--------- I'd like to call to order the July 27th, 2026 special city commission meeting setting the tentative milit rate. Uh Mrs. Bones, we will open up to public comment. Rod Olsson, 3156 Rolling Hills Lane. Want to thank all of you for what you do. We really appreciate the time and
effort you take for not only this, but all the other responsibilities. Um, I've been the most critical person before this dies the last six years. Um 12 years ago we were 39,000 people. Today we're 69,000 people. We have not
put the infrastructure in place to support that growth. Uh July 15th meeting I watched via via YouTube. Uh I was a little disappointed because the first I heard and since this new people s the new group of you in the das talked over each other interrupted each other I
was glad that was a one time and done and and I'm hoping that's the case. Um you all raised important points and legitimate questions. Commissioner, we want you to deliberate underscore the importance of what the careful budget oversight is. It's far easier to reduce
the proposed millage rate than it is to increase. Yes, it can be done. People say no, you can't. It can, but it requires a lot of time and effort. The city has deferred too many critical matters over the years, and it goes back
at least the 12 years I've been here, and some of it goes back further than that. Our community continues to face significant infrastructure challenges, including flooding, roads, excuse me, flooding roads, sidewalks. We have children walking to school in the
ditches because the sidewalks aren't there. We have reclaimed water pressure issues. We have water and sewer capacity issues. Our parks aren't supporting the number of people we have right now. Water meters haven't been taken care of. We're all in danger with backflow preventers. No one can tell me every
backflow preventers in place. That means bad water can come into my water, drinking water. That's unforgivable. Water meters we talked about for 5 years. Oh yeah, we're making progress. Well, hell, it should have been done five years ago. The loss, we've lost CRA funds because we had three or four one
person handling three or four things and didn't spend the money, so we lost the money. Uh, we are maybe returning $5 million to a developer because we didn't do our part. This has got to stop. Cost increases over time. If if the Golden
Gem pump would have been taken care of five years ago like it should have been, it probably been five or six million. Now it's 12. We have got to wake. We've hit the wall. You can't keep kicking the can down the road. I don't want to see a millage increase, but the fact of the matter is we've kicked the can down the
road for the last at least 12 years. And it's hit the wall. We have got to put the infrastructure in place. We have to put the systems in place. We have to put the sidewalks in place to make it happen. And we're looking for you to do it. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Olsson.
>> Thank you, sir. [applause] Leroy Bell 2308 Blue Medal Court. And I I echo what Rod said. Uh I was disappointed last council meeting with councilman uh council lady talking over
council ladies uh especially what you don't like about what's in this report. And I can remember back last year when it was when we was supposed to have this forensic audio and everybody was for it uh [snorts]
people had the same sentiment uh when they were saying why don't we do this because we' already voted for it. You didn't have that energy on this millage raise. I understand that we have to raise the millage because a lot of things have to be paid for,
but also we don't need to put another burden on the community with all these new positions. And I commend uh Commissioner Anderson. I I I a lot of
stuff I disagree with her on, but I disagree with on her just 100%. you know, we can find somewhere else to do this. And especially I was called a liar when it said it was a $300,000
salary. $300,000 salary for a chief of staff. Let that sink in. That's more money than everybody up there on the dasis make. So just like I said,
we need to if the if the citizens have to tighten their belts up, you guys sitting up on that dasis need to do something and not put a burden on the citizen. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Bill.
>> Thank you, sir. Sylvester Hall, Rock Springs Ridge. Um, just one thing I want to clear up for the record. Uh, uh, for the mayor during your campaign, I was one of your biggest supporters and still one of your biggest supporters. And I want to state for the
record, you can correct me if I'm wrong, for my support, I I only told you I require one thing. That's get in, run the city the way it's supposed to be run and do the right thing for all the citizen in the city of
Paka. That's all I wanted because if we doing that, that makes my life easier where I don't have to sit and worry about things. And so you have my support. One of the things I want to remind you that you ran on was transparency.
Well, the position with with Tup Steve, you brought him to us on as the Cosby show. You brought a steak, but you brought it on a garbage can lid because there was no transparency in the way that was done. You also say you want to
have the public involved with decision making. I thank you for having public comments. But what we do now, we put public comments before we had a a chance to have dialogue. And when information is
fed in, things are changed. So when the public may have feedback on that, we can't do that now because we already don't got up and we we already don't set our peace and so we can't come back up. So, you're really not you're saying you're giving me a voice, but you're really not giving me a voice because in
order for me to make an educated decision and to advise you on anything, I need to know all the facts. And I can't do that without any facts. And I'm coming up here and speaking on it. The other thing I I pointed out before is doing the right thing. Not what
Sylvester Hall wants you to do. It's doing the right thing. and you reminded me say, "Yeah, because I may not want to do what Sylvester Hall wanted me to do." So, I'm just speaking this for the record to let people know that I'm here as a voice for the people and there's no
strings attached with me and I can't be bogged period. God has blessed me so I can't be bought. But I want to say you are doing everyone up here if you don't do a forensic audit, you you're not looking out for the well-being of this
of the city of Apaka. You're not. It's your own personal interest because if everybody rolled back the clock and we see what has transpired in the past, there's no way we shouldn't be saying, "Let's not do a full forensic audit." Period.
And that way you'll know what's going on and you can move forward. We're getting ready to raise the mill and just throw money on top and we don't even know where we at. So, how do we know where we going when we don't know where we at? And so, I would I would advise y'all to do what's right for the people. I only
have three minutes up here, but that's gonna change. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Hall. >> Thank you, sir. >> Uh, those are the only cards that were submitted. Anybody else would like to speak, please? >> Good evening, every everyone. Council
council members. I have to admit that I am kind of new at this process, but I got out of my sick bed today because I want wanted my voice to be heard. I am the average homeowner. I'm a single parent who go to work every day. I don't
have discretionary income. So I work hard to put put food on the table, gas in my car just to meet the basic needs and for you to tell me that this is what's best and
necessary for me. I I'm not buying that. Usually when you look at a situation, you cut from the top. Look at ways that I know with my household budget, I look at what I can cut out to be able to meet
what needs to be the necess necessities now for you to have make to make up what it doesn't matter what I say today you're going to make your make up your mind you've already made seems like you've made up your ma minds already but I'm just telling you the average person
there's single parent households there your elderly and we don't have discretionary income to just have this type of increase it could mean the difference in us keeping our homes. So that's why I'm here today. That's why I
got out of my sick bed because I [clears throat] wanted my voice to be heard cuz you can go home. But the choice that you make today might mean me keeping my house or not. So, I want you to think about that when you lay down to sleep tonight.
That this single mother, she gets up every day sick, go out to a job that sometimes you feel like you're not appreciated to put food on her children's table and to keep her bills paid up. And I try to pay my bills
on time. But this will definitely make an impact not only to me, but to the average homeowner. I want you to hear that and think about that. >> Thank you, ma'am. And what was your name for the record? >> My name is Sabita Lewis. >> Thank you, ma'am. >> Thank you.
>> Anybody else wish to speak? >> Good evening. My name is Jim Brumberg. I live at 434 China Hill Court. The question becomes, what do we want to be when we grow up? We're not in little sleepy town anymore.
We want to become sophisticated. The majority of us want to become sophisticated. I am on a fixed income. I am retired. My wife is retired. I don't want to see a tax increase. But you know what? I hate the word tax. I don't look at it as a
tax. I see it as paying for services. Because I look at it as how quick do I want that fire department to be at my house if I have a fire. I look at it as how quick do I want my police there when I get a breakin. I look at it as,
and I've had many an EMT come to my house, and I want to know how fast they're going to be there the next time I call them. Do you want cleaner water? Do you want better roads?
Do you want better places to eat? There's no such thing as a free lunch. If you love a Papka, you can't be against this. We are not a sleepy town anymore. You can argue that many of us will not
see the benefits of a tax increase in the future. But you can also say that the people that came before us didn't see those increases either or the benefits of those taxes either. It's not going to be easy on everyone.
It's not going to be easy on me, but dog gone it, I'm for this tax increase. And like I said, I hate the word tax. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, sir.
>> Excuse me. >> Oh, >> that's okay. You're next. >> Matthew Hutchinson. Uh 1262 Lake Francis Drive and then 72 East Main Street. So, bought the property four years ago. The taxes were $10,500
on that property. They went up to $11,800. Then they went up to 14,000 and now they're 156 on the commercial property. The taxes just keep going up and up and up and up. I'm not saying you shouldn't go up on the millillage, but I think I'm
really happy that you're having this dialogue here because the community kind of pushed back on it. Now you guys are listening. And so I think you got to dive a little bit deeper into it because all that's happening and even at my home the insurance has gone through the roof and then the taxes have gone up there
too. So although it might not be it's $200 to $500 per household is significant. And then I can only imagine what's going to happen at the commercial property because most commercial leases require like a or they'll build in a 2%
increase per year. you get it's passing that. So you get like we and we can't forecast that. We just can't forecast how much. So you say 2%. Okay, it's going to go up 2%. When in real terms it's going up 8%. And so who eats that? We do. And we're just not making that
much money. We're okay. But when the taxes keep going up, insurance keep going up and things like that. Now with that said, I love troops, Steve, but $180,000. I've read the studies of who's making what and I should have applied for that
job because I can talk to anybody and I like him but $180,000 but yet you're asking for the millillage to go up to cover all the infrastructure stuff. I'm just not sure the timing of it. I like him but he's going to be the highest paid uh um public relations person more
than anybody in Orlando, more than anybody that I know of. So that's a dream job is what that is. So I'm not saying you shouldn't do that either, but I think you got to figure out how not to go up on the millillage, you know, cut back some other places. So appreciate
you listening. The other fell left his phone. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. How's everybody doing today? Good evening. >> Very good. >> My name is Alio Parales, but everybody calls me Ralph. a long story we won't get into because I only have three
minutes, but I'll make it short and sweet. Okay, Mayor Nea, you were elected by a landslide and the people of Apakka deserve everything that you have planned for it. We would love if you stuck by
your word and you said the things that you campaigned for. Okay, I have heard rumors. I never talk about anything unless I'm sure of. I do my research. Okay, this town is a great town. Okay, I've only been here for 11 years. I
retired from Miami and Miami is a big city. I retired because I wanted a slower life where I could afford to live with my retirement and my pension, okay, and my social security. But now I find myself having to maybe go back to work,
okay, because we can't survive and we can't feed our families. the poor people. Okay, I'm very fortunate because I have means. Some people they spend beyond their means. That's their
problem. Okay. What we need to do is the government, our city elected officials need to get together, be on the same page, and give the citizens of Apopka what we need and what we want and what
you promised us. Okay. you have a a great cabinet and you know I think we should all work together to do that. Um like I said, I've heard rumors and I'm not going to sit here and talk about
what I've heard or who I heard them from because I don't play that. Okay? I am here as a citizen and you guys need to help your constituents move forward like the previous administrations have. Mayor Land,
great man from what I heard. I grew up in a city haliyah, okay, where Mayor Myander was the man. Then we had Mayor Martinez who was indicted, but they never proved anything because you know what? Politicians have a way of wiggling
out. Okay. So, but we're not going to we're not going to talk about what we're doing and how we're doing. We're going to do we're going to talk about what we're going to do to help the city of Apakka. And we trust that you as a cabinet has people work together and get
it done. Like the cable guy said, get her done. By the way, pray for him, okay? Because he's not doing too well. Thank you. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, sir. >> Any other public comments? All right, we'll close the public
comment period and I will uh move on to Mrs. Sherman's presentation. Okay. Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, commissioners. Back again to give a brief overview of where we stand in regards to the millillage rate.
Don't move. Okay. Again, this is um a slide that I presented to you at least two or three times basically showing where we stand per fund in regards to our fund balances.
And you can see for general fund based on the 75 with the use of that 16.7 million is at 11 um four and that's the unassigned amount which takes us below
the target of 25%. So this chart here provides you with um the various millage rate proposal. Of course what we have in the staff report as a recommendation is the 75 that's provides an additional 6.6
million highlighted there in um in yellow to the 4.4 that we're receiving based on the growth in tax value. And then the other options at 0.5.25 and 2385
either going at the rollback rate or maintaining the current rate as well. The percentage of additional revenue in total is with the rollback rate 8.1 maintain the current rate 12.8
the 2385 which is the 4.6761 is 18.9%. The 0.25 is 19.2%.5 25.5% and the additional 75 31.9%.
In your staff report I did detail the amount of the expenditure budget and the revenue above um budget for each of the millage rates and the projected increase in property tax revenue. So at this time this what we're
proposing is the 75 with a roll back rate of 4.2510 and the proposed millage rate of 5.1876. >> Thank you M Sherman. Uh I do want to preface this and and go into it is that this is and and the residents I do appreciate you all being here to speak
about this. Your feedback is key to how we navigate forward with this. So what's key about tonight is we're discussing specifically the military. It is proposed tentative. It is not final. The goal for this is to then bring it back to our staff members and really start to drill down and remove what we can
remove. As everybody said, cost has gone up not only for residents but also for the city as well. We have to stay in line with uh certain pay to make sure that we have employees here that do stay from every level of our city that need uh to have competitive pay. Um there's a
lot of moving parts in here and there's a lot of savings that we can bring on. I know a big one right now is um overtime is a big one that that has been discussed and brought up and one that is um deep that we're taking a deep dive in
to see I want to say it was about $3.4 million just in overtime alone. So there's a tipping point >> to where you can hire more people and actually save money versus having overtime. and we're working to find that that tipping point to make sure that we're getting things correct. Again,
tonight is about the specific mill rate that we can start to base this off of and really start to find savings. The budget itself, we can have as many budget workshops as preferred by this commission and by the residents to deep dive uh as far as we'd like to to see what makes sense and what doesn't make
sense to keep in the budget. Uh and we'll be able to navigate from there. There are going to have to be cuts, right, >> at the end of the day. that that's not an it's a non-negotiable. There will be cuts and hefty cuts. It's just where and where do the residents want to see that at and where do the commission want to see that at? So, with that, I would open
it up to uh the commissioners for for feedback from there. >> Anybody would like to Commissioner Ruth? >> Well, the the one thing that I wanted to bring up and I wanted to thank uh the city administrator for taking the time.
Um we spent quite some time on on the book that we've got. we found some areas that we can really um hone in on. Um I really appreciate your time and making sure staff was available to to answer the questions. Flanch has been you know
world a lot of lot of information was achieved from her. Um the records requests that that that are coming through are are Johnny on the spot. So, I I will say that that makes the job a whole lot
easier when you when you can take a deeper dive and you can you can better understand u where we're actually heading. >> The the overtime issue is systemic. It's it's not one or two years. We're talking
>> uh I I did a records request for five and it even goes deeper. And the one thing that is uh consistent with it is it's in in the million plus or 3 million plus. >> Yeah. >> So um this year is is not going to be as
bad as last year. I think last year was 3.7 million. >> This year is going to be about 3.6. Uh although we got three more months to go. >> Exactly. >> Um the these numbers are are daunting. and the the the hit we took took out at
Golden Gym repairing that that that pond that $10 million hurts. Um our biggest problem being traffic. Um you know, everybody complains about the traffic. You know, rightfully so. Uh I'm I'm comfortable where we are. Um the answers
that I've got, I I don't see us going backwards. Um, I see us, you know, even at where we're at at the 0.75, we've got to do a lot I want a lot of those dollars to to to pull back from I see
frivolous spending that we can actually hone into and and we can and push these numbers back towards, you know, the traffic, the infrastructure to support these. Uh because you know, let's face it, our biggest our biggest problem in the city of Abaka is um is our traffic
and our infrastructure. Um we found cost savings with all the enclaves that we have. I think that that that that's going to require some really good studying. I I I see some potential there. Um you know, I couldn't have got to this level of security without uh
Bradley's support and u and and backing on. So, uh, you know, I' I'd like to hear everybody else's thoughts. Um, I I hope, uh, the information that that I've been requesting for the last five weeks. The one of the true u tricks of being on
the DAS is we don't have the opportunity to talk to one another. Um, you know, I'm specific on on my request and I'm going down one rabbit hole, but I don't know if uh if the other commissioners are getting that. I would like to to you
know especially from the dis if if I'm making a request and and and I'm trying to go through you know the the the channels that we have you know I don't know how we can do this efficiently but but if I'm asking for
material I I'm hoping that the other commissioners are getting that because it can actually I think it could bring balance and it could be more beneficial if the other members were allowed to, you know, at least see where um what
area of the budget you're working in. And, you know, I don't need to be steered. I I'm I'm pretty set my ways. I'll go I'll go in a direction that that I know that'll better the city. Um, but
there's there's stuff that's that's coming every day that is very important and and and I'm hoping the other the other commissioners are getting it and yourself too. I mean, I don't know how to, you know, say, "Hey, this is important. I think you need to see this
because I uncovered that." But, uh, I just appreciate staff. You know, I was pretty brutal the last time because I've I've I've run into some walls and nobody knew what I was talking about. And you know, you take a deeper dive and and and I I've got the material and I know it
exists and nobody else does, but um I appreciate everybody now collectively working in the in in the right direction. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Ruth. Um, so
and I appreciate the requests that we were able to get. I mean, I calculated the last three years, I mean, just over overtime was over $12 million. >> 12 million.7.
Now, that tells me that our city has been doing more with less. We are and and I know that our employees live here as well. Not all of them, some of them, but they're they're working hard [clears throat] trying just to sustain
what we have. Now, I've heard in talking with other departments that we've been putting band-aids on things. >> It's a matter of when things are going to happen, not if they're going to happen.
um and our reserves are meant to support any catastrophic situation that we have here in the city. Now, with that being said, I think we do need to look at the um budget there in terms of once we
start working and d deep diving and really start trimming off those things that are not necessary. Um, I think we should start considering filling in our interim positions that we have. Um, in
terms along with perhaps maybe getting our own in-house legal counsel when Mr. Shepard, thank you so much for your service, but when he decides that he retires, you know, um, we have our own legal counsel here as well. Uh and I think
it's important that we um listen to our residents but also at the same time we are facing the challenges that we have been experiencing the last
decade if not more. It's coming to it's landing on our laps now. Unfortunately, the timing is not great for us in terms of trying to make things happen collectively. We're feeling it as a commission because we're residents here.
Our residents are feeling it as well. Um just trying to put food on the table. Uh just trying to make make ends meet. Uh and I and respectfully, my mom was a single mom. I'm I'm youngest of four, so I know what
that's like. Um so it's a challenge but at the same time we we have to function as a city to be able to sustain ourselves long term. >> Um our reserves should not be dependent upon on our general funds. A reserve for
me is an emergency fund in the event that our city is placed in a catastrophic situation. another pandemic or a hurricane that just so happens it's strong enough to come barreling through our city,
do we have that enough reserves to sustain ourselves >> um and manpower as well? So I I I'm saying all this to say is I really think that we should
decide in terms of the millillage where we want it to be at um for the 75 because we have Golden Gem Pond that is a catastrophic event that our city has experienced. That's over 30 maybe 50,000
gallons of water if not more. It could be It could be more than that, but we're experiencing a very hard situation on the north side of our city. It's important. It's needed. We have to start making sure that our city's
infrastructure is sustainable. We cannot continue doing the same exact thing that we've been doing and expecting a change. It's not going to happen. We have to make that
change now. Um, and so I'm for the 75 because we have to repair Golden Gem Pond. We have to make sure that our downtown becomes what we want it to be, a walkable place, a safe place where our
residents can come to and enjoy. I want to make sure that we are not creating new positions. We do not need that right now. We need to be able to take care of what we have. make sure that we are going through line by line items items
and making sure that we are removing that the fat if you will um on what we have in our budget. So with that I I I approved the 75 only because we have major infrastructure issues that we have
to take care of. We cannot look turn our heads to it any longer. It has to be taken care of. >> Thank you commissioner. Any other comments? >> Well, um, you know, I actually did go line by line in this, uh, with this
budget. Uh, spent the whole weekend going through every line and I did touch and I want to thank our in CEO for taking the time today. I kind of bombarded him today with just different line items that I was saying.
What are we doing with this? What are we doing with that? One thing that concerned me besides the overtime. I think we all realize the overtime is >> substantial >> substantial but two things. It's either
we're not operating with efficiency or we're we're operating with an underst staff and that seems to be the common thing for the last few years. Um, but there were there were things in this budget that I felt like we were allocating
hundreds of thousands of dollars and and again I did express this with um Ravi was we allocated, are we going to actually work on it? Because allocating the money for it and it not having the staff or
the contract or the time frame to work to actually get it done, then it shouldn't be It shouldn't be on this budget, >> vice mayor. >> It should be on the next budget. >> You should Oh, thank you. Somebody's shouting. I'm sorry. [laughter]
>> Um, usually there's a flash. You know, turn the mic on. Um, but there there's so much more that I think we can cut. Not because we don't need it, but because I feel that at this time we don't have the staff >> to do the work. if we decide we're going
to do it inhouse and we have in and then we have a process if we contract it out. So, it may not need to be done right away. >> Um I will support whatever the millage rate that um we feel
that would allow the departments to continue to cut. And I appreciate that with this agenda you actually for each millage rate you actually detailed what needed to be cut.
>> So that is and some of these numbers are >> substantial >> substantial um >> to maintain the 25% reserves. Now as the city is growing what does the what is that GS what the county prefers all the
cities to have as a minimum >> the uh general practice is I want to say it's 16.67% six 7% is general fund reserves. >> Our target for our policy >> our policy but outside our policy what
you what the >> can't think of the >> you saying the common maybe two or three months >> correct it's about 16%. Yeah, if you go with two months average for municipalities. Correct. >> Our policy is 25.
>> Yes. Our target is 25 >> in our policy. >> Understand? >> I know. Yeah. Well, you know, I I looked at all the different millage uh rates that were uh recommended and how much we have to cut
and um we literally have to go back to each of the departments to say what do you really whatever you allocate is it going to be done within this budget year? If it isn't then that's something that they can kind of and it's not kicking the can down the road. being
realistic staff. >> Um, besides Golden Gem, I'd like to get to the point where we have no more estimated water reads. We have everyone with the watery. We have everyone with the backflows. >> Uh, we also have uh Waka Glenn with the
septic tanks and onsite. We have that brand to kind of deal with. I mean, we we have a lot of lot of projects out there that are kind of halfway done, not halfway done. And it's because when something happens, we take our staff
away from whatever they were doing, we put them on the next on the next project, and then this project never gets done. And then there's money there sitting there and we're not doing anything. So, >> um maybe what we as a collective need to
do is to have a project, have a time frame, and get it done and then move on to the next. >> Yes, ma'am. >> But allocating money for projects that we know we're not going to get to um is hurting this budget. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. Any other comments?
>> So, [clears throat] sorry, got kind of cold. So I just want to say the first thing is is that I 100% still do not support and will not support a 75% milit rate increase. Um I think I was very clear on on that my stand on that last
time and this is the thing the state law requires us to have a humanity vote for a reason. when there's such a massive tax increase. This is why it takes the major all of us to vote on it. And right
now, just going back and I'm going to kind of break it down. So, the the first thing is um I did meet with all the department heads and I really appreciate the department heads for meeting with me. Um, one of the things that I can appreciate um, the mayor for is getting with the department heads and asking
them to present a budget with a 10 10% tax um, a 10% reduction of of of that proposed um, budget. Um, at this time I have not received it. >> Um, in addition to that, I cannot essentially we're asking the the the
residents to accept us writing a blank check. Um, I cannot vote no not knowing what that looks like. We're saying that it's going to be point we're going to reduce it but to 0.75 but once again it's been over a week and we still not how how we can't we haven't been able to demonstrate how we're going to do that.
So in good conscious I still cannot vote for a 75% increase and I made it very clear last meeting that I could not support that. I mean I'm getting the calls. Maybe no one's getting the calls. Maybe everybody's in support. But the people that I represent, the people that voted me in office has responded. They
saying they can't afford the increase. They said they can't afford to flush their toilet. They're saying they can't afford food on their table. So, I cannot ignore all the calls that I'm getting. So, with that being said, if we're able to go back and make cuts later, why can't we make the cuts now? That's what
I don't understand. And how are we able to obtain the trust of the residents if we campaign on low taxes and the first thing we do when we get in office, we agree to raise all these taxes. And let's be clear, most of us has been here on the council outside of two people.
Somebody's, you know, is doing a second turn. We've been here for over a lot of us been here two, five, seven, 14 years. So if we're keep kicking the can down the road, it's because a lot of us has contributed to Ariana diets, but it's not fair to the residents and say because we failed them as government
that now we're going to tax the hell out you because we made a mistake to kind of catch up and we don't care if we, you know, if you can't afford it, now you can't pay your taxes on your home and now your property is taken in foreclos because we failed them as government. We made the mistake as government for not
increasing the taxes slowly. And this is why the state law says, guess what? You mess up, you fix it. In order for us to propose this massive tax increase, we need all of our vote. And I'm not willing to vote on it. So that means that we have to decide what that looks
like because I'm 100% against it. And I made it very clear before that I was against it. And think about this. If property tax values has increased 12% already, that mean that the resident has already been taxed 12%. Already, so if they've already, and I'm thinking about
the people that owns commercial buildings, they're telling me, listen, even with the tax reform, if it's passed, guess who still's responsible for higher taxes, the commercial buildings, people that have commercial buildings. And guess who they pass it down to?
To the tenants. Then the tenants have to do it. They have to in increase their their um increase their either their the food that they're serving, they have to increase the rent that they're paying, they have to increase their service costs. There has to be a better way for government to stop all this wasteful spending. They can't afford it. And when
I hear people say it's only $100, God bless you to someone else. It's only a piece of chicken. So, I'm saying no. I'm saying that we have to 100%. And what's very interesting is we had two to three residents that is against these new
positions. And it's just alarming to me that we are saying that we don't have money for all these essential services, but we have money for almost a million dollars in new um senior executive positions. I mean, that has absolutely nothing to do with infrastructure. And
I've asked, how can these positions relate to essential services? And no one could actually answer that question for me. So, at this time, I'm 100% not voting for it. I made it very very clear on that and I just think we're counted at an impass until we decide what that looks like.
[applause] >> All right. Thank you, Commissioner, for those comments. Uh I think a a couple narrative corrections there is that at the end of the day, uh we're setting the military. We're not going through the budget right now. And that's why the state has set it this way is you're not
supposed to finish your budget yet. It's set the military first, then deep dive into the budget to really cut what we can. Uh and as you see on on what's been provided on the staff report, even at 75, we still need to cut approximately $17 million to stay to our
goal uh reserve balance. Uh $17 million is a tangible amount and that comes down to parks and wreck. It comes down to police. It comes down to our uh grant funding. It comes down to our discretionary funds. All of those things will be cut. Parades and events. All of
those things will go away and still won't get us to where we need to. And why a lot of the infrastructure projects are not getting done is because we don't have the staff in place to manage them properly. Uh we have too many people wearing too many hats that cannot get ahead. They're always working behind. And having met with department heads and
one-on- ones with employees, they're saying, "Hey, we want to be a team player. We we've been here for years. promised that we're going to have help and the help has never come and we are burnt out and we're about to go somewhere else. So, as much as this
looks like a big increase on the uh employee side, it really is finally catching up similar to what water rates were done a few years ago, it's finally catching up to what we need and everything we push down the road is only going to be more expensive. So, uh, at
even at a 0.5 mil increase, it's a $19 million cut we need to find. And that and at that rate, we're going to go to um having to sell assets at that point. It's going to be uh look at Camp Weiwa. It cost us a million dollars a year to run that. Uh,
>> that's that's something that would have to be cut. Um, while we're still trying to add parks and uh I need to add more staff for these new soccer fields that we have. We have new softball fields coming in. Infrastructure takes management over years and I need to have employees to do that. So, skilled
employees to do that. So, there's there's a lot to this of of why uh why projects are not getting done and things of that nature. So, with where we're at, uh I'll look for a motion at this point. >> So, just another thing. So in regards to
infrastructure and this is for the board to think about it. We just reclassified a infrastructure position a traffic coordinator. One of the things that we receive so many calls on to hire a media specialist. So are we really prioritizing infrastructure if we hire
deaths to hire things an amazing hire. Wrong time amazing hire. But if infrastructure is truly what we're advocating for we just reclassified one of is something that's essent that's very essential. Orange County is saying that, hey, we're not able to reach
anyone with the city of Apaka in regards to coordination with traffic, but we just reclassified a position to get out to make Apaka look pretty. I don't want a papa to look pretty. I want a papa to be pretty. And the thing about it is we put that first. And I just don't
understand how we think that's essential. And to say that we didn't need a traffic coordinator position, but we're saying that we need the positions for infrastructure, but we reclassifying stuff. And then the new position that we pose in the mayor's budget, no disrespect to the mayor, I still don't understand how those positions is going
to help us with infrastructure. If you look at the overtime budget, we talk about that overtime budget, the admin only was 7% of the budget of overtime. Water plant was another 20 23%. So it really was the the waste management
plant, the water maintenance, sewer, storm water design engineer, sanitation. Well, that's was not any of the positions. Only like a few positions went to those if it's infrastructure was actual the issue. It wasn't. But we well, we could have hired five or six
positions, but we decided to put in the budget for more administrative staff when according to this overtime, we only are 7% needed for overtime staff. But I still don't understand why this big elf in the room, why council is not addressing these obsessive positions in
the budget. And I'm just trying to understand why no one I mean is there I mean does everyone agrees with these obsessive actually I take that back commissioner you see it she did say she does not agree with those positions as well but the thing about it is is that we need to have real conversation and the issue is I know everyone is saying
we can just set it at 75 after we set it at 75 guess what we don't need everyone vote that mean it can stay at 75 we only need three votes at that time once you set it at 0 75 so with that being said I >> Miss Sherman, is that correct? Not to my
knowledge. >> Okay. So, what So, how many votes if we set it at 0 75, which I'm 100% not agreeing to, but if we do, how many votes do we need in order for What does that look like? >> Okay. >> To set a permanent >> The voting is is listed here. You can go at 75.
>> You can come down. Okay. And you can come down. It'll take four votes. >> Commission ask specifically at 75 when we actually set the millage rate, how many votes are required to set five. >> Correct. This is not the final time. Okay. >> And look, at the end of the day, I appreciate the comments. Um, we do need
to get to the next meeting. So, I will look to uh either a motion or we will move on and uh table this until uh the meeting on Thursday. >> I motion to deny the proposed milit rate um increase. >> There's no >> Well, you as you asked for. Well, it's a
proposed milit rate increase. That's what she just asking for. Proposed mil rate increase. >> It's You're denying all millage rates. No, that that's not why you actually interrupted me in the middle of me actually making my actual motion. I didn't finish my motion. Is it okay,
Matt? Mirror, if I finish my motion. >> No, because I actually got to read a truth and millage compliance statement before any motions are made. >> Okay, let's respect everybody, but okay. >> Because we're not going to get to a It doesn't seem like we're going to get to the 50. If there's anybody that wants to
make a motion for the uh what is it even? >> 4.6761. >> Correct. a 2385 mil increase. We can um do that today. But otherwise, we will just move this meeting until Thursday to finalize the proposed mill rate.
>> Mayor, can we make a motion to at least bring it down to the point the 0.5 the 4.9 376? >> We can make a motion. Yes, >> you can make a motion for actually anything. >> I just need to read this before a motion's made.
>> Okay. Will you be making it for the 0.5? Because I just need to change how this statement. >> Yes, I will be making it for the 0.5. >> Okay. In accordance with truth and millillage trim compliance requirements set forth in chapter 200 of Florida statutes, the city must set a proposed millage rate and advise the property
appraiser of the proposed millage rate, rolled back rate, date, time, and place of a tentative budget hearing. The statutes require separate motions. The operating millage rate used in preparation of the preliminary budget of 4.9376
is 16.15% higher than the rolled back rate of 4.2510. A mill is the tax rate for each $1,000 of taxable property value. The tentative budget hearing is scheduled for Thursday, September 3rd, 2026 at 5:15 in the city commission chambers. So I'll
ask for a motion to set the first we want to set the roll back rate. Correct. So it's ask for a motion to set the >> roll back Miller's rate for 2026 tax year of 4.210. So we need to set the roll back rate >> 2525
>> 4.25. >> Thank you. >> So I'll ask for a motion for the roll back rate setting which doesn't change any of what we rate we have moving forward. >> Correct. So, I need a motion for that.
And if we're not going to set any military, then we will just postpone this until the Thursday military meeting. Uh, and that is at 5:15 here back at the chamber. And I will close this meeting. Thank you. >> Thank you. Part: 2
Sorry, a little aggressive. Didn't mean to do that so hard. Uh, I want to welcome everybody to the July 27th, 2026, 6 PM, uh, special aka City Commission meeting. Um, if we can, we will go straight to public comment. Do we have any public comment? Uh, Mrs.
Bone, >> I do not. >> Anybody from the public wish to speak? I'll close public comment. We will open up to discussion. something we wanted to discuss um for a while. Just want to get out there because we need to uh the whole point of this meeting was to be able to execute an agreement that was uh
deadline of the end of this month. So, we need to add some couple things in there as well. So, this one specifically, I know came up uh about uh not yet. We're going to discussion item of the uh additional boards is what we're discussing first, Miss Sherman. um of the Lake Aaka Natural Gas District
and something we discussed in that I just want to see do we want um similar to what we're going to be doing uh on the CRA board, the planning commission board, do we want some type of uh uh policy on how we uh serve on that
board, specifically like Papa Natural Gas District Board, and how often and how it's rotated out, or do we not want to do that at all and not touch it the way that it is? So, I just need to know one way or the other of do we want to move forward with some type of policy or and I can get that onto uh next month's agenda and if not then I don't want to
waste time doing that. We'll just keep it the way that it is. So, just any kind of sentiment over there. I would kind of hope that we kind of you know that's a very profitable um you know we're trying to backfill some of the the deficiencies we have and there's revenue sources
there and I think we need to maximize the returns that we can get from that that area but it's got to be done in conjunction with the community development director because we got to make sure that we start writing these policies and start directing uh some of
the future development to where we can utilize some of these resources that are there to where we can re we can get the services rendered from them. >> Okay. So, well, I know um on the next agenda on August 5th, we should be having a uh policy for planning
commission and how those members are appointed, things of that nature, just to make sure it's refreshed and and it's going to be similar to what we did on the CRA board. Same concept. So, we can do one that's similar to that as well for Lake of Paka Natural Gas just to make sure that there's they they match. We need to make sure that the community
development directors actually got an interest in making sure that we can fit that into our our profile. >> Okay. >> Any additional comments on that? >> I I know that um Commissioner um Min asked about the list of the available boards. were we able to receive that
list of available boards so we can know because I don't think it should just be because I see on the agenda that um surprisingly that they have Metro Plan Orlando and I know that it was um one commissioner in particular was very a you know adamant about me not being on that board. Um I see that as a line item
on the agenda. So, it's just concerning to me that we're talking about all boards, but that particular board is the only board that's a line item on the agenda to discuss to take action on. >> So, I think the only other that Lake Poppy Natural Guest was the only other
>> Yeah, [clears throat] the city does participate in the tri uh tri county league of cities as well. Um that often sometimes they'll have opportunities for individual cities to have representation on their board. Um, we don't have any in that level right now, but the only one other than the metrop plan Orlando is
the uh like prop natural gas. >> Did we just appoint someone to a board? Was it TD? Hold on. >> I think we just t >> TDT. Yeah, that was another board. We just The mayor just appointed not sure if you did or not. Maybe it was a previous mayor. Didn't we previous just make an appointment to the TDT board as well? >> Yeah, correct. These boards that we're
discussing here are ones that we specifically serve on that the commissioners specifically serve on. not who we appoint to them but who we specifically serve on. >> No, I think she we asked for a list of all the boards so we can understand the appointments because they are representing the city. So if the mayor is making an appointment from his office
to to a board, I think we should bring it to council because that's what transparency looks like because I know because I got a call from a few residents asking about our city of Papa representation on this board because they were advocating about Bithlo dollars. So, and I didn't know what they
were talking about because it wasn't brought to the boards in Biflo about how to get funding for Bifllo. But, um, we didn't know anything about this appointment. So, I think that it's important that if they are representing a Popka, if it's appointed by the mayor, then we should have say understanding
what is going on with those other boards. That's just what transparency looks like. >> So, there's transparency. there's some where there's latitude with being the CEO of the entire city to where decisions will be made and that's the point of the charter the way that it's written and was voted on by the
residents as well uh especially most recently. So specific to this discussion, I want to say as specific to this as possible um because we don't need to belabor uh this is that I just need to know do we want to come back with um like a popular natural gas policy and moving forward on all any and
additional boards including uh Florida cities tri county league of cities if there's anything of that nature that we want to create policies for transparency sake um just let me know and if we don't then we won't do it >> okay so there is what's called the okay so I understand the mayor is a CEO
however out of respect for the commission. I think that any board appointments, we should be made aware of it because if I'm getting calls about resident about an appointment, I'm not sure if you all knew about this appointment, but I'm getting calls about this appointment and they're advocating for dollars that
obviously infrastructure is an issue and we put someone on the board or the mayor in his CEO capacity puts someone on the board who doesn't advocate for dollars. That is a problem for me and probably other residents as well. We need to know. >> You got to understand what TBDs are advocating for. >> I'm not speaking. Talk about the
different that we're serving. >> Mayor, you cut me off in the middle of speaking >> because you're not staying on topic and we need to stay on topic. >> No, mayor. This that's called censorship. I'm able to speak. I'm just I'm able to speak. If we're talking about board appointments, we're we're discussing board appointments appointments. So, if we're if you're
telling us we only can speak of the ones you want, that's censorship. >> That's not transparency. But but that you're controlling. But if you're trying to hide certain things and you're not being transparent, that's an issue. I don't understand why it's an issue for you when we've asked for a list of all
board positions that the mayor office appoints. Why is that something that is that is needs to be kept confidential? I don't understand that. >> Transparency. >> Transparency. >> So who is on the TBT? >> So you don't know either. I'm just saying. Exactly. The mayor thinks that no one should know.
>> Kimbru Kit. >> Oh, okay. So all right. It But was it that from Mayor Demings? No, he >> it's his board, >> but is it >> reaches out to local municipalities um and either their city managers or their mayors. >> Oh, okay. >> To an appointment, >> but I think we should know if someone
calls me and asks me about a board, I think we should know who's appointed to our board. And I don't know why it's such a secret. >> It wasn't a secret. >> But you said as a CEO, you have the discretion not to tell us. But I think as good leadership and as transparency, it's important to let us know. That was something that you No, it's not
discretionary. If you think that it's not when we ask about it, we ask for a list of all board appointees and I don't think that's like a a reach. We should know that if a resident's call us and ask on the board, well, we don't know because the mayor said it's discretion. He don't want to tell us. I mean, that's just not transparency to me. It's just
not it's just not. >> I appreciate the comments. Any other additional comments specific discuss dismissive? >> Um well, you know, I've been on the Lake Aapka uh natural gas board. Again, that was an appointment that there is no
policy about um rotating. I like to see rotating because I think it's a an opportunity for each of the commissioners to experience especially since Lake Apopka really requires elected officials. We share we have two shares and elected uh as representatives
in Lake Aapka. They prefer elected officials um [clears throat] because with elected officials it's there's votes are being made and that's important to them. Um I've served on it if they can create a policy where it be
a rotating um you know I'm for you know for other commissioners to sit on the board and to understand what Lake Aakka is and how important their vote is and their contribution representing the city of Apakka at Lake Aakka. Um, one of the
things I had always advocated for and we've done it in the last uh, two years, which was, um, as we get these developments that come in, um, into our city, I always thought it was important, let's grow Lake Aaka, let's offer our
homeowners the choice of having gas over electric, but it could not be offered because there wasn't an ordinance. Now Lake Apopka is gone to different cities and these ordinance have been created and included us. I think we one of the
first cities that did it and so when they come in with uh a new development um one of the things that we are asking the developers to do is to offer our homeowners the ability to have gas over
electric. It took a few years to get that done, but it certainly does grow. Lake Apopka grows the revenue and it grows for us as revenue. So I would like to see a policy of
rotating on the major boards that we as elected officials sit on because each of us can have an opportunity to understand what each board is and what what we bring to that board and have sort of a a
mission like in other words we decide you know what when we go to metrop plan we've got to advocate for these dollars for transportation find out what's out there what grant are out there, what are they offering? Uh, Lake Apaka, see where the developments are coming and where
their gas lines are. Those are all important things that um that we bring back to our residents. So, I'd like to see a policy that allows each of us to kind of rotate in the different major boards. >> And there again, you you would want to
extend that courtesy to the chair. I'm I'm a big supporter of the chair. >> You know, um the previous administrator wanted to appoint his people to boards. I want our our chair to be able to appoint his people to the >> Well, there's no such thing as
>> I commend you for want to >> No, because you know, >> reach out to people and and and actually bring them into the system and get a different view. >> Yeah. >> Well, I'm all for rotating um >> u deter Yeah. rotating and it'd be
something that we kind of decide up here, you know, I mean, are you interested in kind of advocating for us >> at the metro plan with transportation? Do you want to go to Lake Apaka? I don't know what other boards do. Um, we sit on um
>> Oh, Tri County. Um, no. Um, that's a good board because I I remember sitting on that board a few years ago and it's it's you go to different cities and they have different uh conferences and that that's a that's a good board. Florida League of Cities is once twice a year
and we always just vote for one member to be the voting member for the city of Apakka. >> But again, I'm I'm all for rotating uh each of the commissioners >> and transparency on all the boards that have appointments. I I I think we all should I don't know why that's a secret.
I think we should have a list of all the boards. >> So I I I knew Kim Bucher was haunted, but I I thought all this time it was Mayor Demings who appointed her. >> I was unaware that that recommendation came from us, but um I know that the TD
board is uh Miss Kimbushche and our former county commissioner Christine Moore. And I think that was Mayor Demy's selection. >> Yeah, I'm not sure on that one. Yeah, >> I don't know. >> So, as a freshman on the block, if you will, um I would like to see the list as
well, but I would like to also add in terms of terms, like what's the term on that board. >> Um and then perhaps make it a a cycle just obviously depending upon who's on the commission, right, at the time, but
just make it like a cycle. So, let's say for example, um, upcoming, I'm just putting this out there for now, that I sit on the Lake Aaka Natural Gas for the two years, whatever term it is. Um, and
then we bop over to the next Tri County League and so on and so forth. And we just kind of circulate. Um so that way everybody's getting that experience the way vice mayor shared but it also gives um you know us an opportunity in terms
of bringing fresh perspective right. Uh we may see things a little differently or things may change what have you. It just gives us all a different uh gives us an opportunity to represent the city but bring that fresh perspective to the board. Well, and that's something and I
appreciate that too because at sitting as a commissioner for four years, I never got to go on any boards. So, I know as a commissioner, I want to make sure that >> everyone gets to rotate in and out of everything to some extent. Um, as long as it's appropriate and that there's a policy in place. I think that's what helps with that. So, that was something that is why I brought that up to because
again I I wasn't able to serve on those. So it's um >> but there again the chair ought to be the the the seated member with whoever >> backups I guess we can discuss we can work on the policy from there and and
refine it to make it make sense that um could be his lead. >> Sure. When I looked at the metro board, I kind of saw that some cities had where >> the mayor is the main person representing at the board >> and all their commissioners
>> and all their commissioners were alternates and that's where you decide, you know, we could do that by seat one, seat two. >> Yeah. >> But um absolutely. I mean, I'm I'm for having a rotation
um because I think each of us should gain some experience and knowledge on the different boards. I agree. >> I I just think right now just I just think this is a very very for us to have a discussion about board appointments right now when on Thursday we have a meeting about millage rate. I just think
right now we should be talking about the budget. I just think this discussion about metro plan I just don't think the time for it is right now. I mean we have a budget almost crisis. We on a third meeting almost and have not been able to decide what we're going to do with our military. But we've taken a special
meeting almost 30 minutes talking about metro plan and board discussion. I just don't think that is the highest and best use of time right now. I think we need to be focused on how to cut this budget not on metro plan which I understand this is a whole bully tactic but you know it's okay. I see where this is
going because this is has been happening from the time I was appointed to this to that board where it was pressure for me to get out the board. So you guys can have your faux votes on it. >> Okay. >> Okay. I appreciate that. We'll bring something back that >> everybody's agreeable to
>> that makes sense where it does rotate in and out that it's not just one or two people that it's u rotated out equitably. Uh we'll move on to the business action item authorizing the finance director to execute an interlocal agreement between Orange County and the city of Aakka for community development programs under the
urban county program. This is Sherman. Yes, sir. Mayor, vice mayor, commissioners, the item before you as the mayor just mentioned is the interlocal agreement between Orange County of Apopka and of course the urban county program, the HUD office as well.
Um, we've been a part of this program probably for the past 10 years plus and we did receive some CDBG funds under this program. We also received CDBG funds working directly with the DEEO office as well. Some of the projects
that we had under this program is the Alonzo Williams Park Center that was 750,000. the housing, the rehabs that we just did for the housing that was 750,000 with Orange County. We did the sidewalk phase one that was about 250,000
and the sidewalk phase 2 was 800,000. Again, working with DEO. So, at this time, we want to continue working under that program. We will consider becoming an entitlement city probably next year once we have the staff in place and can
find someone can help us do the consolidation plan that is required >> because we did apply for that. >> Yes. >> Originally and that's where this is going back because we don't have the staff to properly manage it >> and we couldn't get outside. We reached out to everybody knows Fred Fox because
I think they were a part of that recommendation discussion but they didn't have the capacity at the time and there's a deadline. It is a long process to have put that in place. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Any questions from commission? >> Uh, one of the one of the questions I
had is the binding of the three-year commitment. I mean, we're signing on something with um, you know, we don't even get to kick the tires. I mean, we obviously we can we can uh we can have a better discussion later, but um you
know, the the three-year uh contractual commit, I'm I'm I'm pretty pretty opposed to that. I mean, can we can we not move back and see if we can do it in one year? We can see if this is something a work in progress. We
have a sensitive deadline on this particular agreement in order to um be in the 2027 program. That's why we included it on this special meeting, but um as we discussed, I was going to find out if if possible if we can have a opt out, and they typically do, you know,
outside the three-year program, and I will let you know. >> Yeah. >> But this is very timesensitive. >> Yeah. So I was figuring if we can do one year with you know renewal of after a year till uh we can get be our own
entitlement but I understand with Bradley that we could not we just don't have the staff >> that we need in order to become self >> and it probably take a year to even you know get the consolidation plan. It it's a community involved. It's a lot to that
process. So, >> and who's to say we're gonna have the staff >> who >> who's to say we're gonna have the staff >> coming? >> We have the I I did ask that we have because I asked who's our contact at Orange at Orange County and it's the housing and community development.
>> Yes. >> Uh unit >> and uh they already have all the staff there. We have been using them. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um and actually u Mr. Fox was kind of our representative here. So he was kind
of doing all the leg work and grand uh person was that Miss Precious >> that is now precious just came forward. She's a great asset don't get me wrong [laughter] before >> she has a lot on her under her belt right now. Yeah >> that's right it was Dr. Shaenya that was
>> well Shaenya was the grant person right now we have precious >> right >> yes >> but for the earlier CDBG grants we had uh Dr. Mr. Sha Kenya and and Mr. Fox. >> Yes, that's correct. >> Right. So, I don't want to lose out on
the opportunities with the CDBG grants coming forward. >> And the only question that I have was but then I realized we have already been working with them. I just didn't want Orange County to determine what was our priority that that that we give them our
priority for those grants. >> Yes. And we do tell them on the projects. Yes, ma'am. >> So, I know I tal I'm sorry. Are you finishing? Sorry. >> I am. Thank you. >> I know that we've talked extensively with the about this. This has been a, you know, a baby of mine in regards to um this funding and this is something
that was important to me when I got in office asking that we actually have our own entitlement entitlement so that way we really can make sure that we are getting more dollars um for the community. So, one thing we talked about was the CRA. So the CRA that in regards to staff, we can staff, we can actually
have someone from the CRA within the CRA budget as a staff member that actually helps assist us with writing the grant. Correct. >> Yes. >> Okay. So with that being said, I don't want to create >> Cliff. Let me check. >> If there are CRA grants, but not if
they're city grants. >> The CRA grants. Okay. >> So, and I know and I say that I just want to put that on. CRA is participating in the funding, they can help >> help >> like say the match or something like that >> in a part like a partnership. >> Again, I have to put air quotes because
there's a lot that goes into what's legal in a CRA. The expenditure itself has to be something that is legal to spend in TIFF on. So, infrastructure, a park, affordable housing or whatever. But in that context, if it's an legal expenditure, it's in your plan, in your budget, then the answer is yes.
>> Okay. So, we do understand that when it comes to CRA dollars that we were actually put on probation because we weren't actually using the money. So, we can't say that we did not have staff when we actually had a CRA budget where we was not using the money where we could actually hire staff. So, I just want to be clear because I don't want to
create this thing with the city that we all doom that we don't have any staff. We don't have money for the staff. What we have was a mismanagement of grant funding. That's what we have. So, let's be and it's just about accountability. I'm not supporting things or anyone, but I don't want to create this thing that we can't do anything with the budget because of staff. No, we had we have a
CRA dollars where we could have had staff to help administer and find grant money. So, and to write these plans. So, I just want to be clear and just be transparent in just creating this thing with this, you know, these residents go staff, staff, staff, staff, staff. Well, no, we have staff and we've had staff. We just had missed
opportunities. So, that's just what I do would like to see that opt-in clause in there where we actually able to opt out opt out of using um the the program for three years, that agreement. So that way um that we can get with our CRA director and make sure that we are um moving
towards um staff that can help facilitate that entitlement for us. >> But again with those discussions as I understand it that was still outsourcing. >> And again and we tried that. >> Okay. >> Yeah. We yeah we failed.
>> Any other comments? >> Open to the public for any public comment on this item. Uh, I think you guys going to get this right. Uh, but you know, I got a mind of my own. You know that. Hey,
not this particular thing, but we just got through going through about the boards and thing. I agree with y'all guys shifting around and stuff, but please do me this favor. I know it was dimming choice, but your recommendation,
but when it come to these other boards, please to Commissioner Velasquez, give the citizens of Apakka a chance to set on some of these board. Whoever you recommend out to other
cities, make sure whoever you recommend is paying tax dollars and live in the city limits of Apopka. Okay. >> Thank you, Mr. Seb. when I keep bringing up uh forensic
audit to find out where we at. And I remember making a record request maybe about pretty close to two years now. And I made the specific request to have to see all
staffing that we have now and all the vacant staff that we have, all the position that we have and all the vacant position that we have. And what I got back was a organiz organizational chart. And so what I'm telling you guys now, I
say I only have three minutes up here, but you will see me again soon point out every little detail. And some of the things Miss And Commissioner Anderson brought up with the CRA. these things. Some of y'all have been on
the board 10 years, eight years, and some of you are repeat how all these things keep occurring on your watch and why we think things are going to get better in the future when we got the
same people and we got the same mindset. And we keep talking about staffing. I was here when we called the department heads up and Mr. Olsen asked, "Do you have everything you need to do your job?"
And I watched them literally crap in their pants because they were saying what they had to say to go along, to get along. Now, when somebody tell you we putting a band-aid on something as a leader, as a
supervisor, that's a problem for me. and how long we've been putting band-aids on things on your watch and you know it's been happening and nothing is done about it. See, these are the things I'm saying is frustrating me and my hair is falling
out already because these are simple changes with proper leadership and management. And so when I look at all the mismanagement and you guys refuse to even talk about a forensic, that tell me you don't want to fix the problem.
You want to kick the can down the road and go along to get along and you don't want to ruffle us no feathers. I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers and I don't care if we punish anybody. The thing is right now I just took this watch and as commander it's up to me to
know the condition of my ship. The material condition of this city and the financial condition of this city. That's my job as the commander. You are the commander. You need to know the condition of your city, the material readiness of your city. And there's
nothing more important than the fire department, the police department, and I'm going even throw our teachers in there. And that should be a dedicated source for their for their positions. Period. >> Thank you, Mr. Hall.
If I may, I just need to know one thing. What is the cost to the city to conduct a forensic audit? >> It depends. >> Depends on what? >> The scope, the time. Okay. What's going to be reviewed?
>> All right. Is it safe to say that if you choose to have a forensic audit that we will get answers and we will know which direction we're going to go? >> Yes. >> This gentleman that just spoke before
me, he is absolutely right. You know, the services that this city provides for us is very essential. I tip my hat to the firefighters, the policemen, because without them,
this town would be in bad shape. Okay? You know, I read the paper, the chief every Friday and I look at everything that from the front to the back. I even do the comics with the kids.
But what we're facing now is a city that does not need to be like all these other cities up in Michigan, Chicago, LA, where there's riots. Commission, we need to get a handle on
this for the sake of our citizens, okay? Our kids. You know, Michael Jackson said the kids are our future. You know, we're not going to get into that, but hey, it is. They're the leaders for tomorrow because when I'm dead and gone and
buried 6 feet under or cremated and thrown in the ocean, which is where I want to go because I'm an avid fisherman. Hey, these kids, they're they're going to have the legacy. And when they say, "I'm from Apopka," they've got to say with pride. You know,
when I was playing ball down in Miami, a popka baseball was known everywhere. Okay? And just like in baseball, just like in the city, the leaders are the ones that determine how these kids are going to turn out. I'm an oldtime coach.
I did it for 52 years, and when my body said I couldn't do it anymore, I had to step aside. Okay? But I still have it in my blood. and you as leaders have to have this city's best intentions in your veins to do right by it. So I appreciate
all of you. You were elected by a majority. 20 points. Is that am I correct in saying that? I mean it was a it was it was a landslide. Okay. And you know what? We just want you to act as the
strong mayor for all of APKA, not just the special interest group. And if you do that, I'm good with it. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. And public comment rod Olson. Uh just a couple of
observations. First of all, Mr. Hall, I think you're dead on with it. In order to know where you're going, you have to know where you've been. And if we don't have a clear financial picture where we've been, it's hard to know where we're going. That's a critical measure that he's hit and hit again. And I
concur with that. The other thing with regard to the aspect of staffing, we averaged averaged over 60 vacancies this past year. 60 vacancies, which means and and and Mr. Ruth, I I know that I gave
you the interim positions. was six or eight positions, people in interim positions in the city wearing multiple hats. The reason we dropped the ball multiple times on CRA is we gave it to someone that was managing three different positions. They gave it to
them and the the grit behind the CRA is okay, we got X number of dollars. We have to put a plan in place to spend it. It didn't happen because we are underst staffed because we had people wearing multiple hats. That's got to stop. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Charlesson. Any
additional public comment? Close public comment. I look for a motion to uh authorize the finance director to execute the interlocal cooperation agreement between Orange County and the city of Aakka for community development programs under the urban county program
>> with the option of of uh opting out >> with the option of an opt out. It looks like under section seven and I am not that we can with um notice elect not to participate in new qualification periods via written notice to the HUD
Jacksonville field office by the date specified in the urban county qualification schedule. >> So in any year >> for the next qualification period so it's like every year the qualification period. >> Yes. So we can do that >> based on what I'm say qualification
period. It's a three-year qualification period. So, each year is a qualification period. >> As long as it says unless the municipality or county provides written notice that it elects not to participate in the new qualification period. That's directly from the agreement and that's after year number one.
>> Okay. >> A copy of the notice will be sent to HUD Jacksonville field office by the date specified in the urban county qualification schedule. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Perfect. Do I got a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by Vice Mayor.
>> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Anderson. All those in favor say I. >> All opposed. Motion carries unanimously. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Sherman. >> Uh Mr. Williams. Good evening, mayor, commissioners. Uh Rad Williams, interim city
administrator. Uh business item number two uh is in relation to the Metropan Orlando appointment. At the March 18th, 2026 regular city commission meeting. The outgoing city commission discussed and made an appointment to the Metro Plan Orlando board to fill a seat being vacated by the outgoing mayor. With a
new city commission now seated, this item provides an opportunity for further discussion and cons consideration to update the city's appointment and and appoint Mayor Nick Neesa to the Metropan Orlando board and appoint Vice Mayor Diane Velasquez as the city's alternate. the current metrop plan board was provided uh as part of the agenda
packet. >> Thank you, Mr. Williams. So, this one was brought up. Obviously, it was been a discussion item for a while, something I advocated for as a commissioner that the mayor seat should um chair this or be the the main point of contact and then from there be able to um rotate out from
there. As you can see in the actual metrop plan board, um there's an Orange County Commissioner that chairs it and then vice chairs as well from OciOla County. So the point is to to rotate it out. But even then, as a commissioner, I advocated that the mayor's seat should be um matching what the others are doing
on the same board. So wanted to make sure that we have the right advocacy and and match what other municipalities are doing on this board. So um that's why this being brought up now. I'll open it to any comment from or questions from the commission. >> So let me just be clear. This is a
straight attack against me as a commissioner and the residents see it. I got calls on it. So, this is what it looks like when you stand by yourself and advocate and other other we're going to see what you know what we're going to see what their decision is. But what's
interesting is is that from the moment I was appointed to that seat um and the moment that a new commissioner came in was advocating from day one to get me removed from this uh board. In addition to that, what is interesting is that not only did the recommendation was for me not to
be appointed as an alternative, it was to completely remove me from the board. And that is a straight not only is it disrespectful to me, but it just kind of shows the direction of what this administration looks like. If you agree with the administration, then we're going to bully you and we're going to move you off boards because that's
exactly what is going on here. So, you don't have to vote on it. Actually, no. I'm going to make you vote on it. I'm going to make you guys vote on your conscience. If you strongly feel that this is a right, what is going with what is happening here with this leadership, then you vote for it. If you think it's wrong, then you vote against it. So,
this really is going to show the residents what it looks like to do what's right because this is a straight attack on me because all the things that's going on in the city, we can't even balance the budget, but we time find we find time to have a special meeting to remove me off Metro Plan
Orlando. And not only do you remove me off Metro Plan Orlando, you don't even add me as alternative. I mean, that's that's bizarre. And to make the to mislead the residents to say that every appointment is the mayor and the vice
mayor is 100% not accurate at all. If you look at the appointments that's on here, the the alternatives are not all vice mayors. Actually, 10% of them are. So, this is an attack on me and shame on the commission for trying to bully me off this board. And that's all I have to
say about I'm very disappointed in this leadership. I am, but I this still would not stop me from going to the going to the meeting and advocating for the residents of Apakka. But this is just an example of what it's looked like. If you disagree with this board, this is straight bullying attack.
>> I'd like to see all the commissioners be alternate. >> Yeah, that's fine. That's similar to what Orange County is doing, Semino Countyy's doing, Oyola Countyy's doing. >> Yes, we're just matching that. It's something I advocated for well before I got into the seat. So, it's nothing new.
the previous leadership, the mayor was sitting on the board. >> Correct. >> Um he didn't he did not appoint any alternates. >> Correct. >> You as the chair as a strong mayor sitting being the first representative. I just like to see all the commissioners
um be alternates. Not just the vice mayor, but all the commissioners be alternates. List us all as alternates. >> Okay. Any other comments? Open up to public comment about health. Uh, mayor, uh, how long
had Commissioner Anderson was sitting on this board? >> I don't know the time. A few months. >> It It was only It was only what, four or five months? >> No, it was the the previous mayor's last meeting. It was the It was the Yeah, that was the
last meeting. So, that been three three four months. >> Sure. >> Okay. Uh just just from a resident standpoint of view, what what was the what was the problem with her sitting on this particular board?
>> Well, something I advocated for at that specific meeting was that the mayor, regardless of who was mayor, should be the main person in it and then alternatives from there. So, it's matching what I already advocated for previously and something that matches what else is going on on the other
boards. >> Yeah, I understand. But what is the term of that board? >> What what what I'm saying is it have to be a alpha and a omega. It got to be a beginning and an end to something, right? So, uh it have to be like your term. You
was elected. You got four years. >> It's a one year. It's I think it's a one year appointment. A one year board. It >> it was a one-year appointment, right? So with three three and nine is what? Help me out. You know I'm I'm six I'm 66. You know I'm cloudy. >> 12.
>> 12. >> That's 12, right? >> So what was what was what was the problem? What was the problem of letting her have these last nine months and then then we we you you go well you going to
do what you want to do anyway. But what I'm saying is this. At least she been on there nine months. I mean 3 months. At least go ahead and get give her another nine months. And and and you know, just like I said, coming back to the board,
make sure that everything like the man said right here, let it be in your blood. If you gonna if you gonna do this, I know a lot of people ain't po don't like what I'm saying right now, but you know me, I could give a you
know, but what I'm what I'm advocating for fundamentally fairness. No matter how you feel about anybody at least, you know, let it have the last nine months and then if you if you don't like it, then you know, then change it.
Don't don't wait don't wait until you get the hand deal and it's a problem then in the middle of the game you want to reshelf. That's the only thing I'm asking. >> Thank you Mr. B Sylvester Hall Rock Springs Ridge. Um I
echo what uh Mr. Bell just said and if we looking at things that the mayor did on his tail end that we want to correct there's some other appointees that he appointed that should be removed.
So when I say transparency, when I say doing the right thing by all people, being fair, when I get up here talking about integrity matters, honesty matter, the truth matters. I was most of you guys biggest supporter
and I can be your biggest enemy because when you're not serving the people, you're here to be a servant. And I'm going to hold each and every one of you to that. And I'm gonna tell you now, I'm gonna personally hold each and every one of you to that because we need more
citizen coming here speaking out and overseeing what's going on in our government. That's why we're in a predicament that we're in now. And when you hear me say we're in a national crisis because too many good people sitting by seeing this garbage go down
and being completely silent about it, some of us scared. We go along to get along. Uh-uh. I'm putting you on notice now. I'm going to make it my personal personal agenda to make sure I hold you accountable to serving these people
because when I leave here, I want to know that my kids and my grandkids are going to be safe. And I'm wise enough to know that everything start with a good community, a good city, a good state,
and a good country. It's just that simple. But it starts here on the local level. So if we don't get it right here, it just be chaos all the way up. And that's what we're seeing now. If we don't have the right leadership to do the job, let's get rid
of them and get somebody in. There's no reason that when we're talking about position being funded, but we can hire a PDD, a P. And then if you want to look at Mr. Williams right here. When he got up
here, he said he's the city administrator. I didn't hear interm come out and we ain't said nothing. We nobody nobody made a motion to post the job or do anything. But you trying to tell us you doing right by the people by serenating us with with with fast talk.
It's not working. And you ain't seen the best of me yet because these three minutes limit me. But wait till I get a chance to just to go and dialogue everything that just happened here today because contr
contrary to your belief, you don't know who is in your audience and you don't know what is their life experience. And in the military, we have to know our enemy. We have to know who we up against. And y'all don't do that.
>> Thank you, Mr. Hall. >> [clears throat] >> Rogers is back at 7 West Main Street. Um, just from my take on everything is it seemed like things have been coming personally on Adas. Um, I commend some of the things that Commissioner Anderson had brought up, but it really looks like
you guys are personally attacking her on a lot of different things. You may not see it that way, but that's kind of how I saw it from the last meeting to this one. And I'm I want to be reserved in what I say, but I don't think we've got you guys in a position to attack one another. Everybody has a difference
opinions. They should be able to speak their opinion. You should be able to dialogue and have a conversation. But when it looks like you're kind of singling some person out because they don't agree, it's kind of the flip of where you was Nester last year where it seems like you was the only person that had reasonable things that come up to
where we felt that you were the mayor for us, but it seems like this position and roles have flipped. So, how it doesn't matter how you feel, but at the end of the day, if you're here for decisions of all this stuff should not matter and it's just doing the right thing. It's being cordial to one
another. It's being just it's being respectful, treating somebody how you want to be treated. But it seems like she's getting singled out for whatever particular reason that is, but I can kind of sense why she feels the way she feels because someone just sitting here outside looking at it does look that
way. And I would hope that you're not looking trying to present that in that manner, but it does look that way. So I just think regardless of how it is, be respectful of one another. You can have discussions, you can have disagreements, but we still need to move forward in a manner that makes it best for everyone that's in this room that's taking the
time out of their day to be a part of. But that's just one thing I always want to make sure that I want to sit here and understand that this is what I'm saying. and making sure that you guys be aware of your behavior because it's kind of going back to where we were two years ago >> as well since but and we don't want to
go back down that that road. So just be cognizant of how you speak to one another and be respectful. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. [applause] >> Rod Olsson. Uh a couple of comments. Uh, I've been critical across the board. And if you roll back the city council
meetings, it doesn't go unnoticed that the prior mayor move forward with filling positions, fill position, two of you up here. Immediately after you won the election, the mayor appointed those people to the planning commission. Three members of
that commission are all the result of that this last go around. Right, wrong, or otherwise. I was also was critical knowing that we're going to have a new set of people in the dis that mayor the prior mayor decided we're going to appoint someone right now.
I wasn't agree with it then I put it there. What we happen what you decide to do as a group is why you're getting the big bucks. Don't you wish uh in in the process of doing it whatever you decide to do it. Uh I I will honor that. What I do want to make a point though is we
need to look at all the assignments to the commissions along the way. It not reflect anyone on these commissions that the job that they're doing right now. All I'm saying is it doesn't go unnoticed that their appointments were people that he backed to run against
you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Any other comments from the public? All right, we will close public comment period. Uh any final discussion on this one? Uh, mayor, I um I think if Commissioner Anderson's been
on for three months, is that right? You've been on this board, that board for three months. >> I think we should give her the nine months. And I'll tell you why. Because that gives her an opportunity to truly advocate for our city. She's defending our city right now. That gives you an opportunity to spend nine months to
really bring dollars to our city. I'm going to hold you accountable for that. And I'm also going to ask mayor if you at least appoint an alternative for her in the event that she can't participate there's somebody that's in that for the year once her term year is up then you
appoint yourself along with vice mayor. >> So I I'm asking him as the as the mayor to be the front voice for that advocating. I think he he as the mayor, the strong mayor can advocate for those
dollars and all of us be alternatives. She can remain being the person going to the meetings. Um the previous mayor was the representative at the metro plan. He
never allow he never offered any of us the opportunity to be an alternate. Um, I never even knew when the meetings were taking place. Um, uh, and and you know, to Mr. Olsen's point, at the last
meeting, Mayor Nel, Mayor Nelson, uh, sat in that last council meeting with the elect mayor Nester and never even offered that to him. He just bypassed him.
>> Oh, I didn't know that. >> Yeah. And and made a motion to appoint Commissioner Anderson and it was second by uh Commissioner Smith and I mean and that that was done. But
it uh if we're talking about being respectful, I mean the last meeting you're sitting with the mayor elect, that should have been something that um he should have offered or asked, you
know, do you want to be representative? He made it a point at that meeting to actually bypass our elected mayor who was sitting right next to him. >> Okay. Okay. So, so I think >> so I thought that was kind of awkward that that particular council meeting uh
commission meeting was kind of awkward. >> Um but that's okay. I mean she um uh Commissioner Anderson was appointed by the previous mayor and she has served and she has attended. She can you know and I go and say she
commissioner Anderson should continue in that position >> and it's a year service. It's one year. >> It It is. And I And I just want to just say this and I and I'm going be honest with you. If if very transparent, if we would have taken all the board positions
and we would have went through and removed everybody and the mayor appointed someone, then it would have been different. But it was just only my position. >> Not metro plan. >> It was metrop plan. I'm I'm speaking. Please, I'm speaking. I'm sorry. I make me forget my train of thought. Is that
it was my position. It was only my position. And it just and it's so interesting that this comes as something so urgent in a special meeting when we really have something we should be discussing really is the budget. And I'll be honest with you, the residents probably can care less who metro plan.
They're more concerned about the budget. And I think we should be spending time on the budget. I just think we missed the mark here. >> Okay? >> And we definitely missed the mark. We should not be spending this time talking about metro plan. We just shouldn't. I just don't think this is I think it's something could have been put off until
next month, two months from now. I just I don't I just don't see why this is so important right now to remove me off Metro Plan. The only thing I think of is just feels like it's a personal attack. And I don't and if we are going to make changes, which I I agree with those changes that we can make, but why remove
me off the board to make those changes? Why can't those changes take effect during the one year from now when my appointment is over? Why is it immediately has to go now? I mean the mayor I mean with all due respect to Rome mayor still he acclimated with his with his position his office he's trying to figure out and still meet with
department heads and meet all staff I don't know why this is so important right now to do I just don't know the emergency right now >> this has to do with dollars dollars coming to our infrastructure so >> and everybody I wasn't finished I wasn't finished I wasn't finished in addition to that the metro plan Orlando board is
open to all of us to attend it's not a private meeting it's open so the same way that these residents get up and they speak, we council members can go as well and senator Audison speak as well about dollars. You still can advocate. The agenda is published before the meeting
and if there's anything that you guys want to advocate for then as the representative you guys can let me know and I can be that one voice. So I don't know what how much dollars we're going to miss that I can't advocate for. I'm trust me I promise you I can advocate
for dollars for the city. >> Okay. So, I will look for a motion to appoint a representative to serve on metrop plan board. And it sounds like the sentiment maybe is to have all uh commissioners as alternates that will rotate out.
>> I'll make a motion that the chair set the board appointed the alternates he chooses. >> All right. We have a motion from Commissioner Ruth. I'll look for a second. a second with I'm going to second that
we continue that commissioner Anderson continues to be the author. >> That's not the motion. >> You you have to amend his motion. That's not his motion. >> The motion would be to have the mayor be the representative for the city of Apaka metro plan with commissioner Anderson
being the alternate and then all the other commissioners at the >> Why don't make all the Yeah. make all the questions. >> So, it's still removing me to be clear. You still removing me right now in the middle of my term. That's what you got. That's what you're trying that's what you >> But that seat's been held by the chair for se seven decades.
>> It only happened it only happened at the end of the term, not not for anybody else's discretion to punish you, the chair. It's definitely there's other appointments that was made at the end of the last administration exit, but this is the one appointment that you
commissioner Ruth has been advocating get removed from. So it's >> from this has been I mean from day one your first council meeting this was the first thing you talked about was metro plan and you have continuously talked about removing the metro plan. I'm still and I can advocate no transportation.
>> All right, we're not going to talk over each other. Sorry. >> How many did that >> for eight years? How many did they bring >> for eight years? How many did you bring in? >> So,
can we get a motion to provide for alternatives or alternates on our metrop plan board of all of our commission? >> Sure. I make a motion that all the commissioners be the alternate. >> Okay.
>> For the metrop plan board. >> Motion by vice mayor, second by commissioner Ruth. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All opposed. >> Motion carries unanimously. Next up, uh, resolution number 126-32,
repealing the resolution number 2026-06. Resolution 2026-32, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Apopka, Florida, repealing resolution 2026, which established a policy authorizing the advancement of city funds to the
mayor or city commissioners for legal expenses in certain noncriminal actions or proceedings. Providing for the deposition, disposition, or pending requests, and the survival of reimbursement obligations. providing for conflict,
severability, and ineffective date. >> Good evening again, mayor, commissioners. On January 21st, 2026, the city commission adopted resolution number 2026 establishing a policy authorizing the advancement of city funds to the mayor or city commissioners for legal expenses and certain
noncriminal actions or proceedings subject to conditions of advancement, reimbursement requirements, limitations on funding, and administrative procedures. Uh the city's insurance policy through Florida Municipal Insurance Trust FMIT does include a legal fee reimbursement endorsement for
public officers which will reimburse the city for any legal fees it is paid out on behalf of a public officer up to $100,000 for per covered action subject to $100,000 aggregate limit per trust coverage year. The covered actions include administrative proceedings uh
administrative proceedings uh upon alleged wrongdoing of public officers, including administrative proceeding before the Florida Public Employees Retaliation or Relation Commission, the State of Florida Commission on Human Relations, the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, including matters that allege wrongdoing by the
designated member as an um as an employer, any ethics proceeding before the State of Florida Commission on Ethics or an ethics proceeding um misconduct uh included related including related appeals arising at from any underlying administrative proceeding described
herein or non-monetary civil court covered actions initiated by a third party in which the designated member is a named defendant in the form of relief or redress sought is an injunction or declaratory judgment. Oops. Uh the reimbursement is available only
after legal fees are incurred by the public officer and paid by the city. Therefore, if an elected official initially pays for their own legal representation, city would need to reimburse the official for those legal fees before seeking reimbursement from FMIT through the uh insurance. Legal fees are not eligible for
reimbursement from FM f FMIT if the public officer is found to have breached the public trust, is found to have committed the alleged violation or enters into negotiated settlement under which the public officer is sanctioned for wrongdoing. The attached resolution 26 202632
repeals resolution number 2026 in its entirety. Both resolutions have been attached to the staff report. Thank you, Mr. Williams. Uh it was brought to my attention why this is here is that uh we have insurance policies in place that cover much more than what uh
even this original uh resolution that was passed um that I wasn't in favor for at the time and definitely not in favor for now uh covers even more so. So, we want to make sure we're not sending money out that um that's already being covered on insurance that we're paying
for. So, that was the rationale here to make sure that we're not double paying and and again, there's an insurance policy already in place. So, that's why I had this brought up as well. Save us some money and again, it's something we're already paying for with more coverage. Um and again, it make sure that's on our
balance sheet anyway and something we're paying for. So, I'll look up comments from our commissioners. So, so attorney Sheepard, the this resolution here, so the insurance policy that we currently have in place covers expenses
that for reimburse that I don't think it covers that. It covers reimburse It covers the reimbursement. It doesn't cover advances. Correct. >> It it covers the city reimbursing a commissioner who's been found >> either no probable cause or no finding
uh from whatever the charge is, ethics charge. um but only after the city has reimbured that commissioner. So the order of operations would the be the commissioner getting the money paying the money getting reimbured by the city and the city re getting reimbursed by the insurance.
>> So so to kind of for transparency purposes the context of all due respect mayor is that we were leaving money on the table with insurance policy. This resolution here is about the advancement. Is that is this the advancement? The one that's
being repealed, >> the that's being repealed is the advancement. Yes. So, absolutely. So, this insurance policy has absolutely nothing to do with this repealing of this resolution. And to be clear, this is another attack on me because, and I just want to say this, this resolution,
which the mayor just said, he actually voted against because my attorney, everyone, it's not the secret that I'm actually the one being sued by residents. And my attorney came in and this resolution was born out of that. To be very clear, I have not taken a dime
from this and I hadn't intended to take any money from this. By the grace of God, I financially can cover my own legal fees and the city will eventually reimburse me for it. I'm sure of that. But this repeal right here of this resolution is another attack on me because this resolution was something
that this current mayor was not in support of. And once again, during a busy budget se, we reached out to our city attorney to draft, you know, a repeal repealing this resolution. I just don't think right now, I mean, it's a fund only $5,000 that you can actually
pull from. And no one has pulled from the fund. So, I don't understand right now why this is the highest and best use of our time. Once again, we should spending time going through the budget. But this is another a personal attack on me right now. This special meeting was all a personal attack on me. But it's
okay. The residents don't see it. I mean, this is and then to mislead the residents like, "Oh, we're trying to save money when this resolution has absolutely nothing to do with saving money. This is an advancement." The insurance is not an advancement. Insurance is after the money has already been paid out. So, it's misleading the residents. I mean, that's all I have to
say about it. Vote how you want to vote on it. This has absolutely nothing to do with me. When I came in and when I voted for this, it had nothing to do with me. It was all about the anyone else on the DASA who could not afford representation. when people are filing frivolous lawsuits for campaign attacks
on you and this this is just sad and once again I haven't taken a dollar from this I don't need to take money from this is for the other commissioners so you're not hurting your other you're hurting other commissioners because one of the things we talked about is that people that want to serve that are you
know you have people that are on fixed incomes that are teachers that want to serve if we don't have something that's in place for them they can't afford you know I mean I probably spent over right now $15,000 attorney fees. People can't afford that. So, I think it's really, really disingenuous to present something
to the residents like we're trying to save them money when this resolution has absolutely nothing to do with insurance policy. It just does it. But that's all I have to say about it. Vote how you want to vote on this, but I'm against it. This is just ridiculous. Once again, it's just a play on words and attack on
me. So, I voted for it. Yeah, I did vote for it. But after I voted for it, I was uh at a conference at Florida League of Cities, which I did share with uh our interim CEO and I spoke to an attorney.
Well, an attorney actually uh came up to me and said, "I listened to your council meeting, your commission meeting, and he said, "Florida league, a city has the resources to provide commissioners, the mayor, anyone that's
being sued, they provide uh financial resources uh beforehand that you wouldn't have to um put the money forward to hire an attorney. They have the resources to
help that commissioner or mayor provide uh to get those f uh those uh uh finances in order to kind of go on with the lawsuit. My understanding was that they did reach
out to the former mayor and had asked to come make a presentation through Florida League of Cities, but that presentation was never done. So, I did share that with him and I was trying to reach out to the attorney that represents Florida League of Cities
>> and we did as well to try to get it down. >> I think you did. I think you did you did reach out to the same uh >> attorney. So, we should have >> I would like to have that attorney come. >> I would love to. >> Y >> um about what Florida League of City
office commissioners and the mayor >> um >> you know I got a lot of >> I know but that should have came before this here. That should have came before this. We should have actually had them come educate us before we come with a resolution that appears that we're trying to save taxpayer dollars. And really that's not what we're doing.
Well, this should have came that this presentation should have came before we even made the original resolution, right? That that's where it should have came. >> Um but um I just for the record, I did vote for it. Um, I did get a lot of push back on it because I voted for it. But it was
after that that I attended a Florida League of Cities conference and spoke with the attorney because he happened to come up to me and say, "I listen to your council meeting and I want you to understand that um allocating that money, we have those resources for all
commissioners and mayors because it is known that you know a lot of lawsuits, a lot of mayors and different commissioners get sued for different things and a lot of them don't have the resources, don't have the finances, but the Florida League, the city provides
that avenue for the commissioners and the mayor and uh I actually today I was actually sending that attorney to see if he can come and kind of make that presentation. >> Any additional comments?
>> I will open up to the public. Any public comment on this one? >> [snorts] >> Leroy Bill M. You know, it's hard. It's hard for me to stand up here and it's hard for you to believe that I've been married three times. [laughter]
It's it's just it's just hard a guy like me, man. But then but I I figured it out. I figured it out that it wasn't the other person. I put myself in it. And once I start taking responsibility for
my actions, I've been married now the third for the third time for 29 years. I said all that to say this. Two of you guys wasn't sitting on the dasis when the last administration came up
and put this motion forward to get reimbured for being censured for the lies that he told. And you voted for that, Commissioner Diane, to sit there now. To sit there now and
say, "Well, I I voted for that, but now, but we need to start taking responsibility for our actions." No, it's my time. And uh what I'm saying is either way that you guys vote on
this, I'm not I'm not trying to pick anybody out. You know, my grand a cow need his tail more than fly time. and all the prejudice
that I have seen sitting here tonight. I'm saying on this agenda, just this agenda here, it reminded me of the agenda of the past. If if you got something to say instead
of getting the the matter, put it on the agenda because to me, Commissioner Ruth, I I was appalled What you just said to the mayor? You told You just told Commissioner Anderson, "Well, I want the chair
sitting over there because we need those dollars." We That was to imply that she couldn't get the dollars and that's just wrong. And and and I I I don't even know you.
Just forget it. That makes no sense. >> Thank you, Mr. Bill. [clears throat] [snorts] >> Sylvester Hall, this this is really for me is is just looking as oversight. uh this resolution,
it haven't been on the books too long. But when we did our discussion, when we talked about it, we got legal counsel, we beat it around and we and it passed.
Now, a short time later, we're here to repeal, make it make sense. we got good legal advice that this is the way we should go. So now if I'm looking at our legal advice moving forward, I'm say what am I
paying for? Yeah, I can look directly at you. What am I paying for now? I wonder what legal advice he going to give you on this now. how you should go or how you should vote. If you never been in a leadership
position, surround yourself with good people who have leadership skills, who have integrity, who going to tell you the right thing to do even though it may be hard, they're going to tell you the right thing to do. Anything short of that, we could have
another situation just like we did with Mr. the rain. That's why as mayor I tell you the material readiness of your city is paramount. The financial readiness of your city is
paramount. Our city but you are our president. Believe it or not, that's the role you playing right now. I don't want you to play that role no
more. I want you to live that road because it's not it's it's not it's not a play thing. That's why you see me sitting here. I understand the condition we're in as a country. I understand the condition that we're in as a city.
When I see we're 65,000 plus strong and you look at the number of people that come in to oversee the government, our tax dollars that we're giving, that's a national crisis. When I look at the people who come out and cast their
votes, that's a national crisis. So my job right now is to wake those people up, wake the sleeping dead up. That is what I plan on doing. Everybody need to get involved.
What we say, love our neighbor. We need to practice that and I guarantee our city our city will be flawless. >> Thank you, Mr. Hall. >> Gentlemen, ladies, I just want to say one thing. I do not I
despise politics. Okay? I never got involved in politics because there is so many things that happen behind the scenes. Okay? So, you all have to be able to look in the mirror, okay, and live with yourselves for the decisions
that you make for you and for the city of Apaka. Okay? Like I said, what's going on here today is just flat out not right. I've spoken what I had to say. I'm going to stay in
this town because I'm I don't run away from anything. Never have, never will. And neither have these people that have stayed here so far. So, vote your conscience. Do what you got to do. And let's hope for the best. Think.
Look in the mirror. put yourself in that young lady's position. And if you can sleep at night, more power to you. And if you can't, hey, more power to you then, too, because you're going to make the decisions regardless of what anybody says, because that's your right. That's
our right as citizens, as voters. We put you guys in office. Show us right. Like Barry White, you say, do your right. Do what's right, please. Thank you. >> Thank you,
>> Rod Olsson. And this is in my eyes not involved with aspect of any individual. You can paint it any way you want. I sat before this commission at at the time objecting when I asked the mayor at the time a question. Do you have
professional and general liability for those people on the docks? The answer was yes. And yet the commission at that point went forward to extend it. As a taxpayer, I don't want to be responsible for lawsuits that anyone may generate
regardless if it's in your position, in your role as you sit up there. We have general professional liability for. It's an additional expense that's passed on to taxpayers that we shouldn't have. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Olsson.
Any other public comment? >> All right. We'll close public comment. Any final comments from the commission? >> I'd like to have the Florida City Cities uh Chris Smith comment and present make a presentation on
legal >> uh resources available, >> right? And and and um you know, yes, I voted for it. I supported it at the time. I mean, there was a couple of lawsuits going on, but at also at the Florida League cities, I found what I
learned. >> Excuse me, Vice Mayor, please turn on your mic. >> Okay, same thing. Turn on my mic. After the voting, after the resolution, I learned that the Florida League of Cities did try to come and make a
presentation so that we could understand that what the resources Florida League of Cities had besides what the city offers and that was not and that was not presented to us. So, there was an absence of
information. So, I still would like for uh Mr. the attorney Chris Smith for the Florida League of Cities to come and make that presentation. >> Absolutely. No, and I'm sure that he can actually provide way more than just the resources available specific to this scenario.
>> Um, and so we have already reached out multiple times to and I'm sure he's he's got a lot going on in himself as well. So we'll make sure that he is here at the next meeting or the meeting after >> u in August to make sure that we have
>> that properly presented to us. >> So to be clear um council the this current resolution we currently have general general liability professional insurance that covers reimbur that reimbursement. Yes. But covers advancement. I want to be clear
on that because I think we talking about two separate things here. >> Not that I'm aware of. >> Okay. So, >> yeah, it's not that doesn't cover. So, does Florida League of Cities cover reimburse uh reimbursement or does it cover advancements or both? >> Advancements. >> Okay. So, do we think we should actually
hear for them first before we actually repeal the resolution so we can actually get it right the fir I mean if if I don't know why we wouldn't listen to them first before we actually then get with our attorney and he draft something based off what they're saying because I understand that's what your interpretation of your understanding of what that one attorney told you but I
would definitely want to hear the presentation if our attorney advises on it. >> Okay. Well, and there's something that again, this is something I advocated against previously, not just in this position, but as a commissioner, that we shouldn't be advanced
funds for this, that unfortunately it is uh part of our role that we may get sued or have ethics violation complaints sent against us and um the Florida League cities helps out with those resources and things of that nature. It was voted on without that information. And again,
it's something I brought up, what are the mechanisms in place if Somebody gets an advancement, they have to then send it back because maybe they don't win or it doesn't go in their favor and then they don't pay. What happens in that scenario? What's the mechanism in place for us to collect
and then are we allowed to lend the money effectively is what that turns into? >> It it becomes uh a lawsuit potentially if it's not paid back uh in a debt. And of course the the circumstances of the debt in your case were built into the resolution. I'm trying to remember if
they provided for a lean, but there there was there was the idea that this could happen. I don't remember the details of how we went through it, but that's the reality is it's not going to be clean because you can't what do they say? You can't get blood out of turnup if they don't have the money. You know, you can get a judgment, you can't collect it. And so, so it's it's not an
ideal process. But I I do want to say at least so that the this this side of the argument is fairly represented. One of the reasons why things like this policy that you're certainly not the only one who would have it uh are significant is because uh the words chilling effect
have been used to throw around when you talk about uh service and c particularly in certain communities. This may not be on that level yet. But there are other communities in which ethics uh complaints are thrown around like ham sandwiches. And as a result, nobody will serve because nobody wants to say,
"Okay, for the next x number of months or years, I'll be shelling out money to a lawyer that I can't afford on the hope of getting reimbured at some, but in the meantime, I got to pay a mortgage. I got to pay this kid's school bills and all the other stuff I got to do." And so the public policy behind an advancement
policy is that but it does it does not come without the problems that you mentioned which is okay well what if they don't get exonerated or they're not cleared or in a case where it's not statutoily mandated which I've given you a memo about that where it's by case law
which is most every case with very few exceptions regarding sunshine and public records the does it meet the p the public purpose part of the equation Because as you if you've read the memo there there's a two-part test under the the Thornberg case of the Supreme Court,
Florida Supreme Court. The first is were they in their official capacity and as the cases point out that's almost always true or there wouldn't be an ethic complaint to start with. But the subject of the complaint is not the determiner. It's what they were doing when the complaint occurred. And one of the
cases, a weird one, but you'll understand why this is how you make the distinction, was uh a person was sent to a conference to get training like at legal cities or whatever, and the accusation was made that during a portion where there was an exam rendered to the participants about what they
learned. He I think it was a he helped some other people cheat on the test and that resulted in ethics charge. He was ultimately exonerated from the ethics charge. The question is, is that reimburseable? Well, if you just look at the conduct, clearly cheating on a test is not something that's in the interest
of the public. But attending the conference to get the training is in the interest and that's the focus, not the conduct because as they point out in the case law, no conduct that's nasty would ever be for a public purpose. But that's not the point. The point is why were they there? And so it gets pretty
complicated on some of these issues as to whether it would or wouldn't be reimbursible. Most of the time, as I point out in the window, the standard is it is reimburseable in almost every case. But some of them that are reimburseable, you would hear the facts
and you're immediately attention goes as would mine to the conduct and not the context. And it's the context that matters about reimbursement. >> If I got k for the DUI on my way to Tallahassee to be legis participate in
legislative days, the DUI is no good. But if I get off the DUI, I'm going there for a public purpose to get the training. That's what that's the way the law works on that. >> Okay. Thank you for that. Any additional
comments? For the record, this policy is $5,000 reimbursement. Just saying. And we're not talking about millions of dollars here. We've had more of a detailed conversation about $5,000, but we didn't talk about these excessive
line item budgets for the new positions. But we talk about 5 I just don't understand the the direction of the council right now. I just really don't. I'm just disappointed in what's happening right now. This is not the highest and best use of our time. I'm sorry. It's just not >> Well, and and let me just correct the narrative. We started the budget process
months and months ago with clear line items, time to meet with staff and members of the of staff to go line by line to express any concerns and go through that. And I've asked every every commissioner, please go do those. Please take the time to meet with staff and present your concerns or things you
definitely want done. So to say that that time hasn't been done is a is a mistruth because it has been absolutely presented and been constantly spent time on. It's now the time to actually put our money where our mouth is. So, I will uh ask for a motion to approve resolution number 2026-32
and we will make sure that there is a presentation in August uh going over the resources available. >> So, moved by Commissioner Ruth. >> Second. >> Second by Vice Mayor. All those in favor say I. I. All
>> opposed. I I would like to wait until we have the attorney from Florida League. >> So, we've got uh three for it and two against it. Commissioner Baron in opposition and Commissioner Anderson in opposition. So, the vote passes.
>> We will still be doing the >> presentation. >> All right. Now, that's the end of the meeting. We are adjourned.