Okay, I'm going to call this special meeting um to order. The date is March 18 2026. Uh time is 3:04 p.m. and if you would please do a roll call for achievement
and then we'll do our pledge of allegiance and commissioner Burton >> here. Commissioner Moore >> here. >> Commissioner Lorie >> here. >> Commissioner Devita >> present. Myers
>> present. Derek Martin, city manager. >> I am here. >> Keith Harris, public works. >> Here. >> Pamel Taylor, code enforcement. >> Thank you. >> Commissioner Moore, if you would lead us in our invitation, please
stand. >> Dear heavenly father, we want to thank you for our gathering today. We thank you for our rising on this morning to this new day. We thank you for your grace and for your mercy. And we ask that you be with us today. Have mercy upon us. Give us strength, knowledge, and understanding to do your will. Help
us to be pleasing in your sight. Lord, we ask that you help us to do those things that will be pleasing. Ask that you bless us. Bless the families on today, those that are sick and shut in. Bless all of those that are even in attendance on today. Have mercy upon us. Continue to give us what we need in
order to do thy will. All we do ask Jesus name. Amen. >> Amen. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under
God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Yes we get started. >> Yes. >> Um I have a procedural issue to ask about. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> Okay. Thank you, mayor. Um,
okay. So, this is a special meeting, so we're intending to vote, right? Um, I believe on Friday, February 13, March 13th. Um, I received a copy of this
agenda, but as far as I can tell, I have never there was never any paperwork prepared that showed that the mayor called this meeting. I did not get any paperwork to that effect. >> And I was and I was told by the clerk
that that that notification was made via email and then she notified me about that. >> Well, wait a minute. It just said the city manager. Sorry, let me let me back. >> I don't want to go through this every time we have a special meeting. Special meetings. >> Yeah. I I asked to make sure that we
were in compliance. >> Okay. But it's my understanding from our charter that it's the mayor's um prerogative to call a special meeting, but as far as I can tell, there's no paperwork signed by
the mayor calling the special meeting. There's just an email that says the city manager says we're having a special meeting and somehow >> you know we're here. Let's leave a special meeting going. >> Okay. But we are supposed to follow our
charter and I believe we had direction previously from the city attorney that said there should be paperwork by the mayor. >> I don't remember that. It was about notification to each within 48 hours and we did that via email with the
notification. I got with the clerk on it to make sure if we need to look at the pro protocol a little closer and do something specific, we can definitely do that in the future >> and I apologize if we didn't follow something procedurally correctly, but I made sure that we did through the clerk and I was assured that we did. But I
know in the past, I mean, I know it's at times in the past when we've called a special meeting um or I've had to call a special meeting that um sometimes it's just, you know, there's been basically a phone a phone call. How would you like
this? We have to call a meeting and then the agenda. Do you want it sent to your house? How do you want that done? I don't know, but I'm going to go get the charter. Um Commissioner, you have the charter. Can you pull that up for us and read for us specifically because I don't
recall Don actually saying that the mayor has to sign a document. >> I know this last time to appease everyone that we did sign a document, right? >> Um just to make sure. Yeah, >> this one was kind of a we had a meeting and said since we were going to be here
anyway at that time and we kind of are they have a situation that they needed addressed that came about after Thursday's after Thursday's meeting. So if you read that language to us >> please.
>> Sure. Uh meetings of the city. Special meetings may be called by the mayor, commissioner, or any other three commissioners upon at least 12 hours written notice to each member served personally or left of his or her usual place of residence with some member of his or her family over the age of 15.
This time requirement may be waved by consent of all commissioners. The city commission shall take reasonable steps to ensure time and notice from the public of such special meetings which at least shall include notification of the local press and posting notice of meeting a central location located designate central location designated by
the commission for this purpose. >> So did you send out written was there written did anybody get written email? >> I got an email >> from the clerk. >> I got an email >> because I'm trying to back up here a minute. It was the mayor's prerogative
to call a special meeting. So what's not reflected is any documentation that the mayor has called a special meeting or on what subject this it looks like the staff it looks like we are delegating to
the staff. So what I'm suggesting is that we always clearly reflect the documentation that the mayor has called us. >> I understand and we have done that at at at times in the past and so from here forward if you had this concern that
please before we get to the meeting if this was a concern that you bring it to his attention and we so that we can get it addressed before we so he can address it before we get here if in case we do fail to to get that that done correctly. >> I'm doing the best I can because I
didn't as I told y'all I was not available Monday through Wednesday. I had company from out of town that I rarely get to see. Um, and I didn't even realize till Sunday evening. I thought the special meeting had been was a reworking of the workshop. I didn't even
understand what financial discussion was meant to indicate. The city manager called me on Sunday evening. So, and that's fine. There was a lot going on last week. Um, and I'm happy to hear that there's a good uh health report about family member of one of our staff
that things are better. lot going on last week, but one um I think we are supposed to have documentation that the mayor has called it. And secondly, I I did not see I was at city hall yesterday. Um I did not see any posting.
Usually we post our agendas on the um on the doors of city hall and I did not see that posted. So I think an alert was sent out by email. Um but there wasn't anything posted on the door for people who don't get those alerts. So uh
obviously as Mr. Burton has pointed out we are here um we are all agreeing to this meeting I'm assuming. Um and just in future we I think we need that documentation. I think Don has spoken to it and as well especially when it's a
special meeting that's helpful if it's posted on the city hall door because people do >> and we've always done that in the past. Right now though um commissioners I'm going to ask that um we're we're limited
with this the Melanie when she's available. she's got a she's got a lot of duties on her for the limited amount of time that she's contracted for. Um and so we are at a significant um
deficit where that is concerned. So from here forward um by all means we will make sure um Mr. Martin if you would please make sure at this time though I the mayor am calling this special meeting. Can I get someone to approve
the calling of this special meeting that I'm in place that I have done? If somebody would let's do a motion. I need a motion >> and then that should take care of >> I move that um I approve of the mayor's calling special. >> Can I get a second?
>> I'll second a motion and a second. Can we do I'm going to do a a verbal vote. If um all in favor, please say I >> oppose. Nay. >> Nay. Okay. So that hopefully for anybody that has some concerns, we've tried to
rectify it. There's anytime, you know, we have issues, there's always a way to rectify it. We have to try to find a way to rectify it. So hopefully that will take care of and alleviate any concerns that outside the public might have. Um
and and we are live, correct, Pam? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. So we are live and it did go out for the notices for those that are in in line for that. >> Yes. Okay. Um, and this is just this came about. Do you want to go ahead? If everyone's
ready, we can go ahead and get started. >> So, real quick to just set the deck. You all have questions and answers in front of you that were posed by Commissioner Devito. I'm sorry I didn't have them ready in time um to email everybody, but I did give you all copies. Um,
basically, we're about to go over that. I had a a briefing sheet to kind of outline the circumstances surrounding the recommended the recommended budget allocation reallocation. Um so if I may mayor >> um I wanted to outline the circumstances surrounding the recommended budget
reallocation and provide clarity on recent findings related to the funding approach for the water utility extension project. Um this is of course CDBG North main correct Keith? >> Yes sir. And so the city had anticipated reimbursement through the CDBG funds.
However, between the advancing of the project and the submission of the CDB application, the completed portion of the scope of work was actually removed from the final package. Therefore, not eligible for reimbursement under the CDBG program. It appeared to be a result
of communication breakdown rather than a result of any fault of any one individual. While the work will not be reimbursed uh through CDBG funds, it was both necessary and cost-effective. It ensured the extension of the looping of the water utility from Oakwood to 17,
improved service to current residents along that corridor, supported future growth along the corridor, and completing the work before the county's roadway improvements avoided an estimated doubling construction cost on our end. had directional drilling been required, especially considering that
the awarded bid for Badger drilling on the CD2 project was 587,000 and the uh budget without the renewed scope was 598,000 actually given through the grant. So staff is requesting that the city commission approve the
reallocation of $19,0006 $19,674 within the existing better place plan budget by drawing from the remaining balances in the infrastructure and equipment accounts to fund the priority expenditure without increasing total
cost or delaying ongoing projects and needs. Okay, commissioners. We have um and we're going to do this by resolution. Is that correct? >> Yes, it is. Ma'am, >> so you have a resolution in front of you. If I can get I'll entertain a motion.
>> Okay. I would like to add one thing, Mayor. Um the language I would like to just put in here um the actual project because right now it speaks about moving the money around, but it doesn't talk about a project and I would like to add that to the resolution. >> Okay. Okay. So, 12 paragraphs. Mayor, if
I can ask a question. >> Yes. >> So, I'm sorry. I had this identified, but what paragraph is that again where it says priority project? >> Okay. Um, it's the third whereas clause. Is that right? Yes.
A priority expenditure. And so, right there, I'd like to put in there what the priority expenditure is for. And that would be for the project done on Oakwood to 17 for the CPG uh main water main project.
>> That's I would just put main water cuz it's not I apologize I didn't have that in >> the rest of the resolution. >> Um
do can I I'll entertain a motion with changes. Um I I move that we approve resolution 202607 with the change of adding the uh water meeting project um as the city manager had specified the wording. >> Do I have a second?
>> I'll second. >> Okay, we have a proper motion and a second. >> Okay, commissioners. We have some discussion questions. >> Yes. So Mr. Martin, you're reading. We don't
have what we were reading from that explained how this somehow got eliminated from originally. We had thought that this $110,000 would be part of the CG request. Is that right? >> Yes, ma'am.
>> Okay. And you see you have a document there that explains how that got left out. >> And your question is the answers which everybody has that explanation is is in there as well. My briefing sheet is a briefing to the briefing. So, I didn't have that for everybody. That's just my intro so I don't goof up.
>> Okay. And you're saying so specifically this money is related to the CDG water main project. Correct. Because >> necessary needed and necessary. >> Yes. As part of the plans for and we're
calling that the the north main water project north. Yes. >> Okay. um because it will go from central avenue all the way up main street to the 30. >> Not to be confused with the north main water tower project that we have
legislative main street totally separate. My suggestion would be that that clarification be added to the resolution that it's the Oakwood to main water main project related to the CDBG North Main
Street grant even though it's it's not part of funding. Um and when we spoke I mean that I think that would be a good idea to add it because we have quite a few projects going on. Um when we spoke
you uh and you gave me just a quick briefing you said two things that technically this does not qualify for repair and replacement funds. >> Yes. >> Because it's there's no there's no
portion of this that is repair or replace. >> Correct. >> New installation. >> It's brand new installation 800 ft. >> Okay. this particular but the the CDBG project is replacing correct there are
portions that are being replaced. Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> And some that are new. Is that correct? >> Yeah. There'll be a bunch of it that's new. But it's going to uh >> be replacing current main. Correct. So it's correct. But where the work was on
17 on that corridor, there was no main in there at that time. There was no replacement of any existing line. that was brand new line and to connect oak wood to 17 >> and create a loop. >> It creates a loop so that there there's better water pressure that goes around it. So there wasn't one there that they
abandoned. It's just an additional tie in to make that loop. >> All right. And just so we all understand what the criteria is. So for example for even though this is connected to existing service
um because it is new pipe we cannot um pay for it under repair in place. >> Correct. And and that was a discussion that I had with our finance director and he also felt and concurred that he believed that that was the right way to go not to be not using those funds but
to use it from better place. >> Okay. And then the second thing you said is that there's really not sufficient funds that repair in place. >> Uh the total fund is in a positive uh in a positive light. We have we have surplus there or extra money there. >> Right.
>> The the RNR line item itself. No, we do not have enough funds to cover that. >> Okay. And I did note um when we um we approved the funding, the original 110,000 funding back on September 25th,
you included the minutes. >> Yes. >> Um and it was to come from water repair and replace fund and be reimburseable through the CBG project. So apparently two things have happened. city staff have re-evaluated and changed the
recommendation of where it is allowed to become come come from and then um it was not requested as part of the CDG project. Is that right? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, >> if it hadn't been included in the CPG, we would have been way over budget.
We would have had to pay for this regardless regardless and we had to have it done early to get the road repave correct and we didn't get it done in the fashion that we did. Our cost would have doubled to do a directional drill and move up the open cut that we did. >> Yes.
>> I mean, this came out like within that's why it says emergency. It's an emergency in a minute because we >> how this came about >> and I just thought if you could get it done that quickly and we got them, you know, we got done. Yes. >> The room got repaid
>> when we're moving forward, you know, so we don't always respond that quickly. >> We can't always sometimes. >> Yes. Um, another thing that I'd like to do if we can because it's part of the project, um, and I just thought about it. I didn't think about it when we were doing this. I did finalize a
conversation with J.R. Grimes with the county and they originally had a $13,000 bill um that included additional asphalt work for that project and mobilization fee. They're going to pick up the work for the asphalt and they're asking for us to cover the mobilization fee of
$3,500. Uh because it was part of that project, I believe we could take it out of these funds and add the 3500 to the 109 635 if that's okay. So you need an additional >> and we have plenty of funds to do so >> to do that from we don't have it in the
general fund. Just so for clarity though, when we entered into this, that was the understanding all along that in order to do that, it would be about 3500. Correct. And then they came back after the fact and said, "Oh, by the way, >> it's this is this is how much it is." And
>> um so thank you for going, you know, for holding digging your heels in on that one. Um because that's what we agreed to initially. >> Yes, it is. But >> can I um >> Yes, sir. >> Bring up something. I I just looked in our code though for the the repair as we
call it the repair and replace fund. Um because it is a separate line item that's on our water bills. We pay 10% um to the water and sewer. Um in here it says that the water and sewer plant expansion fund. Um the monies placed in the water plant expansion fund shall be
used for the expansion, replacement or improvement of the city water facility in such manner and at such times the city commission shall from time to time determine the money placed in the wastewater treatment plant shall be for expansion, replacement or improvement of the city wastewater treatment facility. And so it goes on. So it's it doesn't
necessarily have to replace one for one. It's for expansion, upgrades, anything and but that's the only thing that that fund can be used for. So it is set aside signed separately and we are charged we pay separate fees into that. Um but I'm I'm okay with you know the determination
that you made here uh if we want to move forward or not. And and in talking with Steve he said that there there wasn't funds available at this time for that. >> There's not not Yes. Yes. >> Is there a portion of them?
>> He he he didn't feel comfortable using that account at this time. overall account is okay. It's just that line item until >> it's a rolling account. >> So, it's continuing, you know, year after year. He says it's getting better,
but he doesn't want to put that on that account at this time. >> Okay. Um I thought um you had very fair question to say was there enough to pay for part of this
>> because um if that's what it's for. I'm not really sure why we shouldn't use it for that. Although um I mean I guess the worst case scenario if we use part of the repair and replace funds and that was why I asked the original question because it seemed like
that was very narrow reading of the authorization for use of the money. Um the worst case scenario we use the RNR funds um and then we spend all better place plan funds for something else. We can always use better place plan money for something that the water system
needs. Um I guess we but this seems a a fair solution we can but I thought your question was also a very good question. >> Well I think as we come because you
shared with me I think we've got something else coming up correct that we possibly might have to do some repairs on. Didn't we have a >> Didn't we have all >> Oh down here for the storm. >> Yes. >> Yes. But we do have some funds in there
in the general fund to cover some of those. We don't know what that uh easement will look like once we video that. >> Um I was under the impression that was completed, but I found out recently that it did not get completed. >> I'm talking about whatever happened
Monday night or last night, but Jason was called in. >> Oh, yes. Yeah. So that that that will be I'm sorry. So there's many things going on. Um yes. So >> apologize. I wasn't clear. I wasn't clear on that. >> Oh, it's back up and running. >> Is it And I thought that if I didn't
hear anything that it probably did. So, right now we're okay. Yes. Right now we're okay. >> Okay. >> Last time I heard they were trying to fix it without having to replace it. So, >> they got it back up and running. They got some parts coming for it. >> Okay. >> We're back. >> Okay. >> Good to go. So, >> okay.
>> Once we get all straightened out, we might want to order a backup motor for that particular item because >> it is the wells that furnish the city with the water. with the water. >> One of them went down, but it was a thermal switch that went bad. >> So, the electricians ordered a new one.
We'll put it in next week, >> but in the meantime, everything is operating. >> Yes. >> And we'll be we talked about we're going be putting that in the budget for next year for replacement or at least having the money back up to replace it. You had an extra one. >> Okay. So, right now you're looking at
taking everything out on the Better Place and you want to add an additional $3,500 to meet that cost to the to the county. >> Yes, ma'am. And and the county did tell me if we wanted to spend half of it this year in this FY, they would be willing to take the other half next year.
>> I think we should just So, that is up to you. >> Yeah. Get it done. >> I mean, sure. >> I agree. So, I currently have a motion to um to approve the resolution accept the resolution with with the proper
changes that have been proposed that was made by Commissioner Lori that um and Commissioner Burton seconded that. Um >> if I add the 3500, it's 113 174 is the total. >> Okay. >> So, that's separate from the resolution
though. That's a that's a different. So, do you want to how do you want to add that? Do we need to add that into this resolution or do we just need that need to do that as a separate as a separate item? >> Um, it is part of the project. We could put it and add that number to this
resolution and just have in one one vote. >> Okay. So, you're going to have to change the language in there. So, and separate those out. So, it's 109 for the >> Yeah. >> for the 109674. >> Yes. >> And then the 3500.
>> Yes. for the mobilization. >> So that's the total. >> I'll separate. >> So mayor, if I could just clarify, we're adding an additional 3,500 to be paid to the county for something called
mobilization fee for the 308 road project. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> A re remobilization. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Which is in essence, I guess they >> stopped. >> They stopped and they had to come back. So it was
>> in other words to accommodate our >> Yes. >> project. >> Yes ma'am. >> Yes ma'am. >> Okay we have that. Commissioners. Do we have any other any other concerns? Any other questions regarding this? Okay.
Um if everyone is okay. Um Mr. Taylor, can you do a roll call for us please? We have a proper motion and second. Commissioner Vito. >> Hi, >> Mr. Lawrence. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Moore.
>> Hi, >> Commissioner Burton. >> I Okay, so approved. >> May I ask a question? >> Yes. >> Out of curiosity, if we do decide that there is money in the repair place and we pay back fund, we can we can trans or
transfer. I think we might I mean as things work out because like like Mr. said I mean better place does have more freedom as far as what we can use it for. Sure is repair place obviously is confined to this but we do use better
place for projects but we also kind of want to leave it available. >> Yes. >> Um so if we can maybe numbers >> Yes sir. >> Mayor I get it. Um, I think that Commissioner Roy's suggestion is very
well made and I would like to see us keep tabs on that to see if we can possibly repay money to a better place outside. >> I agree with that. I think that's kind of the direction I was going to with that is that you know um while we're
here uh we had a workshop scheduled with a partnership and I don't know if everyone u we don't have Rachel scheduled um I know she wants to I think talk to her board and get the board involved I understanding in this in this
meeting as well it kind of came about very quickly um >> that's my fault >> that's approve because we wanted to get it done. So that you know 10 months pressure us we got a little too excited >> and I wasn't and I wasn't in you know so
>> I >> so anyway if everybody wants to kind of um either give dates today or give dates um you know I think our next um we've got
April she they'll have a meeting on April 6 they should have their first meeting on April 6th. Um I know that we've got April 8th. If we wanted to do it on April 8th, um we could do a workshop on that date of what everybody
else is available. And then the following week, um >> we have Yeah, we already have a golf cart and we have a um >> security at 1:00. So, we think the eth might be the best
option. >> So, if everybody will look at their calendar and see what the eth looks like. >> I can't. >> You can't do it. The eight, >> you know, Tim won't be here, will he? >> Oh, that's right. >> Europe for 11 days or 10 days.
So that might move us towards the end of um >> we'll talk about that then I guess at our next commission meeting on May 9th. >> Yes. >> Um if we can
>> if we could get some dates from the partnership that they want to suggest to us um and then we could all look at our calendars that might help a great deal. Yes, I think ours more difficult. >> After November.
>> Okay. >> Um I do. Okay. Um, but I um ours is probably I mean I think if we give them some dates, a couple of dates, ours is a little more difficult than
theirs possibly to to coordinate, but we can certainly do that. Find out um and April is going to be a big month. I do want to share with everybody catfish festival is >> Saturday the 4th. um >> two weeks from Saturday.
>> Two weeks from Saturday and the parade starts at 11:00. They have requested for all the commissioners, if you are available, please be there >> um in the parade. Um and then the following weekend, we have the boat races. Um that's also going to be a big
weekend. I won't be here, but I'm sure many of you and please, you know, participate. Um they are having South Putham is having Easter in the park on Sunday the 5th.
Um and then the 18th the >> South Church. >> South church. Yes. And then the 18th they've got um the partnership is doing their um art and uh their music and art festival.
And then the weekend of May 2nd, we've got a big a lot going on. May 2nd, they're doing the concert in the park. Ernie Evans is doing that. >> And he's got Rhonda Vincent coming to that and that's going to be I think from 10 to 4
>> from 10 to 4 in the in the afternoon. Um I'm hoping still I mean everything is is on schedule. We'll get that out to do the 28th to start a city cleanup then and do as much as we can at 9:00 that morning for anybody that can come out. I
know a lot's going on that day, but we can pick up throughout the week. I've asked um Mr. Martin to please have the the truck here, the dump truck here so that we can possibly put stuff in there um if anybody needs to. And another
thing that we're doing, um, just for everybody to know, um, is we've got to do shredding. >> And years ago, years ago, they used to open it up to the general public. It cost the public, >> but I've talked to Sheila and possibly
doing the shredding machine over in the lot next to the annex to where they set that up to where the general public can come in and pay to have shredding. I don't know for any of y'all that have shredding. I've got a lot of shredding. Everybody probably have stuff to be
shredded. Um they'll charge a minimal fee, but they're here and it's a benefit. So, we'll make an announcement. They probably will do that sometime um I would think sometime into the first of May. >> Okay. about the shredding. So, this is a
private company and if >> citizens take advantage of it, >> um I guess the city's contracting for it. >> We have to. Yeah, we've got a lot that has to be shredded that needed to be shredded some time ago. Um
>> so, do does a private citizen pay the city or do they pay the company? >> They pay the company. >> Okay. >> You pay the company. They'll be there on site to do that. They've done that in the past. They've offered this service in the past and several people have asked me about it and so um we've kind
of put it off. We were going to do it last year and ended up a lot of things happened. We have a lot of change over didn't happen and so I know Sheila is working on that with um Melanie I believe right now. So that'll be a big bonus to the to the citizens for those
of you that need stuff shredded. >> What's the date you been on the cleanup? >> 28th. 28 >> 28. Um, >> does anybody have anything else? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um,
my sorority does um autism awareness month. >> They would like to know if they could do a short short presentation in the April meeting. >> Okay. >> All right. I'll tell them. >> Yes. >> We'll put them in the presentation portion.
>> Okay. Thank you for Thank you for bringing that to us. >> They want us to do a proclamation or they just want to do that. >> Yeah. >> You work with Mr. Martin on that. We can do a proclamation and give that to the
to them. Thank you for recognizing that. >> And we've got Northeast Florida League of Cities is the 19th. It's from this Thursday to tomorrow. Um, >> it's going to be in Green Cove. The next one in April, and I'm going to share
with y'all that if you want to get yours in, the next one is going to be Infernadina Beach. Get it in early. >> I haven't been to one yet. >> For those that I am driving over and driving back that day. Um, right now they will have, I believe, a block of
rooms for people at the Hampton, but if anybody wants to stay over, that's a that's a hall. Um, but I'm sorry. What is this for? >> Northeast Florida. >> Northeast Florida League of Cities in April. >> Oh, April. >> April 16th.
>> No, you're saying it's April. >> April. This one. >> Yeah, it's March now. Tomorrow's is in green code. >> Okay. If there's not, if everybody else is just a couple items affected. So, um,
first of all, I guess we all probably got emails that said the legislature has adjourned, but they're going to come back into session in April to do the budget. So, that means um our budget request is
up in the air along with a lot of other things. um as well. Um there were I think a ver one version of the sovereign immunity bill passed. Um Commissioner Burton and Commissioner Mory will remember that was was bill that we spoke
to um the limits are up but in the favorable version. So um hopefully I believe the city's had a significant impact on that. Um there is a bill that passed uh there were two bills that
affected um municipal utilities. >> One did not pass. The other did the one um do extra charges >> right and I think um there were amendments on the floor. Um the original
bill was going to prohibit our utilities from charging a search charge for extra territorial. Um it may have been amended so that we can charge the fee. It was
>> it was okay. I thought so 25%. We can't do the 50. We don't do that here. >> But there is still we have to do a hearing. Right. There are this is the also the significant part. There are some very significant hearing requirements
>> that you we will have to do I believe. Um so the bottom line is um the city is going to have to um assuming the governor doesn't veto it and it's I've not heard anything that that's likely. We will have to um investigate it,
become familiar with it and do everything that's required and that may be requiring an annual report to the public service commission >> that did not >> right >> that was not a a requirement before. Um, and then the other thing is, um, there's
been quite a bit of comment on social media and quite a few news articles about the Aldi conversion. Um, and mayor, thank you. You've sent a letter to uh, the Aldi leadership in
Battavia Illinois. >> Yes. >> Did it go to a specific person? Well, this actually we just I was going to say we just actually we finalized it. Um Nomi got it formatted for me and so it's going out now and there is a specific um
group that it goes to. We also have they're also in Hayes City and it looks like they have the regional offices in Hayes City and so we've got the address for that too. So I'm going to copy that in in H City and sending that to H City.
Do you all have your protest signed up while you're in the city? >> Well, I'm I'm not sure that um a public protest is the thing, but I just wanted to share with you two concerns or two thoughts that occurred to me about this.
Um the original Aldi's that we all saw in Florida were in larger metro areas. you would see in Aldi's near other a variety of other grocery stores. It's my
understanding that communities like Monaceel outside of Tallahassee that recently converted and South Putham are in a very new situation and that new situation is um that there will not be a
full service grocery store for 30 to 35 miles in either direction. Um, some of us have spoken to the chamber about it. It and really it concerns me a great deal and I think we should put
some thought to this. Our Putinham Chamber, they're an award-winning chamber. They've put quite a bit of thought and effort into ideas about how to recruit business for Putham County um over the years. I think um a number of
years ago, mayor, this was um before you were elected mayor, uh they actually we were asked to fund um to help fund uh a contract with retail strategies to bring in uh businesses. Um I don't know that
they have sufficient understanding of the impact that this change is going to have on South Putham. Um, and I think any any reasonable economic development effort for the county needs to pay some attention to that and it's our
responsibility. I think it's something we should be talking about with um, Laca and Pomona Park as well as maybe North Felia. Um, someone published plans or an ad that Aldi's has that shows they're
going to be leasing spaces. It's out on LNET. >> It's what I don't know what Lunet is, but >> it's a retail. It's a retail real estate. It's where we do commercial real estate. >> So, just it just occurred to me. I don't know the impact that this has had so far
in Monell maybe in the situation that their stores closed and not reopened as but I am really questioning if Aldi store is going to be significantly smaller. It is. Okay. That boomixie is a
very large one of the largest. >> I understand that. I shop at different grocery stores too always. >> Um it occurs to me as a great concern um that we may have people standing in long lines just to buy groceries around here
because if the store is not big enough and does not have the um the merchandiser doesn't have the cashiers, it's it's not going to be an optional it's not going to be an optional store. It's going to be one of our main sources of groceries. And I it's it's a concern
and I don't I don't know if any other community has had the experience of having Aldi's be their only or one of their only two um grocery stores in the past and what that impact is going to be.
>> Monttoello, I've spoken to Monaceel um and of course it hasn't reopened. I don't believe it. >> Right. So they're closure phase. So they they're closed, right? They closed. And so they don't know the impact that's going to have. And you know, Commissioner Devito, I
>> this is the only time that we can all communicate on this. Yeah. >> And so publicly, I don't want to, you know, I I've had conversations with the chamber. >> Sure. >> I've had conversations with others. And you know, it's all in how it impacts.
It's a direct impact and an indirect impact. We are taking a direct impact. Others outside our area are taking an indirect. And so they're they're looking at it from a different perspective. We're looking at it from you think about the sales tax that a full service brings
in that comes back into our better place >> to benefit our community. Let me I know. Let me I mean these are some of the things we talk about jobs, right? And for eight months to a year, those 83 jobs are going to go elsewhere.
>> Um, Save Lot is trying, Mary is really um trying, she's stepped up and she's trying to um hire some of them, but she's also limited with staff that, you know, she can bring in. Um, when I spoke to and we've spoken to to retail
strategies about this, I believe you were I was in you were in the office when we we had that conversation with retail strategies. >> Um, spoke to the chamber and, you know, the chamber felt like um
that we would have other alternatives. um not understanding that that we had um limitations with some of our elderly and some of those people with limited transportation but but >> they did anyway. So
>> yeah. So Huh. >> They've always had no, you know, transportation. >> So it wasn't um and I understand where you come from is we can offer but but it's still going to be a grocery store. So, I don't know how that
benefits us by offering any type of incentives to Aldi um as far as a tax break or anything. >> I was proposing offering. >> Okay. That's what you had in the past. I thought you talked about that to the groceryer that sold it to the other one
to take >> to win Dixie. Well, I don't think and what you have to understand and this is it's a business. It's a it's a corporate and in the grocery world they're looking at dollars. This is a
high producing store >> down the road. A very high producing Windixie. >> Um >> and hopefully now it will be a high producing Aldi. >> And >> that's the hope. >> And so if if you're in a business
setting and you're looking at that, that's one of the ones that you're going to capture. That's the ones you want to probably hold on to because you know it's going to produce a certain amount. At least you hope. >> Okay. Well, when I put the mayor, you're
arguing you're arguing against >> No, I'm not. Aldi. >> No, I'm not. I'm saying this is why Aldi is not letting go of that store >> because they think Okay. But my my point right now is something different. >> We are about to be
>> Mr. Burton, if you want you need to leave. The meeting has not been adjourned. >> It's not adjourned. We can still We're discussing. We're not making a decision. We're just discussing. >> You can adjourn the meeting and then take on your >> We cannot talk that
>> on something. We cannot speak. That's why I said that I can't we can't talk individually on this. So, >> okay, let me you know, we're all talking about all these. Okay. I'm not talking about all these and I'm not talking about I I don't care which grocery store
states they're going to close. What I'm interested in is the impact fees that the that the county commission has put on us. Is that still going to happen? All these impact these new impact fees >> right now. The impact fees I just got a study from
>> um I asked for Mark to look at the impact fees. So I had something to go to the mayors and so we are supposed to meet and talk about it because it impacts all the municipalities. Um and so he gave me just a few talking
points. Um I really haven't had a chance to delve into that. I got that at the end of last week and so I was going to hand it out to all of you. So you knew that too. >> Well the impact piece I think will have more of an impact than the grocery store but that's just my opinion at right now. Okay. a grocery store. I don't care
about those necessarily, but these impact fees, if we don't have the right sales pitch for people to come and move and come into Crescent City and for other businesses to come in and and help um I don't know where where we're going
>> and and that absolutely >> but anyway, so I feel that maybe there should be some type of importance put on that as well. >> Yes. >> Yes. If I may, off subject, but still with our city. I just got a call from Don Holmes. I was trying to put him and the two attorneys together for theou
completion for Dunkin Donuts. Dunkin Donuts is probably about a week away from closing, just to let y'all know. And then he's going to start really hitting that property hard to get it developed. I also got an email from Chris. They have completed, this is for Lockside, they completed their site plan and was asking question about
inspection. I've gotten in touch with Mark Brett and the county. Hopefully, they'll have that within this week inspected and then he's going to let me know on an opening date. They didn't want to prematurely put it out, but they're ready to open. They're ready to go. >> Now, we've got some housing things going
on. I don't know if that's still a go. There were a lot of kind of irons in the fire. >> Did you ever hear anything from the people that were going to do a 100 houses over in the Orange Grove area >> off of Junction? >> I have not heard anything. >> You haven't heard anything back on them? >> I haven't heard anything. And that's
probably, you know, what >> 13 homes over here on Cherry. Have you heard much on that? >> They're waiting on us on the appropriations. They'd like to see if we >> the appropriations so that we can share the cost. >> They're going to have an answer. And >> does everybody understand that and what the hold up is there? So, right now
there's no sewer service there. >> Correct. >> And they have an opportunity to go um with septic. They could go ahead and develop that 13 homes for septic in that area. Um, we've basically talked to them about possibly if we get this
appropriations, they would pay a portion of this >> so that we could split that project in keeping them from going to septic and go on sewer. >> And so they're they're going to weigh it out to see if it's if it's in their
benefit, right? It's in our benefit if they will let us if they'll wait and go on sewer because otherwise we'll end up being a septic to sewer conversion at some point in time and we don't >> it saves them they're they're going to be spending 13 to $20,000 per home for their systems.
>> If they go with us of course they save that money but at the same time environmentally it's better for us as everything grows because the lake is right there. But we don't have the funds to take that on without >> a legislative appropriations to to do that other side of that that would need
for in order to run sewer to that property. >> The bids did come in a lot lower. I believe the 338,000 I know left but like around 300 low 300s for that project. We initially thought it was about $500,000. So we're waiting. Um, >> okay.
>> The impact fees and then we'll get back to Wind Dixie, but the wind impact fees based on what I was able to what what I what I read through from him and if you'll go ahead and forward that on to the commissioners, please >> will
>> unfortunately it looks to me as if the impact fees that were set up and established by the county um there's not a whole lot that we can do about those. What we would have to do, and this is something I think that all the municipalities are going to have to do,
>> is we're going to establish our we would have to establish our own impact fees to offset those, >> right? >> Um, and if we did that, then ours would come to us and it wouldn't go to the county because you can't double dip in impact fees. >> So, is somebody working on that? So
that's something that we were going to have that we'll have to do and that's going to cost and we have to have >> we're going to have to do an impact study because it's been too long since we put a moratorium on any impact. >> Correct. And we preliminarily it we we've got some numbers and the numbers
are for that type of study. It's very extensive study. It's expensive thousands and thousands of dollars. However, we are working with the ASCU school uh public administration in FSU right now on internal controls and financial policy and I've talked to the
professor uh the lead that oversees that whole department and next year they are combining the pre-capstone and capstone and he said they will most likely be able to provide a more extensive and possibly even uh be able to assist the city in doing a study an actual
certified study on it. Yeah. >> So that would save us >> a lot of money. >> Yeah. >> The unfortunate part is there's only two or three firms in that line too studies just went through theirs two years ago. The people that I think the county used
the same and it was I mean they can name their own price. It could be there's only a few people. >> Well, we had the we had the guy come here um to this commission. Yes, he did. actually when when Charles run was here right before I was elected and the I don't remember we're about to estimate
it something like 200 >> something around 200 880,000 or something >> yeah it could be as low as we were told as low as 50,000 as high as 150,000 depends on if I could I don't think it was in that
neighborhood I think it was more between 50 and 100 >> and we had talked about um well ways to >> we well we talked about ways to reduce the cost um and they the firm talked
about ways um to to reduce the cost but it is a significant sell. So currently and and the biggest thing that was recommended is that you that we monitor um from my takeaway from what I read is
that we monitor we monitor how those monies are being allocated when they come in because number one we're paying for you know we're paying for infrastructure. Well that doesn't affect us at all. Um roads and that's
what has been said to me whenever I challenged them on it. Well, I can drive to black. I can drive pretty much anywhere I need to go and not get on a county road if I don't want to. >> Um, and so that's, you know, another thing that, you know, you can drive to
Blacka, we could drive to, shoot, we can drive to Melrose, Gainesville, you know, a lot of places and not have to get on a county road. Um, so those are some things that are part of that. Parks. I'm like, what parks do you have here in Crescent City? Um, and
so we don't have any, but you might use one of their parks. >> Well, I'm I'm not sure, but our students do go to the park over here and they play >> right at South Pan Fields. >> Um, you know, so some of our students here in the city. >> If I could,
>> yes. >> More people from the county, I would guess, come to use our facilities, including our bathrooms. >> Yes. >> Currently, than use county parks. So, these impact fees are um I think the biggest thing with the mayors is that
all the commissioners did this without >> getting cocky >> talking to us or bringing us into the discussion. >> Total disrespect >> and my understanding from those I've spoken to is that they didn't really even realize when they were going through this process that it was going
to impact the municipalities until after it was done. The problem too is you cannot so you can't offer if somebody comes in here to Crescent City and says, you know, we'll build, can you handle our impact fees? Somebody has to pay those. Either we pay them, the county
pays them, or the developer pays them. They have to be paid. There's no there's no giving them a waiver out of it. So, we won't. Now, Aldi's that's a that's a current grocery store. They would not because it's an existing building. existing footprint.
>> Um, and I think that's why Mr. Griffy's doing that with the Dunkin Donuts on that building. >> Take that old building down. >> See, I understand all that. But, but we we've got to have >> development. We've got to And I think the biggest thing is what we're going to
have to look at and we're going to have to probably Derek, y'all are going to have to look at funding and how we just go ahead and do it so we have our own because we really want these impact fees to benefit us. >> Yeah. Exactly. Yeah, we really the county's ordinances. There's nothing
in regard to how they're going to put that money back into our community or any other >> They don't have to. Yeah. >> Now, the other thing, we're going to have a nursing home >> up for sale. >> Up for sale. >> Um, so I'm going to assume that that's
going to go back into private hands. >> Yeah, it should. We're not. So, no, I know we're not. >> Okay. So that was >> I'm sorry I didn't hear what you said, Commissioner Burton. >> The nursing home.
>> Just that last part. Um the county that you you made a comment about it the very last sentence she said >> private hands. >> It goes into private hands which means it'll go back on the tax >> which is which is good for us. Yes. But but you know then I'm hearing on the in
the in another round. You know I for some reason I just know a lot of doctors and nurses for some reason right now. Um but they're saying that that's going to impact this area if it goes into private hands and and they take it down. It's no longer a nursing home. >> Okay.
>> So I mean that that will be an interesting that's another interesting thing that may happen to us. So, you know, like I'm just saying there's there's stuff going on, stuff that hopefully will benefit us, uh, but stuff that who knows, you know,
>> going to have a detrimental impact. >> Yeah, there's a lot of stuff going on. So, >> and we have a lot of our older, you know, population, even recovery, even not even older, but they go there for recovery that that's going to be an impact. So, >> so anyway, now may I'm going to leave
and you guys can talk about groceries. >> Okay, you are excused. Thank you. Hey people, bless you. If you would do me a favor to stay for one little moment for one thing, I want to thank you for bringing up the impact fee issue because that is very very important and as well the nursing home issue that is very very
important. Um they all relate to economic development and my concerns about the type of grocery store that we have definitely relate to economic development. So you can I cannot make
you stay here, but my focus is serving our citizens and our businesses and making sure that we're in the right posture for um economic development. So >> well, but I can't I don't feel it's my business to get into their business.
>> Well, okay. >> That's all. I know that mayor if I could about your point about it's a business decision. >> Yes. >> Are you done? >> I am done. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. You're welcome.
>> Could I follow up on the point? >> I'm very aware that all businesses make business decisions. Some of them make um community oriented decisions to sponsor local events or provide free um benefits
to organizations. We routinely request through community organizations in the CRA um to businesses to donate to us, but really um every business makes business decisions. We have a chamber
that is supposed to help with economic development. That chamber is in many ways significantly supported by not only businesses but our governments. We are members of that chamber. They administer
as I understand it the tourism development tax funds. Um every >> I'm on that. I am on that. >> Yes, I know that. But I'm saying that that is a >> and they do support us in that effort. every time we have an event they they do try to
>> that's that's the small picture the small picture they trying to develop opportunities for businesses to come here the lack of a full service grocery store um I feel that the people in Pala
do not have a significant sufficient understanding of the impact on the local economies um I will give You know, for example, we have a new restaurant coming in. Um, restaurants usually have suppliers. However,
restaurants frequently, um, have to make small supplemental purchases and they go to local grocery stores to do that. Um, I would be very curious to know what the feeling is in the restaurant community about not having a full service grocery store. Um,
we have people who come to town here to stay at Airbnbs and RV parks. I am very curious about what the impact is going to be both on our sales tax and also um, not only just their willingness to come
here and stay as long as they do when they don't have a full service grocery store. Many of those people cook, they buy um, temporary supplies. And to me, it's it's our job as a city government,
and I think that this is something again we should be talking to um both the county and um the other municipalities in South Pton about is, you know, can we uh do anything at the last ditch effort
to try to get our a full service grocery store to stay or in the future? What are going to be the needs of our businesses and our residents for grocery service? Is Aldi's going to be adequate? Can we
do anything to ameliate any possible negative impact? And to me um there's no point having um the whole point of the chamber is to try to help us economically. I think this is a worthy issue for them to look at and
I've not I've not really seen anyone give that sufficient attention but to me um I would appreciate it if you would bring >> I will reach out again to I will reach out again to Laura like I said I've spoken to Laura and and
it's a direct and indirect impact and you're I mean this is not something I mean I just had a conversation with somebody just before we came in here and I said, "You have no idea the devastation that I'm feeling and the responsibility I'm feeling right now
because of the impact this is going to have on not only our community, but the surrounding communities and those people that are wanting to come to our area and utilize that fullervice grocery store.
um the Aldi's model and I have been told >> um by those in the industry that they have a very strict model and so does Trader Joe and it's and they're brothers that split off >> but that those models don't deviate and
they and they stick with those models they don't deviate >> huge expansion kicks >> they both are on huge expansion >> they don't really tear up turn it >> um and people when I have that conversation with somebody
last last week um and I think it was last week I don't know everything's running together right now but last week and they said okay you're getting all these that's correct I'm like you do not understand you do not understand what we are losing what we're giving up in order
to get that in order to get that um that for that to happen and once I sat down and I explained it to them >> yes >> they were like oh wow may Hold that thought. Very unfortunately um really I mean this is the kind of
thing you know there big economic forces out there moving around and this is the kind of thing that small towns like Crescent City Laca need to pay attention to. For example, um this has been coming for a while and
you um brought it to our attention. last year we could have had an opportunity and we could have joined with other municipalities. Um the kind the kind of thing you could do and this is what the state does for other issues
and other communities. Pardon me. Um there's no fund in the state budget or for the department of commerce to try to retain a certain level of grocery service.
There could be if small towns had asked for it. I mean there are things that go into the economic mix that the state funds. They create incentives for things. They pay for example for our um comp plan update. So for example, small
towns could have got together last year and gone to department of economic opportunity, gone to the governor's staff, said this is an economic development issue. we need you to assist us with a program for this particular
area. I think that's the kind of thing all small towns particularly in the top half of the state need to be really aware of and my concern is um the dies is going to be here and frankly I don't
think that we should give up. Thank you for the letter and we should follow up. um we need to look at what do we have, what do we need, is there anything else we can do to provide those needed services. And that's a conversation that
I think we're going to have to have with local businesses and with the other municipalities in South Pum and whoever it was you were talking to when you explained it to them so that they understood. I think that's something the county and the chamber need to understand. >> Well, I
you package that and I I mean I've can try. I mean I have goodness knows I have my elevator speech when it comes to that. Um you know and if you'll read if you read the paper the other day, Saturday's paper, I even stated in there that hopefully this will be an opportunity for other businesses. You
didn't read the paper. I've got it in my office. >> Um this will be an opportunity for other businesses to to pick up, >> you know, a bakery, a deli. I mean, these are things that we, if anybody had any idea how much that deli does. >> Yes.
>> Um, >> you know, and all of that prepared foods that goes into sales tax that comes back into our better place. >> Yes. >> And so, you know, Commissioner Devito, >> I mean, we we shouldn't be the ones to
do this, but you know, the residents picking them. >> Stand out there and picking them. You know, I don't know what else to tell them to do. you know, because even even I got a phone call earlier >> and asked me if if
they're not being a they've reached out to them and nobody's contacted them and I said they've never reached out to us. They've never returned anything. They've never responded and I gave them more names and and places and >> people to contact us
>> at Ali at Aldi. And so I said, you know, this is this is if everybody, but you know, I don't I don't I understand what you're saying, but again, it's the direct and the indirect. I think we here see this
um you know, look what happened to our pharmacy. And I had that conversation earlier. We are still reeling from the closure of that pharmacy. We still have residents that struggle because of that. and our community pharmacy has has tried as best as they can, but they're limited
in what they have available to them, too. >> Yes. Could I jump for just a second? I'm so sorry. Yes, I have an interview to conduct. If I can be dismissed, I appreciate it. >> Yes. Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. >> Just to wrap it up, mayor, I know you put a lot of thought into this. Um, I
think that what happens with the community pharmacy goes to my point that just like large communities engage in economic development issues, it behooves small communities to do the same thing. And my concern about I don't think it's
going to be so easy to replace what Wind Dixie had just like the pharmacy because there is um strength in a larger organization. It's much more difficult for a small individually owned store to have those long hours to have the same
breadth of supply. It it just is. So, in other words, maybe we would get a deli, but it's probably not going to be open from >> I understand. >> You know, there's just not the same um capacity. I know in my old neighborhood
in Tampa that got flooded, the former retail pharmacy um that was completely flooded out, they've opened for pharmacy. They have not been able to swing opening for retail just because it's hard for them. So, I guess um thank you for what
you've done. if you could uh anything that you've shared with um residents about contact persons at Aldi's uh if you would be so good as to share with the rest of us, I'd appreciate that. And thank you very much for um the letter
and I saw you made the change um that Commissioner Lori and I um suggested. So I think twice I think at least we can for that twice >> but um it's worth approval
>> very much so. So it's apparent to me that looking at the big picture with economic development as opposed to the individual events and the individual stores um is important for small towns. This is I think this is a new reality.
>> Emol has dealt with the same thing down in Makoli. I mean, it's they're they're limited. We don't necessarily qualify because several people have said, you know, even in talking to the I talked to some county commissioners um last week
and you know, they suggested have you, >> you know, about this being a food desert, creating a food desert, right? >> By USDA standards, yes, because it's more than 10 miles um because we're in, you know, in in a rural area. However,
we can't necessarily say that because Save AOT does offer >> they offer produce. They offer cut meat. I mean, they offer, you know, they have a meat cutter. I mean, >> all these has meat. It's prepackaged. You just can't go in there and say,
"Hey, can you divide this up?" Or, "Hey, I want these cut." >> I will have to say, >> I'm sorry, boy. There is there is going to be less food service available and
some people particularly well visitors tourists and people with very limited means who don't have the ability to cook at home are going to be impacted by the lack of availability of um of
prepared foods. I mean some people just can't or don't they they're not able to cook. um that some people don't pitch in. But anyway, um I think we would benefit from a little more attention by the county commission. They seem both
with the impact fees and with the impact of um the grocery store situation. They just don't seem enough aware of the needs of the south county and that is we need to fix that. It's more of a
>> but we it can be fixed. When we when JR Newol was elected, I that's one of the first things I told him when they join. I said, you know, the relationship between the municipalities and the county needs to be fixed. It is so, you know, times adversarial or just distant.
And I think he's he knows that. I've talked to him several times about it and, you know, we I have the Yeah, I know you communicate with them. I communicate with them um as much and I even had talked to him when the whole impact fee thing was going on and at the time he even had their director of uh
planning call me and talk to me and he said at the time they were not they they weren't even they weren't even looking at the municipalities and they said it wasn't going to affect them but at night we won't know and I'm just like well that's not >> you know but but it was not their intention I don't believe um it just
happened >> that's what they shared the it was never their intention and we all thought that Yeah. To have more communication. >> To Commissioner Pickins credit too though, I have to say that he by all means was a South Putnham cheerleader for us. I mean, it was everything that
he did tried to do. It was making sure that South Putham, so he, you know, Commissioner Pickkins did. Um, the biggest thing is getting a seat at the table. And oftent times, and I'm going to say this, that often times us being adversarial does not necessarily get us
the seat at the table that we hope for. And so I've tried really hard to work on those relationships with those in Palaca and with the other municipalities and just have that so that they at least invite us in and we have and we have a
seat at the table. Um, I'll make sure I reach out to Laura. again. I have a a good working relationship with both Laura and Kimberly. And now we've got Mark has been replaced and um and she has been down here um and she met with
Derek um to look at some things down here. I know that because we've told them that we have opportunities down here for industrial right outside the city limits. Um and and that brings jobs and there's areas here too. Mark and I had done that and we had driven around
extensively um to look at at opportunities opportunities down here. Um you know it's it's I think this is a a long-standing conversation as South Putham where South
Putinham would kind of sit once you go over the bridge. Um and and and we are getting more recognition, you know, I mean, we are they are I think they know that we're here. Um thanks to our county commissioners.
>> Um you know, both Commissioner Pickkins and Commissioner Harris. >> Um you know, they've they've tried they've tried, but it's them against, you know, they have four others that are looking out for their communities also. >> So, and I'm not entirely sure. Um, I
have real reservations about their decision to sell the nursing home property because as Commissioner Burton pointed out, um, it provides a service and you referenced that as well. Um, and you have you have to look at the big
picture. They're looking at it in terms of I mean the things that the county has owned for ever since the state come over indigent care to the counties and said they so you guys handle it. So they've owned it but they they don't manage it
they lease it to >> for 20 years >> it it provides important service. Most of the people at that nursing home as my understanding are funded by Medicaid. they can't afford to pay more. So, you know, to me there's a a significant
benefit as the mayor mentioned, people can go to this nursing home for rehab and recovery. >> Um, and there's a significant benefit to that. Um, but you know, that's evident is it's being run as a private company already and um, county property, so
you're not getting any tax benefits and which has been the case for a very long time. We get to pilot the payment of taxes of $5,000. >> I guess okay is you don't necessarily want or need to make a profit off of a health care
service for elderly and disabled people. you want to provide the service and it's my understanding that the that property was always intended to provide for healthcare >> and hopefully and hopefully with them
putting of course every just because somebody puts something up for sale >> does not mean it will be purchased >> does not mean it will be purchased in the meantime I think they get about $10,000 a month rent on that property so they are getting a substantial amount of income on that property
Um, and and hopefully the way that property is set up, it is set up for a nursing home. There are a lot of nursing home companies out there that possibly will come in and and hopefully buy that up, >> including the one that's
>> including the currently running it and so and do whatever they need to um because that that nursing home needs and my understanding is it needs some upgrades. So, it does need it needs some upgrades and
>> and so hopefully we can only hope that the way it's set up that somebody will step in and and buy that and and especially when they're paying that kind of, you know, how much they're asking for it. But, >> but I don't I don't think that the county tells them what the services they
can run. I think the county has a contract with them and they run >> what the community needs which is a Medicaid funded beds in a nursing aff
that wouldn't continue on if they're making money off they're making it work as it is they'll continue to >> I think I think one of the biggest things is is you know we've got to be very cognizant of the direction because
I feel like there are some days that we're going backwards and this when Dixie has really created that feeling for me is that we're going backwards. Yes. And not going forwards and we want to move forward. We are Crescent City. We are a very special community. But I
also know there's not a place in this town, I mean you talk about a nursing home, there's not a place in town, and I found this out on Thursday, where you can go get a stitch. >> Right. >> Right. if you need stitches. >> Exactly. >> And so if you need stitches in and
you've got to go to Pala or Norman or or Flagler or Dand to even get stitches and so that's another thing that we've really got to work on is how do we get an urgent care service here. Um, and
>> m I will I will say this and then I'm going to suggest we adjourn because we all have things to do um including for maintaining our own health. Um I share your concern that we're going backwards our felt like it.
>> So there are days that sometimes we take two steps forward and one step back. We're still ahead of where we were, >> but I will >> always ahead of where we were. >> Tell you why. Our median income has dropped significantly. Our occupancy
rate for residential lots in Crescent City is going down. Um the we have been hollowed out and so far we are not that part has not turned around. Um we are looking more and more
to me I hate to say this in some ways like the very poor areas along 17 in north Valuchia and I don't want to see that happen. Um I know that we're working very hard and my main point is
is that um I think discussions like these but more targeted where we talked about big picture issues and business recruitment and recruitment of residents with a higher median income. I think we
should look at what Miami Beach did. We're a wonderful place. We have great home sites for people to occupy. Um, I think we need to look at raising our overall economic level and that takes a
lot of planning. We just need to we need to figure out ways to plan and ways to do outreach in addition to things that we are already >> and respectfully Commissioner Devito, you know, I hear this a lot. We've got
to fill these buildings. We have to build on these lots. Um, it's it's a double-edged sword. People are not going to invest in businesses if they don't have people to support them. >> I wasn't talking about the commercial. I'm talking about
>> I know, but wait, let me let me let me just finish this this train thought that I'm one. >> Okay. So unfortunately when I say it's a double-edged sword, but we don't necessarily have people willing to come in and and develop because we don't have
the stuff. I'm going to say stuff. We all know what stuff is. the, you know, the um the conveniences of living in a more urban area that a lot of the people that are moving here that while they
want to be in a quiet a quiet setting, they still want a lot of that. They're used to that. And it's a change of culture. It's a change of life. And so that's where I think we need to focus is how do we appeal? How do we how do we
bring those together to where it can all work? Um, now I will say this. I've got in front of me. Um, I have a couple that just bought and they're fixing that. They're doing some changes and they're moving into that house directly in front
of me. The other house is is I have two houses. The other two houses are under contract. Those are exciting. One of them that's about to close in a couple of days. they have two small children um that are moving in there. And so that to me is very exciting. Um we're getting a
new school, I think, a state-of-the-art school. I think that's going to help us >> um because that's always kind of an a black eye that we have as far as our education system and what we offer. And I think that's going to be a huge benefit to us. And so I think it's a
conversation that we're going to have to have. It's not something that does not weigh on each of our shoulders. Mine is I'm sure all of you 247 it's like what do we do? What do we do? How do we make how do we bring Crescent City
and make it all that it can be um to everybody that wants to that wants to live here? Um, you know, and then I get people and then we also get the people that, you know, when I say something like that, it's like, we don't want more people here. We don't want more people
here. I'm like, if we don't get more people here and we don't increase those property taxes, >> we're going to be status quo or >> and backwards possibly. So yes, >> there's a difference between being
overwhelmed and just doing infill. And one question that I have that I think we need to address, I think we have more people moving to places like Paradise Shores and Georgetown and what is it? River Pines.
>> River Spring Pines. That's it. Um, somehow I knew this takes some analysis, but there are more people living in Paradise Shores than I think live in Crescent City. And there are people moving there. And there are people moving to Whispering Pines. They're
going gang busters. I meet a lot of new Crescent City residents, but I find out they don't live in town. And I think it would be worth our while to figure out what attracts them there. How can we market or maybe people do not realize
benefits of living in Crescent City? We can we can bring those forward. I don't know why people move there. Sometimes my conversations are not long enough, but um I I think it would be a good idea to
try to um to try to find out. But anyway, um to me, this very good discussion and I appreciate everybody being willing to stay here and do it. I need to go.