9th, 2026. The time is approximately 6:03 p.m. Um, welcome. Thank you for being here this evening. We're going to start off with Commissioner Moore. Would you please lead us in stand if you are able, please?
Dear heavenly father, we want to thank you for waking us up this morning to a brand new day. Thank you for allowing us to come together one more time. We thank you for your grace and for your mercy. We ask that you be with us tonight as we
be about our visit on tonight. Help us to make good decisions. Lord, continue to give us knowledge and understanding to be able to do thy blessed will. Help us, oh Lord, to do those things once again that will be pleasing in your sight. We ask you to look upon us and we are so grateful that you woke us up this
morning to this brand new day. One never seen we won't see again. But we ask you to have mercy upon us. Have mercy upon those that are sick, those that are shut in and even those that are impermented right now. Ask you to have mercy upon all of us. And Father God, we forever praise you and we'll forever honor you
and we forever give you the highest praise. All these blessings we ask in son Jesus name. Amen. >> Aliance. >> I aliance 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. >> Thank you. >> Miss Taylor, if you would please do a roll call for us at this time.
Commissioner >> here present. >> City manager Derek Martin >> present. >> Assistant city manager CR manager Bonnie Lee. >> City attorney Don Holmes
>> here. Pman County Sheriff's Office Major David Usher >> here. >> Finance Director Steven Coff here >> and Pamel Taylor code enforcement and reporting clerk. Think everyone's here. Again, we thank
you all for being here. Um we have quite a few announcements to begin with. We want to thank everyone um especially all of our Rotarians um from here and those that came to visit and help for an incredible catfish
weekend. Um the crowds the weather couldn't have been better. The crowds were incredible and it's my understanding that a lot of dollars were raised for our students. So, for all of you that volunteered, for all the hard work you put into it, it's months and
months and months and months and months and months. Um, on behalf of the city, we thank you uh for all that you do. And um congratulations on another successful year. We look forward to 45.
Next year will be 45. This weekend, on the tail end of that, we're coming up on our boat races. So, the soda boat races, they were here two years ago. You've probably seen them arriving in town now. So, uh they will
be here by tomorrow morning. A lot of them are coming in today. Uh and you will see them out on the lake practicing. The weather so far this week has not been so great, but it looks like it's going to turn out to be an incredible weekend. I think it kicks off
Friday night. There will be a um a meet and greet at the Cresant Fish Camp. Todd, thank you very much. Where's Todd? I thought I saw Todd over there. >> He's not here. Okay. Um anyway, he um
the he's doing that that evening and I believe it begins at 4:00 in the afternoon. 4 to 6 is when they're going to be doing that. So, please stop in. It's a great opportunity to meet the racers and then they'll be racing both
Saturday and Sunday. They will have vendors there and food and our restaurants in town are open and will be serving as well. So, if we can support them, the women's club this weekend also they're going to have their um yard sale
and it's going to start tomorrow. Thankfully, the weather's cleared up for that. Um, it's going to start at 8 tomorrow morning. It'll go till 4 o'clock both tomorrow and Saturday. So, please stop in and do what you can to support the women's club and all the vendors that will be there. The women's
club also has on April 15th from 1 to 3. It's their monthly bunko and the cost is $6. And then April 17th is bingo. Doors open at 5. be in your seat by 5:45 and
they're going to start calling bingo. Um we have coming up on the end of the week uh at the end of the month we have a big music festival that uh Ernie um is putting on for the city. It's free of
charge and that should be um a a big weekend. It's going to be in the park from 11 to 4. Uh Ernie Evans, he does a lot of sponsors um of he did the Road Havers. He always does the Road Havers
big music festival there twice a year with Lee Ringwood has been one of his star people. Um I think it's Rhonda Vincent who is going to be his lead performer uh this that Saturday. They will have vendors and they will have
food in the park. Also that day, starting off the day, concerned citizens in our market square, um about 7 o'clock in the morning will be having a yard sale. They will be having food there. And so that will go from 7 to 2 o'clock.
Make sure you stop in there on your way to the concert. So we've got a lot going on. And with that, of course, next month is Historic Preservation Month. So, um, I'm gonna ask Vice Mayor Lori if you want to talk a little bit about historic preservation and all the events you have
going on for next time. >> Sure. Thank you. Um, as you know, this has been this going to be the fifth year I believe that we're celebrating um, historic preservation month here in Crescent City. Um, and we've actually kind of the peninsula historical society
has used as catalyst and we're also getting park and pepper county on board. So we'll be having the proclamation in just a few minutes. But um in addition to that, we'll be doing one in Walaka Park next month as well as the county on
April 28th will be there at the county commission to receive that one. Um the big news too is that May 3rd we'll be doing our next marker um unveiling. So, as you know, we um have sponsors at the city. The uh the Hubard Morris House
marker last year and then this one will be for this year. And our hopes are to continue doing this on a yearly basis. Um this year will be the Holy Comforter Episcopal Church. Um so, if you would join us at 11:30 on May 3rd, we'll be having the unveiling there um in front
of the church. And so, the congregation will be there and everyone else is invited. And it should be a lot of fun. The market looks beautiful. It's over here in the city lot. So, it's ready to be installed. Um, and it's very exciting. And also this month we're having our normal program on April 16th
at 4:00 at the women's club and it's going to be Shirley Edwards is our speaker and she's going to be talking about the history of Block Central Academy. So, that is always really interesting. Um, she's going to talk about history and then also what they're doing to try and preserve it and kind of recognize um the role it played in um in
black history in this in this county. So in the state so >> your >> yes we'll be having the um the the pot as well next month >> there are flyers that say the 21st I believe that's the third Thursday.
>> Okay so the 21st at 4 p.m. will be our pot that we have and that's a like the end of the year kind of thing for because we kick off for the summer and so there's going to be some awards and stuff going on there. So it'll be a lot of fun. So please come out and join us especially for the marker um unveiling
May 3rd and there might be some other events that we'll be announcing later on. So >> thank you. >> Thank you. Um also Purple Plum Players, they um have got Murder on the Menu and it's a comedy murder mystery um
dinner theater experience. It's written by Bill Han. There's going to have three performances. May 1st at 7 pm at the Crescent City Moose Lodge, May 2nd at 2 PM at the Crescent City Moose Lodge, and May 2nd again that evening at 700 p.m.
at the Crescent City Moose Lodge. They did ask that if you go to one of the earlier shows, please don't share um the outcome. So, with that, Commissioner, do you have any other Do we have anything else? Commissioner Burke, do you have anything?
>> Commissioner Moore. Okay, Commissioner Deita. >> Um, nobody for the next agenda item. I have a motion. >> I don't I >> You don't have anything? Okay. Okay. So, with that, we're going to move on to the
approval of our minutes before us. Commissioner, you you have May 12th, 2025, which was our regular scheduled um city commission meeting and our CRA meeting. I'll take a motion. Well, mayor, my motion is that we do what we did last time and that we address the
minutes um either at the beginning or the end of the business items because we have um two proclamations and it just seems to make sense to defer the minutes. >> So, if I can um I I think that was Thank
you, Commissioner Devito, for bringing that up because I asked Mr. Martin about that. I was not present when we talked about that at the last meeting, but I think that probably minutes we could do that behind the business items. Um, he said he thought it was possibly just for
that that meeting, but let's go ahead and if I can get a second for that. Can I get a second? >> I'll second that. >> Yeah. >> So, a proper motion and a second. Um, we'll do a voice approval. All in favor, please say I. >> I oppose. Nay. Okay. So, approved. So,
we're going to move on. Um, and at this time, I'm going to open it up for public comments. So, please come forward if you have any topics that are not listed on the agenda. At this time, they will be heard. Um, this will also be we have three minutes and we ask that you state
your name and your address if you will. So, please come forward if you have something that you would like to share. Okay. And no one comes forward. Thank you. I'm going to close public comments at this time and we're going to move on to our presentations which is our
proclamations and we're going to start with our historic preservation month. everybody. >> Um, so the city of Present City proclamation 20262
historic preservation month. Whereas local historic preservation is an effective tool for revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride, and maintaining community character while enhancing livability. And whereas historic preservation is relevant for
communities across the nation, both urban and rural, and for Americans of all ages, all walks of life, and all ethnic backgrounds. And whereas it is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the
contributions made by dedicated individuals in helping to preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that has shaped us as a community. And whereas the Futland Peninsula Historical Society and other community groups are participating in Historic Preservation
Month during May of 2026. And whereas the South Putham community has embarked upon a new commitment to preservation, historic and archeological surveys, the nomination of significant cultural resources to the local, state,
and national register of historic places, the protection of traditional neighborhoods, the integration of historic elements with redevelopment, and the recognition, rehabilitation, and restoration of historic properties. Now
therefore, I, Michelle Meyers, as mayor of Crescent City, together with the members of the city commission, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as historic preservation month and call upon the residents of Crescent City to join their
fellow citizens across the United States in recognizing the importance of preserving the history of communities and participating in this special obser observance. and witness whereof I hear to set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Crescent City, Florida to be
affixed this ninth day of April, 2026. Thank you. I think we have several members from the historic preservation if you want to come up and say there's anything you would like to say. Yeah, >> good evening. Dan Dod, president of the
historical society and we are honored to receive this again and look forward to the future ones. I um I also want to recognize the fine work of Commissioner
Dito and and Commissioner Lori. They've done an extraordinary job in preparing for uh next month and and I also just heard that Commissioner Moore is also joining
us. So, welcome Commissioner Moore. With that standing are our wonderful directors, Vice President Dr. Kevin Jordan, of course, and and then Rachel Kavanagh,
uh Bob Lee, and Nancy Taylor, of course, and um and Marian Franic, who >> actually we have my husband, Ralph Dito, and we also have Katherine Lard, who's
also a member and lives in our historic district. pretty much build the audience all day. >> Well, that's correct. >> You want a picture with everyone? >> Yes, let's Are we up here? Okay.
>> Where would you like come up here? Does someone have the camera and want me to take the photo? >> So, we just have to make sure that Commissioner Lori Y. >> That's perfect. >> Chins up. Everybody chins up.
You need to >> I think I can get everybody in. >> All right. >> Here we go. One, two, three. >> All right. I got a few of them. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you everybody
for next week. Thank you very much. >> Terrific job. >> Thank y'all. >> Well, okay. Yes, of course. >> Okay. Cup stand. There we go. Okay, our next our next um proclamation is going to be autism awareness month.
And um Commissioner Moore, thank you for bringing this to our attention. And I believe you have quite a few of your sorority sisters in the audience. If you all would like to stand up, you're welcome to come forward now. Um, or you can wait. Sometimes it gets a little
>> great. Okay, >> we just have to right here. We just got to keep this area open. There we go. You're on the screen and plus the owl's got You're good. You're good. You stand
right there. So, the city of Crescent City proclamation 202603 autism awareness month. Whereas, autism spectrum disorder, the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, affects one in 36 children and
represents an urgent public health crisis that demands national attention and response. And whereas the Zeta New Zeta chapter of Zeta 5 Zeta Sorority Incorporated is recognized as a premier organization
that provides notable contributions to education, research, and funding for persons of color impacted by autism spectrum disorder. And whereas while there is currently no identified cause
or cure for autism, Zeta 5 beta sorority incorporated remains dedicated to promoting solutions across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan to meet the needs of individuals with autism and their families. And whereas in light of
growing impact of autism spectrum disorder and the increasing need for greater awareness, Zeta by Beta Sorority Incorporated works to improve the lives of people of color affected by autism through advocacy, education, awareness,
and funding implementing their extraordinary power of she social health and economic justice programs. And whereas the Zeta Moo Zeta chapter proudly participates in the annual
observance of Autism Acceptance Month and World Autism Awareness Day, fostering greater inclusion, awareness, and understanding for individuals and families living with autism. And now therefore be it proclaimed that the city of Crescent City hereby
recognizes April 2nd, 2026 as World Autism Awareness Day and further proclaims April of 2026 as Autism Awareness Month in the state of Florida to raise public awareness of autism
spectrum disorder and many issues surrounding autism as well as to highlight programs, services, and initiatives atives that support autistic individuals and their families and witness whereof, I here in two set my
hand the seal of the city of present city to be fixed on this ninth day of April, 2026. Thank you each and every one of you for all that you do to make this more for the um I I guess you would say
um for the for the person suffering with autism and their family members to ease to ease their lives. So thank you for all that you do. And so with that, thank you. Would you like to say something before
we take a photo? >> My name is Kisha Davis. Thank you for having us here this evening. Um, autism awareness is one of our national initiatives. It is something that we um want to bring resources to our community. So, the main role is to
spread awareness and connect families to resources. that many resources are now coming back to put county. So we want to make sure that the families know what's out there and that they have access to it. So we thank you and appreciate you having a picture. might be a good idea.
>> I'm gonna I'm gonna Let me I can come over here. No, I'm good. I'll stand right there. But you got let's move over a little bit there. >> We'll hold it. >> All right, y'all. Ready? One,
>> two, a couple. Three. >> Here we go. >> Thank you so much, everybody. Thank you. >> I didn't say a word. I didn't say I know I know she is
a member standing of your >> I didn't recognize her but this is our famous award member He'll kill heal YOUR go into the sheriff's office. Major Good evening everyone. Sorry there. Good evening everyone.
Our last month March report we have one in theft that I activated. It was a uh subwoofer speaker was taken from a car. So due to the extensive timeline, the title recording was last time was seen in December of last year until now. So I
obviously inactivated that just because blocking the yard abandoned been there for a while. Broke down. Notice this was messy. Traffic activity. Again, I do not include traffic crashes that happen in
parking lots unless there's injuries or anything like that. So, parking lot where reports are not taken. They either self-report or not have a report. I don't report those things because they're very few. The first one was summoned in Orange Street vehicle was in
the parking lot sorry vehicle parking exit the parking lot turned back another vehicle just that came out of a business turn in front of someone second prospect in front of somebody not paying
attention and the third one in front of somebody not paying attention so doesn't appears were extensive damage so I don't think they was related speed was an issue. I know some of the drivers said that they didn't see the other car. So,
go to be careful when you're make sure you're a good defensive driver, especially in in these scenarios. Going to our general activities, 213 calls for service total. 46 of those were traffic stops, three accidents, 12 total reports, four arrests, and no
charges being filed to the state attorney's office. Here's your sixmon comparison. very low number. So, yay. And that's all I have for that. >> Thank you. Thank you. I do want to say that um
>> I was going to talk about >> um Well, first off, you want to talk about memorial. I was going to leave that for you on the 21st. >> Yes. >> Yes. the 24th is the uh the law enforce 75.
>> Huh? Maybe we're supposed to be there at 7:15. >> I mean, I'll I'll make sure I get that so everybody's aware of it, but it's either 7 7 or 7:30. I would say be there at 7 >> just to get just to get you know seated
seated and get a spot >> if you've never been there. Yes. >> There's something a little off about my sounds fuzzy. It's my understanding. >> It's 21st. Okay. It sounds like he said,
>> right, but it's 221. >> Is that better? >> No. Is that better? >> Still a little fuzzy, but >> sorry. I hear echo in this. >> It's I hear it too. >> So, it is it is the 21st and I'll confirm time before we leave here today.
Uh I would like to if anybody's out there watching the catfish festival, as you said, mayor, it was uh went flawlessly. We always have our after party after the catfish festival that usually migrates over toward um Bay Street and the park over there.
had nothing but positive things to say to a extremely large crowd. And when I see it get to the point where we're starting to have traffic uh traffic matters, that's when I started to call it. I'm waiting till about 9:30, but on this on this day or last week or the
weekend, uh I had to stop it at 9:00 and still had no problems. Uh people shut the music down and I had probably 1500 people at 45 minutes to an hour. So very uh very positive and I think next year working with those individuals who are
promoting those events is imperative as we have in years past and we can talk about some different traffic flow techniques for next year to try to help me out just a little bit. But I couldn't ask for a better crowd. I couldn't better ask for more cooperation. It was
amazing the uh the the unity between us and everybody that was involved in the whole festival from the beginning at at 9:00 in the morning until 11 o'clock at night. >> Thank you. Um with the amount of people
that were in town both for the catfish and visiting friends and family u to have no incident is pretty remarkable. So we'll tribute a lot of that to you and your and your your deputies. So
thank you all. You were in number. Um and we're very grateful. We're very very grateful. Anybody have any comments for the major? And I I would say that if you've never
gone up to the um up to Palaca to watch that on the river, um it's very moving. It's a very moving ceremony. The 1024, which is a foundation that's established the sheriff's office,
they host that and um and it's it's there to benefit uh first responders. Um, and but this is for the law enforcement and every time I I've been there, it's just it's um it's a very
sacred event and very So please, if you can go go there's nothing else. Do you have anything else for us? >> I would just like to say thank you for the sheriff's office for organizing everything and taking care of everything
on this weekend. I know that's a lot of time, but it's good to hear that nothing happened and that everyone was safe and relaxed in time. Most of the centarians were already passed out by like 5:30 after and cleaned up some the park and
crashing. So, I do want to correct one thing. You guys were there at 6:00 a.m. in the morning cuz I was putting on you guys were there. >> Only had one incident. That was someone got pepper sprayed. That wasn't law enforcement driver spraying anyone. was someone that we got that taken care of
very fast and it was resolved um obviously very quick and easy. >> We appreciate that. >> Can't wait for next year. >> 45. >> It's going to be bigger than ever. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you.
>> Okay, with that we're going to move on to our um I guess with our CRA. I'm going to recess this meeting and open up our C. >> If I may, mayor. >> Yes. >> I'd like to formally introduce our new
CRA manager, Bonnie Love Day. She's here today. Um, she's got a little note for you all just to catch up on CRA business and then she'll move the process forward. Bonnie, >> you want to >> Good evening, Commissioner. >> Come over to the >> She didn't tell you that, did he?
>> No. I'm sure it's somewhere hidden in that job description. >> We are currently working on three commercial projects and one uh residential project for the CRA. So, we're working on those applications
right now. We are going to be um handing out flyers pretty soon to invite to the next CRA workshop and we are working on getting some uh CDBG funds for some additional projects
and that's what we've been doing uh right now. So, we're getting ready for that. And then I would like to introduce Christina and Rachel. They're working on the downtown partnership and they can give us some updates on that. >> So, Christina Marie has joined the
Cresant City Downtown Partnership as the executive director. Welcome back. >> She kicked it off and she's um working it again. >> So, welcome Christina and Bonnie. Thank you very much. The meeting is going to
be Are you looking at April 20th? It's going to be the 20th at 6 o'clock. So the next >> the next workshop I think that is it's not for us but for residents that are interested. >> Correct. We did have one workshop before we only had a handful show up. It was
kind of bad weather. We're going to hand deliver out to the um targeted buildings and specifically the uh the businesses as well. >> Thank you. >> Good evening commissioners. Um I just wanted to say that I'm happy to be back
on board assisting partnership. Um I've engaged with them for the next 90 days on an interim executive direct director basis. Um and my goal is to get the organization um back um to uh
administratively speaking get everything up to date. There are some reports that are overdue and things of that nature. So I'll be working hard to clean up that and engaging the community again. And I look forward to um the continued success of our men program. Thank you.
>> So do we. Thank you so much. >> Okay. Do we have anything else for CRA? Commissioners, do you have anything for the CRA? >> No one has anything. I'm going to close our CRA >> and open them back up our regularly
scheduled meeting. Thank you. Um, Mr. King, I guess you're working one hour. Thank you very much. >> Yes, thank you. >> No problem. I think you just test >> and that's something I do want to say
commissioners um just as a housekeeping I should have done at the beginning uh it's getting harder and harder with our with our equipment >> but just make sure please if you speak speak into the mic and we only one person at a time and if you do speak if
you can introduce or say you know um commissioner Moore and so that it would help them tremendously. So, okay, with that, we're going to go into our consent agenda. On the consent agenda, we have the historical district
do sign. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. If I may. So, the background of this is the previously worked with the city under my predecessor uh on a design that was approved by the commission. Although it was approved, it wasn't installed. Um
and upon review, staff submitted updated information to DOT. we received approval to replace the existing signs under the city's existing maintenance contract. Um, this would allow us uh to eliminate the approach of having to modify uh or reapply for that DOT permit that would
reduce our our time and our administrative steps. So, I'm looking forward to getting approval tonight to move forward with ordering the signs as well. We can procure them locally here in county and we have prices uh for those at $600 per sign, putting our total cost at $1,200. These um the
funding would come from our proposed improvements account which is our better place plan. Currently uh account uh 002008 5186631 which has approximately $92,000 remaining >> only. Okay, that that's a little
confusing because that's not how much we have in our better place. >> That's not how much we have in our better place. >> Just in that fun. >> Just in that >> just in that line that line. So just just for the record, just so there's no confusion. No confusion. Thank you.
Anyway, this is on the consent agenda. >> So I would um if no one is in opposing of of removing it from the consent agenda, um I'll entertain a motion. >> I move that we approve the consent agenda as presented.
>> We have a second. >> I'll second. We have a proper motion in a second. Um Miss Taylor, if you do a roll call for us, please. Commissioner Burton. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Ward. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Lori. >> Hi.
>> Commissioner Deita. >> Hi. >> Mayor Myers. >> Hi. So approved. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. We're going to go into our business items. I'm going to turn it over to you. >> Thank you, Mayor. So, you guys have in front of you the agenda briefing report
for the AIA contract for Robert E. Taylor, AIA um architect. Um, currently staff is seeking commission authorization to execute the revised a AIA contract with Robert Taylor, uh, which outlines the design architect and
architect record services required for the city's fire station project funded through the state appropriation. Um, executing the contract will allow the project to proceed into the next formal design and development phases. I've also invited Mr. Taylor here to speak to you all to answer any questions that you
have. And Mr. Taylor, if you'd like to come up, please. Very good. Thank you, sir. Thank you, sir. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Bob Taylor, Robert E. Taylor, AIA architect, and I'm proud to be here this evening to talk to you about the the new fire station for the city of Crescent City.
There are four documents that you will have an opportunity to look at tonight. The first one, of course, is the AIA agreement that Mr. Martin had mentioned to you. The second one is a summary of work which was formulated over several meetings with fire chief his staff Mr.
Martin and Mayor Myers and that's been updated as of the 3rd of April. So, it's fairly current. There may be tweaks necessary for the summer, but to me, this is an essential document so we can proceed with the design of the facilities. The other two items in your
packet will be project for the property record card from county property appraisers office. And the last thing I asked Mr. Martin hand out today was a template of the site plan for the Hawkins fire station. So Mr. Martin
proceed with review of the agreed and please ladies and gentlemen if you have questions please just stop again and ask those questions as we go along. On the first page of the document of course, it just identifies the city manager in the city of Crescent City, me as the
architect and simply said it is the architect and engineering services for the new fire station, Crescent City. And this is located at this point at 500 Junction Road, which is an adequate piece of property as far as physical size and I think will make a very good
station, a very good piece of property. Um, on page two of the document near the bottom, there's a owner's budget statement. And if I may, the city of Crescent City has received a state of Florida grant in the amount of $3 million. A portion of this grant will be
allocated to architectural engineering fees, landscaping and irrigation design, civil and structural design, cost control, and cost for surveys, geotechnical exploration, and report fees and applications for the FD, SJRWD,
and so on. and previous expenditures for other architectural engineering services. Since an exact dollar amount is uh to be available for all construction members is unknown. The approximate cost that we're uh planning to use is $2.6 million. This cost may be
adjusted as required to accommodate actual costs once a more accurate amount for all services fees and costs are known. Uh right below that there are milestones for design construction and substantial completion and other milestones and since uh time didn't
allow us to identify those what I'd like to do is meet with the mayor and the city manager and others who are interested in setting up these milestones so that we can produce these services in accordance with the state plan. Okay. And we can write that into the agreement as a separate document.
Okay. unless there are questions. At the bottom of the page, it begins to identify additional consumption. >> Okay, wait. I know he's he's he was finishing and then I'll go into questions. >> I'm sorry we thought he said if there are I thought
you asked for questions. >> He did and then and then he was just It's okay. He was finishing up at the bottom. He was finishing up at the bottom. >> Whatever you prefer. >> Go ahead, Commissioner. Go ahead. >> Okay. The 2.6 6 million. Is that the
construction cost or does that include the architect fee? >> That's the construction cost. The fees and other items will be identified this evening. And there is a contingency dollar amount that we'll identify. >> Okay. Because somewhere I thought I saw 2.4 million, but I could have misread
that. >> Don't worry about it. Don't worry about it. Go right ahead. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. At the bottom of the page, um there are certain services that will do outside of the agreement we will we will coordinate those services. The first one is the geotechnical engineer. The second
one is civil engineer. The third is surveyor and then the fourth is a cost estimating consultant. I have um met with these individuals and have requested and received proposals for their services and have identified the dollar amount for producing these
services which are included in this agreement. Additionally, I will retain as part of my services a structural engineer, mechanical engineer, an electrical engineer. Um, and and again, these will
be part of my s services. Uh, consultants that are retained under supplemental services, the civil engineer, landscaping and irrigation, and the cost control consultant. That's on page five. So, madam madam mayor, did you say that we should not ask questions
as we're going along with this? No, I I He was just finishing up that page, so I was just asking her to let him finish that page, but he he did. >> I have questions, but I think she's first. >> Do you have another question? >> I was going to wait. >> So, I didn't wait for 25 pages. I may
have forgot what I was asking. >> So, we're going to go. So, let's go through these page by page. So, we have So, as you go through it, if anybody has a question, please by all means, let me know. So, Commissioner Dvita, we'll acknowledge you first. Do you have a question? >> No, no. I was going to wait till the end
because I have >> So, I have a question. Um, and uh I've just dealt with this in a different project that will remain unnamed but probably already known by everybody. Um, public project. When you
retain an engineer, do you go through any kind of competitive bid process with the engineer? And I understand that competitive bid process with professionals is more a matter of RFQ than an RFP where you're looking at
qualifications and and then negotiating price. But since the city would this this document states that the city will retain the um the way it's written right now the owner which is us right. Yes.
Will retain the following consultants. geotechnical engineer, civil engineer um and then cost estimating consultant. My question is um do is there a process
by which those professionals are u selected under any of the statutory frameworks or did you just make that selection yourself? >> Okay. the civil engineer. I produced an RFP request for professional services and solicited proposals from four
different civil engineers and the one that I'm proposing is acryine who is this lowest and in my opinion perceived to be the best. >> Fantastic. I'm not challenging that. I'm just glad to hear that there was a process by which you're recommending the
different professionals that involved some form of competitive selection process. Yes, sir. >> Okay, great. That's that's that was my question. >> Okay. >> Do you want to continue or do you want to hear if anybody else has does anybody else have a question at this point?
Okay, then you can continue. Thank you, Mr. J. >> So, uh that kind of puts us at the bottom of page five. Um see, page six begins the architect's responsibilities as to our basic
services. And in this case there are five services. Schematic design which is a preliminary design where we develop the floor plan and site plan and um have a construction outline and the construction budget and then we'll present that back to the city commission
for review. Um there's a second design phase which is a little bit more precise. We start looking at the structural the civil aspects and site water retention some of the applications that we have to make things like that and second design phase and Mr. Martin,
I think that would be the best time to review with the city uh both cost control and our overall process. Again, we can have intermediate discussions with you or others that are in critical uh but I have negotiated with my consultants basically a 30 90 and 100%
submitt and this is the way I would prefer to do it. Okay. Uh the construction document >> Yes ma'am. What when was that point that you said you should have the meeting with the city about cost control during which phase?
>> It will happen at the design done design development phase. >> Approximately 30% done. >> Okay. >> Now I also get one I didn't tell you but I am going to ask for one up front from the con control. Uh based on what we saw
at the hoporn station I wanted him to tell me what he thought it was going to cost. We had some preliminary information from uh Mr. J.R. Clowns, the assistant county administrator of the county, and that's where we came up with the initial cost of the building, which
was about 2.6 million. Interestingly enough, as they ran into some cost elements, they were able to contribute to that. Um they, the county, according to Mr. Grimes, was able to produce a lot of the civil work, site grading, clearing, and so on. I asked him if he'd
be willing to do that for Crescent City. He said, "I don't think so, unfortunately." But if the city has uh public works facilities that we could tap into, I think that would be ideal. And I know Mr. Harris has been helpful so far. Excuse me. He's offered to do
the fireflow test, which would be an element that we need. And there are other things he's helped, Mr. Frank has helped us with the gas authority. So that preliminary information we're building into the budget to facilitate our design and control.
>> Commissioner, >> I'm sorry. >> Okay. The construction document phase is basically the detailed drawings and specifications for all work. And once these documents are produced, they will be suitable for bidding the work,
getting permits for the construction and administering the construction, getting permits, bidding, and administering construction. This is what the contractor will use to build the building and the site. Okay. Uh competitive bidding is our fourth phase and typically the grant likes us to bid
this thing at large. So I will assist in preparing advertisements invitations submit in accordance with your bidding standards and state law and then we'll set a time for receiving those bids. I'll help you review the bids and evaluate their completeness and accuracy and make a recommendation to award the
contract and ideally to the whole bidder. The fifth and final phase is construction administration. This is where the contractor takes over the the work and begins to prosecute the work. We will periodically meet with the contractor first in the pre-construction
conference to review the documents and procedures for construction as construction is started. We'll hold monthly meetings with the contractor as well as well as periodic site visits to review the proced excuse me of the procedure and activities of the work.
We'll create reports of our site visits in writing and give them to the city manager and the city and also to the contractor. This helps us to monitor the work. he knows that we're either uh satisfied with the quality and the prosecution of the work or that we have issues that we need to discuss. Having
these monthly construction meetings helps resolve issues during construction and to facilitate the work. At the end of that particular phase, we will have a substantial completion phase which typically means that the project is ready suitable for occupancy and use by
the owner. Uh there will be a punch list inspection and certain warranty inspections that we will go through. The contractor is required to submit certain warranties and documents, perfect drawings and things that we'll collect on behalf of the owner and then turn those over to the city once they're
completed and reviewed by our office. Okay. Also during construction, the contractor will submit certain submitters for uh pre-engineered metal building, mechanical equipment, plumbing equipment, electrical equipment. We and our consultants will review those for
accuracy and completance. We'll mark them approved or approved as noted and return those to the contractor. The purpose of the submittal process to endeavor to protect the work the owner from defects in workmanship materials. The goal of the process is when the
contractor orders these materials, he'll have high confidence that we've approved them. They'll be suitable for use on your project. Okay. Changes in the work. If there are changes to the work, uh, we will help administer those changes. If supplemental drawings are necessary, we
can produce those. And again, these will be the document that will be added to the construction contract. We talked about the substantial completion phase. And on page 11, it identifies the things that we will do. Start 3.6.6 during that substantial completion
instruction. We'll issue a certificate of substantial completion and submit those recordings and documents for your final review. page 12 of the agreement. It's a rather important page and that's one of the things I like about this contract. It identifies very
specifically what our responsibilities are, what other responsibilities are. So as we go forward and say, "Hey, that's your job. My job okay so I've identified programming. I've identified site evaluation and planning. The civil engineering and landscape design will be
under our control by our consultant and I have retained this cost control consultant to help us control that conform documents for construction. Um the owner hopefully will help us with telecommunications and data design for your consultants and IT people. Other
supplementary services are survey slow down survey subservice utility investigation geotechnical exploration and report unless you have questions about these I'm going to skip further forward
just a matter of information we will provide general liability insurance automobile liability insurance professional liability insurance all as identified in here they're typically Except for automobile automobile is a million dollar also our professional liability insurance is a million dollars
and employee liability those things are as part of the service compensation this is on page 21 um what we did on the previous project it was a smaller project and the department of mental services as recommended by the state of Florida says
if a project cost goes But the percentage of cost goes down. So we acknowledge that last time we used a 9% fee. This time we reduced it to 8% to be more competitive. Okay. And these other services that I've identified the civil engineer
civil engineer services is that dollar amount is listed 4895. Landscaping and irrigation is 5775. Cost estimating at 6105. surveying subservice utility investigation and geotechnical
exploration was an allowance that was about $25,550. Um I've been working with this uh different company NB5 and was able to lower that cost already about $5,000. So we reduce our contract amount by 5,000
and it's on loan. So we can do that either by just direct letter to to the agreement or on our payouts. However the city and the attorney decided to do that. Okay. Um and and hopefully this will include most
of the fees. We hope to be less than,000 for all fees, all consultants and and all work. So that's that's our goal. Leaving about $100,000 between the fees and applications and permits and survey, etc. as a contingency. The only
difference, Mr. Martin, would be whatever's been spent so far from that. >> I have another question. >> Yes, sir. >> So, you indicated that the recommendation is
uh that as the contract price goes up, the percentage charge goes down. Right now, I've lowered the percentage based on what I anticipate the contract to be. >> Right. >> Yes. >> How did the 8% number come into play?
>> The >> previously was nine and now eight, but is there was there a formula for determining that? >> Yes. Um, you may be familiar with it, the state of Florida has a Department of Management Services, DMS. >> I know of them, but I probably know as well as you do. >> Yeah. Uh we actually printed out one of
those documents and it shows you if you plug in a dollar amount and and identify the complexity of the project it will recommend a fee. Okay. The last time because it was a a lower dollar amount percentage fee went up now it's a higher dollar amount so the percentage fee goes
down. So the state >> Okay. So it came from there was a a method to the madness. >> Yes sir. State of Florida DSB. That's fair. Again, basic questions, but if you don't ask them, I don't have the answer. >> You may not. No, that's all right. Very
good. Are there questions on on the agreement? Mr. Peter. >> Well, actually question first for the city manager. Um I have several questions. So, um my understanding of this agreement and feel
free to jump in here is that um we are build periodically >> along the way. How are we paid by the state when we are build? Do we forward the bill to the state or do we have to provide that money up front?
>> I don't believe so, but I I will get the exact answer for you. I don't have that. >> My understanding when is that it's a that we we pay then we submit it to the state and reimbursement and I was told that that reimbursement they do
typically do it very quickly. um because that leads into one of my questions. So, but that that's what that's what when we met with um the state. >> I just don't know the exact time frame of what that reimbursement would be. The time frame to get it back is 30 days, 15
days. I'll find out. >> But essentially, we have to have the funds available. Yes. To pay periodically. Um, my concern about this, first of all, um, as far as I know, I I got a a copy of
this contract last night as I was making dinner and so I had a little time after dinner to review it and then later today. And as our city attorney said, this is a lot of pages. Um,
I've seen two different cost amounts. Um, I looked in the summary of the work that's dated April 3rd and it talked about the estimated cost of the Hoffler Fire Station was about 1.9 million, not
including site work. >> That's correct. >> Um, you're putting the cost for this at 2.6 million and your fees at 300,000 and that leaves $100,000.
Um, that leaves $100,000 for contingencies. Um, when we had presentations about construction costs before, $100,000 does not seem like a lot of money for
contingencies. >> I agree. Is there is there a question specifically or are you just saying about the the difference? So, we we've had discussions on several occasions that the range really needs to be shooting for 2.2 to
2.7. This is worst case scenario. We're going to be working through together as we get to the 30% to see exactly where we are. The footprint matters and that's been reduced drastically from the original estimates that we had most recently with
the reduction of the three bay or six bays down to three bays and other things like that. So the goal is to come in a lot lower than that and we can't be up higher than that. So >> well that that's my concern >> consign as well. We're approving a contract that says 2.6 6 million and the
fees based on that and then so does this April third summary of the work which is about six or seven pages does that say three days it will say three days it should say three days that's your last summary say three days
>> yes okay >> now the 2.6 6 million. Again, that's based off of Hawthorne numbers, square footage. We don't we really that's an idea for you all. We don't know what we're going to get until we until we have a design. We're not there yet. We're still working through that. So, as we go through this process, uh, and
they've been made fully aware of what our budget is and our max is, and we're going to have to make a heavier buffer than $100,000. This is just contractual, the worst case scenario. And um also, so is this the first time
that the city attorney is seeing this contract as well? >> The city manager emailed it to me earlier this week. >> Okay. >> So, but I have another question too now. Um, you I noticed that your
the experts that are being retained, one of them was a cost estimator, >> right? Steve Black. >> Yeah. I don't I'm not really familiar with any of those folks, so the name doesn't really wouldn't mean anything to me, but
anybody that's built anything lately knows the construction costs have not gone down. Mhm. >> I agree. >> Even for those of us who feel like we are not naive about those things, there are still some surprises when you start building now.
>> Wars, fuel shortages, material shortages, transportation costs. >> Absolutely. I'm not blaming on anybody. I'm just saying fact. >> I agree. I agree. So with that in play, um the question becomes very relevant to me also about how realistic is the
number that we talked about. I mean >> I agree >> and I believe that we talked about that number having a higher contingency built in it and as the design gets tight that number will also reduce and go down. This is worst case.
First off, um remember I'm going to get my cost estimator to give me a budget number based on the off fire station in 2027 numbers, right? >> That'll be better for us. >> So you say in 2027 numbers they try to take >> they try to make an adjustment for the
price per square foot from Hawthorne and and bring it current to based upon the way things are now. >> That would be the ideal. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. >> And I'm I'm not challenging. just ask it, you know, try to understand because I'm telling you, having just lived it,
>> I understand. Yes, I understand. I do. And um we we may have to make concessions. This first paragraph up here when we talk about this, there may have to be concessions. >> Uh we talked about three bays. I know the chief wanted the bays to be so big.
Um I'm frankly looking at a 7,000 foot facility as the first stop. >> Is the what? as the first option seven option right now it's >> yeah well it would be seven that would be my goal to start >> okay >> uh the Huffland facility had 3659 ft in
the residential and business area it had 32.90 ft in the apparatus bay uh so hopefully we can stay close to those numbers and then once Mr. gives me his preliminary cost estimate. We'll learn what to do. It's conceivable that we'll
have to make concessions right up front. Uh in the living facilities, I know when we were doing the East Fire Station, Dom, we ended up having to shave a lot of things. And the last meeting we had with Chief Riser, he was on task. He
said, "Hey, we'll make the living quarters a little smaller so we can make the apparatus bay a little bigger." and rationale says that the living costs living quarters cost more than the apparatus space. So he's beginning to make concessions and we'll try to maintain that attitude throughout the design.
>> Will will the design allow for privacy for female firefighters? >> Yes sir. There'll be male and female restrooms and everything in the facility will be hand. Okay. So and there separate dorm rooms. There's eight different dorm rooms in
the design. >> Fantastic. Then one final question I have is um is our grant this is grant funding right >> legislative legislative appropriation. >> Is our grant dependent upon us building a facility of a certain size that's our
capacity? >> No. >> So if we end up with one bay and one room said you have $3 million >> as we move in the design too. We can also have alternative bids. >> Yeah. >> Which will also help us if we if we are
over budget, we can reduce it down by slashing those out. So, Hilopad, extra bay, whatever. >> But the Hilo right now is basically compacted and level grassy truck. >> So, Mr. Without concrete,
>> correct? >> But it'll it'll it'll be serviceable. >> Yes. because you have to have lights out there too. It's my understanding they would have to have some sort of light. So all of that all of that cost money. >> Sure. >> Um
it was just occurred to me earlier but it was now the chief had raised a concern that we don't have access currently to a a helicopter pad. Do we? >> We have access to a helicopter pad right now. >> Yes.
>> At St. John's recovery. >> Yes ma'am. >> At St. challenge recovery though during construction there could be some issues with it but quite honestly in talking to even this weekend I was talking to some first responders with the helicopter I mean you can land they could land right
here if they needed to I mean literally they could land right here as long as you have vacant property >> um that they could they could land if they had to >> because one thing that concerns me about we had a workshop for the site selection
and one thing that concern to me was um we had several discussions about this. The chief was very adamant that the kilo pad be adjacent to the fire station and different ones of us on the commission,
some of us said, "Is that really necessary?" But that kind of that drove a few things. Um anyway, um we were talking about finances and that's that's part of it. So this 2.6 million includes
no concrete and no lights uh as yet or no concrete kilo pad. I guess the whole facility will have lights. I'll be honest, we don't have a way of telling that at this point right now without design. The the numbers are based on size. So you have a certain size area and you
have what you have in front of you. This here is the layout, right? It's similar to that, but depending on what the size of that ends up being. Then you extrapolate a square foot price of 400 to 450 a square foot. That's going to give you your overall construction price for the building.
Then you have your site work and your your drainage. Those costs are going to be a couple hundred thousand. This is a guesstimate at this point in time. We're going to try to tighten it up as much as possible. I can't make myself more clear that we can't exceed our our appropriation. And I think we've said
that all along. We can't go a penny over. But it's my understanding too from the storm water standpoint. We still don't even know what would be required that if anything would be required and you're waiting on D still to even give us a go ahead for this site. >> I actually called today and left for
another message today. >> Okay. >> Yes. just um my concern if if nobody else at this time had something is um as Commissioner Devito mentioned and this is something that has concerned me all along and making sure that knowing that
this is a reimburseable that it's a reimburseable payment um that we not let that build up >> to where all of a sudden we've got you know a $500,000 payment that we have to put out and wait on. So, I know Mr.
Taylor, this is not your first rodeo and it gives us it does give us um you know some comfort knowing that but that is a concern because as you know we are very limited with our funds. Um >> I'm sorry.
>> Go ahead. I'm done. I'm just >> I was going to say as a reminder number one of the first orders of business for Mr. Mark and myself is the timetable for the services. Okay. Once we identify the timetable for the services, I can probably give you a cost projection on
what fees might need to do when that could help the finance director plan. as she will be done. >> And mayor, I have I guess some comments just to share with the commission
um that I think are important when we get to whatever spot that is after people have asked their questions. >> Does anybody have any other questions at this time? Commissioner Burton? >> No. No. >> Commissioner Commissioner.
Okay, thanks so much, mayor. Um, um, the finances have been reviewed. That was one of my questions. Um, in the briefing sheet that the city manager gave us, um, I have a couple of concerns. We had a workshop, I believe last fall, was it
last summer or last fall, but a lot of time has gone back. And that was about site selection. And it was my request at that time that we have um as much as possible put in writing
about the scope of this project and what the timetable that the state requires. I I don't see that in the briefing sheet it says um it refers to you know the requirements of the state.
This would have been a good time to lay out what they are. I remember we said we have to have ownership of the property by the end of this fiscal year I mean not fiscal year calendar year. Correct. >> Correct. >> And there's a reference in the briefing
sheet to other state requirements. I'm sure I mean if you if you took all the state requirements there would probably be several dates that would be very important including the final conclusion date. Correct. Correct. Where we have to spend the money. Um, it would be very
helpful to see those. Um, as a commission, I think we need to see them. I think staff needs to see them. I think, um, our architect needs to see them. They need to be on a readily available piece of paper. Um
I I am very concerned that uh in the city manager's report um there's still concern about um the fire chief has certain uh wishes. They tend to go over budget.
Um I just you know I I see several places both in the city manager's report and this document that says um the city manager is adamant that we won't go over budget. Um
I I just somehow I'm not entirely sure that there's really a plan for that. And the thing that concerns me the most is that um there was a meeting with I guess these
were several officials from the county fire department. Says Chief Peacock, Captain Nunziato, Captain Pope, and Captain Deuk. >> That's ours. >> Those are >> those are our people. >> Those are our people. Okay. >> Good last week. >> I don't know them by the right. So that
was April 2nd. So these are not county people. is our people. >> We have three captains. >> We do three captains. >> I have no idea. Um, >> wait a minute. Who's Who's Chief Peacock? >> He's our assistantie.
>> Assistant Chief John Peacock. >> Okay. Well, that's nice. Okay. Chief. All right. So, there's a wish list or not a wish list, there's a general um there's a general listing of what we're
going to have. Um that to me, commissioners, mayor, that really should be something that we should see before we get the contract. Um, this
this has been a bit of a a moving target ever since we got the appropriation because the appropriation, as the mayor said, was just for a general project. Um, we never said exactly what it was. Um, and >> yes, we did. It's a fire. It's a fire station,
>> right? But it started out Yeah, I know. It's a fire station. >> It was a phase It was a phase in fire station. The first phase was for the ambulance because they only gave us the million dollars. So it was for the ambulance and for the living >> and then when they came in with the additional two million then it was that
we could build out the second phase and then going to the state the state said um you can combine all of those into one phase at this point and they kind of started some of the time clock um over again from that first one to um to help
us to help us with that. >> Right. I what what I'm saying is there's now the specifics of what we are approving have not been presented until meeting of April 3rd. Um
so what so what do you so as >> pull this in? What are we >> my main concern is that >> you know we're this is a hope that we can come in under budget. Um
the at some point um I guess the city staff and the fire department are going to tell us what they're going to include, what they're not going to include. We've as a city commission, we've never really um joined in that discussion or
set priorities. the community the community and the commission have never really had an opportunity to weigh in on these different priorities and that's important. The the main thing is the cost and I am
very worried about this $100,000 buffer for >> analytics. Okay. So there's a that's a a lot a lot to go through but to to simply answer to you on your question on our plan in our discussions I had asked Mr.
Taylor to include a cost professional. The reason I wanted a cost professional especially at the 30% review time was at that time we would be able to get a good concise roundabout cost with contingency to see how we could tighten the number as we move forward into the 90 plan.
That's number one. So, we are going to have cost controls in place. We're going to have a professional estimator looking at the numbers as we get into that design. At the end, you had a a comment there about the community being involved. uh which we're always about our community being involved, but the
the subject matter experts being the fire department and the staff of the fire department, the chief and the assistant chief all had a say in how the design of that station needed to be to bring the best service to the community. I know the community will have a say in
certain things, but when it comes to that special subject matter expertise, they're not going to have the say in that question. I I get that part. I was just saying it's a moving it's been a moving target and then continue >> one one more item. I'm sorry just
because you brought it up >> to speak when you're done. >> Okay. I apologize. Thank you. One more thing is the owner's anticipated design and construction milestone. You brought up the dates. Those dates have been shared with Mr. Taylor. We know what the dates are with the state. It's clearly
in an email and that email has been routed to the commission at one time or another. And if not, if you didn't get it or seen it, I will send it over to you. Um, and I'll send it to the commission. Again, those dates are going to be in line with our design phase milestone, our
construction commencement, our substantial completion dates for completion, and any other milestone dates that need to be met. We are anticipating having fully completed design plans by the end of this year. Our anticipated date for going for procurement hopefully will be in this
calendar year. That's our goal because as we go into 2017, costs are going to increase. We know that we can get locked in now at better rates regardless. So that is the the that is the intention. I'd be glad to put together a briefing for you all and send it over to you all as we move forward in the process.
>> Thank you. >> The whole grant was for 3 million, right? >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. So I'm just kind of reading through this. This will have to return by the way. I've only seen it today. And um but it says a portion of this grant
will be allocated to architectural and engineering fees, landscaping, etc., etc., etc. And then it goes on to say that uh for all construction numbers, all construction is unknown. The approximate cost of the work is
estimated to be $2.6 million. Is that to actually build the actual building? >> That will be for all construction, including cycling. >> Okay. I just want to make sure that that we're spending most of the money to construct it cuz right now I'm feeling like we're spending a whole lot of money to design it.
I mean >> I know I know my mind >> 2 yes the 2.6 and yes sir Mr. Taylor >> if I may to Mr. enormous comments
relative to the summary of the work. Uh we circulated this about six weeks >> through city staff and through fire department and other interested individuals and and I was encouraging make decisions and go quick and uh the
meeting that we had on the 2nd of April was one I requested to finalize and show the work. I've been to me the work is an essential part of your program. It may be kind of an aspirational list at this point, but it's the target. It's like a
map. You might have a dozen different ways to get from here to there, but if you don't try to figure out what the most expedient way is, you'll be spending your time in the back list. So, this is one of the first steps. The other is the site. Okay, we have to know
where it's going to go because there's a lot of analysis, survey, geotechnical, sub uh submarinian exploration, all these things must be done so engineers will be able to design based on that available knowledge. And then lastly, uh
the the limitations of the site I mean this little footprint is about 2 and a half acres. The waste treatment facility is about five acres. I hope it's all because I'm looking to be honest with you to move the station such that its primary access will be off of Junction
Road. That site at that point is over 300 ft. It's about 350 ft wide. This right here is only like 200 feet wide. We should have ample room that create a facility like this with this kind of parking with ample space for helicopter,
helipad, whatever. That's my also sharing an aspirational design. I think we can do it. It's perfect. >> Okay. So, tonight we're here to vote to get you started. Is that it? >> We to get him started. He needs a contract. He needs a contract with us.
And and I will say this, Mr. Taylor, >> thank you. You have been patient for these last what, two years? Almost two years. And he's been very patient and he does try really hard to move staff forward. And I don't know
>> if any of you have ever built a home. >> He does his job. We do our job. >> Yeah. >> But I just want to make sure. I want to get it started. >> Okay. Right now I just feel like for the last few years we've just been running and you know look like hamsters. >> Well, we haven't because we thought we were going to do it there. And so this
kind of this changed everything. But >> hamsters. And I will say, Commissioner Deo, um I don't know if any of you ever built a home, but when you sit down with your architect, you put everything in that house that you think you want. >> Yes. >> And then you have a cost and then you
have a cost estimator that comes in and then they tell you how much that is and all of a sudden you've cut out bathrooms and you've cut out, you know, and it does reduce. And I know last week you reduced it. I think it was about I think with what you took off last week it was about $300,000
that reduced that. So um but you have to start somewhere and I think that's where we are is we have to start somewhere because if we keep doing this and questioning then we're never going to get anywhere. >> We need to start >> and and the state will take that will take that away from us and and this is a
great opportunity for the city. But I know we have to start somewhere and we just you know we trust you. We trust um Mr. Martin and we'll be watching it very closely just to make sure that as we go forward not a penny over $3 million.
>> So with that, can I entertain a motion? >> I'll bring my wallet. >> I move that we approve the AIA contract with >> I'll second it. >> Okay. So we have a proper motion by Commissioner Lori. We have a second by
Commissioner Burton. Uh, commissioners, do we have any further discussion on this? >> If not, I'm going to open it up for public comment. Um, at this time, do we have any of the public that would like to speak to this? Does anybody have any
comments? Okay, seeing that, I'm going to close public comment. So, with that, at this time, Miss Taylor, if you would do a roll call for us, please. Commissioner. Hi, >> Mr. Burton. Hi,
>> Mr. Moore. >> I >> Mr. Deito. >> Hi, >> Mayor Myers. >> I Okay, so thank you, Mr. Taylor. We look forward to >> tomorrow. We can't do anything.
>> Thank you all very much. Would you get this guy done? >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you so much. The next on our uh item is Harry Banks a
community food force and garden design proposal. This is proposed by you offer city manager to execute this contract, but that's not what my motion was. Do we need to reconsider that? >> I just my motion is to approve.
>> Okay. really we need to authorize the city manager authorizes that. >> Do you want I think you need to redo the motion. Do you want to add an additional motion to that? Okay. So, if you would please Thank you for bringing that question. >> I want to move to authorize the city
manager to work with the architecting project board and initiate that space. >> Second. >> Okay. So, we have a proper motion by Commissioner Lori and we have a second by Commissioner Burton. Um Miss Taylor, if you do roll call us, please. Commissioner Deo I,
>> Mr. Lorie, >> I, >> Mr. Barton. >> Hi, >> Mayor Myers. >> I so approved. >> Thank you. Appreciate that. All right, so back to our next item. Harry Banks Park. We have a community food service
food, I'm sorry, not food service, food forest and garden design proposal by Chris Edler of Permaculture FX. I've asked Chris to come tonight and to uh to present to you all his plans. if you could come up. Chris, of course, this is a comprehensive design proposal um to
transform Harry Banks Park into community food forest educational garden. Um Chris, thank you for being here. >> Thank you so much. Thank you, Madam Mayor and commissioners. I'm blown away as someone that's new in town by the dedication that I see you exemplifying
in meetings, in offices. But I also want to say I was very impressed seeing so many of you at the community cleanup days cleaning up the streets active in the community gardens. I was volunteering once in the Evil Lion Park and Commissioner Devito came over and
was helping with wood shifts. And to me those are really good signs of a healthy community and leaders that are engaged not just in the office but also with the people in general. And so that is most of my reasoning for wanting to present this community garden and food forest
idea to you. Um, as someone who is new in town, I don't I don't know the history of all of the areas and the, you know, the different streets and the parks, I look at it from an outside perspective and as an educator for 17 years. I worked a lot with kids, inner
city kids and atrisisk kids. Um, and so one of the things that I have found is that the library and the garden are two of the safest places in the town. And I think we have a wonderful library thanks to so many volunteers um that are here in our town. But I would love to see the
growth of a garden. And when I was walking through Harry Banks Park for the first time, um, seeing both the community, the location of it in proximity to schools, education, housing developments, but also the safety of the fencing, the inner gardener and farmer
in me wanted to just be a better neighbor. And so I started uh talking with Derek and some others and just starting to brainstorm what would it be like for us to have a place of community health and food access of education, a demonstration site on how do you grow
food, how do you provide for your families and for wildlife and better the world around us leaving it like Nordstrom would say as good or better than we found it. And so, uh, in the plan that's before you, I believe it starts on page 70 of your revised agenda, uh, and it is available for
those that are are watching this later online. Um, it lays out a few, uh, four specific uh, reasons and purposes for this project. First, provide access to locally grown food uh, in an area that we do have a food desert. Uh secondly,
to support hands-on learning, uh workshops, garden, and growing days, uh building long-term community engagement and connection with volunteers, community, uh and clubs. And then lastly, to enhance the environmental quality, especially knowing that our
area is being developed, well, Florida is being developed at such a rapid pace, providing a place for native wildlife habitat, uh pond edges, and and bettering our environment around us are all part of this plan. And so if you um slide through that plan, you can see all
of the nerdy garden details that I won't necessarily bore you with. But my my hope today is that you're able to kind of skim through this this plan and this idea and envision with me a place that our community is able to connect, I think, in a way that is very safe. As an
educator, I'm always thinking about safety, about kids, about lighting, uh insurance, and that sort of thing. And for those that are also thinking along those same lines, uh because of the location and the particular fencing layout of the park that I selected, this
does fall under the agro tourism activity under section 570.86 of the Florida statutes. So insurance and liability is not a question or concern because it would be considered agro tourism as a form of education and
community enhancement. So, we're not no one's going to be liable if anybody, you know, gets a cut on a blade of grass, you know, as they're as they're weeding in the garden. But, I I do think the location of this is a very ideal place. I did look at several other parks. Uh,
and just from the liability perspective, the fencing or the lack thereof in some of the parks um were concerning to me. Uh, and also some of the other activities, and forgive me, I don't know the name of the park. I believe it's called Fletcher Park where the boat launch is was one of the other ones that
I looked at that because of the other activities that take place there. Um it would cause a few problems getting the agro tourism exemption which I do think is very important in that process. >> Sunrise park
>> there's no I think you think you think the dog park is >> you can put a a kayak or something. Yeah. Yeah. What What is the process of getting that exemption? >> It It's super easy. There's literally like a onepage form that you fill on the
Florida State statute website. It takes about two to three weeks to get it back and I believe it cost $45. >> That's the department Florida Department of Agriculture is what you have to get because the average signs that you have to get up as well. Yeah. There's one sign that you put at
the beginning of the park and that's up to the individuals to read anytime that a workshop would be done and people are signing in. That same exact language is provided for them. So when they sign in they have the opportunity to read that language. Are you proposing any type of
form that people would have to sign to wave any? Anytime there's volunteers or agro tourism that are coming into the park to volunteer, they would have to sign that type of a waiver if they're going to be working with tools. If they're working with their hands picking
flowers or, you know, picking fruit, that's entirely up to them. But anytime there are tools or work implements provided, they would have to sign a waiver or a a legal adulter. >> Okay. Commissioners, do we have um are are you >> That was all and my question today is
asking for permission to proceed with phase one, which would include um starting to mark out the utilities, getting the compost, wood chips, and that sort of thing delivered and then proceeding with the planting as >> if I may. So, originally there was a
cost in involved in this. We had put that forward. If you go to my briefing sheet, it says or not. Um I've talked to Mr. trailer and he feels that he can go in on this without cost of the city of the taxpayer. Originally, we were talking about utilizing funds that were
um would say generated, but funds we received from from funds for cutting trees. So, we want to put it back in the community and so plants and environment. Um with that being said though, um there still is a little bit of costing that we would need for certain signage, right?
>> Irrigation, um >> lighting, >> lighting, those numbers, I don't know what they would be. So, I want to be very clear to the commission that that even though he said he could take this on zero dollars, there are there would be some sort of money spent here. So, >> I had to find out how much.
>> Right. Um, mayor, if I could. >> So, I have a couple concerns about this. I think it's a great concept. I'm blown away by the drawings and I think it would be a wonderful activity for
children. Um, and it's it's definitely in the right spot for an activity for children. Um, what I don't think is fully formed is um a clear
a clear understanding of the obligations and responsibilities and the phasing between Chris and the city. Um there's access to the park. Um so
just I mean this is a a proposal about a design. It's not really a proposal about specific responsibilities and implementation. Um he mentioned I see in here there's um what is it called the plan the planter
boxes for food. What Chris what do you call those? >> The race. Thank you. Sorry. Um, I'm still eating fire station. So, I know usually when cities have community gardens, if this is going to happen, they have policies
and procedures and they have um they just have they have policies and procedures. I know Kimona Park had a whole community garden and um which by the way unfortunately now has completely um disappeared. it's it's out of
business and I think it was started for one year but they had rules about access cost responsibility all that kind of stuff. So this is a proposal um but it's not really the nuts and
bolts of how it all would work. I'm not even sure whether the agurism exemption or um liability thing applies to governments. I I don't know. um we already have a certain amount of sovereign immunity
>> so I don't know about that and then um I did notice okay we still have not funded when you're talking about irrigation um we approved the tree and garden plan by the tree and garden board and I know
that you brought this forward um but they have mentioned that none of the money in the city budget has been spent for the specific plantings um in our public areas that the tree and
garden board requested. So, I'm just thinking um this is a great uh proposal, but I don't think we have the procedures in place. I'm not really sure there are
some references to volunteer groups. Um, have you been in touch with um the Women's Civic Association, for example, or concerned citizens? >> Not those two in particular, but I do have about eight or 10 other groups that have given a soft yes. I didn't want to overstep my bounds and ask for
permission in an area without your permission and blessing first. Um, but I do have a list of about 50 volunteers that are ready to jump in. >> 50 or 15? >> 550, ma'am. >> Okay. Um, are they all from Crescent City? >> Some are. I would say about 70% of them
are from Crescent Cities. Most of them are Putin County in general. So, I teach a gardening class every month here in Putham County. One in Flaggler and then one in Orman Beach. And so, there's about >> kind of far away. You know, you're putting this thing in Crescent City. Yes. The other thing, this looks like
it's along the W's edge that that retaining pond. Yes, ma'am. >> Is that where you're putting this? >> Yes, ma'am. And the the reasoning behind the location of that would be because it's behind the fence. So that fence can be locked and it's a very tall and and sturdy fence. So that way there's not
going to be dayto-day public. >> It's sturdy until people start to take the fence down which happens put up. So I guess what I'm trying to say is um that kind of concerns me a little bit that retention fund. But anyway, if anybody else has any questions,
>> that retention pond um also has been known to have >> creatures alligators. We've had children out there playing in the fields and the alligators have gotten it has snakes. >> Um it's also you have you done soil testing because you know that whole area
is the only landfill. >> Yeah. Yeah. And many of the plants I do a lot of bio remediation with both cities, parks, you know, large large scale projects. And so many of the things that we're putting in the plants are water purifying plants. Uh I use a
company called SCD Probiotics. They use a lot of research out of Japan and Kansas City, Missouri. And so we would be helping implement those things uh into the water to help purify the water in a 100% organic um you know way to help remediate some of the damage that
has already been done. Mayor, I think you have a good point. We're talking about people walking in there and touching it and getting in the dirt and it sounds like the point you're raising. Whatever it is you're going to plant, that might help it in the future, but
are we inviting members of the public, including children, in in what might be severely contaminated soil? Well, and there's metal. I know they've pulled a lot of scrap metal out of that out of that soil over there. instead of, you know, for somebody to get cut. I mean,
it's behind a quite honestly in that pond. I have some concerns. This is extremely well laid out. Thank you for wanting to do something like this in Crescent City. Um, I have a lot of reservations about where you're looking
to put that that pond is um we have a fence around it for a reason. Yes. Pretty much from a safety standpoint. Um, that pond also, it's my understanding. Now, of course, you know, there's a lot of >> stories about it, but that it is a
pretty deep it's it's it's it's a pretty deep pond. >> It's a sinkhole and that we and that there are there's a lot of things down there. So, my concern is if you do open it up and you have children in there and
who's going to be watching those children the entire time to make sure that nobody decides, oh, let's jump in and go swimming because you definitely don't want someone swimming in there. >> Absolutely. >> Um, also from getting to be able to get
into that. um how are you going to access because a lot of times and especially with a lot of our master gardeners in the community, they're elderly, a little older. Um and that's a that's a pretty good trek to have to go over and walk to that walk there.
>> Um and so I have you have you thought about that? And I'll address the the pond issue first because that is definitely a concern of mine as well because as a I mean as a teacher I am always concerned about kids and safety and supervision. Um so as far as the
layout goes the actual garden is only going to be within about 10 or 15 feet of the fence itself. So no one's going to be going down that slope playing in the pond. The plants that I had suggested around the pond edge are basically to densely plant the pond edge. So that way it prohibits the
accessibility of people going down to that level. So it's not an area that people will be, you know, going down in. We would be only up along the fence line. Um as far as the accessibility for volunteers, um on the far right side when you're looking at the retention
pond, there's a double gate that opens up um as well as on the other side. So cars can actually pull up along the side of that and walk directly into that garden. My hope is that in the raised bed area that we would do landscape fabric, lay that out nice and flat so the raised beds are ADA accessible as
well. Uh because especially with volunteers that are elderly, if they're in a wheelchair, a lot of their kids that are autistic will not sit on the ground. That's just not part of their their makeup. And so they do want to, you know, be able to stand. And so we'll be doing the initial um installation ourselves without necessarily the
volunteers help. So there's not a risk of them, you know, cutting their finger on a piece of metal that's going to be in the soil. So by the time the volunteers are showing up in the community, especially children or miners, all of this will be in the ground to where they're more picking the fruit, they're helping weed, they're
planting a few flowers. So we'll be able to take that liability ourselves uh to make sure that things are safe before um children are present. The other concern I have is that and I know back um several years ago before my time um
Patrick Kennedy for the community, they put in a garden right behind over here at Miller Middle School and they had a community garden back behind the health the health the health building. >> Um Barbara Fischer I think was part of
part of that. We had quite a few master gardeners here in town >> um who wanted that and it's my understanding that that lasted really everybody was excited about it but it lasted about a month and I know there was one behind the women's club also
that the women's club was doing and if you go by there I don't know that that garden >> there it's totally gone. >> Yeah, it's totally gone. So my concern is you're going to be planting it looks like you're planting bamboo there. um you're planting banana plants and
from a public works standpoint, our people have to maintain that and and so especially with the bamboo. So if you put bamboo, we all know what bamboo does. So if you put the bamboo in there, um and then all of a sudden your
eagerness from your volunteers um or somebody goes in there because I'm I'm sorry it happens over there a lot. somebody goes in there and they decide that they're going to mess it up. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And that can be very discouraging to
volunteers. >> Um where where is that going to leave our public works and and what we're going to have to do to clean that up? And so these are a lot of the concerns we have with >> with with this. It's again
>> great, you know, >> it's a great idea, >> great plan and um >> great plan. >> May I respond to your concerns? Absolutely. >> Um, so in regards to the maintenance, I know our our city is so taxed on public works. They have so much to mow and so much to do. The last thing that I want
to do is add anything to anybody's plate. Um, so the goal and this type of design, it's a design style called permaculture, permanent agriculture. Um, and I'll use the example of a gentleman named Jeff Lton. He had a farm called Sichuna Farm in Australia. And the farm
was very well manicured for a long, long time. they ended up selling the farm, had to walk away for almost 20 years. And this style of agriculture, um, you're able to step back in at a moment's notice and still have productivity. And so if there's
community engagement, the wood chips are going to be nice. There's no weeds, the flowers are fresh, the flowers are cut back. That's the best case scenario is you walk in and it looks like the B garden, you know, botanical gardens or B tower gardens, which I' I've had a wonderful time helping with. And so
that's the best case scenario. The worst case scenario is if we get all of this in the ground and we put in these fruit trees and these berry bushes and I get whisked away to the magical land of Oz. The good thing is these trees are going to be producing in 30 years with or
without me. And so the wood chips may not look as nice. It'll look like another tree that's planted in the park. The flowers may need to be, you know, deadheaded, but by and large, the linear design along the fence, madam, is so that all the city um public works has to
do is run their mower just like they always do. This is going to prevent them from having a weed whack, which is always nice. Um, so I think even in our worst case scenario, if there's severe total utter neglect and we use the stun method of gardening, it's still going to be beautiful and those fruit trees are
still going to be producing even if I'm not present. But I do feel very confident that in the way of connecting with the different clubs, the different organizations, it's not contingent on me because there will be 15 or 20 other groups or organizations that when one is
saying, "Hey, we can't do this anymore." That's okay. we'll go find another club organization to fill that niche so it doesn't weigh down too heavily on, you know, one person's shoulders. The way that we did the community garden that I designed in Kansas City, Missouri, is we had a very similar setup and so every
club only came in for two hours one time a year. And so it was a very low-level commitment for them. Sometimes they had three to five people um that came in and when a club was finished or they were too busy, that gave us, you know, 11 other months to fill that void. And so I
do feel that the way that we structure this is very important that it provides the longevity but in the worst case scenario. It's better than them having to weed whack our fences. >> Question for you. >> Yes, we have. >> Is there is there a way that you you say
that you've done some of these gardens? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Now, I don't want to make anybody have to go to to see it, but I I'd love that. tell me where one is so I can just go take a look at them and see if they actually work and what they do. >> Yeah, I mean I I can give you addresses or send you a packet of pictures and
that sort of thing. >> I wish you would. >> They're still ongoing. >> Oh, yes. Yes, ma'am. And I have a lot of my online presence. Um there it features a lot of the videos and the pictures of that work. So you can go to Permaculture FX um on Instagram or Tik Tok. And so
on, you know, Tik Tok there's almost 100 thousand people that are watching and following these designs on a daily basis. So it does have a lot of those. I think a lot. That's why I want to see if there's something around here that actually has >> Yes, sir. Yeah. There's many in Okala. The Royal Grounds Equestrian Farm is
one. >> You know, you're talking about an equestrian farm. I was a farmer in Vermont farm and I always had a big garden. Okay. But but I down here's a little different. >> So Mr. if you would please weigh in on this.
>> Couple things. First, from a practical perspective, as a landowner who just lost more than half of my orange trees in the last little episode of cold that we had, I don't believe there is anything as a perpetual garden that just takes care of itself. Now, again, I
don't have the green thumb this gentleman has, but um at one point, Crescent said the area was full of orange trees. >> Yeah. They're gone. Vast majority of them are gone because of freezes and those are most interest in that design
for that very reason. >> Go ahead. >> And secondly, um just a practical observation that I'm seeing, the idea of gardening sounds great when it's 60° outside and everybody can get out there with their hat and pedal in the dirt. When it's 110,
you see the enthusiasm drop significantly. And that's where we are in Florida. But from a from a I guess legal perspective, here are my concerns. You're dealing with public property. >> That's another problem,
>> which is from my perspective always um a consideration that I think has to be kept in mind. I'm not saying you can't lease public property or in some other fashion delegate its control to someone
else, but the terms of that need to be specified. Is it going to be a lease? Um because as you know, when you provide control of this piece of property or any other piece of property to an individual or an organization, you're doing that to
the exclusion of everybody else in Crescent City. Now, I understand there may be nobody else interested, but you but I don't know that. All I know is that it's owned by the taxpayers. And when you say that this individual or that individual or that group is going to have control over it, then it's no
longer available >> to the to the public. And then it's important that we know what the rules that that apply to this property were going to be and who's it's open to everybody, but uh well, obviously I take that as a as a given, but maybe that's
not a given. But my point simply is the devil's always in the details when you're talking about taking public property and giving it to someone else to control. And I always, and that's true, you can shake your head, BJ, but it's fine. Um because just
as sure as you do this and the next meeting someone comes in and says, "If I known you were going to give it to him to do a garden, I would have used it for watermelons or whatever." So, what I've told folks for decades in
in governmental entities is if you're going to set a such a property and say you're going to make it available for a use, it only makes sense to make put it out there in some form of notice so that if more than one person has a proposal for using it, they can put it in the
hopper. And if you don't get anybody, then you then at least you put it out there. you gave people the opportunity to do this or something different with it. But secondly, there needs to be some some certainty to the whole process. For what term is this gentleman or someone
else going to have control over the property? Year, 5 year, 10 years? How long? Secondly, um is there going to be a responsibility that it be returned to you in the same condition it was in when you gave it to him? Now, from what I'm hearing, that condition may not be
stellar right now. But you got my point. Uh if if it's if they do things to it, they create issues, are they going to be your issues when the time period of their control is over? Um and then I I
understand I read the statute about agurism and it's cool. Um, I am a believer that the mortgage and mortgage of the world find a way to get around those kinds of things to sue municipalities. So I would suggest that
anything you do have some form of insurance requirement in it to protect the city in case somebody when you read these things it states that if they're engaged in an in an aggra in a risk excuse me if they are injured as a result of a risk that's associated with agurism then there's some there's some
exceptions or there's some liability exemptions but it also has some exceptions to that rule and so uh you do have sovereign immunity that limits the amount of money that you could you the judgment that that could be rendered against you or the amount you have to
pay. Uh but it also um that that that sovereign immunity statute says that that that cap is the extent to which you have insurance or the thresholds that are in the statute. Insurance claims don't help you in terms of your premiums for the for the next year. So all I'm
saying is I'm not against it either. I mean I think >> it's a great plan. you know, things of this nature. If it's if it if it's something positive for people to do and they really are interested in doing it, it's fantastic. And if he's going to take the risk of making that happen, his time, effort, and all that good stuff,
you know, then then more power to him. But I just think you need to have some there needs to be some details um that um that guide the way the property is the control of the property is transferred to him or anybody else. and
and I don't know that you have those right now at least I'm not here now you can do what you want to but you know obviously >> so I read through that statute and there was my only what I did not see in there and I would I would ask you Don for that
is that DAX did not that I could see that they didn't necessarily say that agurism on um in an urban area if it had to be zoned agriculture cultal and so that was a that was just something that
as I read through it I don't know that DAX um that's just the part about the liability they're calling it agurism um and it's a program that they are encouraging but I don't know and I think we would have to have that also just to
make sure that that does apply >> I looked up the definition in the statute in addition and >> you know it's pretty broad has to be a modified activity um and uh you know not done for u sport or or whatever but it's
it's pretty broad you know it pretty it doesn't I didn't see anything in it that dealt with the underlying zoning of the property >> okay >> uh I did not I'd look at more but I think that's a help for sure I just don't I'm concerned that and there's a certain amount of risk in anything a
city does we all know that you do things if you're going to provide for the citizens there's risk involved in some of what you do so I'm not naive enough to think that you're going to engage in anything that has zero risk. I'm more concerned about you managing the risk and knowing what your risks are and also
the part about the details as to control. Um I really that's that's a big deal. You have other property in the that you own. I mean if you just if if you don't have some kind of policy process for deciding who gets to control it other than you, then you kind of
leave a lot of doors open. actually >> um no I just I'm not sure how we get from here to there but the things that worry me are you know um obviously what
Don has brought up um the policies and procedures making sure there's control making sure that it does not occupy too much of our staff time as as we know um we have some significant projects right Now, the fire station being one of them.
Um, we still don't have a city clerk, but the policies and procedures um getting a better idea of how many volunteers would really be available and are there some private sources or possibly um some groups that could help
contribute to the cost. I mean, I just I think this needs more definition and and I and I I I agree. Um because I don't know that right now that we I don't feel that we have the ability to put any money at this point. We can
probably even ask our finance director that and we're hearing that next year we're going to be flat also. So um from a spending standpoint and you know Mr. Edler, I will I will say this. Um, I might be a skeptic about this as
far as your volunteers because I've been out there planting at different times. Had people drive by, give us advice. >> Yeah. >> But never really have I had people Exactly. And so it might just be you out there, but they'll go by and they'll
give me advice about what we're planning or how we're doing it. Um and and granted they are, you know, it's a lot of people they're having to work in their own yard and take care of their own yard. Um so I'm very concerned that
while people are committed to you for volunteers, I know even our organization over here is struggling to get volunteers. Um, and and so I I don't know I don't know that it might just end up being you and and a couple of other
people. >> I'm okay with that. >> Okay. So, I just I just wanted you to know that. Yes. that sometimes that people get caught up, you know, we're busy and and they think they want to do it, but actually getting out there and and like you said, you know, like Don
said, right now it's nice to get out there when it's 100 110, not many people, you know, >> so nice, >> especially there at the W's edge because you have mosquitoes and you have a lot of other things there. So, I'm just that's just that's just my two cents. So,
>> commissioners, um yes, >> I I I would like to look into And of course, let me y'all are going to take a vote on this tonight, but if we're looking at this from a policy standpoint, insurance plans, all the things that we don't know, I do want to say that Neptune Beach in Jacksonville,
Jargo Park, you asked to go see one. It's been active now for 18 years. It started back uh in the in the mid 2000, 2008 or something like that. Um it's been it's been very successful. Um the community is involved. They have lease agreements with the groups and the clubs
that come and run it. Um, I'd like to approach them and just get information on how they've done that and I can bring that back to you all at another time. >> I think we need some more information and I'd like to kind of see >> commissioners. What is your recommendation at this point? Do you want to Yes, Commissioner? Well, my
recommendation would be that this entire project needs more definition, keeping in mind that um to me, you would want to have some committed groups that really want to take this on as a project that
would help find funding um and any policies and procedures that you can find um having to do with community gardens or whatnot because I know other municipalities have them. But um I just
think it's great think and Mr. Edler and the city manager primarily Mr. Edler need to come back with more definition um and to address those concerns about policies and procedures funding and the certainty of
um the group a group or groups to actually own own this. >> Does that make sense? Do you want to put do you want to do a motion? Do you want to you don't have a motion? >> I'm just saying that's you know >> consensus is from the commission that we
need additional information. Is that what you're ask is that >> that's what I'm saying. >> Okay. >> Do you think consensus? >> That's okay. So then if that's not yours then we're going to need a motion. Then we'll need a motion on record.
>> You want me to make a motion? Okay. Well, just saying that um I move that we thank Mr. Edler for the presentation um but that um he is free to come back to us at a later time with more definition
as to policies and procedures um possible groups that would um be involved and take ownership examples um of how other places do this and um potential sources of funding.
Do you want to add in there anything about our attorney making sure there are attorney reviews because I believe they would have to have a waiver or something sign something. >> Um, sure. And >> consulting >> that before it comes back to us be reviewed by our city attorney.
>> Okay. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Okay. So, we have a proper motion by Commissioner Devito. We have a second by Commissioner Burton. Do we have any public comment on this? Anybody would like to speak to this? Any thoughts? Okay. If not, I'll close
public comment at this time. Um, Miss Taylor, if you would please do a roll call. >> Commissioner Dvito, >> I. >> Commissioner Lor. >> Nay. >> Commissioner Moore. >> I. >> Commissioner Burton.
>> Hi. >> Mayers. >> Hi. >> Thank you. >> Yes. They're going to again, Mr. Edler, thank you and thank you for your willingness. He just for anybody that he just um with Derek and his mothers, they
planted um out here. They redid all these um pots for us for catfish and also the um the hanging planters. Um so, thank you. Thank you so much for helping with that. We appreciate that. So, thank you. And with that, I'm going to take a
seven minute recess. Thank you. All right. Our next line item is our tree trimming and hazard mitigation services, Lim Walker LLC. A little background, the city's been working with certified arborist James SO uh with Lim Walker LLC to assess tree conditions within the city limits. Uh
Mr. Saual has uh completed pool catalog of the existing trees and has identified those requiring trimming, removal or mitigation due to safety concerns. This assessment follows ongoing issues with hazardous limbs as discussed in previous meetings, storm related vulnerabilities as we have hurricane season coming up
and deferred maintenance in several areas as public works has not been able to keep up the demand. Um I currently have a quote from Mr. for Lim Walker, the company for Lim Walker LLC for 12,000 for full trim, removal, and haul off of the debris. Uh he has also said
he could reduce that um by 50%. Actually, I'm down to $8,000. I've got the quote here. Um $8,000 if public works would pick up the debris and haul off the material. He would cut everything. Um, I'm asking the commission to authorize negotiation to enter into contract agreement with the
Walker LLC for citywide treatment and removal of identified safety hazards. >> So, just to be clear, that's reducing it to 8,000 or reasoning it by 8,000. >> It would reduce it to 8,000, sir. >> It's not 50%. >> It's not 50%. No, I didn't have the
final quote by the time that we had this meeting. I just had it here. >> Okay. So if I sum up, it's 8,000 for the trim with city hall. >> Yes, correct. That is correct. >> And where would we haul this to? Would
it go out to our facility out there to be >> Is that where you >> Yes. Yes. And we've talked about mulching it down. Couple different things that we can do, but yes, it would be hauled off there. >> Okay. I move that we call city manager to negotiate the final prices with the
Walker LLC for city white tree permitting hazard removal. >> I'll second proper motion in a second. Any discussion? Um I guess you put this out for >> we made several phone calls to arborists
in the area. This is Joan is from Palacta from L County. Um we re received only one phone call back. The that company was more of an advisor um large company um out at Palm Coast and the other did not we did not receive phone call back
>> but we didn't put it out for a formal bid. >> It wasn't formally put out on >> the price of this um Mr. Holmes. So, so I had asked Derry if um if we had a purchasing policy or procurement
policy and he indicated that he wasn't aware of one. I looked at your ordinances and I couldn't find a purchasing procurement uh provision in your ordinances. The state statute sets
a threshold of bid requirements at 35,000 uh under the statute which I provided. Mr. the city manager. So I was surprised that you don't have a purchasing policy or a procurement policy. Almost all small towns do that
basically indicate most of them have a tiered approach. So up to a certain amount, 5,000 or whatever, there's no need for any kind of solicitations. 5 to 10 or 15 or whatever. Uh three phone calls will do. Uh 15 to 25 or
whatever. you got to have some form of written bid or and then at some point you go to a formal solicitation for bids with response times and all that stuff. He said you don't have one. So if you don't have one then um I can't tell you that you can't do it. I mean I was
surprised that you don't have a procurement policy but if you don't then like I said the state statute says that you're threshold certified director. >> Okay. Okay. So, we have a proper motion and a second.
>> Um, I think it just went off. You might want to check it. It's talking to us. >> And and just to be clear, I I didn't specify whether we should be doing the whole off, but
I I think that that's the best option, but my motion was just to authorize you to move forward with that bid or move forward with the contract. Um, and I believe that that's the right direction to go to. That would be my >> it would be coordination with public
works. I I need to find their schedule. They are really spread thin right now. Um, and honestly, I really want to get this done before hurricane season. That's the biggest push. But I I will definitely do what's best for the city. If we can get that done, then I'll do it. We do have plenty of funds. Um, we
have funds in the streets line items that we have not used, almost 15,000 for some concrete work. We have 7,000 left in our tree trimming actual line items. So, we can move things around. We have plenty in the budget to do that. >> Miss Taylor, if you would please roll.
>> Commissioner Moore. >> Hi, Mr. Burton. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Devito. I >> Mr. Lauren >> I >> Mayor Myers >> I approve. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> Next on our line item we have firework
contribution and contract approval for the red, white and doom. We have the quotes from San Tori in front of you. I'm asking for the commission allowing permission to move forward with that contract. Also have Mr. Scott King here to discuss a little bit from the yacht club standpoint. Come up, sir. Thank you so much.
>> Thank you. Um, didn't plan on being here, but since I was here anyway, I thought I'd stay. Um, we've got the card for the boards just a little bit. The club has not seen these contracts. Our meetings tomorrow.
So, um, basically, as you see, we've got either 11:5 to do June or 18 to do both, >> right? >> Um, I can tell you that the club can already end in June. We've already got
the the money for that. Uh we have not talked to Expinity yet. Uh and again, I haven't talked to the clubs. So, tomorrow we plan on discussing whether deciding whether or not to take on both and have our December fireworks back or
not. So, I guess what I'm asking for now is um uh to for you to approve backing the fireworks like you did last year, allowing Mr. Martin and club to come
decide which way to go whether to do both or just do June and to ensure that uh all monies for the contract will be collected before we ask before we sign that contract. But uh if we have a move
forward make a decision tomorrow we'd appreciate it. >> Okay Mayor I have a question. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, um, my recollection is that, um, this has been always been a project
of the yacht club, but it's gotten more and more expensive and that last year the city was a sponsor so that our wait, >> yeah, our insurance would apply and last
year I thought we agreed to do that, but we weren't the signers on the contract. It was once again the yach club we signed the contract and you specifically were a stickler about it that we did not sign the contract until all monies were received.
>> Okay. So this is the same contract that we signed last year. >> Yes. >> Same company. >> Essentially same contract >> because the the thing that concerns me about that is that it's mainly the yacht club runs this. Isn't that correct? Like
it's your the contract refers to the yach club will provide the barge and they raise most of the funds. >> I mean right you raise the funds and you know what you're doing because you have the barge and you know where to put it and what to do with it. Um
certainly um I like the part that Mr. King said about we don't want to sign a contract until you have the finance ready. Um I would be much more comfortable if the the yacht club signed
the contract because they're mainly the ones concerned. Um I mean with the they know what they're doing. Um I think it's great for the city to sponsor it. Um but we don't have money in the budget um to
pay for this particularly when it's good to hear you said you have the $11,000 for the June event or the it's 115 right >> right so you guys you don't want to be the signers on the contract
>> so if I may um last year um our common Mr. Jordan came to the commission, came to the city, >> fell out there in the audience. >> Yeah. >> Um, with the information that our yacht
club insurance that we have, because we are a yacht club, we found out doesn't handle cover fireworks because that's not a yacht, >> right, >> activity. So the agreement that we made with the city was this is the city's event. The
city's insurance would cover because it is your event and we help sponsor it by raising the money and helping the fireworks company out by
pulling the barge around because we're a yacht club and we've got boats that can do that. >> They are not the ones though. I don't know if you've ever been out there when they're doing it, but they're not the ones that are actually igniting those. >> So, I just want to make sure clarity
purposes. >> They really are the sponsor. They and Expinity last year were the sponsors, right? >> I did want to mention that as well. >> One person at a time. >> So, and to finish um so there is zero
expense to the city. you mentioned the expense that we cut before there's there's zero and public works doesn't even get involved. >> Okay. >> Appreciate that. I think that's a great it's a great tradition that the outcome
has carried on for us and I I'm thankful that you guys are willing to do that and I think that this is just our part of it and I'm I want to make a motion that we um authorize the city manager to um execute
this contract once you've consulted with the yach club and they made decisions um with the understanding that they will be raising the and we'll be the respon or the we'll be putting it on inside the contract >> be the host.
>> We have um do I have a second? >> A second. >> Okay. So, we have a proper motion by Commissioner Lori and we have a second by Commissioner Moore. Do we have um any further discussion by the commission?
>> Well, he's got a I'm sorry. >> Thank you, Commissioner Burton. Um he he's got a kind of staff recommends that the city commission approve entering into contract with inventory for the 2026 red, white, and green fireworks
display. It says that this is what he would like us to to do. Okay. Our city manager authorize the city manager to execute the contract and associated documentation. acknowledge that the yacht club will fully fully fund the fireworks display
through fundraising and confirm that the city's insurance will serve as the event insurance for the fireworks show. Okay. Now, what was the motion? >> To authorize them to execute the contract. >> Yeah. >> After consulting with the yacht club to make sure that they get approval
tomorrow. >> Okay. >> And that the funds are in place and that they're willing because Mr. King's endurance. >> He has not the he has not checked and got approval from >> the club, but he's going to do that
tomorrow. So, I just want to make sure we're not signing this and then stuck with, you know, bill you guys have >> continued to um promise to pay. So, we'll have promise on that. >> And that was the agreement from last
year, too. And I think that in an effort um we have a proper motion in a second, but I also think that and Mr. Martin if you could last year Exfinity um did help out the yacht club with the expense so that all of their funds are not going
this is a huge benefit for the community. Um always our fireworks you do a fabulous job and Tori does also people talk about our fireworks no matter where you go. um if you could have through between you and Miss um and
Bonnie if y'all can work on possibly reaching out to Extinity to see if they could help with that. >> We've started that process. Our her predecessor did a great job on organizing >> Christina took care of all of that last year. >> Yes, she did. So, we have all the information needed. >> Okay. >> It just take time.
>> It just takes time. Do we have um at this time do we have any public comment on this? Okay. Seeing no one come forward, I'm going to close public comment. Miss Taylor, if you would please do um a roll call. We have a proper motion. Um
>> would you say the motion again, please? >> To authorize the city manager to execute the contract with Centtory after conferring with the Commodore from the Yach Club and confirming that they are sponsoring and willing to pay for the
event. Well, and if I could just say what I asked last year is that we had the funds in hand before we signed the contract because when we read the contract,
>> right? So, but we are when we sign that contract, we are on the hook for the entire amount of funds. So you have a you have a motion at this point that it's not did you want to amend yours at all to say that it has to
be in hand? >> I I trust they're going to do what they're going to do. >> Then we're going to go forward with this. Miss Taylor, if you would please do a roll call. >> Trust. >> Commissioner Dus. >> I. >> Commissioner Lori. >> I.
>> Commissioner Moore. >> I. >> Commissioner Burton. >> I. >> Mayor Myers. I thank you. So approved. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Absolutely. Thank you. Thank you very much. >> We're glad to partner with you on this.
>> Very pleased. Thank you. Um this one, it's my understanding that the next one is you want to >> Yes, ma'am. So, the next one, soda vote race alcohol alternative plan. We're going to we're going to pass on that at this time unless someone wants to speak to that. This is the alcohol for the boat race.
It's not >> there's nothing here. Can we back up to Red, White, and Boom because the partnership has a request? >> Can you No, we're not there yet. >> Yeah, we're not there yet. Sorry. >> Sorry. One second. >> You're good. You're good. So, on the
alcohol um that time wise, it did not work out. >> We had an alternative plan, so we don't even need to discuss this. I'd like to move on to the next item, and that would be our Is that okay, Madam Chair? >> Okay. The next would be our South Putham Crescent City opportunity zone
discussion. I did not have a briefing sheet on this for you all. Um this was something that came up. Um we had a few meetings with a group of people from um that came in discussing the opportunity zone and the mayor you'd like to take over. I appreciate
>> um all of you are probably aware that Crescent City um when they designated the opportunity zone that Crescent City is one of the three here in Putnham County. call present city opportunity zone um is really more of a tax it offers a tax shelter for those that um
want to deposit their money into a project and be able to have it sit there for a certain amount of years and um then there is no tax implication after I believe it's 10 years. Um, so the
chamber thankfully, um, they are trying to find in my in my it's got it here somewhere. Um, the chamber has gone in and looked at these because now the federal government is going to extend
these opportunity zones out. Um, and they are looking at all of Putnham County and where they can make a recommendation. So they have been here to Crescent City and they have um selected Crescent City
to be the one to step in um as their nom one of their nominations, one of their nominations when it goes when they have to submit they have to submit this request that we be considered by the end of April. So that's why it's on this
agenda. Unfortunately, they don't have the verbiage in hand. and they thought they were going to want a resolution. Department of Commerce told them they did want a resolution. They wanted a letter of support from the community. So, they don't have the verbiage. They're working on the
verbiage. Probably would not have the verbiage until next week. For us, this is, you know, in in our in in my opinion, opportunity zones. Unfortunately, nobody has really taken advantage of it. There's it's it's a
very complex it's a very complex tax shelter. Um but should somebody come in here and typically it's a 10 million plus project that someone would invest in, it could be very beneficial to the
community. Um, and so they've asked that while we don't have a resolution and they don't have the language that we at least when they get the language to us next week if the commission would approve um allowing um myself to sign a
letter of support for this and of course we can share the language with all of the commissioners at that time >> because this is actually by census track. So this is >> Yes, it's by census track. most of eastern. >> So
>> this all everything going up >> here it is >> almost I believe this was first established in 2003 or 2004 sometime back there. >> No it was actually established under the last Trump um administration I believe
for us uh this opportunity zone back in I believe it was 18. Yeah, >> I think it was like 2018 and it goes through 2028. >> So it's 2028. So it was a 10 year >> and so that was and they are trying to
reestablish these >> and this also with the big beautiful bill act will extend it. It won't be expiring. >> Exactly. This it will not be expiring now. Um I'm sure did you provide >> Yes. >> the Okay. So you all have that. So you
all have that. So they know and it's really for rural areas. They're looking at the rural areas. Um thankfully we do qualify for that. Palaca has two >> and that's out where the old um furniture manufacturer used to be. Um so
they have two opportunity zones out there. Um and so that's that's it. I move that we um authorize the mayor to sign a letter of support to the Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Commerce.
Department >> um requesting that we be added as a opportunity zone or continue to be opportunity zone. >> So just a question. Oh, I'm sorry. We're waiting. >> I have I have I need a second. So we
have a proper motion right now. Do we have a second? >> So we have a proper motion and a second by Commissioner Moore. Yes, Commissioner De. >> So I was So you want approval before they have the verbiage before they give
us the letter? Excuse me. I would I would rather that the chamber had taken the time to educate us on this before the deadline. Um
because you're saying we're in it's a census track. So it's not just Crescent City. >> Yeah. No, but this Crescent City proper is the one that is actually the opportunity center within the boundaries of Crescent City. >> Um, >> based on a census track.
>> So, that's how that's extends out. >> Um, so did they have someone in mind that they want to come invest here? You said they reviewed the area. They must have ideas. They don't, but they want to make sure that we have an opportunity
that when it that when to be nominated, >> right? Because it says align investment with long-term community goals. Um, you know, to me, this is vague. Um, the state legislature
this year and prior years has reduced our ability as a community to enact any kind of zoning regulations. Um, my concern is is that we really don't know what we're asking for.
We don't know. >> We're asking to be continued >> as opportunity zone >> and hope that somebody would would need this as a tax shelter and come in and invest in our community. >> $10 million in Crescent City. >> No, they said typically they typically
it's $10 million. And you know what? It could happen. Dream big. Dream big. And at least we would have that in our tool box. >> Currently, right now, we have almost $4 million being invested by three different people. So, it's not too
farfetched that somebody could see this growth here and want to bring their business here and this would help that out >> and and it doesn't mean that they will, but at least we have this in our toolbox that should someone do this and they have and they have this money. Typically
these are those with large amounts of money >> well right well aware of that but what are some examples of some projects that have been opportunity zones >> eligible business investments include did you did you read that and it tells
you what type of businesses typically do these right so for example do we want industrial projects within our city limits I mean I to me this is just very vague They um I'm sure they have
something in mind. Um I've heard that they've been here and they've been scoping us out. Um I I just think we really don't know what this is. they're here and when they were here and I spoke to Sarah who is now she
took Mark's place um and I did talk to her about that and and the fact that if they have anybody please by all means at this time my understanding is they don't have anyone that is is looking in our area but they are always open to bring
them here and they're trying to educate themselves on what Crescent City area does offer and so that's why I think they've been down here. Um I did this with Mark when Mark was um in that position and we drove him around and
showed him we have so much land that was a land that is currently not being used um that if anybody was looking to do something. The trust plant is a great is a great example of what the trust plant has done down there. Um so they're just really trying to educate themselves.
you've got some new staff there at the chamber and they're trying to educate themselves on what South Putham has to offer and especially Crescent City. So my one comment is um when I did talk to the chamber um president, I was very
concerned that she wasn't as familiar with South or Crescent City as I would hope she would be. And I wish the chamber would be more concerned about um business retention
such as full service grocery store um than they are. They seem to be looking to bring in new projects that not help us keep what we have that's helpful to our community. I'm just saying that while we're on the subject of the chamber,
>> we're not talking about the chamber. We're talking about the opportunity zone. chamber is the one that's not what this is about. >> Okay, we don't have to be mad at me about it. I'm taking the opportunity to say that I wish the chamber had more
familiarity with our community because by our discussion it was clear that they did not and they I don't think they have familiarity with um what is it in here? opportunity zones align investment with
long-term community goals. Um I don't think they're familiar with that either. So that just take an opportunity to make a wish >> and I understand and and having spoken to them I will say that Kimberly who is with tourist development she's over that
part. She comes down here frequently and she is really trying to engage. She tries to engage >> here in the area with the businesses. She held a she held >> she held a meeting over at the um Crescent for entrepreneurials. Um those
that are trying to to start a business, have a business. I went to that. Um I think it was an invitation to pretty much everybody. Um Sarah, like I said, she and Sam have been down here and they've tried to they're trying to learn
they're trying to learn the area. What I've been told numerous numerous times is that they do it's it's Don correct me um it's first tier jobs and when you talk about first tier jobs in the
chamber they're talking about more of your industrial your large commercial and then you have the second tier which is like your grocery store your McDonald's those that serve those people that are in those first tier that really has been their focus and they've done a
lot of that through their economic person in in in Pala and he they've done a lot of that in PA. >> So I think you know we we have to um we have to be players with them and partner with them and and work with them too. So
it's kind of two-way street. So we have a proper motion and a second. Um if there's no further discussion, Miss Taylor, if you would please do a roll call. >> Commissioner Burton. I >> Mr. Zito >> I >> Mr. Lori
>> I >> Mr. Moore >> I >> Mayor Myers >> I >> Okay, so approved. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. So, next we're going to have uh it's our topic on CCDP red, white, and boom permit request including alcohol and road closure. Have
the executive director of the downtown partnership here, Christina Mar. Please come up. Thank you. Thank you, Dar. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um, as you guys know, the partnership has been um presenting the Red, White, and Moon Street Market for the past
several years, and we are asking for permission to do so again this year. Um, the only thing we would like to change is extending the road closure. Um, usually generally we go Lake Street to Park Street. you'd like to extend it to Prospect with the hopes to extend the
market with more vendors and um and continue to to grow. >> I think last year you had a lot of food trucks that are on both sides of Central. >> Yes, we'd like to we would like to stage the food trucks a little higher up on
the road to allow us to give Bell's Beastro and Green Bananas more of a flow down there. let them cover the food and um keep the food trucks up between prospect and park. Um secondly, I'd also like to they'd also like to request the
waiver of the um or or alcohol. We want to you know sell alcohol at the event. So we would like the waiver of the um open >> container open container >> and to be able to sell them. And we didn't we didn't we do this a couple of years ago where we brought them all the
way up and the food trucks were all right there and that worked out it works out better because there's not much in that area between Prospect and Park. So we staged the food trucks there where pedestrians could walk on both sides of the sidewalks I think would be better
and um it wouldn't be so condensed in that area. It'll help with flow. If for some reason we don't need the space, I'll come back to you accordingly. But the goal is to fill up the um the block, you know, book blocks and make it a party better than
ever. >> I think you definitely need some more seating areas too seem like it was nowhere to sit. >> Yes, we'll work on that. Um I move that we approve the CCDP um event permit for the red, white and
blue street street party street but street party something um and wave the over restrictions for the event and extend
the road closures from lake to prospect. What? >> We're waiting that too and waiting the $100 fee. >> Okay, I have a second. >> I'll second that. >> So, we can I just have a question.
>> So, we have a proper motion from Commissioner Lori and we have a second by Commissioner Burton. Commissioner Burton, you have a question? >> Yeah, I just have a question. Welcome back. first. Um, now the the uh vendors and everything uh that you're going to
be bringing in, is that is that for directly for the um for you guys for for the the uh partnership? >> Yes. Thank you. >> I'm already sleeping for the for the
part partnership. >> Yes. because I know it was always kind of shared, wasn't it, with the yach club had vendors and Yeah. Is that still >> Yes. At one point in time it was and then the yach club turned um as the partnership to take over at the time. Um
that's what was worked best for the for the organization. The yach club um didn't want to do the street party or the the vendors at that time. They wanted to focus on the fireworks. So the partnership jumped in to accommodate that and bring the the street market to light and that's what we're looking to
continue to do. >> Great. >> This might be what is it the third or fourth year? Fourth year. >> I think the first one was 2022. So yes, this would be the fourth year. >> Fourth year. Fourth year that you've done that in partnership within. You take care of that and they take care of fireworks. Seems >> to be a good partnership.
>> And and so we're all allowed to get right in the middle of the street and watch fireworks. >> Yes. just yeah question. So hopefully you're going to provide for access for the property owners because there are several residents there and there's one
person who is not a resident but he owns property and I think he uses it um for the event but so they'll be notified and made sure that they have access. >> Absolutely. I'll be in touch with everyone that the event will effect and
make sure that they're accommodated. I'll make sure that the residents that are in the area have um access to their driveways and um and that will not be an issue. I'll also um make sure that there are detour signs for the boat ramp and
um bananas that clear >> streets will still be open. It's just Central Avenue. Central Avenue will be closed, but the cross street >> just like you have to because people get down to
>> most of the people most everybody parks here and they go down they go down to there. Um they go down to straight down central a um another question and this might be something more for Mr. Jordan. Um Mr.
came left last year. We've always killed had SPL kill the lights. >> Last year we were running around because for some reason there was some miscommunication and they didn't kill the lights. But what we found, my understanding is that having that light
on down there was beneficial for the safety of everyone and it did not impede in the fireworks. >> So who who would be asking us to do that? Would that be okay? >> I'll work directly with our public works director Keith and he has the direct
contact to FB and you know to to coordinate all that. We'll make sure it flows just as it did last year and when we do our preliminary meetings closer to the event. We'll iron out those details. I just I just know that that was the
>> No, that's what several people from the yacht club even said that it's concerned that they were that said it didn't take away and actually provided safety because there's so many people down there and right afterwards. Yeah. >> And right afterwards. So, okay. I just want to make sure. So, we have a proper
motion and a second. Um, Miss Taylor, you do a roll call for us, please. >> Commissioner Devita, >> I. Commissioner Lor. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Moore. >> Hi, >> Mr. Burton. >> Hi, >> Mayor Myers. >> Hi. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you so much. Thank you for and the partnership for your willingness to do this for the community. You're >> welcome. Thank you for supporting the program. >> And thank you to the Yach Club. >> And thank you to the Yach Club, of course. Um, >> okay.
I think that was the last on business. Want to move on to the city manager report? >> No, we're going to do the minutes now. >> That's right. Okay. So, let's go to our minutes. Okay, commissioners. Um I believe that Commissioner Devito um and you should have gotten a copy of that. If not, I
believe there's a copy um here at your at your seat um of some changes that she recommended. Um, do we have any comments >> on any of these? >> Mayor, I have a question. Yes. Um, we
were asked to submit any corrections or additions to the minutes well before the packet went out with the agenda and I did that. Um, and some of I have some corrections and additions.
Some of them I can resolve myself. Um but some of them I had um questions, >> right? And apparently I thought the clerk was going to look at those and answer any questions or make a
determination. Um, so I'm trying to find where I had a question cuz I just found out. Oh, and for the March 18th minutes, >> wait first.
>> Okay. Before I forget here. Um, anyway, >> so if you go through these, if you go through these, I don't want to go through these line by line. We have what your recommendations are. Um well for example one question I had this on page
three it talked about major in the middle of the page it says major as reported that one death investigation had been closed by the arrest of Kyle Bombarder and I don't think that was a death >> it was not a death there was not a death
one just in death investigation yes >> okay and then actually on that same page um I believe in the very Next paragraph, I believe it was my comment um about commending the sheriff's office for the
recent traffic stop. Um I think that was me and not >> but it's fine. You can change that. >> Well, I was just going to say I don't >> It's not changing and it's not your rights. So,
>> right. So I I changed those but um can we say Commissioner Devito and Commissioner Lori commended PCSO >> if that matters to both of you. Absolutely. >> He said >> no it does.
>> Anyway, I'm just trying to think see if there's any place where I really was not sure. >> You have several on H5. >> Okay. doesn't seem clear what was written what's correct. I don't know what the rest of this was.
>> Okay, we'll take out the ones on >> some I'm not sure. It doesn't say where when you returned. >> It does not. I got it. I I I arrived at right about 7:00 just >> I think we were at the moment.
>> I know that >> because and it just says motion pass unanimously on that but then on the next one I think which one is it has your your voting. It says voting I on the on the east side. So I believe you were
there at the um city. I was listening. So now, and I will be honest with you, it was kind of that that was a blur. So I'm like, okay, did was I there for the vote? >> Um, >> it says there, it really only says there about the C at the CRA upon the arrival
of Mayor Myers, the commission recess. >> And I know that I got there for the um >> you were definitely here for the rest of >> prior to that. So I know I was here for the property discussion. I know it was here for the electronic message center.
>> It was the signs >> and it was the signs. >> Okay. >> City entrance signs because you had done that. So >> I think that's when I came in. >> So mayor, where where did you come in? >> I came in right at city entrance signs right after the personnel policies. I
did not vote on that. >> Right. Okay. So we would the minutes would need to reflect that Mayor Myers arrived at the meeting. I don't know what she's saying but something. Yes. >> And she noted it. She noted it at the beginning that I was absent but but did
>> but did come in. >> Right. You need to Right. But we need to know when because that changes the vote. >> Yes. >> Um okay. >> And I did not vote for CC um for the
downtown partnership money. I was a nay on that one. >> That's what I thought. And then the property discussion 126 street. >> Yeah. >> I recall the motion because I don't think you made a motion today.
>> I don't think I made that motion. >> Was it Commissioner Lori? >> I mean I just don't I don't think that was one question. >> I don't think I made that motion. Um and then I did note
um where mayor where did you vote on the >> and when they when we offer the emergency um if it's air conditioner did you do an amount on that?
>> Yes. >> There was an amount on that. It was up to I believe >> I believe it was up to 1400 something to that right over $1,000. >> And what it's right above it's on page six
>> emergency air conditioning >> right and I that was one of my questions. >> Yeah and it was research. Okay. >> Correct. All right. And then um right on page seven,
right? The vote the vote on the downtown partnership is not correct Burton Myers or Nay. >> Well, there's two votes mentioned. One is there. That's just a motion in the second
on the first page. This is to be burden unfortunately a lot of times I don't know why commissioner und you or me sometimes I do you remember who made that second
partnership or we just need to research that >> I don't know who did that um I do know on page eight at towards the bottom it's there's a bold heading that says letter to Wendixy corporate. I look I looked it up. I had the letter. It was to Aldi.
>> It was to Aldi. >> It was Aldi and Illinois. Yeah. >> Um and I don't think Commissioner Burton would have made the would have made the motion CRA because she voted against it. Say that probably was not her. >> Right.
>> Okay. So, um do you have anything? >> Yes. Well, this this is in my notes, but um I believe that the draft letter was approved with changes. Um so I wrote that um and then I could
not remember was commissioner towards the end of the meeting when we were discussing >> okay because it doesn't reflect >> just as >> right but it doesn't reflect when commissioner left and she conversation
started >> right so that she was not included in that vote so it's got to say >> so right exposure if it that burn. >> So my question is because there's
unresolved issues here, do we need to um defer these until the next meeting when the motion who made the motion can be resolved? That's your the commission and just approve it.
That's fine with me if you want. >> Can I have a motion on on >> Did you make a motion? >> I don't think so. We have not had a motion yet. >> I move that we approve the minutes for March 12th with the changes
>> discussed. Do I have a second? Second, a proper motion by Commissioner Lori and a second by Commissioner Burton. Um, I'm going to do I'm just going to do a voice of a voice vote. All in favor, please say I.
I. >> Oppose? Nay. >> Okay. So, approved. Let's go on to the next special meeting that we have. on the page two where commissioner says the street it says the project consists
of extending and looping water obviously south 172 street you don't have 17th street it's open to summit street >> okay north street so that should be >> and again that's a lot of that has to do
with our technology and it and it picking it picking up um and you know and we're going by a reporter too So sometimes listening to that reporter can be very difficult. So um and
anyway so that should be not 17th but on summit. Um there was at the bottom of the page basically um I added the information that Commissioner Lori gave us about the use of the RNR funds and that we expressed
interest in using those funds to reimburse better place funds for this work later if feasible. um cuz that seemed to be fairly strongly felt. >> Right. >> You go on to page three and you found
the legislature did not pass um the state budget and it must be in session to do so before July 1st. Again, they have extended that. They were supposed to meet next week and I guess all of them are aware that they cannot come to an agreement. Yes. >> Right.
July 1st. Right. So, I mean they can they can wait until June 5th June. They've done it before. >> Right. Right. >> So, um Oh, just on page four, uh, as
usual, the system does not spell laxite the Scottish way. So, I changed that and I put in restaurant um because it's lite restaurant. Um, I don't remember that we talked about Orange Grove. I guess he did. >> I don't know what that is.
>> It was just brought up that he was talking about that and and it was just that they we were talking about that that was a possibility too, >> but it's not something. It was just the orange grove. >> Exactly. No, >> it's just it's just the or old orange
grove. It's the old orange. >> We can just cross that off of there. >> Yeah, >> because that's not a thing. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, take that off. just take that out because you're going to confuse people want to take that real >> because they already think that we're having houses built there and there. So,
>> right. Okay. Um All right. And then, um I added after closing discussion, I added that you shared the revised letter to Aldi Corporate because I believe you handed it out at that time. Okay. If we could include that, please. And then in the
version that I saw online and in my packet, this fifth page was >> Oh, yeah. >> was not there. >> It was Yeah, it was after the other seven minutes by itself. >> It was on It was before it it was
somewhere just somehow somehow in in copying it just got moved around. Okay. >> And it's there though. And >> and then in a circle I have did Commissioner Burton leave before the end of this meeting or was she I don't think so to the end of this one.
>> I couldn't remember which one >> because that was very quick discussion. >> Okay. So I will take that. >> So I need a motion. >> I move that we approve the minutes of March 18th special meeting um with the
corrections we discussed. >> Okay. Do I have a second? I'll second. >> Okay, we have a proper motion by Commissioner Lori and we have a second by Commissioner Burton. Do we have any other comments on this? If not, I'm going to do a voice vote. All in favor, please say I.
>> Opposed? Nay. >> So approved. Okay, so we got through that. Let's move on to the city manager report. Do we have any questions, comments on the city manager report? >> Just one. >> Yes. >> You're not working fast enough.
Karen surprising >> like homecoming day today. >> Ma'am, I do have a couple of questions for the city manager. >> Uhhuh. >> So, um couple late too. This is historic
preservation uh recognition time. Um what is the status of the work on the new moon lodge for the architectural plans for which we have grant? >> We actually put in the third quarter um documentation. I haven't sent it to you
all yet but that's been completed for the reporting. Um right now we have extended about 40,000 of that grant with the AE firm which is REG. Um they are finalizing everything on their reports and putting together schematics and we should be closing that out pretty
shortly >> by pretty shortly >> in the in the next month. >> Okay. Because there's a due date for this. >> There is. Correct. Okay. We're on schedule for that. The third quarter report wasn't due until April 20th and I turned it in last week.
>> Okay. And then mayor, if I could another question. Um thank you for including in your report uh information on certain grants that are hopefully opening up. >> Yes. >> Um one is you mentioned historic preservation grants.
>> So um those closed June 30th I mean no June 1st April 1st to June 1st. >> So I actually pushed it back for some reason they didn't open it up on April 1. Well, >> right. The Florida trust has some
concerns that the application period hasn't opened up and um they hope that they're not going to be cancelled. But assuming that they open up, um I guess we should be thinking if there are any properties that we own or for the
historical society, we would need to figure that out and make an application. Correct. pretty >> I discussed some options with um with the city manager and I think that he historic preservation board consider it also
have to get historic preservation recommendation >> right but that's >> right they're going to meet in April so you have one month to get that done next week >> um and then also I noticed um in the
city manager report. It referred to our two workshops coming up, one on the 15th and one on the 22nd. the one on the 22nd um did not reference um the um
the additional topic for non-resident owners and that's in the March 12 minutes that it's supposed to be on the 20 22nd with whatever else >> well minimum maintenance standards in general they we were supposed to um I
might have a conflict on that date I've got I can't remember having surgery and so there's Chances are I might not might not be >> and and honestly >> brought this up that we need to bring it back up. >> It was just there to have the date as a reminder the the agenda. We'll we'll
make sure we have all of those. It's on there meeting a workshop and it's not we're having the meeting about security procedures. >> We're having that first, >> right? without saying that we have a workshop at that time. We and we need to figure that out.
>> We'll probably put that out. We've got the information from Don on that meeting. So, I'll share that with our clerk. We'll make sure that that's out properly. >> Yeah. A special meeting is closed closed meeting. >> Oh, and that starts at what time? >> That's the early one and the next one's at 3. The workshop is at
>> special meeting 100 p.m. That's that's Wednesday the 15th. Um, may I have one more question about finance? >> So, if I read this correctly,
um, it says, and we're we're going to have to close out of 2025 soon, right? Y. Okay. When I look at this, it says last year we spent on in the finance and administration department, we spent
$115,000 for accounting and auditing. This year we budgeted $10,000 and we've already spent 12. >> Which one it were you specifically looking at? >> Um, it's on page three of the 12 pages.
Okay. >> It's under finance and administration. Okay, I guess. And 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12. It's 12
items down. It ends in 321. Basically, it says we are we have maxed out our whatever it was we allocated for accounting and auditing. >> Yeah. And Steve's not here. He had an emergency had to leave. Um, I will say that I have discussed this with Steve
and we're a little heavy in finance and administration, but the the numbers are spread out throughout the the entire budget for accounting and auditing or other professional services. Um, we're going to address it and we'll take care of it this year with our our upcoming
budget, but I can assure you that there are some overages in finance, but not in other areas. This this 115 though I think that was the full amount for the correct for the auditing and what happens is they break that out. Yes. Amongst all the >> you spread that out.
>> Exactly. >> For some reason it just got it got reported from last year's as the full amount there. I believe that's what happened >> and we are aware of some overages in that but we're working on that. >> Right. But mayor the the contract for the audit for just the auditing firm is
more in the $50,000 range. But then also it does not include any additional work that they have to carry out and they have done additional work and if that's if everything works perfectly and they get all the information they need they can >> so I think what we and I think what we
would all like to see um and Mr. Martin if you can get that for us because it comes in different at different ways if you could just get us the full amount that that James Moore charged us for last year's audit. >> Yes ma'am. you'll just get that for us
so we know going forward. Um basically and and if you would do just get from them from the last two years. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Going forward. So we all have a better understanding how much this is costing us. Um I mean it's regardless we have to
have an audit. It's Florida law. Um but we just need to make sure that we can can control those numbers as best we possibly can. >> I agree. Yes, ma'am. >> But Wait, I do have one more question. So, it's my
>> You only had one more. Sorry, I cut you off. >> Go ahead. >> Okay, go ahead. >> So, the does the accounting and auditing just include the fees that we also paid to the CPA? And I don't need an answer to that right now, but that's part of it
because it's my understanding that she helps us with she helps us with things related to the audit. the prep. >> Yes. Yes. Correct. The preparation and the submission of of of materials. >> Okay. So, and that that would be helpful
to know what we're spending for that because when we discussed the budget last year, Mayor, I thought you and I were both interested in when we would be able to >> not
when are we when are we going to be able to cut the strings, >> right? Um, I think to commissioners, please make sure that you keep up with your account balances also. Make sure because as as we go forward, um, I had
this conversation with Steve today and with um, Mr. Martin in that, you know, we have really after you look at this, we have really got to cartel spending and and make sure that we we're being told that
next year that we're going to be flat, that it's going to be flat, that the Florida Power and Light issue is going to be behind us, but as we go forward, everything will be flat. So, we just really need to to watch our watch our pennies, even though you don't make
pennies anymore. Um but we just need to to be careful and um so everybody just make sure that you that you are keeping up with your accounting. Um hopefully we should be fine. Steve assures us right now that we are that we are fine. Yes ma'am.
>> Um we the end of the ad balorum that just came in at you know March 31st was a cut off date in order not to be um late >> and I think he got that payment in it was a little over $40,000. >> Yes. Correct.
>> So we did get so we did get that be more but that's where we are. >> Okay. >> Is that the last payment for people? Yeah. More and more will come in. More will come in >> because it doesn't go
that it's late but it's not >> Yeah. >> Well, you're penalized. >> Yeah. It's not delicate. It's late. >> Um I think you are delinquent after the 31st. >> March 31st. >> But it also doesn't
No, you're just del >> um >> the signs. So, if you will notice at both ends of town, um we do have signs up. The signs are are beautiful. Um we're not sure that that's how it's going to stay, but it got the the signs up for catfish and for the boat races
and for the concert. Um Miss Martin made a great suggestion. We can't do anything with those poles right now. Any of you that know they are pressuret treated and you have to let those cure and dry out before we can stain them or paint them or do anything, we'd really kind of like
to see those probably on metal poles. The way they're done though, the nice thing about it in hanging those is you can put banners between it and if you'll notice the boat races and it looks very nice there. But um Miss Martin recommended that in the meantime, and I
think this is a great suggestion, that we put um hanging flower on each side, hanging flower pots on each side with a bracket. That's a very easy that's a very easy thing to do. Um and we can do the flowers much like with
only with color >> um like they've done up they've done it >> here at the light post. >> Yes. >> But if anybody does ask, we did at least get those up. Um, and we've gotten quite a few positive comments about it. Um,
and so I do want to thank Craig Roberts. He went out there with us and he helped us. Um, unfortunately the sign, I know we had had that in our discussion for the sign to go to the historical society. They wanted it. Um, the main
sign down here was already cracked in half. We do have one sign in the annex that is not. We were able to salvage though the um bell >> but the bell. So for sitting on the moon that portion of it has been salvaged.
>> May you threw out the one crack? >> No, it's not. We didn't throw it out. >> No, that's just Yes. >> Okay. But it can be. It's pretty damaged. >> It's it's pretty damaged. >> Probably it's it's >> it's pieces. It's in pieces.
>> Yeah. Really? >> Yeah. It was in It was in pretty damage. very brittle old material, been out there forever. >> It was in pretty bad shape and we tried as best we could to preserve it, but but it was um not possible. But I do want to thank Craig Roberts. He did help with
both signs. Um and our staff, Matthew and and Keith were out there and um did a great job. Our guys came back and picked everything up. Um so I do want to do location on >> Yes. And and that's what I think Keith
and and Derek are looking at right now as far as who would allow us. Um Keith had a good suggestion. It's just you got to get permission as to where to put it. >> Um my the electric the electric sign is in. Correct. >> Yes. So we we did receive our our
community message board. Um it's just waiting for us to put it together to find the time. So I'll be working on it next week. >> Mayor. >> Yes. Speaking of signs, when you come from the south into Crescent City on 17, um, something has happened to our DOT
city limit sign. It is listing at a very bad 45 degree angle. It's been like that for a few days. It looks like someone either pushed it over or ran into it. >> You have to look at it and see what's going on. Okay. Somebody I turn signs all the time because somebody comes
along and they're turning stop signs the wrong way. >> Yeah. >> So then it's that nobody should have touched that unless they pulled over. Um it's actually in the right way next to the um the property that's for sale that is going to be an RV park, right?
>> Um and then someone parked it's our official DO might have parked there, but nobody should be touching any of our signs. But It's not looking good. >> So, um, and I don't know if any of you saw, but I do want to say, and the
chamber did share this with us, and they were very proud of it, and they did help with this as well, because they had the wrong picture, but that we were in um, we were listed as travel and leisure as one of the eight um, Florida lake towns,
perfect for a quiet getaway. >> So, very proud of that. Um, >> we had a really great ride up in the Flagler weekly news about the capital >> and they had great pictures right in front of city hall and it looked really good.
>> Um, and and the Flack Daily News did a good coverage and they had all the pictures on the back page also that Yeah. full the whole the whole back page is full of catfish pictures. >> Um, and then Jenny sent this to us and she asked me to share this about dog
bites. Um, and so I will say this, um, we do need to to visit revisit this with dogs, not just because of the battle, but because when you're out on the street and being back out on the street,
um, there are there continues to be loose dogs >> um, and dogs that are getting out from under there things. But she did want me to to share this that if there is a dog threatening dog, you stop and face it. Do not run or turn your back.
>> Okay. Create distance. Slowly back away only after the dog stops advancing. Be large and loud. And I have heard that. Shout commands in a deep firm voice. No, sit back. So that's it's more throwing
your authority. Use barriers. Put a bicycle jacket, backpack, water bottle between you and the dog. Avoid eye contact. Directly steering can be interpreted as a challenge. >> And that is a challenge. >> Yes. >> When you're trying to >> assert authority,
>> pepper, pepper spray and gels, specifically sprays like um Saber P red pepper gel with a flip top. Noise makers carry one of those. A small pocket-size air horn or personal alarm. defense tools, a sturdy stick, umbrella, or
hiking ball. If attacked, feed the dog an object. If the dog attacks, offer it a water bottle, backpack, or shoe to bite instead of your body. >> Only I have thought about that. And you have so much time. Well, that's one. >> And this is one of the big things I
think and so for everybody, especially some of our our older community that if you fall, be very careful because then you become much more vulnerable. Curl into a ball protecting your neck, your face, and your arms.
>> And um and always report aggressive off leash dogs to local animal control or police. We have a new Now we have a new officer. The officer that attended attended the last one is no longer here. So, we have a new officer. Um, I think
it's important that we continue this discussion with the county. We've let it go for a little while, but but I'm seeing more and more dogs um that are loose and and it is it is a scary thing. It is a scary thing. So, and then a dog
I saw recently right going down 17 a dog with no leash in a shopping cart. >> Yeah, you're supposed >> Were they pushing the shopping cart or riding in the shopping cart? >> The dog was in the shopping cart. The owner was pushing it, but I guess my point is hopefully it was a friendly dog
because it was not leashed. It was dumped out, you know, and it was not properly dog. I think ultimately making sure that homeowners, it's not the dog's fault, >> it's making sure that our homeowners are being responsible with their animals
>> and this is not just in Crescent City, not just in Putham County, it's countrywide. >> Um, so I know there's no good solutions to that. Um, do we have anything else, commissioners? Um, Donna, do you have anything? >> Thanks.
>> Now, can you share? I will. I'll make copies for everybody. >> I have one thing to add if you all I know the report is is that's pretty extensive. Um and sometimes hyperlinks and things don't hold up and I apologize. I'm working on that. Um there
is a part there that's our project amendment justification. Um this was for um our Fletcher Doc in Central Avenue docu. >> It was so extensive. >> Oh my goodness. >> But it's in uh and it's looking good.
I'm hoping that we get a thumbs up and we can get all of the money back. Fem is telling me that we should be good. >> So, okay. >> Just want to report that. >> Thank you. Okay. >> Yes, Commissioner Lloyd.
>> I just got word um and so Commissioner that she remained home and I don't think you're going to be there to get your next one. >> No, it's going to be in Atlantic Beach. Next next um next one. I actually got
that >> because I was just on the committee. So I don't know that, you know, but I'll I'm going to talk to them about that. I did yesterday. >> Um it will be in Atlantic Beach. This one's going to be in Fernina. I don't know who's going. Commissioner Burton, you're going.
>> Um I'm going I'm going to this one. Um and so yeah, the Atlantic Beach one. Neither one of you will be there because it's history month and you have to be here that day you're having your potluck >> in Atlanta. You can zip over there.
>> You can zip over there if you need to. I don't think we'll have it before. Um they won't be doing it probably till about 7 7:30. >> I think that >> anyway. Okay. Congratulations to both of you and thank you for your service. I know Commissioner Burton was also very
involved in that and you know and it's important that that we have representation in Tallahassee and with the you know Florida League of Cities. So thank you all three of you for your >> Okay. Do we have anything else? If not,
I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> I move we adjourn this meeting. I have a proper motion by Commissioner Devito and a second by Commissioner Lori. All in favor, please say I. I. >> No.
>> And we got 30 minutes.