to share that they, uh,
gave me a presentation, if you will, on the fees that they've paid to date and the remaining fees, uh, impact fees, um, that are are still pending. So, thus far, um, they have paid to date 5,787,372
in impact fees. Um, and there's a still another 6,61,67 pending. So once the buildout for the ridge is completed, there should be almost $12 million 11,848,979 of impact fees that should be coming our
way. So I just want to make sure that that's true and we're we're good. >> I I can't really attest to all the numbers. because I'm a planner. [laughter] >> I know. But I know Miss Blanch is in here, so I know she can
>> kind of come up with those numbers at the top of her head. >> Good afternoon, mayor, vice mayor, commissioners. Um, we are tracking those impact fee credits. I would have to go back and look at those numbers. I don't have them with me, but they are, you
know, coming in and I think they are getting some types of credit as well. >> So, but I would have to go back and look at that. I didn't bring that information with me. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Should have asked. >> Thank you. >> No problem. >> Any additional questions? >> Uh, you know what? I do one more
question. So, in regards to the impact credit, and I'm glad you actually brought that up. Um, and this is just for the residents that actually had some concerns and didn't kind of understand the process with the impact um, credit that we give. So, from my understanding statutoily, if the developer goes beyond
the scope of what's required in code, is that what triggers the credit for the impact fees? >> Yes. >> Okay, perfect. All right. So, I that was one of the things that I got questions on. They thought there was just something that we decided to give them back a credit, but statutoily we have to do that. I just want to just say
>> yeah the utilities were addressed through an upsizing agreement. So basically the difference of what was required for the development what the city requested >> in considering of course future improvements there and >> that's the okay >> additional need for
>> I just want to clear that up for some some calls that I received on that. Thank you. Okay. >> Any other questions? >> Uh I too met with the developer as well previously just to get a better understanding. I met with him at previous iteration and phases of this project. Uh I will open up to public comment now. Anybody from the public
wish to speak aka it was something that uh was just said. You know I I I believe in whatever you guys going to do but I think when it come to these things when it lead from the development review committee that we
once said that any comprehensive studies and everything all eyes need to be dotted all te need to be crossed. It don't need to be I get back with you with that. Uh uh I I I don't know about this or I'm not privileged to this but I
know about this. Everything need to be black and white in the front of you guys. Everything, especially with way infrastructure and everything going. So please, you know, before you make a decision, don't wait.
Don't wait for something to come back. It need to be upfront right now before you guys. >> Thank you, Mr. Bell. And Sylvester Hall, one of the things I would I would ask is that once we have these meetings,
if you got agenda items, the department that's responsible for these items should be prepared to speak on any questions that the citizens may have or you may have. They get the agenda. They know what's on the agenda. They should prepare for it and when they
come here, be prepared. The other thing I want to ask Miss Sanchez, when the last time your department hired an employee because she keeps saying that, hey, we're we're short. We got turnovers. We got this. When the last time an employee was hired in your
department and so when we say we don't have people to pour the concrete mayor this is one of the things that I say when I talk about priorities you know these are quote unquote low-level jobs but we are
focusing on executive jobs with three positions that requiring us to pay over $600,000 a here. It don't make sense to me. And that's why I say as a supporter of yours, I can come in. I can tell you that. It's not to be ugly with you, but
we all say, "Hey, look, give us time." Well, if you starting out in the wrong direction, you ain't going to never get there. So, that's why it's important for us to start in the right direction to get where we want them. And the only way we do that is knowing exactly where we
are, material readiness and financial for the city. period. Anything else, you're misleading the people. That's why I speak that way. And so if we can concentrate on getting some of these low-level jobs where the people who are actually coming
in and doing the work, sweat labor and everything else, they deserve the same respect and the same pay that the executives are getting because they are the ones that actually going out keeping us safe and doing the work to give us this this uh quote unquote image that we're trying to
portray portray to everybody that come to Apaka. Well, I truly believe if your staff, the police department and the fight uh fire department, public works are doing their job, the city will glow like a beacon. You don't need a public
image to come in and sell the city. It will glow like a beacon. A beacon. So, let's keep that in mind when we say priority. And this department is not an isolated situation. This is every department. And those issues are not being addressed. Those are the things that concern me when we say we but we're
not we're not moving in. We're moving in the right direction. Give us time. If I see you going the wrong direction and I know you're not going to get to where you want to be. Am I one of those good people just sitting by watching bad things happening when I know better?
So that's why I'm saying that it's not to be ugly, not to be against you. Is that I see us going in the wrong direction and we need to do a U-turn and come back and get on track. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Hall. I will say I just want to correct. I
don't see these as low-level jobs. >> Good news is I only have about a half a dozen things. First, right out of the box, as you drive around the community, one of my concerns with multi-story units is the fact that we are in danger area, you see everyday devastation go everywhere. When you see apartment
complexes go up that are three stories high, all block. Great. Next one is one story block. The rest is is is lumber and you go to others and all three stories are lumber. That's an issue for our police, for our fire, and for the safety of the residents that are going
to live there in my opinion. Secondly, schools. That's how I got involved with coming to these meetings to begin with. That's 108 new students that'll be coming in. Where are they going to go? Is there clear roads and sidewalks to get to the schools they need to get to? going way back. How I got involved with
this is Melissa Bird was brand new. School board comes up, has a meeting, everyone's concerned because there was 46 trailers on the Wolf Lake campus that my granddaughters were going to. That's how I got involved in this whole thing. Melissa said, "We have a mandate from
the state not to be the cork in the bottle that we have to prove all new development." So, you know me, I'm like the dog without the bone. I went to Teresa Jacobs and and I can't remember the superintendent at the time. She's no longer there. And I said, "Could you show me a copy of them from the States?" Says, "Well, no, Mr. Olsson, that
doesn't exist." I said, "Well, then tell me in the last 15 years, six years ago, this was how many times you said no to a development in Apopka?" Zero. Zero. And now the 46 trailers are gone. Isn't that wonderful?
And they're closing schools in Orange County. But we have to look up. We're a growth area. Where are these kids going to go? The trailers cost more to operate. They're not as safe. And anytime there's any kind of a weather event, guess where they go? Into the main building, disturbing another class.
Enough said on that. Uh the other aspect, the aspect roads and sidewalks. I guess I kind of hit on that. Uh four, uh I had the aspect of well that's frames. We got already hit that. My numbers are rolling around here. Just moving. But the aspect of looking at
staffing positions, you know, I've been riding you on that. Everyone's wearing multiple hats. We've lost CRA Mondays because we have one person managing three different things including CRA. We didn't spend it so we lost it. We have got to do better. Uh I think Mr. Hall and Mr. Bell both hit the nail on the
head. We in the past have approved things and we don't have all well well we're going to get that to you. They got to have every do I eye dotted every tea crossed before it moves to even present. Come up here. They have to pass all those eyes and te's at at the development department goes to the
planning commission should have every eye dotted and every tea crossed and when it comes to you it should just be a a cakewalk. Another thing we need to look at addressing is other cities have implemented time frames. So if Rod Olsson comes in says I'm going to put this development in you sign off and now
we're three years we're four years we're five years later he hasn't done anything. We need to put time limits as many cities do. you've got 72 months to deliver and if you don't it goes back into the center. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Olson.
Anyone else from the public wish to speak? All right, we will close public comment period. Uh any final comments from the commission? >> All right, I will look for a motion to approve the major development plan for the ridge phase three.
So move. >> Moved by Commissioner Ruth. >> Second. >> Second by Vice Mayor. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All opposed. Motion carries unanimously. >> Can I just get a two minute break? It's so cold in here. I need to >> You guys complain that it's hot. You
complain that it's called. Uh, sure. Five minute break. >> I just Yeah. Five minute break. >> I do want to thank Mr. Perry, Mr. Carter for your meeting and your time. Um, I, you know, I sincerely appreciate everything you did for me and get my answers.
I I wish we could have done better as a team and help kickstart this four years ago. like to call back to order our meeting and resume on to uh quasi judicial cold link a popka
revised major development plan. Who do I have running this? Mr. Amir, how we doing? >> Doing good. How about yourself? >> Doing very well. Appreciate you being here today. >> Yeah. So, good afternoon everyone. My name is Amir Hamza. I'm a planner at the community development department. So, uh
the applicant has submitted a major development plan for a property located at 2560 West Orange Blossom Trail, which is just east of Stewart Avenue and west of Lake View Drive. The major development plan is called Cole LinkaKa and it consists of a proposed new
warehouse building to the existing site. The new building has a total area of 168,600 square feet and um uh this MDP was previously approved actually um at the March 3rd, 2026 city council meeting, but it is being brought back to
city commission as uh the applicant has done a scriber error by putting the incorrect total building area on the previous MDP. The previously approved MDP had a significant lower building area of 147,624 ft. Hence, this item is being brought
back to city commission because this is an increase of almost of around 20,000 square feet instead of increase instead of decrease. These are the vicinity and aerial maps of the 2560 West Orange Blossom Trail site. The total site area consists of
27.63 acres. The future land use for this property is industrial and the zoning for this property is light industrial. This is the Cole Linga Popka major development plan sign. It's pretty much the same, just uh the increase of the
20,000 square feet and an addition of one or two parking spaces to comply with the code. The development review committee has recommended approval on July 14, 2026. Planning Commission has recommended approval and the recommended motion for
for a city commission is to approve the Colink Aapka major development plan. stop an applicant or verbal for for further comments or questions. >> Thank you, sir. Commissioners, any questions? >> Uh, the only question I had was
reference to um the exit that is on uh Lakeshore Drive. Uh >> Mayflower, >> I think it's Mayflower. >> Yeah, it's from Mayflower as you can see. Yeah, Mayflower. So, and I know
that is a very short stretch um because it leads up to 441. There's a lot of traffic there, too. And and I know that there are semis that are coming in and out of that area. Um are there is there a contingency plan in ter in place in
terms of um supporting the traffic along with the residents that are there and making sure that the semis that are leaving this area are not causing any additional setbacks. >> So the developer has agreed to uh redo
Mayflower Avenue to st code standards and um it it will hit up a lake view. doesn't uh the entrance doesn't touch 441. So it will Mayflower will end at uh Lake View Drive, but for more information I'll defer that to the applicant as well. >> Thank you.
>> Um and I had one question. It it echoes uh Commissioner Bearings. Um, wouldn't a common sense approach to this if we could actually create a signaling pattern, meaning give a, you know,
Mayflower gets a lefthand turn only a sign just for the turn, not the turn in green. U, you could also do the other side on the north side. It could be a turn left uh to where you got two lanes of traffic merging at one another but
actually making total opposite turns and then you know for a timing mechanism then go to an all green to where you get the through traffic or maybe step back coming out of the site with the semis right right approach meaning come to
Mayflower right to the stop sign right down to a traffic signal that allows you to get 414. I'm I'm I'm basically what I'm trying to do is is uh take a much higher level approach at it and maybe interject some low very inexpensive
discussions or comments to the discussions that could be had at a f at a future date. Um I'd like to see us kind of entertain that as a as a discussion item as a group to see if even the signaling can be done that way.
Yeah, I can defer that to the applicant and see what they have to say in terms of improving the >> access to that light. That would be on our end, correct? >> Yeah, it's a city own. So, but I'll have to refer that to Vlad since he deals with transportation. >> He's coming.
>> Yeah. >> Hey, these guys are professionals at what they do and I value their input. >> Yeah. May Mayflower is the only uh road that is actually operated and maintained by the city. So the applicant has
accepted to do complete reconstruction of the road all the way to Lake View. Lake View, the entire section of Lake View is Orange County Road and of course uh 441 is a DOT road which the applicant is proposing per the traffic impact
analysis uh extension of the left turn lane uh in the northbound direction. >> Correct. So those are the improvements that going to happen on the on the traffic side. We know that the short just the the span is just so short there
between 441 and uh Okcoy I'm sorry Orange Boulevard and most of the traffic I believe the traffic impact analysis show like 85% of the traffic to be heading towards port 41 to be coming from 441. So only I believe 15% will go
to the south and they will be dispersed between West Orange Boulevard and of course Beignan Road. >> But you and I both know on the south side on Mayflower three semis lined up. That's the the length of the entire road. >> I I believe there was a widening proposal there on the Mayflower, right?
You Yes. Joshua will explain a little bit more. >> I guess on >> Yes. So on Mayflower Mayflower Avenue that's currently is 24 feet and we're widening it to 36 feet. So much wider
breath to account for that that extra staging that can happen. >> Correct. >> Any additional questions? >> No. All right. Well, I will open up to public comment. Anybody from the public wish to speak? [clears throat] I will close public comment. Any final
comments, questions, concerns from the dis? >> Um, from the dis to staff. I mean, this is the kind of especially for me. This is a win-win for for the city and I I hope that we enter into a lot more of
these kind of um we we we have an imbalance in in the city of Apaka. We're heavy residential. Um, so I I'm eagerly waiting patiently for creative ideas like this to come to the city because I
think it's a win-win for both the applicant and the city. >> Coal link has been in our city. Now this is just an expansion for coal. Am I correct? >> That's correct. >> And um Mayflower I I Mayflower Avenue
has been a contention for a few years. So, the fact that they are going to bring it up to city standards um and and I can see what uh Commissioner Ruth was saying about the exiting and and entering into that Mayflower. It's not a
long road. Um it's it's a matter of controlling how you how many uh semis you get coming in. I mean, how does that work when they're when they're coming into business? Is it a certain time that they're coming into
the business or leaving the business? When is your like I guess your your most busy hours of the day? >> So, I can't speak to the to the exact um >> of the busiest hours exact details
because uh each uh each I guess there'll be like tenants within this as well that are um seasonal and that sort of thing. So I can't exactly say what it is. Um but typically this the the distribution
will be during hours that are that are not peak hours for for traffic exiting or leaving um the AM or PM peaks. >> Yeah, I think a lot will have to do with the business hours of calling. Um and
then you know 441 does get busy. uh they have some peak hours in the morning and peak hours at night and so um I can understand wanting some kind of traffic control there. >> And I will say uh we've been working with and it's been for a while now uh
working with uh FDOT on 441 traffic signal timing. >> Yeah. >> Uh just to get cars in and out of there because it it'll back up all the way to um to Ben some days. So >> we're working on that as well. That's definitely high on the prior and I think it'll help that flow as well. So it's >> Yeah. There's one light right on 441
that you died. >> Correct. That's a light. >> Oh, is that >> That's the one I'm trying to get tested. >> Okay. >> Any final comments? >> No. No. That's >> all right. I will look for a motion to approve the revised major development plan for Cold Link Apkco.
>> So moved by Vice Mayor. >> Second by Commissioner Ruth. All those in favor say I. >> All opposed. >> Motion carries unanimously. >> Thank you. >> The next one. >> Thank you. Uh, moving on. Quasi traditional flity and town center hotel major development plan. This one is
being continued. I do want to just open it up just in case anybody's here to speak publicly about it. If not, I will look for a Are they continuing it to the next meeting? >> Okay. Uh, for a motion to continue this item to the August 19th agenda. So,
>> moved by Commissioner Ruth. Second, >> second by Commissioner Anderson. Uh, all those in favor say I. All opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Next up, ordinance number 3169, second reading for the general employees pension trend pension trust opt out
clause. Ordinance number 3169, an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Aapa, Florida, amending chapter [clears throat] 54, retirement systems, article 2, general employees retirement system by amending section 54-9
definitions by amending section 54-20 membership, and by amending section 54-21, board of trustees, providing for codification, providing for severability, providing for conflicts, and setting an effective Thank you, Dr. Patton. Any changes?
>> No changes. >> Thank you, sir. Uh, any questions from the DIS on this one? >> No questions. Open to the public. Any public comment on this? No public comment. We'll close it. I will look for a motion to approve ordinance number 3169. >> So, move. >> Moved by Commissioner Ruth.
>> A second. >> Second by Commissioner Baron. All those in favor say I. I. All opposed. Motion carries unanimously. >> Thank you all. >> Thank you. >> Ordinance number 3158. Ordinance number 3158, an ordinance of the city of Aapka, Florida, amending the future land use
element of Apopka comprehensive plan of the city of Apka, changing the future land use designation from residential very low suburban to office for properties located at 4410 Chandler Road and 4420 Chandler Road owned by Richard
Chandler comprising of 5.12 acres more or less providing for severability conflicts and an effective Good afternoon. This is Dr. Johnson planner at the community development department. The applicant has a requested future land use amendment for
properties at 4410 and 4420 Chandler Road for a development of child care facility. The size of the properties is 5.1 acre. The current use of the property is residential. The current future land use is a
residential very low suburban and the requested future land use is office for childc care facility use. The subjective properties are located approximately 300 ft away from Kelly Park School and Kelly Park School
currently has a future land use future land use of office and zoning of office zoning which are consistent with the requested future land use and zoning of the subject subject property based on the approximity to the existing school.
staff believed that proposed office future land use for childcare facility would be compatible with the surrounding surrounding area. In 2025, U planning commission approved special exception use for childc care
facility under the current land use and zoning. Following that approval, the applicant submitted a site plan proposing a maximum student capacity of 275 student and during the site plan
review process that found that uh proposed student capacity exceed the permitted number of the student. uh per our code that limits the number of student in residential zoning district based on the projected number of person
per household and the density. Um based on the calculation with a maximum density of two dwelling units per acre on 5.1 acre property the maximum student capacity would be limited to 29 students. The calculation
is provided in this step report and according to the site plan provided by the applicant the size of the building is about um 15,000 square ft with about three 30 parking spaces under the current use and zoning
zoning designations that the student capacity would be limited to 29 students in proposed 15,000 square ft building. Therefore, step recommended the applicant to pursue a future land use amendment and reasoning to address the student
capacity limitation issue for clarification. Approval of proposed future land use amendment and reasoning would not authorize approval of the site plan or special exception. Um if this future land use amendment and resoning are approved, applicant will still need to
be required to ob obtain stu um special exception and site plan approval. On April 1st, 2026, the DRC recommended approval. And on June 9, 2026, planning commission unanimously recommended
denial due to concern that office use may not be compatible with the surrounding area if the proposed child care facility is not constructed on the property. Requend the motion from the staff is to accept the first reading of ordinance number 3158
and hold it over for second reading and adoption. Staff and the applicant are available for any questions and or comments and the applicant has prepared a presentation. >> Thank you, Dr. Sun. Uh applicant, if you'd like to do a presentation now and then we'll jump into questions and
comments from there. >> Good afternoon. For the record, McGregor Love 215 North Yola Drive. While I'm uh getting this set up, if I could ask staff to go back to the slide that it had the concept plan and the elevations, which will be helpful for our
discussion. Oh, I have that control. Well, Commissioner Ruth, I'm I'm happy to report that you don't have to wait long for creative non-residential solutions uh of of residential land. This is uh the the proposal we have for you today. And I think that I think a
little brief history is necessary for this application. Um, I was not involved back in July of 2025 when my client received approval from the planning commission as part of a special exception. Uh, and the the intent was to
keep the zoning the same to allow exactly what we're proposing today. Uh, and as a condition of that approval, the planning commission said, well, we really want this to be a major development plan, which would ma mean it would go before you for approval. Uh during that process, it was when we
discovered that this um this zoning provision, which may or may not ever have been at issue before, um would limit this facility to 29 students. Obviously, that was not the intent and that was not understood at the time. And
so that's when I was involved. I worked with staff and they told us, "Well, Office future land use and zoning uh is is probably appropriate here." uh we still have to go back before the planning commission and have our special
exception modified based on um the current design and and and the the current zoning. So, we have that coming up, but but this this will allow us to develop what was originally intended to be developed on this property. Now, the planning commission did unanimously
recommend denial. And when when I got up to to speak to the planning commission about that based on the conversation I heard, I wanted to clarify what the source of their concern was. Uh because they they brought up the concern, well, what if you don't develop this property? We we like the use. We we think that
it's supportive of the neighborhood, but what happens in the future if an office is not compatible with the area? And I entirely recognize that concern. uh at the at the time we proposed modifying uh the ordinance to include an assurance
that it couldn't be developed. The reason staff didn't vote in favor is because we did not have that language settled. We do today. And I'd like to read this language into the record for you. It's not part of the draft orders you have before you. I believe that it
will be at the next hearing if you uh if you move to move this to a second reading. But but we propose adding a new section three to the agreement which I'll read now. Uh notwithstanding the office future land use designation approved by this ordinance and
notwithstanding any use that may otherwise be permitted under the city's comprehensive plan land development code or any implementing zoning district. Development and use of the real property described and depicted in exhibit A
shall be limited to child care, daycare, and other substantially similar child care or child oriented uses and/or accessory or ancillary uses customarily incidental there too. This limitation is
sight specific to the property described in exhibit A is an express part of the future land use map amendment adopted by this ordinance and shall govern all subsequent zoning site plan permitting occupancy and development approvals for the property unless amended by
subsequent ordinance adopted in accordance with applicable law. We've cleared that language of both staff and the city attorney's office. Um, so now, uh, I know that there will likely be some questions about the site
plan, which you have up on the screen here. So, I'll go over some of the kind of the, uh, most likely questions here. Um, there you can see two access points. The access point at the north is a, uh, I believe it's a 20 foot wide stabilized
surface for emergency purposes only. Um the the design of the site is mostly based on the topography, but you see at the north there there are several heritage trees that will be saved by this design that pushes most of the development to the south. Uh so at the
bottom at the south end there is a right in right out. There are 46 parking spaces. Uh under code 28 are required. Um, typically, uh, because the applicant does operate a a daycare of the same
size in Apopka, at peak time during pickup and drop off, they usually have around 10 or 11 cars. Uh, so this this parking lot is expected to be uh more than adequate to contain any queuing and parking without any spillover going onto
Jason Dwelli uh Parkway. and I'm happy to answer more detailed questions about the site plan if you have them after this presentation. Finally, we have been working with Mr. and Miss Mrs. uh Sanders who live to the west. You can see them on this concept
plan. Their their property is just there to the west. [clears throat] The Sanders have lived on their property since 1997, almost three uh three decades. the city has and the area has developed around them. At the time in 1993,
there was a a cross access easement that that stretched east to west and then stretched north to south. Um the city's changed in the time. It's it's grown around them. Uh they have an access issue and we are committed to helping them solve that issue. on on this
concept plan at the very northwest corner you see a 60 foot wide sort of I don't know what geometry calls that a rhombus maybe uh that was what um the public works director had suggested we incorporate into the plan uh to to um to
assist with their access as a additional point of background that I that I forgot to mention in 2017 when the um orchid estates plat uh was recorded there there was a 30-foot easement recorded uh in favor of the the Sanders. Um but that
easement really isn't sufficient for what their access needs are and and and we need to be able to improve that for them. We're committed to doing that. We don't. What we've done now is we've requested a meeting with the public works director so that we can sit down with him and uh their consultant and the
and the Sanders if if they want to attend and make sure that if we're going to dedicate 60 ft over here that something can be designed that will actually be usable for them. Um and any option is on the table and we're committed to working with them on their
access issue. Uh that is really all that I have for you on this presentation. I'm available to answer any questions that you have. Thank you. >> Oh, please. >> Well, thank you for that presentation. So, I know in regards to me because I'm just receiving that additional language
for the ordinance. I have not had time to talk with staff or the attorney in regards to what that language looks like. So, for me, I just not ready to make a if I have to make a recommendation, it will be to deny it because it's new information been presented that I haven't received until just now. In addition to that, in
regards to the standards family, has there any been type of there's no written agreement right now where you've guaranteed to give them access or vacate just there's nothing in writing right now. It's just your insurance and your guarantee or is there something written where you >> the there there's there's no agreement
in place right now, but just an understanding that that we'll work together and there and the Sanders and their uh consultant are here today and certainly if you'd like to speak to them, I'm sure they're willing to to discuss it. >> Okay. Just just for me, I just I just received this language, so I know I can't make a I don't feel comfortable
moving forward with without >> and I apologize. I did think that it would be part of the agenda packet. It has been approved by the city attorney's office a couple weeks ago. >> You guys already This is new for me. This is new for me. >> Okay. So, our mayor hasn't even received it. So,
>> this is I'm trying to find the email. This is something that was sent probably about a month ago. Uh when this was first, like one of the first times it was continued. This language was brought up. trying to find the email and I'll reward it. >> Okay. >> Was it showed as approved? >> Like it was tentative language, but there was there anything that went out
from us in any discussion? >> The discussion was that this was an item they might bring forward at that meeting and then it was continued from that meeting >> there and there was an email from the city attorney that well it was Andrew Han who confirmed that he had no substantive issues with the language and
that it >> you sent us an email. >> Yeah, I'm trying to find it. It it was around that first time of the continuence. Okay. >> But at that time it wasn't approved. >> It wasn't okay. >> Or reviewed by staff or the attorney. >> No, it was reviewed by staff at that at that point.
>> Mhm. >> I would just say >> Well, I do have to echo a similar sentiment that >> Okay. Yes. >> until we see it. >> We just >> in the actual ordinance properly provided then uh we should table that until that comes in front of us.
>> Yes. And I would also like to hear from the standards as well if that's okay. engineer because I'm I want to kind of hear what they're >> the effect it have on them. >> Yes, I was going to ask the same. >> So, if we can before if we can just let final kind of not final but um any additional comments from the DAS and
then we'll open it to public comment from there. >> Right. U so I just want to say I did meet with Bobby uh Mr. Bobby Sanders and his wife Jessica on Wednesday, July 8th where they kind of outlined what uh
their concerns were and certainly one of their biggest concern was being landlocked and um that was something that when I did meet with Mr. McGregor and the applicant on Wednesday, July
29th, you had assured me that that would not occur and that you have been in in talks with the uh uh with the homeowners. So, um everything that you're presenting today kind of gives me that there is some agreeance between the
uh Sanders and the applicant except what you just read. I can't find >> I can't Yeah, I can't find I apologize [laughter] for that. I don't know where it is. Um and I and I, you know, I certainly believe that the attorney, you know, read it and agreed with it and and
the Sanders family agrees with it. Um but I think before we can actually vote on it that we would need to have it >> the final language, >> right? The final language in writing. >> Yeah. Because when it's approved here, then it goes straight to the mayor's
office and he's actually signing off on an ordinance that doesn't have that language. >> That's correct, >> Mr. Mayor. >> So, >> I I I did locate that uh email is back on July 13th. >> July 13th. >> Correct. >> Okay, let me look for that.
>> And the title is forward followup on city process. >> Okay, let me search. July 13th. Oh, here it is regarding
Okay, there's the clause. I don't know. Um, did we respond? Anybody respond as acknowledging it? Because usually I always respond acknowledging it. >> I think it was probably the way it was kind of >> Well, even if that's the case, it's still We should have had it in here. >> We still don't have it in the pack.
>> You should have had it in here. >> Yeah. Yeah, >> agreed. And you are correct. You sent it. >> It It looks like it was Yeah. Okay. >> It was right before that first attempt, those first reading or the first reading originally was scheduled and then it got
continued. >> But the public doesn't have it either. It's not in the It's not in the pack. It's just not in the packet correctly. It's just not in the packet. It's not updated. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Any additional comments for Natias? >> Well, because I was mentioned um and I
do got I do echo your sentiment. I'm looking for this kind of um um future investment in the city, but I do want to make sure that that we inject common sense to it. You can't build around a resident and and actually create an
enclave that they that they lose all access to their property. So, um, let's let's be mindful of that and on on moving this thing forward. So, I'm going to be paying attention to that. Um, you can't, you know, I I don't know how we
got here this far without having a lot more of this conversation a long time ago. So I I I agree with you and we've we've committed to the Sanders to make sure we we improve their existing access, >> make sure we protect the value of their property.
>> Absolutely. >> Yeah. >> Any additional questions? >> No. The only Dy um just more of a comment. It I agree in terms of I want to make sure that Mr. and Mrs. Sanders property is not locked in that you all
come to an agreement in terms of what these plans are going to look like. Um that you meet with Mr. Vlad and are able to set that up. Um in terms of how they are able, not just them, but if they're in case of an emergency, our fire
department, our police are able to access their property that we are protecting them as well. So, I right now am going to decline in approving it until we know for sure we have everything in place and they are um but
that everybody across the board is uh is set and ready um and then that way we can move forward with it. >> Thank you. All right, we'll open up to public comment. Anybody from the public comment wish to speak? >> Yes, sir. I'm Bobby Sanders and I'd like
to say that the road that we had was for the nursery and for the Chandler family. That was my aunt and uncle's house and I bought it from my aunt and her children. And the road when the nursery went out of business, the road went to pieces and
a helicopter couldn't get down this road. And Jessica had to go to work every day. And there was no way for her to go down that road without the probability of getting stuck. And it
caused a lot of rift with this family, which was unbelievable to me. I would never ever believe that that could ever happen. I know when I was in the army, I thought of all of my family with with nothing but love and respect and was proud of every one of them. It's caused
a lot of problem. And if Ampka would have watched after this before they put in White Dia and this neighborhood and this other neighborhood, if they would have watched out for this, then this would have never happened. and and and I
appreciate y'all even addressing it and and and and watching after our well-being and and I appreciate each and every one of you, including Bellam, every one of y'all that that that has addressed it with me. And that that that's all that we we want you to know
we appreciate it. >> Thank you, sir. Anyone else from the public wish to speak? If not, I will close public comment. Um I think the sentiment here is two things. One is to have this language updated in the ordinance uh at when it's brought back
to us. And then two uh I would like to see some type of agreement with the Sanders family showing we are in agreement to this. We support this project and this is what we're getting. Um it doesn't need to be >> anything superficial, but in writing
that we can see that both parties are in agreement that this is where we need to be. And and for the record, the the 60 ft that you see at that top northwest corner, um we'd like to confirm that it can actually be designed for what it what it needs to be designed for. It's
it it looks pretty wide, but part of the due diligence we'd like to do to make sure that this isn't some dedication that they really can't use is to have it, you know, somewhat engineered to show, okay, it meets the city's standards. This is a better access. Right now they have 30 ft and it doesn't
work very well for any of the needs that they have for even their single family home uh and certainly not for emergency access. This would make it better, but we want to make sure that it's it's really sufficient for what what they need long term uh which does take some
design work. We're working on that. We're having our engineer look into it independently and we'll meet with the public works director. So for the next time we speak I hope to have more information for you. Excellent. Any final comments from there? >> Thank you. Appreciate you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Yeah. Thank you for working with
those. >> Of course. >> So, we will u move to So, there is two two different items here. So, there's going to be one this first ordinance which then the next one. So, we'll probably table both of those. We'll do it in separate readings though. Uh so, I will look for a motion to table
ordinance number 3158. Do do we feel we're gonna have enough time August 19th? >> I I feel we can we can have enough time if Yes. Yes. Let's do August 19. >> So looking for a motion to table ordinance number 3158 uh to the August 19th meeting.
>> So >> uh moved by Commissioner Baron, second by Commissioner Anderson. All those in favor say I. >> All opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Uh next up, ordinance number 3159. >> Okay. [clears throat] Ordinance 3159,
an ordinance of the city of Aafka, Florida, changing the zoning from RSF1A residential single family estate to O office for certain real properties generally located at 4410 Chandler Road and 4420 Chandler Road owned by Richard
Chandler comprising of 5.12 acres more or less providing for severability complex and an effective date. >> I don't want to make you read this whole thing. We most likely are going to be tableabling this one. Um I do want to open up to public comment though. Any public comment? Seeing none, we'll close
it. I unless you have any final comments, Commission, I'll look for a motion to table ordinance number 3159 to the August 19th meeting. >> So move. >> Moved by Commissioner uh Anderson, second by Commissioner Ruth. All those in favor say I.
>> All opposed. Motion carries unanimously. >> All right. Ordinance number 3160. Ordinance number 3160, an ordinance of the city of Apakka, Florida, amending the future land use element of the Apakka comprehensive plan of the city of Apakka, changing the
future land use designation from commercial to industrial for property located at East Keane Road, owned by HCH Development LLC, comprising of 5.23 acres more or less, providing for severability conflicts and an effective
date. For the record, this is Jun Planner. The applicant has requested future land use amendment of property located at the intersection of East King Road and Clark Kernal Road to develop a car storage warehouse.
The size size of the property is 5.2 acre and it is currently vacant. Looking at the surrounding area, there are there's a retention pond to the east, highway 414 to the north, and vacant land to the south, and gas station with
the additional vacant land to the west. The current future land use of the property is commercial and the requested future land use is industrial. Per the applicant, the proposed use is enclosed luxury car storage and a storage
warehouse is permitted in light industrial zoning. Um the properties along the corridor of East King Road and Kakuna road has have industrial and agricultural future land use. Therefore, staff find that um the
proposed industrial future land use is comparable with the surrounding area. The image you see is the conceptual site plan and these are the conceptual landscape plan.
On April 8th, the DRC has recommended approval and on July 14th, the the planning commission recommended approval. The recommended motion is accept the first reading of ordinance number 3160 and hold it over for the second reading and adoption. staff in a
public are available for any comments and questions. >> Thank you, Dr. Son. Uh any questions for staff or the applicant? >> Um I did meet with uh the engineer is Luke. Is that your title? Engineer. I
met with Luke Glassen on uh July 13th and he uh presented the the pro uh the project and also I have to say this at the legislative wrapup where when I was sitting the gentleman that I was sitting
next to actually is the person that building this and uh he introduced himself. So I I don't know if we just happened to sit together but um when he mentioned this I said oh I I I did speak with Mr. Luke class. So I actually spoke to the
developer and but I initially was brought this was brought to my attention by Mr. Lucen. [clears throat] So >> and I too met with Mr. uh Luke as well um on this property. Um,
you know, when I uh when I first moved to Apakka, you know, I there was one thing I was determined was to understand the historical side of our city, right? Um, and and this area has been underserved for
decades. And I think at this point this garage, if you will, storage unit, although the concept is great, um, but just not for this area. Um, and so it's
a no for me in terms of changing the future land use amendment for this area from commercial to industrial. Uh, because I think we could potentially put something there that would provide a resource to this area. Um especially for
those residents that live just on the north side of the 414. Um I think it's important that we provide a resource to this under served area. So um it's a no for me in terms of uh approving
[clears throat] this future land use. >> Any additional comments from the commissioners? So, I just want to kind of add to that and and I understand that, but this property has been sitting there for decades. And so, when they brought this product to me, uh, Mr.
Lassen, um, it the product itself is condominium. So, um, and it's luxury cars. It's self-contained. They will have a gated. And the the way this product is is just it's going to
bring um a very large revenue to our city that will not require the services that we give to rooftops. Uh, and you know, I we talked about, you know, what do you do with a piece of property that has been sitting for
decades and um obviously it where it sits between two highways? I I don't know what would you put there that can serve a community between two highways. I mean, there's
>> besides warehouses, we have plenty of warehouses that are lined up on the 429 and they're aligned with residential areas. >> And I'll tell you the truth, you take uh the the road up, it doesn't give
anything to the residents, the residential uh uh homeowners. It doesn't offer them anything other than if they are employed in the warehouse. but it it does not give them anything. And so this particular property was doing the same
thing. And I'm I'm looking for a a commercial properties to come into our city that's going to generate renov. That's going to lift the the clientele that would bring here. I mean, these are
luxury cars. And I shared a story about um when I was in New York and I knew a a good friend that was in the business of luxury cars and um and it really just was making over a million2 million
dollars and but this is condominions. It's not like people are going to come in and rent and put their car there temporarily. They are actually investing like buying a house. They're buying a condominium and that's this is going to
be very expensive and I just feel it's it's a good product for our city because these luxury car owners are now coming into aka >> so you know what they want to be near
their cars. I mean tell me someone who doesn't own a luxury car loves it more than their family. Um, so they may want to buy a home in Apakka just to be close to their car and their boats and their buses. So I think this is a very good
product only because one of the issues that our residents constantly express is that when we put up rooftops, it's the services we have to provide. you know, water, uh, you know, uh, police, fire.
This is pretty much a self-contained condominium. So, um, I I support it because I do understand the product. I I completely agree with you 100%. The concept is phenomenal. Absolutely. I
just don't think it's great for that section. I think it belongs close to um our maybe our airport area like our small signature airport or somewhere where it will uh support those that are
going to have their luxury cars in these warehouses. Um I just don't think it would provide a a a source for our residents that live in this area um right now. But I agree with you in terms
of the concept. I I the concept is great. I just don't know um if it would again provide a a source a resource for our residents um in in this area. So that I mean that's just my stance on it.
>> Okay. Question. So just to clarify, can you clarify with us the existing zoning commercial the community commercial? Can you give [clears throat] us example of something that that supports right now in this current zoning? Um let's see >> community commercials basically for more
like retails um like restaurants >> storefronts I just want I'm put context for for the because people so okay restaurants and stuff okay so I um and and this was I was you know thinking you know just different because I kind of
share both of their you know I'm I'm kind of split um because I do feel that in this area this will be a be access to it will It will be something and I'm really trying to just put it into words. I do like it for I do like the concept and I do think it will help increase the the
the the quality of that area and if not it's it's going to continue to sit. And right now I actually think this is probably the best option for it in my opinion just based off of because if they're going to be investing and putting their million-dollar cars in there they're going to care a lot about the area. And I think right now with
regards to the tax role, we need, you know, it will help increase the tax role. It'll bring in more um revenue. Um I think it'll be a good good um good idea for the area. Um I haven't seen the desire for anyone to come in that area and put retail um in that area. So I think this would be a great idea. So I
actually do support the concept as well because I think it will actually add value in the it'll bring more charm to that area and the and the goal is is to make sure that we're actually adding value to that area. So, I think it will actually be a great concept for the area as well. >> Any additional comments at all?
>> Well, the only thing I can add to it is um you know, I I would be the one here with the most years in the area. That was a nursery area that on both sides of the roads my my entire life it was a
nursery. Uh on the west side of the road was a horse farm and right beside that was a salvage yard. So, Um, I've lived here 65 years, I've never really seen anything outside of those entities
there. Um, it being a commercial base, um, as far as a revenue source, I I I like the the tax base that's going to be generated and come from it. Um, I I I look forward to to to what it could
bring. Um, I'm just giving you my historical u analysis of the area which was always been um a nursery based. So
outside of that that's all I can add to the comment. >> Thank you. Uh, anybody from public wish to speak on this? All right, I will close public comment. Uh, any final comments from the D at all? All right, I'll say one final comment on
my end, too. I do think that um well, let me confirm it. Are it's gated, so the internal streets, sidewalks, uh street lights, those are all going to be maintained by the owners. Correct. >> Um I'll defer that question to the applicant.
>> Thank you. >> Please state your name for the record. For the record, Mike Granken, Land Planning Group, uh, mayor, commissioners, staff, and residents. Thank you for the opportunity. You guys have a tough job. I've served in cities
and counties for some 30 years, so I I I get what you go through. Don't always uh appreciate the outcome, but I respect the outcome. So, thank you. And I also want to say you guys have an incredible planning staff. We really appreciate working with them. Again, with me
tonight is Luke Classen, uh, the engineer for the project. Commissioner Ruth made a comment earlier that he wanted to see creative ideas come to the community. I think we've got one for you. This is very similar to uh
developments that have occurred in other areas, Tampa, outside of the state of Florida, where you've got uh this type of concept dropping in affluent areas. Uh, you know, and you think of the draw that AOPKA would have in this area well
beyond its city limits for folks that would uh want to bring their vehicles here, show them off, run up the street on Main Street, get something to eat, come back, uh, leave a couple hundred dollars at one of the gas stations while
they're here. So, I I I see the economic impact that that that has. Um we um June, can you bring up the or do I have control of it? Just the concept. Thank you. Uh now let's go to Yeah. And you
can see we we really wanted to dial in on the detail of the uh facade and the landscaping. Um the one to the left up there that is uh not one of the uh staff's cars driving
by there that cord 38 cord there. It's just a concept car. But you know, we really wanted to dial in on how this thing's going to look from the road. Knowing this location would be a real challenge uh with its infrastructure and
um as close to the ingress and eress into this property to have a traditional retail center there. It would just be a tough fit. So this is more of a passive uh setting. Um, and if you look at as
the crow flies to the east northeast, we're 683 feet away from the nearest residence. To the south, we are about 500 ft. And then to the southswest, we're about 430
ft as the crow flies from the closest point of this property to the closest point of those residential properties. So you can see we're well away from a residential community, but we're tied well with the the infrastructure that's currently there. So little over 80,000
square feet, um 48 units where um you know, these folks will be able to, as I mentioned in, uh planning and zoning, I've got this problem. I've got five Lamborghinis. I don't know where to put them. So this is be a great location. I don't have five Lamborghinis, by the
way, but uh the gentleman that's building this has quite the car collection. >> He does. He showed me photos. >> Yeah, he he's very proud of that. Um so, we asked your consideration to take staff's recommendations. We're anxious
to move forward. Uh I want to assure you that we'll meet all the policies and procedures of the city as far as landscaping, setbacks, buffers, ingress, egress, etc. uh and I'll yield my time and be able to answer any question you may have. But thank you for your time.
>> Thank you for that. Just to confirm, your internal streets are will be the community's uh responsibility. So the streets, the sidewalks, the street lights are all going to be the community's responsibility, not the cities. Correct. >> That is correct. And it'll be dark skies as well. >> Okay. Excellent. We appreciate it. Any
additional questions at all from the commission? >> I just think it's going to be just a great look for that area. And I really think I appreciate you guys for actually putting a lot of time in the design. I think is going to be really cool for the area. >> Well, we give a lot of that credit to Luke and the architect on the project,
but more to the owner who uh crazy idea to build this. So, >> it's gonna look nice. >> Mhm. >> All right. Well, I will look for a motion to approve uh ordinance number 3160 at first reading and hold over for a second reading and adoption. >> So, moved by Vice Mayor, >> second. >> Second by Commissioner Anderson. All
those in favor say I. >> I. All opposed? >> Me. Uh [laughter] >> uh vote passes uh 4 to1 with Commissioner Baron in opposition. >> Next up, ordinance number 3161. >> Ordinance number 3161. An ordinance of
the city of Apakka, Florida, changing the zoning from CC Community to IL Light Industrial for certain real property generally located at East Keen Road owned by HCH Development LLC comprising 5.23 acres more or less providing for
severability complex and an effective date. [clears throat] >> Dr. S. Um the applicant has a requested resoning of the same property. The size of the property is 5.2 acres. The current zoning of the property is CC
community commercial and the requested zoning is IL light industrial properties along the corridor of East King Road and Kakona Road has a light industrial and agricultural zoning. On April 8th, DRC has recommended
approval and on July 14th, planning commission union recommended approval. The recommended motion is accept the first reading of ordinance number 3161 and holdy over for second reading and adoption. Stephan are available. Thank you, sir. Any additional questions,
comments? I will open up to the public. Anybody wish to speak on this one? If not, I will close public comment. Um I do want to disclose because it's quasi judicial I did have was forced to meet with Mr. Classen. So uh need to disclose
that. U any other final comments then >> other than I met with uh Mr. Luke class but I actually met >> informally with the person who was actually developing >> what's his name and I >> Yes. >> He gave me his card.
>> Yes. Yes. >> All right. Well, and I will look for a motion to approve ordinance number 3161 at first reading and hold over for a second reading and adoption. >> So moved by Vice Mayor, >> second by Commissioner Anderson. All those in favor say I. >> I. All opposed.
>> N1. >> That passes 4 to1 with Commissioner Baron in opposition. >> Thank you. See you in a couple weeks. >> Thank you, sir. >> Uh, next up, resolution number 2026-31. >> Resolution 2026-31. A resolution of the city commission of
the city of Aopa, Florida, adopting administrative fine settlement guidelines for code enforcement leans, establishing minimum settlement amounts for residential and commercial properties, providing eligibility requirements, authorizing the process of
lean settlement requests, providing for satisfaction or release of leans, providing for conflict, severability, and an effective date. >> Mr. Mr. Hans, I just want to apologize because I should have put this at the top. >> So, I apologize for that. Should have made you wait through development. So, >> it's okay.
>> I'll fix that moving forward. So, please, >> it's okay. Mayor, vice mayor, commissioners. Yeah, this is the uh new uh settlement amounts that I've worked up. um 5% for residential um or
the value of the property whichever is less and 10% on commercial value of the property or which is ever a lesser value. Um going to do the $500 per day and they will have 90 days to um pay the
settlement once you guys approve it. >> Understood. Thank you for that. Thank you for taking the time to clarify this too. and it was >> concern and so I appreciate that. Anybody from the D have any additional questions? >> So, so when we once they go through court enforcement and they're u given
the fine, is there a timeline for them to either come to compliance or and or pay because in the consent agenda the first one >> Yeah. I mean, it's before this. I mean,
they were 1,02 days. >> Oh, there there's some probably even more than that. Yeah, [clears throat] there's some that are really old. >> And Yeah. And I mean, I had a lot of questions with that one. >> Yeah. >> And I mean, they they purchased the
property from HUD for $90,000, but it took them four years to come into compliance. and they their their fines were $531,000 for $1,062 days of not I mean is there any way to
tighten that up? >> I would I don't know because I mean there's some that I'm telling you there's some that are probably 10 15 years old. I don't think we can force them into >> Well, you got to and if I may jump in and correct me here, but there's some that are for homesteaded properties. We
can't do anything. Basically, just runs. >> Well, what was interesting about this one was that they became homestead this year. >> So before this, they were not homestead. So if they're not homestead, maybe that's the question. If I remember
correctly, it can go up to 20 years before anything Jason and I had that talk about this and not this for non-h homesteaded properties. It it could just go there's just I don't know if cliff if there anything we could
>> let me say so we we can create a policy as a city to stay after x amount of time and it's whatever we decide uh we can start foreclosure proceedings. Oh yeah, that's absolutely the case. >> Okay. So to I think that answers your question is that we can create that timeline of if if it's a non-h
homesteaded property at X date uh we can kind of add some teeth to what we're doing. >> That would make sense because I mean when I asked all the questions and at the end I said when was it homestead they just did it >> but they did it after they came into
compliance and I believe they agreed to pay a 10,000 or a fine of up to $10,150, >> right? >> But for almost four years, they they just did not come into compliance. But
they were not homestead, >> right? >> And we we allowed it to go for so long. >> We'll have to come up like what the mayor said, have to come up with something and put that >> come up with something. >> Sure. >> On property because then that would also include commercial.
>> Sure. Absolutely. Include it include both. I would like to see a policy like that >> only because when you have these blighted >> uh properties and and commercial buildings, they're an eyesore to the commercial to the homeowners surrounding
it, other businesses. It's a deterrent. >> Correct. >> And so, um I'd like to see that. So, >> I'll come up with some I'll I'll get something together. Sure. >> Put something together at a future uh commission meeting. In addition to
that, I just want to make sure too because some, you know, financial reasons could be could be the reason why they're not able to bring it up to code. So, I also want to make sure that there's a process where we're able to give them time where it's not accumulated because they if they have a financial hardship and we're finding $500 a day, we'll still create a, you
know, a more of a financial hardship. So, is there a medium where we be like, okay, you come in, you explain that, you know, I need this amount of time in order to because thousands of dollars. >> We could look at that moving forward, too. I know because it adds up quickly. That's part of the special magistrate process. So, having gone to many if not
large amount of them, right? >> That what they do is uh somebody will come up, the magistrate sits right here and basically it's it's a very delicate negotiation, not an aggressive one by any means. The the magistrate can't say can't, hey, I'm going to offer you this, but they can say, do you want 120 more
days? Do you want six months? Depending on the complexity of it. um and kind of has that conversation with the uh homeowner or or land owner from there. From my experience, not saying it's every single time, but that's usually how that goes is that that's where that time is built in where fines will not
start until after 20 days, 50 days, 160 days, whatever the number is that the magistrate and the resident decide on. Uh that's what they move forward with and gives them that time without any fines. And then that fine starts uh after that timeline that was agreed. So,
>> correct. hardship. Yeah, I'm familiar with it. I'm definitely familiar with it. But still, >> you can come up with something and life can happen to anybody. You get sick. I just want to make sure that we're still, you know, these are people homes that they investigate. So, we'll make sure that we're not creating a, you know, a strict some I mean, stat there's a
reason why stat gives you all these years before they, you know, >> something happens. So, I just want to make sure that we are still, you know, that we're not, >> we'll work with them. >> Compance, compliance is the goal. >> Compliance is the goal. Yeah. Compliance is the goal, not >> not the money, not the property. I just want to make sure we try to get that. Yeah,
>> we'll work with them. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Any additional comments, questions? >> I have a comment. Um and basically it was um um our city administrator Bradley yesterday we had a pretty lengthy discussion about this. Um and one of the
things that I wanted to make sure that we were cognizant of is before the five and 10 I want to know what our cost is. And you know, obviously to track something that long, there's a cost to that. And I want to
make sure that we're at least starting with the baseline of knowing what our exposure is and then we can have a a better discussion of the five and 10, but I want to make sure we capture our additional cost. Um, and I know it's not
in here and I know it was kind of sudden yesterday, but I just want to I just want to for the record, I just want to make sure everybody understands that that at a higher level there's discussions going on and I just want to make sure that those thoughts are being shared with the DS. >> Yeah.
>> If you could look at uh section two, number four, I think this is what you're talking about. Section two >> number four. >> Oh, all city incurred art course cost
costs including recording cost, title search cost, abatement cost, administrative course. Okay. >> So, uh, Commissioner Mayor to to ensure that we're meeting that that's something we can provide with the settlement agreement as it comes forward
>> to verify so you all can verify that the city's costs are incorporated in that. That just requires some additional tracking on staff point. >> Yeah, I just wanted to make sure that staff was being sure transparent with the diets so as we know what our exposure is, >> you know, um before we start moving any
further and assessing percentages, make sure we're capturing our covering. Yeah. >> No, great point. >> Sure. >> Any additional comments? >> Thank you. That was an oversight on my part. >> Uh I will open up to the public for any comments here.
Rod Olson and I and I know I had trouble pulling this up to be able to look at the whole thing. So the first thing is a question that we can kill it from there. But this is the settlement guidelines. This is how much we're going to find and steps to do it. Does it also include how it's resolved?
What I'm getting at is, you know, I was Rock Springs Ridge. We had $2,250,000 in fines. It did not come before the DIS. It was settled by someone, who knows within the code enforcement
department without review. And it was my understanding from one of our former commissioners, that's the first time that the commission didn't sign off or approve that element. There ought to be thresholds. Staff should have the responsibility of up to certain levels
resolving it, reducing a fine based upon XYZ criteria, but there should be a threshold that says it comes before you. Settling 1320 homes worth of crap for a dozen
years for $250,000 on a 2 million five. The city could use that money. Am I wrong? we need to have if that doesn't have those parameters. I'll be happy to work with anyone trying to establish them. I've never done it before, but I know in working with my
systems and we have various fines and so forth when operations, I'm responsible for we have thresholds. Staff member A has up to X, then it goes to the supervisor, then it goes eventually where it goes. So it, you know, you don't want to tie the system up on the one hand, the other hand, $2 million
pitched. Not good. >> Thank you, Mr. Olsen. There is a a clause in here that says unless otherwise approved by the city commission, eligible code enforcement leans may be settled according to the following minimum guidelines which references that five and 10% for residential properties versus commercial mixeduse industrial
>> and that's section three >> non-residential. >> Yeah, basically you guys even if it comes say it was 10,000 they if you guys wanted to say no we're we want 20,000 it's whatever you guys decide. So, they're going to continue to come. To your point, that was the only one in
from my understanding in the history of the city that hasn't come to us, right? >> Uh, from what I found out about that. So, >> and there's no timeline with that one either. >> That's a wild agreement. Yeah, >> that one is wild. >> No timeline. >> Yes. So, we're doing these to make sure that doesn't happen again. That's right.
So, uh, any additional public comment here >> to pay the uh, >> I will close public comment then. Any final comments from the dis? >> All right. So, I will look for a motion to approve resolution number 2026-31.
>> Moved by Commissioner Ruth. >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Baron. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Mr. Williams, anything for us? Uh, just a quick update on the estimated billing. Uh, for the
month end of July, we've dropped another percentage point down to 4%. uh which leaves a remaining 1,244 accounts on estimated reads. So, we're continuing to make progress. Again, big shout out to our utility operations team and utility billing team to continue knocking away
at that, excuse me, that number because as we get further down this list, they are the more challenging meters that need to be addressed. So, >> so what was that number again? >> 1,244 accounts. >> They really have done an incredible job and it's really impressive to see the
efforts they've put in. Uh it's a lot and I know that was kind of as they've had to move around on some different tasks, they've really done well and really aggressively gotten those estimated reads down. So really proud of them. Really impressed by them and and their efforts and definitely not the
easiest job ever. And to your point, the next ones up are some I told them I'm like I hope my meter never goes out because I know where it's at and I know there's roots around it and I'm like I hope that this one just works forever. So thank you for that. Anything else? >> That's it. >> Awesome. Attorney Shepard, just briefly, I'm sure you all are now aware that at
least for now, the referendum that we were all worried about in November is off the ballot. Uh it can be put back on supposedly if uh the attorney general or the legislature rewrites the the rule the law and it gets passed the judge. Uh but we're up against the time deadline
for the balloting. So that's why um it may not make it. It just depends on what they want to do. And I've heard various things. I don't know what to believe, but for now it's off the ballot. Keep watching for the next 10 days and see what happens. >> Thank you, sir. Commissioner reports,
vice mayor. >> Um well, um two things and uh I I know that we have been talking about either an in-house attorney will continue the services with the uh office uh the city
attorney's office. he did provide uh an opportunity to sit down with each of us, one of us to kind of show us the difference. Um so that's still I know open. Um I guess today you don't have time. It's
almost 5:00. Can we make an >> Yeah, I that's fine. And I I did uh I've already had an opportunity to speak to Mr. Ruth and I appreciate that opportunity. I'm happy to speak to any of you. As I said, it is uncharged time because obviously um notwithstanding that I'm retiring, I'm not an
uninterested party. So, I wanted to make sure. But, uh yeah, I would like to at least give you the benefit of my thinking. You all know you've had two, well, some of you know that you've had two prior episodes with in-house attorneys. And the issue is simply trying to make sure you set yourself up
for success and not failure. And so if you're going in-house, if you do it on one person, it it's not going to work. I'm just saying you're going to need more because it's it's a bigger job. You're the second largest county of city in Orange County. One lawyer. If it was
me, I couldn't do it. I'm just telling you. >> Okay. Then the other um I just kind of want to extend again our condolences on behalf of the city but also personally for the former uh chief administrator
that was here for 25 years uh Jack Douglas uh his wife and uh Miss Sher. >> Yeah. >> And my good friend Sher passed away.
on Monday. So, uh I didn't think I would cry. Okay. I'm sorry. >> It's okay. >> Um >> you're really dragging down the meeting. >> I know. I am. I am kidding. It's okay. um just want to share the condolences and I want you to know that uh Jack and
Sher have been uh very much part of our community for for decades and he served our city uh with professionalism integrity. He was not just the city administrator, he was the financed person and uh she worked
decades for Apaka uh high school. And um just wanted to extend my uh condolences and Jack is listening. Let him know that uh we love Sher and we loved him and if he
needs anything from the city for us to help support him during this time that we are available to him. >> Absolutely. >> And I'm so sorry. >> Need some tissues. >> That's it. >> Thank you. Should have put you last. I know. I'm like, "Oh, [laughter]
this is heavy." >> Completely. >> At least you made me laugh. >> You should have. >> It's my defense mechanism. I have to use humor for things. [laughter] >> Commissioner Anderson. [snorts] >> Go. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. >> All right. That was heavy to come behind. Okay. I also would like to
extend my condolences to the Douglas family as well. I will definitely be praying for the family um for all their strength and everybody in the Apollo community that this this um the effect is having on the community. So, and also to you I know that was a you know close friend friend of yours. So, definitely
definitely be a friend for you as well. >> So, moving on to a All right, from that uh so two things I know I mentioned earlier uh in the beginning of the budgeting process about the $150,000 that currently is earmarked. Can you kind of go where is that now? Do we have
to reput it back in the budget because I want to make sure that we're able to use that $150 $50,000 for the homeless um shelter. There's a lightning. >> There's light. Yeah. I just want to because someone asked. I'm just >> That's Duke money. >> Duke money. >> Yes, ma'am. It is Duke money. >> That Duke money has been >> Okay. >> Yeah. For
>> it's been earmarked for a while. >> For it. >> That is not in the budget, but it is in the reserves. >> So, I would ask that be put into the budget so that we can actually utilize it because I know with the CRA even though pushing the meeting back that there are some talks of, you know,
purchasing that property. I just want to make sure that we have everything kind of lined up and kind of ready to go. Okay. >> So, I'm asking that that be put into the do I have the motion board or is it going to be put in the budget? What >> it'll be as we go through the budget process all the edits you can throw everything in there. >> Okay. >> And then we can discuss it from there and have feedback
>> because it is earmarked for home. That's what it's used for. >> Yes. >> Okay. Yes. >> It's like it's exclusively only able to be used for that >> used for that purpose. >> Well, that's how it was earmarked by a previous council commission. >> Okay. Because we do have other funds that were earmarked like the birding park and the some work at the
amphitheater >> that is still it's in the budget because they but they were earmarked for those projects. If you don't want to proceed with those projects you have to come back >> and we definitely need to review all all of them. Anything that's earmarked let's review make sure we're happy with it and
still want to continue with it but also tie it to a plan >> if we're going to do it. Here's the timeline. Here's the project. which is why I started to initiate the project trackers for each department. If we're going to do it, >> let's put a timeline to it and >> get some threshold and metrics in place for success. So, >> and could we get a list of that the different projects that are currently
well the money that's currently airmarked because I know there's I could be in conversations. Well, we have something airmarked so we kind of kind of know and I think that'll kind of assist us as well with the budgeting process as well. >> I will. >> Perfect. Thank you. I appreciate that. >> Okay. The second thing is, and maybe this is a question to the attorney, not
really sure, but I know that we spoke just like mama's. Um, is there any type of insurance um that is in place if the um any of the city employees or any any type of negligence where we're able
to so they don't have to seek, you know, to go through the legal process where we can say, "Okay, we messed up. we go to our insurance company and kind of >> Well, >> I know that's a loaded question. >> These are uh actually more complicated than you might have recognized. First of
all, I don't know what insurance you have. That's not a question that I can answer. That would be risk management that might be able to answer it. Okay? But but in terms of how the insurance company deals with things even when they're your fault, that's something that we learned from the uh the firefighter episode that we don't
control because I'm certain although without pointing out whom there were people on the die that would have supported uh payments to his family, but our insurance carrier defended us and won and there was no payments because there was no legal liability. So that the real question is when we think we
have liability is that enough for the insurance company that we may have to pay and the answer is no. We have to have legal liability and we have protections as a government called sovereign immunity that kick in for many things and most planning functions that we're engaged in like the ones you're
talking about we would cover. For example, let's suppose this was a case where you had someone, if I understand the facts, uh, put a stopwork order on something that they didn't have a right to put a stop work order on. I'm just assuming that those are the facts for
the sake of discussion. But let's suppose the case had been where a building inspector had gone out and said this thing passes and then the building collapses or it turns out that I I literally had this case, no joke, where it was a plan that said it was supposed
to block construction and it was built with frame construction. The building people know what I'm talking about. And even though the plan said block and it was built frame, the inspector passed it and then got sued, but we have no liability. So, as weird as it seems,
that's what sovereign immunity means. For the stuff that government does most of the time, we don't have immunity for making mistakes. I mean, we have immunity for making mistakes. So, we have insurance that will pay for the cost of our defense and so forth, but to the extent we're covered by sovereign
immunity, what they're going to do, as they did in the other case, is assert that defense and probably win. >> One small correction. I'm fairly certain the Duran family dropped their lawsuit. Uh that was after it was dismissed. Trust me, I I know that one well. [laughter] It was dismissed and they
could they just didn't decided not to refile. >> Okay. >> Okay. So I guess my the the remaining question is is it possible that because you haven't been I guess brought up to speed with the O attorney to get with risk management to see if the insurance
company because from my understanding just hearing things obviously there's been a financial hardship on you know from my understanding she blew her life savings to open up this business and there was a months and months where the business could not open up and I just think we need to do all we can as a city
to make sure that we explore for every possible possible remedy. >> It's a you have a different situation about whether or not [clears throat] >> and and of course there's there's some some complications here too. But if you as a city decide this is something that we think needs to be done and and we can
argue that it serves a public purpose or something like that, we can we might be able to do what would otherwise be called a volunteer payment. Anytime you spend government money, it has to accomplish a governmental purpose or public purpose. And so that's the difficulty, but we probably could work
our way through that. But that's a different question than saying to the insurance company, hey, we think that this was a bad thing and you ought to pay. They're not going to because if we have a defense, there's no reason for them to. And so the difference here is, and this is the part because I'm not
brought up to speed, there is a different cause of action. And I don't know what's been asserted, but if you are asserting that you have color of law to do something and you don't. So you act as if you do like you act like you're a cop and you're not a cop or you act like you you have the power to put
on maybe in this case a stop work order that you didn't have author. There may be liability that goes outside of sovereign immunity for that. But I don't know that and I don't want to you tell you that's certain because that's why you have the insurance defense firm. So there you're not immune from all
activity where government workers make a mistake but for most you are. >> So this is loaded. Maybe I need to get with I guess I'm trying to figure out what is a way where we can actually because from my understanding it's possible that it's
it's cost it's still costing this business owner a lot of money to the point where they're almost about to go out of business. And I think that we we time is not on her side. So, I think that if we could come up with something where we're able to kind of meet with her and figure out what that looks like
and then commit to the council to see if there's something that we can kind of, you know, agree on. >> I I I I'm agreement with with your decisions making on that. But again, being a lawyer stinks because I always
have to say the bad part. But the bad part is you also have to remember that as soon as you start saying, you know, this is just doesn't seem right, you're going to have a lot of people more standing up telling you what's not right and why you ought to be helping them also. And and I can think of a few things that have come through these chambers in the last year. Uh that
without mentioning people who would be lining up and say, "Wait a minute. When I came here and said this is what y'all did to me, you didn't do anything." >> But our investigation actually maybe we actually did do it. Yeah. >> So that's a little I think that's a little different. Yeah, it's definitely a lot different than that. Okay. So, I
guess what I guess the next course of action is I guess the pleasure of the council. What do you guys do you guys >> recommend because I haven't been updated on this either. What may be beneficial is to contact our attorney that's running with that. Have individual conversations. Okay. >> And then kind of see what what we need
to do. If there's a shade meeting of sorts that maybe needs to happen or can >> if it's pending litigation, you can have a shade meeting. Yes. But it has to be pending. And if that's there, if they if she's already sued, then you have opportunity. So maybe that's the opportunity. Have individual conversations, ask the questions, get a comfort level, and then we can schedule
a shade meeting >> to figure that out from there. I think >> I think that's the most appropriate way to do it without getting us into any trouble either. >> Okay, I like that. Okay, perfect. Thanks for that. All right, so we'll do a shade meeting. Okay, the next thing homeless shelter and then the next thing is the
resolution. I think it was 2025-9 in regards to the public um the public comment. So there's several things in the resolution that I think that one that I do think we need to bring back. Um two things in particular that I would want to make a motion for. Um just one
just one motion or maybe two motions for it is about the 30 minute in that resolution. It talks about 30 minutes uh that is dedicated for public comment. um I want to remove that 30 minute uh because depending on what the topic is or depending on the the um the community
and kind of what's going at the time I don't want to limit that. In addition to that the what we talked about is the the three minute to four minutes change in that. So I want to go ahead and make a motion now to remove the 30 minute uh uh
the 30 minute uh uh public comment cap. Thank you for that. And to no limit and also to change from three minute to four minute um
time for public comment. Uh motion to >> uh >> remove >> well adjust uh policy 225-9 to remove the language about the cap and
to increase public comment from three minutes to four minutes per person. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Moved. Thank you. Yeah, >> three minutes to four minutes. >> And removing the cap. I I get that.
>> But to limit the person who comes up for four minutes that one time because what happens is been at public when I was at planning and zoning they when I thank you. When I was at planning and zoning, they only gave them two minutes and that was
Orange County. But you can't have the same person keep coming. We have someone that he came up the he had his time then he went back to the back of the line to come back up to get two more minutes. >> Oh, that's different. So, this is just my motion, but then you could do your
own motion to limit the But my motion. I just want a motion for that. >> But you can do your motion to add to for that to limit the time that come. >> It's just that you know that adjusting the >> the ordinance that he has. >> Well, I just want to just do you can do
your motion separately if you want to do that. >> So, we do have a motion. I'm absolutely acknowledging the motion. >> Thank you. >> I just need a second for it. >> Technically, that was my first idea, but thank you, Commissioner Anderson. I appreciate it, but I'll second it as well.
>> All right. Second by Commissioner uh Anderson. Excuse me, R. Thank you. [laughter] >> Um is there any final discussion on that? I do want to open it up to public comment too for here uh to give any kind of preliminary feedback for this.
All right. So, uh motion second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All opposed. >> I'm I'm I think we should we've been trying to massage this. So, I don't I don't know if I want to approve that right now. I want it to come back with
everything. >> You can say no. >> That's my goal as well is to bring it back. So, I'm going to be a no vote as well to bring it back to really dissect this. >> Yeah. I don't want to peacemail it >> because this was something I advocated strongly for when I was a commissioner, right? >> Uh I had advocated against the no
limits, advocated against reducing to three minutes. And so, I want to bring this back and do it properly now. Everybody's want to look at it. >> Well, I just want to say this and I know we have a motion on tables, but we're discussing in the middle of a motion, but that's another story. But we already took the vote. >> Commissioner Ruth, where did you stand
on that? I'm gonna stick with you, Diane. I think we need to work on >> All right. So, the motion did not pass. It was three to two with Commissioner uh Ruth, Mayor Neesa, and Vice Mayor in opposition. >> Well, initially, Mayor Y seconded, but >> yeah, it was seconded.
>> You second it initially. You agreed to it. Actually, initially >> I didn't second it. >> Initially, you did, but it's okay. You started the motion, agreed to it, but it's fine. >> We'll bring it back. >> No, it's okay. We'll bring it back. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Mhm. >> Anything else? Uh, Commissioner Barry.
>> Well, um, I was going to make the motion to change the city policy to bringing it back to, uh, the comments from four minutes, uh, from three minutes to four minutes, but, Commissioner Anderson took care of that. Um, and so,
um, I guess really the only thing I have was, um, you know, this past weekend I, uh, vice mayor and I had the opportunity to go to the re-imagine communities back to school event. Um, and so it was great to see all those those, um,
wonderful families and smiling faces. Um, I too send my condolences to the Douglas and Hurst family. Um, I was just sharing with Commissioner Ruth, uh, just before our meeting today, I my last time seeing Miss Miss Douglas was Thursday
during our special, uh, meeting. She came here and, um, and so I extend my sincere my sincere condolences to the family. Um, I didn't get an opportunity to know Miss Sher too much. Um, but I did get to meet her uh during the
election and it was just an honor and a pleasure to know who she is and get to meet her family. Um, and I did uh I knew I do know her son-in-law. Uh, we were both grandparents uh together. So, um, that was uh, fun. Um, but I send my
condolences to the family. And so, um, I don't have anything else. I just look forward to our um opportunity to go to the Florida um League of Cities next week. Um it'll be my first time attending, so I look forward to that. And Commissioner Ruth, I know you're
going to do a phenomenal job representing us. Um you're welcome. >> You're welcome for the nomination. [laughter] Um and with that, um I don't have anything else. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Ruth. Well, I'd like to echo every everybody's condolences to the
Douglases. Um, she's been a sister to me. I'm gonna stop there because >> Yep. You like me? >> Um, I got to get back to business or I won't even be able to finish. Um, I had a Mr. Cruz call me, a resident at 2071
Piedmont Park Boulevard, uh, concerned about his sidewalks and edges. um he's been he you know apparently he's spoken to all the staff members and and several of the people on the dis and he
said that this has been going on well over a year uh in all fairness I don't know the individual uh but being elected to be speak for the public I appreciated his concerns and and bringing it to my
attention I would just like to hear uh a comment in the future if there was any purpose for the phone call that I got, but I'm I'm sure our staff members will I can give you the contact information that that he gave me. Um I hope that we
can find some common ground and and um take notice of his concern. >> If you can coordinate that with Mr. Williams, >> I will. >> We'll make sure that gets taken care of. >> That happened today. So, I'm I'm I'm just bringing everybody staff's attention. >> Outside of that, um
>> I'm I'm looking forward to the future. I'm I'm I I really I I know that 100 day plan of yours is is is getting uh closer to a you know, where you see us going and uh wait anxiously to jump on board
and start driving the city in that direction. So, with that said, >> I appreciate that. All right, we'll move on to the mayor's report then. I do want to uh express obviously condolences to the Douglas family that um was over at their house u Monday and super impactful
to the city and and it's just um loss is tough. So, thank you to that family for their impact on this community and uh and uh the funeral or the celebration of life >> 3 to 5 on Friday at the >> Okay, thank you for that. Um,
I do want to uh go through a couple things here. I want to welcome Mr. Montiero. He starts on the 10th of next week. Uh, he already has so many plans that he is going to be initiating day one between meeting with department heads and getting what they need um
meeting with you guys as well and then um just getting information out there. I mean, that's it's truly about communicating effectively and he's going to start um obviously meeting with uh who will be underneath him now. So, super excited about that. It's going to be a true change for our city and I know I'm taking a lot of heat for that and
and I'm okay with that because we need to head in a certain direction and uh and just like anybody in this city and I've had this discussion a few times regardless of our salaries any staff member from uh making a dollar to a million dollars as long as they're
producing more value for the residents than they're costing it is a win for us and I will never stop advocating for that. It's ran like a business. you need to run this like a business. If you want to, if you want less, you pay less. If you want more, you pay more. So, uh, I'm going to continue to advocate for that. I'm going to continue to advocate for
staffing. We absolutely need that as we navigate into these kind of changing times. Our city is changing. Our economic climate is changing. Our political climate is changing. And I'm going to continue to advocate that we have staffing there. We do have a transportation engineer that we're trying to hire as well and going through
some things that um, pay bands may not be where they need to be right now. So, we really need to update that to be able to provide and get in the quality talent that we truly need. Um, and and part of a communications director and full department, not only to the city, but to the residents. He's going to be his
department's going to be advocating and showcasing schools and churches and nonprofits and all of our parks and all of our research in our businesses. So, there's so much that comes into that and that's what leads me to my next topic of I hear everyone obviously I see social media and how kind everybody is uh with
the water letter that went out the utility rate letter and I wanted to address it very directly um just because it I want to just correct some some narrative on it and um just show that there is a need for a communications director in this city. We
are growing massively. Many people are wearing many hats right now and this letter doesn't truly tell the whole story and that's my issue with it. The dates incorrect on it and things of that nature. So I want to make sure moving forward that all of our communications out to the residents can be trusted, can
be verified and that it has one cohesive message. One thing that I want to acknowledge in here too moving forward with any of our rate increases or proposed rate increases is when was it voted on, how was it voted on? because I have two commissioners here that didn't have any part of that vote in any capacity or even a say in it. So, I want to make sure that that's told to the
public that that was a previous uh commission that I myself was on as well that uh >> it was in 2025. >> Correct. So, I just want to make sure that as we start to send out letters that the narrative is fixed properly and it just shows and I hear the res and their frustration, but I want to make
sure it's it it's out there that the vote was done last year, number one, and number two that the current commissioners that the newest ones were not part of that vote either. And that this just shows and it really points to uh needing more team members to make sure that as we wear our multiple hats, we're not letting anything fall through
the cracks. So, uh I do hear the residents, we see it, and um we are making adjustments. uh as we navigate. And one final thing I just want to make sure it's seen on the agenda itself, theformational items, the budget actual uh nine months. Um those are information items. They that used to be approved,
but it doesn't it's not required to be approved and it's confirming historical stuff that we didn't have any say in at that time. So I I just want to make sure it's it's pointed out. It's there. And if there's any questions on it, feel free to reach out to uh finance, Mr. Williams and uh we will keep some
momentum moving forward and keep representing the residents. With that, we're journed. >> Thank you.