But the owl's off when he rebooted, so it's only showing me [Music] And we live, >> you ready? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. >> Are you ready? You need Okay,
here we go. to order. Thank you everyone for being here. The date is October 9th, 2025. It is approximately 6:05 p.m. We had a little bit of uh some technical difficulties, so it it we got started just a tad bit late. Thank you for your
patience. With that, um I'm going to ask Commissioner Moore if you would please lead us in our invitation. As please stand if you are able. >> Bows. Dear heavenly father, once again, we want to thank you for your grace and
mercy. We thank you for you looked over us all night long. You kept us safe from all hurt, harm, and danger, seen and unseen. And we ask that you be with us this evening as we make those important decisions that will help your people in this city. We ask you bless every heart and every soul mind that is even present
on this evening. Help us, oh Lord, to be in unity so that we might be able to get things accomplished. Help us to agree and disagree in love as for we all know them. We all know agree at all times but help us to have mercy and help us to do
those things that will be pleasing in your sight. All these things we do ask in thy son Jesus name. Amen. >> Thank you. Pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
stands under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Madam clerk, can you do a roll call voice, please? >> Commissioner Lisa Kito, >> present.
>> Commissioner William BJ Lorie, >> present. Commissioner Linda Moore >> here. >> Commissioner Cynthia Burton >> here. >> City Manager Derek Martin >> here. >> Absent this evening mayor is assistant city manager CRA manager Christina
Marie. >> City attorney Mr. Don Holmes >> here. >> Putham County Sheriff's Office Major David Esserie >> here. >> Finance director Steve Conklin >> here. >> Public works director is Keith with us this evening?
>> He is not. Yeah. Okay. >> And Mayor Myers, >> I'm present. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. And for a $5 donation, we can get everyone a little zip drive with Commissioner Moore's prayer to put on their alarm clock as I just said every
day to start that off. I would love to hear that. Um, thank you, Commissioner Moore, for doing that every every meeting. And it's just it it just lifts our spirit. So, thank you for doing that. I'm going to go ahead and we're going to start off with our announcements as we always do. We've got
a lot going on. I'm going start off if in case you haven't seen it, but the Methodist church, they've been working hard on this. They're having um a big garage sale uh from 8 to 2 starting tomorrow. Um and it will also be on Saturday. So, please make sure you stop
by. He's got quite a few vendors down there. They've been working hard um with that. The women's club has got, of course, they've got their bunko that they continue. It's October 15th. Um from 1 to three. The cost is $6. Snacks
and drinks will be available for a minimal charge. I've heard that is a lot of fun. If you're available on Wednesdays um on October 15th, they've also got their bingo, and this time it's on October 17th. It's $20 for dinner and
bingo. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Bingo starts at 5:45. Do not be late. You want to have your your uh cards and your little stampers in place. Jackpot payout is $50. You must be 18 years old to participate and all winners will be paid
with a local gift certificate. And then the um the women's um our women's club is having their holiday bizaar. That's Friday, November 7th from and Saturday, November 8th from 8 to 4:00. They'll have Saturday special
children's activities, rock painting, and more. There'll be food and drink for purchase. Um, and that's always also a good time. They're also celebrating um October 10th, which is tomorrow, his Hispanic Heritage Month. Come celebrate
culture, community, and fun with us. This is at 12 North Summit um at Cricut Wireless right across the street. You can't miss the color of the building. Um free food for the first 40 guests, live music to keep the energy high, raffles
and prizes you do not want to miss. And it looks like that it's being sponsored by Cricut Elite, Baja Taco, and Salon Crescent City. And then we're going to get into we have got Yappy Hour. So, Yappy Hour, I don't
know if you've done Yappy Hour, but Yappy Hour is one of our downtown partnership. It's an event that we've had. This is going to be our third third year. Third year. Um, it is Thursday, October 30th. The parade starts at 5:00.
Please be early so that you can register your dog. We asked that no cats unfortunately because as we all know dogs and cats sometimes just don't like to socialize together. >> It's just that the cats win. >> That's amazing. That's true. Dress your
favorite um dog up and bring them out and let them prance down um Central Avenue. It's a lot of fun. There is prizes and there's food and we end at uh Three Bananas. And so Three Bananas is very involved with this with the food. Yes, ma'am.
>> Uh there's $7 uh Halloween costumes for dogs at Art. >> Yes, that's true. Art the the um Crescent City Kennel, they are right now selling dog costumes if you don't have a dog costume yet. Um and some dogs don't
even need a costume. Some dogs are just, you know, just have their costume year round. Um but anyway, for $7. So, please, this is a lot of fun. It's um please make sure that you're there. And then we've got this is a um the first
annual um Crescent City Bike Fest and that's going to be October 25th. It will be from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and it will be up and down Central Avenue for all of you. Central Avenue will be closed to automobiles. It will be
motorcycles only. I believe we have about 800 vintage bikes that will be parked over here on the market. We've got food, our um Crescent City uh high school sports, the boosters. They are cooking hamburgers and hot dogs. We've
got a lot of food trucks that are coming as well. We've got barbecue, I believe. We have some um Mexican food. Um I think And what else do we have? We've got um I think we have a donut person. Um
>> yes, and we've got live music. So, we're real excited about the music. Flaming the Red will be there performing at 1:00. Um and um then we also have our um Thriller.
They're going to be performing also. So that they'll be on stage probably what about 1:40 I think about 1:40. So come out. It's going to be a lot of fun. There's going to be vendors. Um they the downtown partnership has merged the fall
festival with this festival. So we'll have a lot of our usual vendors and a lot of new vendors. They're going to have a swap meet as well. Um so it'll be a lot of fun and they've put a lot of work into this. Then of course we've got
our trunk and treat and this is with the um a trunk or treat. This is with the sheriff's office. They've done this every year. This is going into our fourth year, our fourth year. And it's
going to be uh Friday, October 31st. Tonight we'll decide, but right now it's being proposed that um trick-or-treating in Crescent City will probably be about from 6:00 to 8. But please make sure you show up. I know that a lot of people
down Central Avenue um business owners and and building owners are going to have stuff on Central Avenue and then all down pro South Prospect Street and all through town. So this is the sheriff's office has taken this on and they do an incredible job. Last year I
think major userie didn't we have what 15600 they think >> I can't remember. >> Okay. Anyway, a lot we have a lot of we had a lot of children um down Prospect Street. So, it's just really it's really
neat to see them. And then we've also got at the Crescent City Fish Camp and I don't know if you've visited the Crescent City Fish Camp lately, but please do. They're doing a lot down there. that they're having a trunk or retreat on the Friday, October 24th, um
which is the Friday before the bike fest and that's going to be from 5 to 7. Prizes for best trunk decoration and best campsite decoration. Costume contest is at 6:00 p.m. That's for adult and children. Is that
correct? >> I I think we're going to limit it to kids. >> You're going to limit all limit it to kids. So anyway, we have um >> Yes. Yes. Commissioner um I do have one announcement.
>> Sure. Go ahead. Okay. So um my announcement is this is not um a big festival. This is just a small event, but it is this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the Crescent City Library. The um St.
Jones regional chapter of the Ottabon Society that includes South Pton and Crescent City. Their educator Kate Tird will be at the Crescent City Library. She will be talking about um the birds
in our area and um explaining to people if they're at all interested how you might get started um in joining bird watching. and she's going to talk about what the Oban chapter does. Okay. >> And uh also I believe they're going to
be donating um some bird watching equipment including a pair of binoculars that can be checked out to Crescent City Library. They do that in different libraries. So it's 10 a.m. Crescent City Library this Saturday. And of course um
children who are old enough to be interested are more than >> I don't know. Thank you, Commissioner. I don't know if you're aware, but we have Okay, I'll get it. I'll um I don't know if you're aware, but we have a bird watching brochure that Commissioner
Burton and several others put together. And a matter of fact, I was handing it out today. People don't realize the birds that we have in our community. And um it's really neat to look through that brochure, which was very well done. And so please, if you if you want one, we
have them here in the office. Grab one. It's a lot of fun. It's a lot of fun. Um, yes, Miss Gomez, you have an announcement of an event. >> Yes. I'm sorry, Mayor, but we have a time to do a flyer for you, but the library board library we having our
annual book sale, October 24 and Saturday 25th from 9:30 to early afternoon. And we have tons of books, some free books. Um, my my ex-president is telling me free books. We
Yes. Thank you. And uh we appreciate because we have so many donations, you know, that this will be our first year to have two book sales. >> That's awesome. That's awesome. >> We use that money to help the library. Thank you. >> Did you say it's this Saturday or what Saturday? >> No, it's it's October
24th, Friday, and October 25th, Saturday. >> Okay. So, October 9th. Okay. Thank you. >> That's I already announced that one. I already got that one. Thank you. Thank you. Um, Miss Sheree drops those off in my mailbox. So,
so anyway, so I think that's all the announcements. Does anybody else have any other announcements? >> Um, we do have the Further Historical Society. We'll be meeting next Thursday at 4 at the Women's Club and the program is on Sir Francis Drake and his sacking
of St. Augustine. Misha Johns is presenting so it should be okay. It's actually about pirates, right? >> That's awesome. Thank you. Thank you all very much. Um, and with that, at this time, I'm going to go ahead if I can. I'm going to open up for public comment.
Um, public comment is for topics that are not already on the agenda. They will be heard at this time. We ask you to come forward. Please state your name, your address, if you will. Hello, hello, hello. How y'all doing? My name is William Parsons. I'm the commanding officer for Hurricane
Response Team. I'm here today to request um a donation of the park that's next to the John Rurf. Uh you guys donated to us back in April due to our founding officer passing away. His wife has also passed away. She passed away September
23rd this year. Um and just wanted to see if you guys be willing to help us out again this year. Okay. So, you're wanting to use the park? >> Yes, ma'am. We're going to we're going to have just like we did last time, we're going to have a grill out there. Um the funeral will be this Saturday or
this Sunday from um 11:00 to 5:00 p.m. right across the street from the John Over. >> Okay. How many people are you expecting, do you think? >> About 50 or 60. >> Last time. >> Yes, sir. Um, shouldn't they fill out some kind of
paperwork with um the front office here? That is the issue. Last time that we waved the fee. >> Yes, we fee. >> Okay. But I and I need to get a copy of the park rules >> and I think you've been work you working with the clerk on that. Okay. This was
just something that was not on the that we did not have on the agenda. So, he asked if he could come forward and just ask for permission for this. And if I may, um he had um approached me at special meeting and asked me if he could speak tonight. Um I needed it was
urgent. >> I did. These things happen. These things happen. So yes, please. >> Unfortunately, cancer. She died from cancer. Uh double hypno. She's been battling and all for several years and she went in remission and then things
were going good and then all of a sudden it all started going downhill drastically very quickly. Thank you for honoring the family. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I'll entertain a motion. >> I I do not know the name of your group. I'm sorry. >> Patriot Emergency Response Team. >> Okay. I read it off your hand. I move
that we allow the Patriot Emergency Response >> Team Team P to use the Lion Park on Sunday from >> 11 to 5 >> 11 to 5 um for charge. >> I'll second. >> We have a proper motion and a second. We
have any other discussion, commissioners? >> No, just that hopefully they will discuss. >> Just get with me, please. If you'd love the clerk and make sure with that, um I'm going I'm just going to go ahead and we'll do All in favor, please say I.
>> I oppose. Nay. >> Okay. So move. Thank you. Thank you very much for honoring the family. Mr. Bonapart, um who did he's responsible for the veterans memorial in the front? Um he just turned 99 years old.
>> Oh wow. >> Yeah. So um so he's he's to uh he he did that and we're hoping um during Veterans Day that we'll be able to do something to honor him for that. >> Yes, ma'am. Any help? Let me know. >> Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am.
>> Do we have anyone else for um public comment? I only have one uh speaker card. Okay. Seeing no one else come up for public comment at this time, I'm going to close public comment. um we're going to go into and uh it is it
is with um a heavy heart that we um that we present this um as as most of you know in the room um Nancy Harris Earl, she was both a mayor and commissioner. lost her reason.
And um I'm honored to be here today because she was the first woman mayor of Cresant City. And I um had the um the honor of spending time with her before I decided to run. And she throughout the
the time that I was here often times, you know, if I needed her, she was always available. Um and it's a tremendous loss. She served nine years here and then she went on to serve our county and um and she's left the legacy behind
um and and so at this time I'm going to ask we have in the audience today um we have uh her husband Mr. Tim Earles and so if you want to come forward we have her son Mr. Pat Harris, if you'll
come to the podium. Also, um her daughter Stephanie Harris Park could not be here this evening. Um I have Commissioner Banks. Commissioner Banks, would you would you like to come up as well? Commissioner Banks served served with her during her her her tenure here.
I believe Commissioner Lori, you also didn't. >> It was afterwards. Okay. It was afterwards while she was here. Oh, [Music] I'm sorry. I said I I I apologize. I had
doctor and I I did not say that doctor. Um you can tell he is a doctor because he came right from he came right he came right from there. >> So with that um I'm going to start this off. We're going to share this um we're going to share this proclamation. The
commission is I'm going to start it off. Commissioners, you know where you're going to to blend in. This is proclamation 2025-07. It's honoring the life and legacy of Nancy Harris Earl. Whereas the city
commission of the city of Crescent City honors the life and legacy of Nancy Harris Earl, a devoted public servant, community leader, businesswoman, and beloved mother, grandmother, and great-g grandandmother.
And whereas Nancy Harris Earl made history as the first woman to serve as mayor of Crescent City, holding the office for nine years during which she demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and vision for the community
she loves. And whereas during her tenure as mayor, she was instrumental in securing grant funding for the city's water treatment plant and passionately champion downtown redevelopment, parks, historic preservation, and
beautifification projects that continue to shape the charm and character of Crescent City today. And whereas following her service as mayor, Nancy Harris Earl continued her legacy of leadership as a Putham County Commissioner, faithfully representing
her constituents for 16 years and advocating tirelessly for the needs of the people of Putham County. And whereas she was a woman of deep faith and compassion, a long life member of the
Presbyator Church and was an ordained servant elder at the time of her path. Whereas as a successful businesswoman and owner of a local real estate company, she contributed to the economic vitality of
the community while maintaining a personal dedication to fairness, honesty, and service to others, including as an active Rotarian. And whereas among her many accomplishments,
Nancy Harris Earl was especially proud of her work with Ride Solutions, where she played a pivotal role in preserving rural bus routes and advocating for residents in need of reliable transportation. Her efforts helped
ensure continued service for the elderly and those without access to other means of travel, a mission that continues to this day. And whereas Nancy Harris Earl was admired for her kindness, strength, and unwavering principles, inspiring
generations of women as a trailblazer in public service and touching countless lives through her leadership, generosity, and heart for the people of Pipen County. And whereas above all her professional and civic achievements,
Nancy Harris Earl was most proud of being the mother of Dr. Patrick Harris and Stephanie Harris Park, the loving grandmother and great-g grandandmother. Serving in this role was her greatest
joy and legacy. Amen. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the City Commission of Crescent City, Florida, does hereby recognize and honor the life, service, and enduring contributions of Nancy Harris Earl,
expressing profound gratitude for her many years of leadership, faith, and love for this community. And be it further proclaimed that the city commission of the city of Crescent City celebrates her as a true servant,
public servant whose example will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and witness whereof I hear unto set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Crescent City to be affixed
on this ninth day of October, 2025 to have this legacy. Um, you know, all of us as we pass um hope that we leave our mark and as you look around this room, if you
as you look around this city and as you look around this county, she left her mark everywhere. Her fingerprints are everywhere. And she lived across the street from my parents for many years. Um, that's how I
really got to know her. But, um, Commissioner West, who wish she could be here tonight, unfortunately she could not be. Joey Froland also could not be. Um, they both will be there tomorrow. Um, Commissioner West used to tell me
always she had such wonderful memories of serving um with her. She said, "We had so much fun." She said, "It was just fun. everything we did, we did it for this city. And she had such a heart for this city. And I remember her talking
about how she wanted the city to be beautiful. And and someone said to me afterwards, "Yeah, she just wanted the city to be beautiful." And I said, "And didn't you do a great job?" And for all of us here to have the honor to carry on that
vision that she had um is is just for us it's just such an honor. It's such an honor. Our hearts go out to each and every one of you. Um we know that she's looking down on us and she's smiling and her heart is with
each and every one of you and this city and this county and it always will be. So, thank you. Would you like to say something? >> I just would like to um for the family to say we're deeply touched and and very
grateful for this this honor. Thank you so much. >> Can we get a picture? They want I know that >> where do you want us to stand? Because we don't want we need to come over this way. I just don't want to. I'm going to present this to Commissioner Banks, I didn't say that,
but Commissioner Banks, thank you for being here tonight. Thank you. Thank you. >> I miss you, too. >> I told him Commissioner Moore would scoot over. >> I tell you, I almost put him on the spot. You want to come up here and we'll
have a picture? Yes. I almost put him on the spot and gave her a break tonight. >> Got to make sure that Can we get >> There we go. >> I'll let you stand by me and stand by Lisa on the other side. >> Oh, I think she wants you over here so
we don't cover up Commissioner Lord. >> Well, let's Yep. No, let's push you and >> go that way and you come over here. >> Okay, Timmy, you get there. I'll be sorry. I am always momentarily.
[Music] I said our loss is like I told him it's heaven's game. Um, with that, before we get into this, I just want to take a moment, if it's okay, we have also had um, and this has been a fun time, and I just want to give
them an opportunity to get up and and just say a few words. We had exchange students. I don't know how many of you realize this, but we have what, five, five, >> six, >> six, six exchange students, and they've asked to shadow us. So today we have
shadowed um they have shadowed us uh myself and Derek Martin our city manager. So why don't you two if you would come up and and introduce yourself. This is Alex and Alex is from Romania and and Alex is um and then
we've got Thomas from Taiwan. So if you want to Yeah. get just tell us a little bit just a little bit. >> Yeah, of course. Um I'm Alex from Asia said uh I'm an 11 grader here at pres and um I've been here for a month and a half. I had a great experience. I was
overwhelmed at first but after two days it was amazing. Everyone was so nice and open to me. Nobody made fun of me for being a just made so many so many friends. It's been a great so far and I'm happy to be in this area with you.
Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh hello, my name is Thomas Sha. I'm 16 years old and I'm studying Christian City High School 2 and I have been here for a month and I study a lot, learned about swing and I'm so lucky that I can
shadowing in the city hall today and nice to meet you. >> Thank you both. So, what I learned is, of course, Alex is 17 and Thomas is 16. Neither one of them in the in their country, they
cannot drive till they're 18. So, no motorized while they're here. They can't do any no motorized. They so far have not seen an alligator, but they are on the hunt. So, if you see an alligator, make sure let us know if you got one hanging around by there. Um, but they
are definitely they are definitely on the hunt for an alligator. They're excited um about Halloween because they've never um been here for Halloween and um Alex has actually um spent time in Transennsylvania.
>> Yeah, the vampire vampire. And um and Thomas was telling us that when he first got here in the summer, he was actually chilly because where he's from in Taiwan, it's it's extremely it's extremely warm.
>> Yeah. The average is 90° there. >> Yes. >> Average all year. uh >> summer. >> Yeah, for the summer. >> So, um they both are studying and this weekend they are going to dam. They're
going to go camping for the very first time. They've never camped. >> That's what I said. They should they should see they should they should see an ele. They're excited about it. They're looking forward to Disney. >> Yes. Um and while they don't have
Thanksgiving um in their countries, they're going to celebrate Thanksgiving in our country and try to get some of our traditions. >> Exactly. >> So, your experience so far has been >> It's been great. And I'm we're looking forward to even greater stuff while
>> Okay. And the other thing I've heard is they both have big appetites. >> Big appetites. So, thank you both for being here tonight with us and spending the the afternoon with us. >> Thank you, dude. It's another class, too. >> And commissioners, y'all have any
questions for them? >> No questions. >> Okay. And well, thank you. And we just wish y'all much success. Can you, Commissioner Burton? >> I do. When once you see these alligators, and you're going to see them out in the end, so take a few pictures,
you know, and and really take a few pictures when you first see them. If somebody would do that, it would be like, "Oh, yeah. Great picture for it." >> Yeah. >> I have a question. So, when did both of you start learning the English language?
>> Uh, I started like 10 years ago. >> 10 years ago. >> Yes. And I started when I was six because in Romania, no matter your grade level, you have to study two hours of English every week. Wow. It's good. I just the rest
>> the rest of the world >> realizes the value of being bilingual or more >> maybe more than we do. So I just I just wanted to know how early they started learning. So you talked about >> I was very I was very impressed. You
know, we didn't know really what to expect and if we were going to have to, you know, I didn't know cuz I I only do English, you know. Well, trust me, they they do a whole lot better here than I would there. >> Exactly. And I we told them that make sure you learn as much as you can
because as you do a little older, it's harder to pick up languages. So, >> so anyway, >> well, welcome guys. Enjoy. >> Thank you all for being here. >> Thank you. Okay, with that major it's slowly getting easier.
>> What do you mean? I'll make up for my interruption. >> Oh, >> I don't think we have there are minutes. >> There's a I believe mayor that there is a workshop tenative dates to to vote on. >> Oh, okay. So, there is Okay. I
apologize. For that reason, you don't wear your glasses. >> You tell me to send that down. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Approval of the minutes. Um, so we're going to do a workshop. We've got October 23rd and October 29th.
>> You're not here. >> Okay. Either for either one. >> I sent a note to the effect to the city manager today. No. Um well, we would have to probably if we're going to approve them anyway, we probably want to do um a special meeting
or we'll just have them on the November agenda if that's easiest. It's fine. If that's easiest. Is that okay? We'll just put them on the note. Is everyone in in agreement with that? >> Well, um are we going to be doing another workshop between now and the
November meeting? We've had some discussion about um the next steps for the fire station. I don't know that you'll be ready before the next meeting. >> I I won't know until next week. I'm pulling that data together right now. Had meetings with the engineers. So, you know, we're working on it.
>> If that does happen, then we can at that time make that decision and call a special meeting for that. >> If in fact he he does have that ready, but right now I don't see that happening. >> Okay. Okay. But I will have a bless I will send my dates again to the city in
>> Okay. >> Thank you. Okay. Are we done with that? Major please come forward. >> And I want to say again congratulations. We missed your ceremony. >> That was my fault. >> That's okay. But we missed it. But you
know you know that um we were there in spirit. all of us for the end. >> Well, good evening everyone. >> Obviously, we got a decent report, so we'll probably be here all night. >> But anyway, I'll get I'll get the gist of apologize for the my PowerPoint had
my presentation what happened there. Should have been here probably a little bit earlier to get set up, but 15 minutes was enough time. So, >> here >> I don't think it was her. >> We'll figure it out. Okay. So, as you see here, we had a delayed residential
burglary on 43 South Sun Street. Items were taken from the side of the house. Basically, this house is used in the storage location. We do have a person of interest in this case. We're just waiting on some DNA. Um, some items be found, waiting some DNA to come back. So, hopefully we'll have that in the
next about 13 months. >> Okay. >> Any questions on that? >> Anybody have any questions? Yes. Commission. Um, I have a observation about that and it relates to the lady over on North Main Street that we heard
from a month a meeting or two ago. Um, it seems like we have a problem. The buildings are unoccupied in this downtown core area that people are very seem okay >> to be breaking into them and
trying to live in them. was my understanding that um for this burglary on summit that somebody may have been building there for a while. >> So it was only I believe a two day time span that he was there and then came back two days later that was delayed before him and found that someone had
been inside the home and moved out with him. >> Well I heard other information that said somebody may have been there for quite a while. >> Okay. >> Um but it it seems like you know we have people sleeping in the park areas. We have people
trying to live in the restrooms and you know we've heard from a lady a few blocks over the place is unoccupied there seems to be a problem sometimes people I don't know if they need a place to live or crash or whatever but it just seems to be kind of a recurring
incident in this core area >> from what I'm seeing from reports of law enforcement I'm not seeing that calling of people breaking into homes to go to sleep not seeing that. So, >> I would say when you combine it, if there's a vacant place, they're climbing in. Um, if there's
a covered place in a park or bathrooms, they're there. Um, I see it quite a bit. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And I know spoke about that. >> Yes, ma'am. >> So, maybe we need to maybe the officers need to look a little more carefully and
maybe we need to call. >> Yes, ma'am. >> That seems to be a problem. I think too though is the responsibility of the property owner to secure their property. >> I mean that that falls on that too that does fall on that and I know some of those have not as secure as they should
be but I think a lot of that falls on you know just like we're told to lock our doors every night. Um you know you have to maintain your property too and that's part of that >> once we're there obviously it's a a matter where we can you know for criminal charges make an arrest that
goes around you. They're aware of the problem very well of the problem. They know my concerns on it. So if somebody sees something, please I say this every see something report it. >> I did that the other night. Um and I was
pleased to say on Saturday evening um there was a car parked in front of our house. It's 10:00 at night and four deputies showed up and they locked all the properties cuz all of them were vacant. And then I found out it was a boyfriend.
>> I felt pretty silly, but they said the same thing. If you see something, say something. >> That's okay. We've seen >> we've seen houses across the county where people come in and they go inside of a home. They take everything, the washer, dryer, kitchen, sink, and everything, and the neighbor just thought somebody.
>> So, next is going to be traffic crash data. We had two traffic crashes. The first was at Great Grove and Bay. Our deputy tried to conduct a traffic stop on a Latrell Arnette Griffin 34 of Cresant City. He tried to flee, lost
control of his vehicle, and collided on a fence at Bay Street. We took him into custody, was arrested there. The second traffic crash was I don't know how this happened, but a car was backing down Central Avenue in the west lane of travel for some reason
trying to get back to the intersection so they could get go down Main Street and a car turns off of Main Street going east on to central and that car back in the front of said vehicle. >> So you had a rear that was an easy one.
And next we'll go into general activities. That was only two traffic crashes you had before crashes. There was some min and parking lots, but I really don't unless there's an actual port fully address those
general activities. 198 total calls for service in the city. 70 of those being traffic stops, two traffic accidents, 13 total reports, seven arrests, and one one charging aid was forward to the state attorney's office in one case.
Oh, I'm sorry. You have any questions on the calls for service or Okay, next is your sixmon crimes crime comparison. As you can see, we had one burglary
and a total of well, a total of one one crime, one additional crime. I've got that wrong. So, I'm showing you a wrong. Yes, just report you in credit city. And again, the crimes that I was put on are the crimes that were yet
reported to FDA to show how many crimes were committed in your city. You had one for the month of September. Thank you. >> You covered everything else. The only other thing I had was all the events. Holl's on top of all that stuff. So,
she's been coordinating with all the the uh the vendors and now everyone else who whoever was heading those up and she's got a plan. So, everything nothing's changed from last year as far as the um the trunk or retreat, the bike fest and looking forward to hit. We did get all
the officers and everything solidified with that. So, everything should go well. Okay. >> We have any questions of the majors? >> Trouble treat will be just prospect. >> Yeah.
>> Just like just like they have right there in front of >> I think some people set up on central >> middle school. They did and they're going to have people probably on central again. They probably have people on central again >> and then they're you know their individual houses too. That's the other thing. Yes.
>> Okay. Is there no other questions for the major? >> The one other thing I I actually uh spoke to the city manager about it just outside of Cresant City. We had a couple crimes and we encompass the burglary that happened here just because they were so close. We got theft at the school of some power tools and then down
the road we had a vehicle that was stolen that was recovered in Citrus County and uh the trailer was taken from it. So somebody probably seen crime of opportunity. I don't know if any of these are connected. I don't think they are. I think they're isolated incidents. But what it does is it strikes a pattern. So our crime suppression teams
and our officers are required to do certain things. So if you see a a lot more presence of officers in credit city, that's why they're here. >> Okay. >> The tools were taken from the new >> the construction side of the new school. >> Yes. >> So that is that isn't
>> Well, there's a lot of people, let's be honest, there's a lot of people we there's so many people working there. It could have been anybody. >> They don't they didn't have video surveillance. >> They don't um I did have a resident call me here at
the office the other day and she I guess um deputies were there but she looks out for a house. I think it's over on Citron and they had some issues over there. I'm sure you're aware of that one too. And so, um, I told her I would mention it tonight just to make sure that but she
said y'all she had some concerns that continues to happen again as a vacant house, >> right? So, and she's walking into it and I I I warned her to be very cautious, you know, if she thinks somebody's in the house. So,
anyway, I'm sure you you know which one that is with that. Do we have anything else? >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> I need to go ahead and close and put this recess this um commission meeting
and we're going to open up our CRA meeting. >> All right. Well, uh for the CRA in the central, we have um we have a project that we need approval on. is going to be for the Crescent City stop and wash at 427 North Son Street. Um, this is for
painting the entire exterior. Um, we have a quote for $8,800. Uh, LB Works LLC um, dated on 911 2025 for the amount of 8088 or I'm sorry $8,600.
Estimated length of project is 7 days. Okay. You have two bids in. You have two bids. So, we have two bids, but you're going with the one for the 8600, >> correct? >> Okay. >> Commissioners,
>> that's how works. >> Yes. They're the ones that actually did the work here on city hall. >> All right. >> They're out of de >> correct. >> Yeah. So, mayor, I have a couple questions about that. Okay. So, this is it says at the top of the application
that it's central CRA and we went through several different scenarios, several different iterations of budget this year. Um, the one I could find to look at today said that there's somewhere between 36 and $40,000 in the
central CRA budget. Is that about right? >> Uh, I would have to go and and pull that up, ma'am. I'm sorry. I don't have that in front of me at this time. Okay. So, that would be So, if we give $8,600, then that would be the first project
that we do yesterday. This year? >> Yes. >> And then I know um in the CRA report, it said that um the CRA manager had sent a letter to the targeted buildings in the CRA district letting people know that
there were rank funds available. Um, do we have any idea if anyone has responded >> at this time? I do not know, but it is on uh our internal agenda to get together and go over those items specifically for the CRA and
>> and also there was I think the CRA manager mentioned at one time that if you're is there supposed to be an owner match on this? >> I believe so. Yes, ma'am. And I believe the match is a 50% match, but I will
have to get back with you on that. I can email you. >> Right. I thought it was So, in other words, unless it's a targeted unless >> unless it's targeted, then it's >> I don't think this is a targeted because it's not in the >> correct district. >> So, in other words, for so for this
project, if the total cost is 8600, so the um builder business owner would be paying half of that. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. So, I just want to be clear on how much we are expending from the um the
grant funds at at this point. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And it's great business. The car wash >> the car wash >> my neighbor. Is it going to be painted the same
colors? >> I can send you all an email when I find out more detail on it. I I I'm not sure exactly on the color. Um you all were provided the description of the quote and I don't believe um that they provided an actual color on it. It says
well actually it does say on on the laundry mat repaint white strip. >> There you go. So that um another matching the only reason I bring it up is that um you know in our that survey update that we just got completed. Yes. There was pictures of this building and
it used to be a golf gas station 66, I'm sorry. And you know, it was um it'd be kind of neat if we could get something that looked a little more like what it historically looked like. Um but I I don't know how possible that is. I
don't know what those colors are, but it would be nice to maybe enter into a discussion with the owner about that. >> Sure. because right now the white and the light blue is very it looks I don't know if painting it the same colors would look any better. I mean we're all
about you know doing away with light. Um so to look as good as possible >> mayor if I could follow up on commission's comment. Yes, in the historic survey, which encompasses anything that's older than 50 years old,
um they identified mid-century modern structures around town, and that that was one of them. And I think um we don't have designated historic mid-century modern buildings yet because we haven't gotten that far, but it is one that
could be designated. And um as Commissioner Roy mentioned that I think um you don't necessarily paint them to look like what they originally were, but you try to paint them something that complements the mid-century modern um
architecture. That would be helpful. And I know um retired architect Michael Frank had some recommendations for another mentric modern building in this area. and he usually is happy um to give his advice.
So, just want to want to share that. >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. >> Um, you also need to please make sure that that is not in fact one of the targeted buildings because I believe I believe um our CRA manager she reached out she reached out to them as one of
the people that she had >> um >> it's it's been on and going and I will get with her to find out >> to make sure that the owner understands that if it's not a targeted building 50% match. >> Yes sir. >> They might not realize that. Um, but I'm
excited that they're that that they're open to this. >> It will. >> Um, I will entertain a motion, please. >> I know that mean this central central CR >> but is it we don't know if it's a match
or not. You want me to just cover both the metalies? >> Okay. Okay. So, I move that >> that it follows the proper guidelines >> that we issue a grant from the central CRA uh to is it Jets for the present
city wash at 427 North Southern Street. um according to our grant guidelines for either a 50% match or not if it's a target building and the for Works LLC to paint the building for
a total of $8600. >> I'll second that a proper motion and a second. Commissioner, do you have any discussion on this? Any comments? Seeing none, I'll open it up for Do we have any public comment on this?
Seeing no one come forward with public comment. Mental clerk, if you do a roll call for us, please. >> Commissioner Burton, >> I. >> Commissioner Moore, >> I. >> Commissioner Dory, >> I. >> Commissioner Devito, >> I >> Okay, so approve. Thank you. >> Okay. Yes.
>> One other thing I mentioned is their their sign is hand painted. >> I know. >> And I checked in our LC. I don't think there's anything. I swear there was something about hand painted signs. I couldn't find anything, but I just didn't know if there if we could maybe repaint the sign for them as part of this. If it was something that it would
just make it look a little more professional in my opinion. I don't know. Just just a >> part of as part of this as we improve that to improve see how we can help with the sign if that's a second that would be a second one part as part of this. I
agree. I agree with you. I agree with you on that one. So, you'll make note of that, please. >> Just note that. >> Okay. Anything else with CRA before I close out CRA? Yes. >> Um, yes. Um, I just wanted to mention, um, something that might be helpful to
the commission to have, um, you know, it's over time, um, I think we're seeing some businesses leave in the CRA and a few have been newly established. Um, it would be helpful to
me to have a periodic status report of what businesses are leaving, what are coming in, any factors that influence that and also um I've suggested in the past that it would
be helpful for the commission to know um whether the city through the CRA is getting an inquiries of businesses who are interested um in coming and if they do or don't, do they say why? Um so just it might be
helpful because we're the ones who have to give off grants and make the budget. Um and I think a lot of times um members of the public ask, you know, what's going on? >> Um so if we had a periodic report that
would kind of would help us and it would answer questions like for example TD Bank. Um I saw on social media today somebody said what's going on there and um I don't know whether a business has come in or whether the people who own it are just cleaning it up which is good
thing but those kind of questions and that would be very informative for us in in the future. >> We contacted TD Bank and got a hold of the owner and they are cleaning it up and they've been actively on the market to try to sell the building. >> Got it. So, >> but also keep in mind, and you've asked
for this several times, and I think that this response has been given, is that when they're making inquiries, >> right, >> it's um not really necessarily that they want that to be they want that information to be shared, >> right? But what I always say is it's not
that we necessarily need to know exactly who, but to have a general report that says we got x amount of inquiries from a business in this category, you know, without a tally, >> right? Was it a was it a restaurant? Was
it a um was it a car wash? Just a general a general. have to be very careful that when they do contact us that we don't divulge any information because a lot of that's proprietary >> and part of their strategic plan. So we
just have to be very cautious with that. >> But on the other hand we really I think we need to be a little more informed than we are and of course then businesses you know come and they go. So just it would be nice to have a little
information on look for >> you want to give us an update on I know we still have an outstanding grant waiting for Lockside. You want to give us an update on Lockside? I know we've talked about it several times. I think we just had one last month but real fast.
>> So Lockside um work with Mark Caret of course and engineers they had issues with their site um where the state um St. St. John's River Water Management did not want to access um or allow them to access a permit and approve a permit based on their storm water master or
their storm water plant. They or lack thereof. Um their um their stance was that this was all existing and that they did not need that, but it was the way that they submitted their plan originally that wasn't really correct that kind of opened that door. They've since um uh
gathered their data, got the information together, and have resubmitted it and and are waiting right now for that approval or um otherwise the the access to their permit so they can move forward and feel that they're in good standing from their conversations that they had. Mark Brett Oswwell um feels that way and
they're just waiting on an answer right now. Should have an answer within 30 days and that was an email a little bit ago. So, I'm thinking uh of course probably around 20 days now um and we'll get an answer. that they're they're really excited to get here and be here. They're still excited to to open up and
so they're working towards that. >> Are you referencing the grant for the parking lot? Is that because they they haven't studi? >> No, they have not. >> They have not. They have not. And I thought it was an impervious versus provide them with documentation that
that's been there for. >> Yes. and we provided historical photos, um, historical map photos, aerial photos, and gave that to them as I'm not sure if that's part of their package that they submitted, but I'm I'm pretty sure that it was. >> Thank you. >> Okay, with that, I'm going to go ahead
and at this time, I'm going to close out our CRA. Anything else? Y'all have anything else? Close out our CRA and I'm going to open up our regular scheduled commission meeting and we're going to move on to our business items. >> Thank you. Um, if I may, I believe that we have an emergency item that we need
to add. That's the application for the special event. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's for the uh the yappy hour. >> Okay. Do you want to do it at the beginning? >> Can we do that at the beginning? >> Sure. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Commissioners, um, we'll accept
this additional item. >> So, you need some someone would need to make a motion to add it as an emergency item. state the basis of the emergency. >> If you have a second, then you approve that and then you discuss the merits of the item.
>> Okay. Commissioner. So, would somebody accept this, please? >> Sure. Um, mayor, I move that we accept um a revision to the business items on the agenda uh on an
emergency basis, the application for um a planned special event from the downtown partnership for Yappy Hour and it is in the nature of emergency because it is supposed to take place um before
our next scheduled meeting and It's now an annual event. >> Okay. >> So, we have a proper motion in a second. >> Do we have um any other discussion? No other discussion.
>> Commissioner Dudo. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Lori. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Moore. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Burton. >> Hi, Mayor. >> My miners. >> I Okay, so approved. So, let's talk about yucky hour. All right. I have Mr.
Jefferson from the downtown partnership here to speak about the happy hour. >> Very eager to do so. >> Yeah. >> Good evening. >> You um kind of explained it in your your
announcements. Do you have any specific questions that I can help you with? I've not seen it, of course, but some of you have seen the the parade and the whole event. >> So, the parade goes from So, what you're doing is you're closing down from Park Avenue to
>> Lake >> to Lake um from approximately 4:00 in the afternoon until we get done with that. It's usually done by about 5:30, 6:00. The actual event goes on till 7 o'clock, but it's a short period of time it's closed.
>> Yeah. Okay. And what? So this is um Thursday evening. >> Thursday the 30th. >> Thursday the 30th >> 5:00 registration by 30th the break. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So how does this affect the residents or the businesses because
major symphony is open now? >> Um and we'll make sure that like you always do um to to work with them. >> Bells will know. >> Yes. >> Um >> a nature symphony. Yes.
>> In the in the past in the past um when the the beastro not Belle's Beastro but Mystic Beastro was open um they actually hosted um they had drinks out on the patio so they could all watch the dogs parade parade
parade by. So we'll make sure that Dolls Beastro is made is made aware and of course >> Miss Tilman and Vineia. So we just have to make sure. But like I said really >> it's a very it's a very fast it's a very
fast event requires um not um everybody starts at Park Avenue and they march down to to um Lake Street to Three Bananas and that's where we do the prizes right there at Three Bananas. They usually have a drink, a special
drink that evening. They have um appetizers outside and they have vendors, you know, the um for pet for pet products. >> So, and oftent times the sheriff's office, I don't know right now um if Holly is We got to work with Holly, but
they've had um last time they had um a demonstration. It was a great demonstration. Everyone loves when our when our sheriff's um dogs come out and they and they um they've been out there every year actually. >> Yeah. >> Some of them were out of commission last
year so we only had one and he did a fabulous job. >> Okay. >> And he's in costume. He's in his costume. So now I need a motion to approve Yappy Hour and the closure of um of Central
Avenue from Park to Lake. >> I move that we approve the special application for the special event application for Yappy Hour and approve the closure of Central Avenue from Lake Park Street for um on October 30th, Thursday, October 30th for the Yappy Hour.
Great. >> Okay. Do I have a second? >> I will second that. Okay, I have a proper motion and a second. Commissioner, do we have any discussion? Um, I just want to know, will all the dogs be well behaved? >> Well, so far they always have been well behaved. Yes, >> they will be. >> They have been they have and the owners
have been as well. Um, and so they usually and some of them and last year we had um owners that dressed up along with their with their dogs and it was um it was it's just a lot of fun. gives everybody
a chance to um to come out and so far everybody has um has been very polite and mingled um well and so that's been the biggest that's been the biggest concern and we haven't had a problem. So
okay we have no further discussion we have any public comment on this. >> Hey okay m you do a roll call for us please. Commissioner Devito. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Lorie. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Moore. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Burton.
>> Hi, >> Mayor Myers. >> Hi. Okay, so approve. >> Thank you. >> So, Mayor, >> yes. >> So, there's another um permit in here, but it relates to the holiday, and we
have item B, activities, Eagle Line Park. So, I'm assuming that that application relates to >> I'm assuming I'm not sure how this Yeah, I'm assuming. Um, but first, we're going to take up our trick-or-treating in the city of Present City.
>> So, let's do that. Um, we've got to set those hours. >> Yes. >> So, we go to item A. Um, trick-or- treat city of Crescent City staff suggested held on Friday, October 31st, 6:00 to 8. Um, we just would like to finalize to finalize the date so we can properly
advertise to the public. >> Um, mayor, may I? >> Sure. I brought this to the city manager's attention. So, I move that the city of Crescent City um recognize um
trick-or-treating or trick-or-treating in Crescent City to take place on Friday, October 31st, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. >> I'll second that.
>> Okay, we have a proper motion and a second. Do we have any other discussion? Um, mayor, just one thing. I think in the past we've said, I don't know if this needs to I don't think it needs to go on the motion, but um, for people who want to have trick-or-treaters come to
their house, they should turn the porch light on or their front light. And if they do not wish trick-or-treaters, then they should turn their porch light. >> That's up to them. However, they want to handle that. Absolutely. Just jump. >> We do six to eight. Do we feel like that six to eight? I mean, I know especially
with our little ones at 6:00 if they come out early. >> Um, and I mean, people start gathering. >> No, but the main the main thing is the 8th because really close it down
everyone goes home. But >> I don't think people coming earlier is problem. Okay, >> we have a proper motion in a second. Do we have any further discussion? Okay, we have any public comment? I have a question. >> Yes.
>> Is it just on Prospect? >> Uh, no. Well, the No, it's all it's all over the city. All over the city. >> But that's mainly >> that's mainly where Trunk Retreat is on Prospect, South Prospect. Um, in front of the um that just provides that
opportunity because of that parking area along um Miller Middle School, the former Miller Middle School. And so that's where they do it. And then of course, but it's I heard they're over on lake, they're over on the west side,
people mainly where the houses are closed together and where people give out candy because they went on South Main Street many years ago and then when many of those houses became vacant and there was no one there, they quit going. But it's
basically they go to the uh efficient areas for trick-or-treating. There's one house every other block. >> Yeah. >> Street. >> I know. We We gave out goodness. I think we gave out,200 pieces just at our house
last time. We had to close it down at 7:00 7:30 7:15 candy early >> right now. Several stores have the buy one get one and one some some have a buy one get one half off. >> But people traditionally don't um trick
or treat on Main Street. I have advertised full of children that I know in my neighborhood and I'm lucky that they will come because they're over at the hot. >> That's all right. But I've seen you stay over there. >> Yes, I know. I gave up.
>> We go we go to the church. You know, the kids want to be where all the other they want to be where all the other kids are. >> There you go. >> Mom and dad, my aunt will give them candy out there. Um, if you would go ahead, madam clerk, and do a roll call
for us. >> Commissioner Burton, I Commissioner Moore. >> Hi. Commissioner Lloyd, >> hi. >> Commissioner Devito, >> I thank you. And it is a lot of fun. Um, the adults love. So, if you have a house that you know is going to be, you know,
well represented with candy, go sit with them. Take some appetizers or something and go sit with them because the outfits are just awesome. >> And bring candy. It will be welcome. >> And bring bring candy. will be loud. Okay, >> thank you. Um, our second line of
business, um, line item B is our Christmas parade and activities at Elana Park. Um, citizens have been inquiring about the schedule for the holidays. There's several events, um, and specific needs. Of course, we have the volunteers or needing need volunteers or otherwise,
and we uh, we need to discuss the dates and the needs. So, staff would like to leverage our city website and post all of the upcoming events. Okay. Do you have is we have an application here. Are we supposed to take that application up for >> this is going to be the activities for E
line? Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Um a little confused here. So, I guess we need to talk about the Christmas parade last year. Um the city in conjunction with the Rotary and Miss Maryanne Bradock, she was very instrumental in that um did the
Christmas parade. It's usually always the first Saturday of December. Um, and in speaking to um, Miss Maryanne, uh, she has again said she is willing to help, but feels like this should
probably be the city um, just like we did last year, but she is going to work with us. Is that correct? >> That's correct. I'm holding her to it. I'm holding her to it. Um so if if that's in if everyone is in agreement
with that um then we'll go ahead and proceed that way. >> So discussion that's December 6th >> is the first Saturday. >> Is that the first Saturday? December 6th. Okay. >> Okay. So wait a minute. We're not we're just talking about the parade now. We're not looking at the application for the
special. >> Yes. So right now I guess let's start with the parade. >> Parade. >> Okay. Because >> I'm not sure. >> Um the parade. >> Okay. The parade. So I have just something to add about that. >> Okay. >> Um for a good 50 years the First
Presbyterian Church has their um holiday bazaar and so are tea and that's always coexisted um in conjunction with the parade the last few years and I think Miss Pat
Langden came and spoke about that. Um the parade time kind of moved around and made it hard to plan for the holiday the silver tea and bizarre. Um
it would be nice if they could coordinate with that. Um I don't remember >> bunch of times because last year I know we moved it back so that we would allow so that y'all would have enough time within the morning hours to get as many people in there as you possibly could.
There's always going to be multiple this time of the year. I mean, just look at what we've got going on the 25th. There's always multiple activities. So, do you know what your times are? Well, the silver teams are is usually between either 9:00 a.m. and 2 or 9:00
a.m. and 3. Last year it was 9:00 a.m. and 2. And it's going to overlap with the downtown market, right? because the downtown the application the last the announcement I saw for the activities in
Eagle Lion Park were like from noon on. So um I mean it would be helpful if the parade was at noon. That would help a lot because then it would give us more. >> Yeah.
Oh, I thought last year. Didn't we move it to Did we move it to noon or 11 last year? >> I have on all my stuff so far. Noon. >> Noon. Okay. I thought we had moved it to to noon last year to try to to try to do that and allow you a couple of those.
>> That would be helpful. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Because then otherwise, you know, it makes people are bouncing around between one thing and the other. This application is really at the holiday market. So we're not talking about parades on
this at all. >> The agenda is parade. The Christmas parades on the agenda. I I don't know. >> But is there's the city's doing it. So we'll we'll work with um major usery on that. So no, we don't have to do one for ourselves. We
we ran into that last year too that we have to do one for ourselves if we did it. So >> So we are organizing a parade this year >> just like we did last year. >> Okay. >> Well, to make sure that you know you're doing >> well with Mary, Miss Marian, she helped
me and Michael Brillhart helped. >> So the three of us, we we we got everybody in line. We rerouted them and now we have a new route that seems to be working very well. And um but no, it was it was a joint effort, wasn't it? Yes,
it was a joint effort. And it was a great parade, I have to say. >> It was a big parade. Everybody was excited and it was a good way to kick off the day. So, um so thank you, Miss Maryanne, for that. Um so, do we want to do a motion to set
the parade time? Is that what we need? I I move that we hold this year's holiday parade or Christmas parade on December 6th at noon or beginning at noon at South Bank >> and then going to Dewine Park.
>> Okay, you second. >> Okay, we have a proper motion and a second. Do we have any further discussion on the parade? >> Okay, do we have any public comment? >> Just that we're cleared with South State for formation there. >> Are we? >> Okay. Thank you for see. Thank you.
She's already ahead of us. >> Already ahead of us. Thank you. Okay, we have no comments. Madame clerk, if you would please. >> Commissioner Devito. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Wary. >> Hi, >> Commissioner War. >> I Commissioner B.
>> I Okay, so approved. So, the parade is now for everybody. It is December 6 at noon. We'll line up beginning at 11. Okay. And then we've got activities in Eva Lion Park and we have an application
for a special event which is the holiday market in light up. [Music] After the parade, there will be vendors in the Eva Lion Park with um all kinds of holiday
objects and that will go on until about um 4. We've decided that they should be gone before the 5 to 6:00, which will be cocoa and cookies followed by the
lighting of the uh trees. So instead of having the vendors wait until 7:00, we're going to ask them to be done till at 4:00. >> So when all the people come out, I mean, would it not benefit the vendors if when all everybody comes out for the
lighting? The vendors don't want to be there. >> U we were discussing that and it they didn't want it to be disruptive to the crowd that was coming for the lighting. So 4 to 6 is uh 12 to 6 is the the
overall event, but at um vendors would be till 4. 5 to 6 would be cookies. We're going to possibly have Santa, some dancers, music, singing, carol, and
that kind of thing. Then 6:00, Coco and cookies, and then do the lights. and you're going to turn the lights on if there are lights. >> Okay. So, that leads us to another discussion after we get done with this application.
So, let's um can I u have a motion for this for the use of the Evolion Park? >> Yes. Um, so I move that we approve the application of the downtown partnership
to hold their holiday market and light up event in Eagle Lion Park on Saturday, December 6th. Um, I guess with set up from 10 to 12 and
the event uh as a whole from 12 to 7, >> 12 to 6 and break down six to seven. Um I Rachel's shaking her head. >> Is there something different the mortgage started 11 because people were coming early before the parade anyways
to set up and shop and stuff. >> I think it says 10 to 12 is set up. >> No, she said that people were already shopping the vendors before the parade. So she said that we just started earlier. >> Who's she? >> Connie. Well, so >> okay, we're just going to approve from
let's just approve the application from 10:00. Y'all work out those details. Y'all got to work those details out. That's on y'all. So, >> my motion will be from 10 to well, they have breakdown to 8 from 10 to 7 with break down from 7 to 8. Second.
>> I have a proper motion to second. Do we have any other discussion? >> Okay. Do we have any public comment on this? >> Just a question. You said if there are lights. >> Well, we're gonna get into that. We'll get into that. >> Oh, okay. >> I I would like to say if anyone
here this evening or out there has any questions, they can always call me and I can get the answer whether it's tomorrow or the day before the event or so. Can I give my phone number for the partnership? >> Sure. >> 3865599243.
This might is the cell phone for the partnership. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Great. Thank you. >> Um, madam clerk, I have a proper motion in a second. Would you do a roll call for us, please? And this is for the holiday market and wide that usage of Ethan Lion Park from 10 in the morning
on December 6th to 8:00. >> Commissioner Devito. >> I, >> Commissioner Lori. >> I, >> Commissioner Moore. >> I, >> Commissioner Burton. I have IRS. >> I Okay, so approved. >> Lights. >> Lights.
>> I would like to um >> I volunteer. >> Huh? >> I volunteer. >> Um lights. Right now we um we've lost one of our one of our key um key people on this. Um I don't know how many of you
know this, but um those lights require about two months worth of work. >> Yeah, we started three months. Yeah, and we should we we have to really start up next week and we're already kind of behind schedule. Um we really have no no volunteers except for the um high
school. Aaron Delaney has been um gracious and her students and said they would come in the afternoons for a couple of hours and they will help out with lights. um lights is a huge undertaking and so
uh I think that this commission has to determine um do we are we going to do the lights I know the community expects the lights um and I not to but I've it takes a tremendous amount of my time as
well I've got two months in front of me on this um and it's from the bucket truck and quite honestly I am very uncomfortable in our current bucket truck. >> I love the bucket truck. >> No, the hydraulics on the bucket truck. The hydraulics on the bucket truck throw
you forward when you're afraid of heights. It throws you forward when you're moving it. So, >> um I don't know if you could look into how you could get a scissor lift for us. >> Okay. >> Um and what that would cost, but um those are much easier. We did it the
first year with a scissor lift. >> Okay. Um, I've thought about how we could do this in such a way that it would decrease the amount of time that it takes because and so wrapping the trunks and then bringing them up um this
way and maybe not from the top down. The only other thing I've looked at um and this is something too that might be relatively easy. CRA through CRA money you can um you actually can use for
holiday decorations you can do that as long as it meets with your mission of enhancing the you know your CRA area. And so I've looked at those trees and I don't know how many of you, of course, um Charles was against it, but I've
looked at the trees, you know, the ones that just go that have the pole in the middle and have all the lights that come down, >> right? >> Um you can get those relatively inexpensive and you could possibly even do >> quite a few of those to add those to the
lights just up the trunk. in this way, it would make it from a manpower standpoint because quite honestly, you don't have the manpower right now. Um, and and so that's something that we could consider purchasing. Um, they're I
think they run anywhere from like maybe $99 a piece. We have our big tree. Um, Ronnie last year he I believe Ronnie can put it up. you only have a week of Ronnie and that would be the um week of
the 24th that week. And so that's maybe something that you need to ask with Ronnie there um if he would if he would assist with getting that the big the big tree up. Um but I can see doing the little trees and then building the
trunks around it in different areas. I don't know. That is something for the commission to determine >> what's going to happen in the um medium. >> In the medium. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I mean, how how did we put those up? >> Ronnie does it. He does it with the
bucket truck. >> Well, I know. >> But it is the bucket truck. >> He does it in the bucket truck. And we can't have any volunteers in the meeting. So, no volunteers or in the bucket truck.
>> I was kind of We're not high school. They're all on the ground. High school students are all on the ground. None in the medians. >> There's a lot of work to do on the ground though. >> We wrapped we wrapped those props in the medians. Um >> and then Ronnie always went through with
he and his crew and he and he dropped them he dropped them down. >> I'm sorry. >> No, go ahead. >> The ones are mediums. They keep getting they get hit and clipped by trees so or trucks as they go by. to like it knocks them out and then they're half out and I
don't know if we might want to just ignore that for just maybe find country apart and maybe the surrounding part of the park. >> They can do the bottom part and you can do that and you can drape them. You can drape them. I don't know how many of you how many of you have been by Seville at
night. >> Okay. The community center in Seville has done their tree and it's very pretty. They've draped it this way from the bottom. So everything they've done has gone up and from the bottom. Um it's not all the way.
>> We just got to figure that out because you know one thing about Christmas city it's a big deal. The lights are a big deal here. >> So I need to >> spend two months out there working with them either. I think we can find some some alternate options
>> and and Aaron Delaney has a great first amendment. It's all >> Well, she has she's got the the students. She's got the students. Um >> I know it's not me, but I have I have four people from Jacksonville that said they would come and help whenever we needed them to help for that.
>> Yes. I've been getting requests from people when are the lights going to be put out because they want to know >> and I have said the city because the city that I understand >> that it's if you guys figure out a
schedule we could probably get more help besides uh Aaron and Jacksonville. So whether it's every whether it's every night at 4:00 or whether it's three nights a week or whatever it is. And that's good to know because last I heard
you had said to Christina that you had other volunteers and y'all would not be doing y'all would not be doing it. So that's good to hear that in fact you you do have volunteers that want to help. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So I >> but since it is a city they can't go up
people on the ground. Have you given consideration to moving out of the park where you have those logistical issues to Central Avenue like it used to be when when we were all kids
up and down Central Avenue and on the the lamp post and the trees to the veil >> the lamp post. Yes. >> That's a whole lot easier to do. >> Palms. >> Well, um well that was my question. If we're buying something, my observation
last year was that the when you mentioned something else to buy, the park area is lit, but Central Avenue is has no it has no holiday decoration. There's nothing to direct people toward
the business. >> The problem the one of the things and you're and you're absolutely right. One of the things we ran into on Central Avenue is in some of those a lot of those you don't actually have electricity on those poles or um in
those areas. I know it's not working. It's either been cut or or or what's happened with it, but we've had that discussion. Um as a matter of fact, I think you've talking to we're talking to FPL um about what we can possibly do
here. But that's been a big issue is not having the electricity at the bottom of those at the bottom of those poles or if we do have it, it's been for some reason or another, it's possibly been cut. So then you wouldn't have it you wouldn't
have them continuous. You know, you might have a gap. So, but I I get that and I've heard that. So, yes, Commissioner Devito. >> But we paid to have the electric put in Eagle Park. We paid for that. >> Yes. So, I mean, that's all new.
>> That's not an eagle line. I'm not talking about evil line park. >> No, I'm saying we we just we paid to have those wires run through the ground in E Park. It didn't used to have
>> electric, so we did it. Um, and is there's no electric at Mar Square other than the power pole. >> That's it. There's no um well today we could we could have gotten LED lights. I don't know. Um or what whatever the the
kinds >> those are solar. Those would be solar, >> right? >> Solar lights. >> Not le sorry. Solar >> because we do have LED lights. That's what we use. That's what our >> but they're not solar. They're not solar. Um because central is central is very is very dark and is not decorated
for the holidays really at all. >> Okay, >> we got some work to do. >> We got some work to do. So with that, so I guess um do we have a a motion or I think we have a motion that we're going to do Christmas lights
>> and I'm gonna put it on >> Derek to um >> Yes, ma'am. So, can I get a motion, please? >> I I move that we have Christmas lights in the park in Neoline Park. >> I'll second that. >> Okay, we have a proper motion in a
second. Any further discussion? >> Any public comment? Okay, Madam Cler. >> Commissioner Burton, >> I. >> Commissioner Moore, >> I. >> Commissioner Lorie, >> hi. >> Commissioner Devito, >> hi. >> Mayor Myers,
>> I No, maybe not. All right. Okay. So, approved. >> It's a lot. Um, >> so we're going to go from there. Is there anything more on B? >> No, Martin. So, we're done on B.
>> So, if we go to C, but I we've got some people in the audience. >> Yes. If we could move it up, that would be great. I'd like to move up the discussion, fire station discussion. uh and history discussion on the the MSBU. >> Okay. >> Um as everybody know, do you all put the
vote on that to that up? >> As everybody knows, we currently have certain overlaps with the county fire department, whether it's for materials, equipment, or personnel. I've heard it since I've been here, talked to chief years ago. Um the city, not this commission prior, several commissions
prior decided not to continue with the MSBU in place and no other agreement or conversation. It was MS. Wasn't it MSTU? >> MSTU. >> MSTU. Yes. Because that's a whole different conversation. >> Service taxi unit.
>> Yes. Sorry, typo. Um, and no other agreement or conversations taking place. Um, we're building a new fire station here soon, new facility, and we just need to have a clear understanding with our county counterparts what their future plans are and uh and have that discussion.
>> That's why Mr. Burns is here. Yes, sir. It is. And if I'd like to have Mr. Grimes come up and speak to us, be great. Thank you. >> He's just saying meetings. County meetings aren't any more fun than ours, >> right? >> Except for he's not on the hot seat the whole time. And he's on the hot seat
here. I mean, he's on the hot seat there. He's not on the hot seat here. >> No, it's great. I'm glad we're getting Christmas lights again. >> What time What time are you available? I'll check my social calendar. >> I'll be glad to help you. >> So, I'm here to field any questions you
have. I mean, I'm sure most of you know the past history of that that the city of Crescent City has withdrawn out of the fire taxing unit many, many years back. But the county still supports the city of Crescent City Fire Department in
my estimation greatly. Um, we send about $55,000 roughly down for operating funds to the city fire department as well as we purchase all the personal protective equipment. We've sent hundreds of thousands of dollars worth
of radios down. Um, we purchase and buy most of your fire apparatus. We um buy the fuel. We do just about everything that takes to operate the the fire department with no help at all from the city of Crescent City citizens. So
that's kind of where we are today. I mean that's where we need to start the conversation. Be glad to entertain it however we want to talk about it and we can work staff if you guys so direct us to work with city manager be happy to do that however you guys would like to handle it. >> Personally we do appreciate all of the
county's help because it wouldn't be possible to run this station without the county. But we do also shipping quite a bit of money. I mean what with our budget this year was it over something,000 that we spend all not to get it wrong
but we don't want anyone think that we're just free loaning off the county. >> No no no we we put quite a bit money in gas and oil and other things as well. But yes we the apparatus and all that has been very helpful and we appreciate that from the county. I know. Um it's always been a question for me how this
all works because it's kind of a very weird hybrid situation because obviously the taxpayers of present city pay for fire protection before the city limits but we cover more than that. I mean the station and the staff there and the
county volunteers go for everything that's not park and Georgetown, right? Those are closest stations to us and we go all the way down to the county line. That's correct. I mean, um, it is it is a hybrid model. Sometimes difficult to understand. Um, but I mean, we do, um,
I'm going to say 50% of the time answer the call across the city from our unit in Georgetown. So, um, I have some numbers. They're preliminary numbers. Um, what we spend every month, um, been doing an incentive program for the this the folks here. It runs about $3,000 a
quarter uh, that we're handing for incentives for your folks to respond to calls in the county. Um, but we're also, like I said, we're covering just about every operational expense. Um, I'm not sure other than the one apparatus or two that the city owned that we're paying for every including the workers comp
insurance and your firefighters. Um, all their personal protective equipment. Um, every other municipal municipality in the county bought the radios in their truck with the exception of the city across the city. So, um, we just handed out portable radios that were in excess
of $6,000 a piece, um, that we put in every fire apparatus that whether you guys own it or we own it. I mean, we have to put them in our trucks, but um, those are just things and I talked Mr. Martin and just kind of want to give a history lesson how we move the partnership forward.
>> I mean, I think that's something that we need to workshop and sit down with some more. >> Go ahead. >> I was just wonder what was I was trying to look it up, but I didn't get a chance. What was the tax rate for the MSCU? >> It's 1.1. >> Okay. 1.1. >> That count against our 10 mil cap or
does that count for the counties? >> Cuz I mean, we're getting really close to that ourselves at 8.7. So if you add that on that right 10, >> how does that how does that work? Can
you explain commissioners? I'm not sure how it works in of an individual municipality. >> And I can just I mean the state the Florida Constitution puts a 10 mil cap on the county's taxing authority, a 10 mil cap on the city and then a 10 mil cap on school district.
>> Yeah. So we're at 8.7 now and I'm not sure if that would go towards the counties or ours. I mean that's >> find out. I don't know either off the top of my head. I can find out if that's question. >> We haven't had taxing unit though for
recently. Is that correct? >> Well, not as of recent. I don't know when it was taken out. I mean, it was taken out probably the mid to late 2000s. >> Yeah. 2017. >> 2017. >> What? >> No, I think it was 2019. No, it was it was either it was either 2018 or 2019
because Patrick Kennedy was still here and I was here >> and Katie Bird made the um motion, >> but it was before. >> Yes, it was. Patrick Patrick >> I think it was about 2019. Um,
>> and and that was I I guess can you can you talk a little bit about the difference between an MSBU and MSTU? >> Well, the the BU is a a benefit unit that taxes the taxing units. I mean, the fire department has the ability to tax
the individual home because it actually serves a tangibility inside a piece of property. So, that's how the MSB use. I'm not 100% sure what you know how the operations of both of them are. I mean I know when our county put it in it was put it as a taxing unit to the >> mayor I can answer that.
>> Okay just for everybody so that everybody >> Mr. Holmes probably can and it's my understanding that the county rejected the MSBU model recently fairly recent. Okay. So, the
problem with the MSTU, which is what the county currently has and the city used to participate in till we opted out, that only um taxes that only provides the fire tax or imposes
the fire tax on properties that pay tax. So, um anyone who is below taxable value does not pay the MSTU for fire. nonprofits and churches do not pay the MSTU for fire. Anyone who is exempt from
abalone tax doesn't pay it. So the problem particularly if you're in a place um where a lot of you're in a a poor community where a lot of people do not pay a tax or there are a lot of churches um they don't contribute to the
power tax. municipal um benefit service unit taxes every property whether they pay adable or not because it taxes based on the benefit that they receive and I believe the county considered that model
and for a variety of reasons the county elected not to go with that. So, it's just a way of um spreading the burden and making sure that properties um that everyone contributes to our tax because
everyone uses or is entitled to that service and and uses the service. >> But you can do what city did which is a fire service fee >> and it goes to all properties. >> Okay. area basic is it the same fee or
is it based on square footage or how you know >> I recall it's a same same set fee um you remember it it's it's it's based upon it's based upon value at some level but it was also it's assessed at every single resident and vacant property
including up to 50% of the worth value in a um nonprofit so churches and all still paid about 50% value and that's in the city of Pala And then it average like 200 bucks or something like that. >> Average,
>> but that's but that's a ch but you know that that does add up, >> right? >> And everybody's paying something. >> Exactly. But um obviously some pe you know some people feel that it's too much of a burden. Some of the churches do. It is my recollection. I asked this in a
couple years before that the MSTU um when we had that in the city of Crescent City that went to the county that that um resulted in revenue of $70,000 a year and that that's what I
was told that the MST and the city present city realized $70,000 a year and we've talked about this a few times but nobody mentioned the buyer fee. um we brought up um and I think Bobby Pickkins was here from your firm and he looked
into it and he said for us to do an MSBU was very expensive proposition that would cost what around $70,000 I don't know >> lot there was tens of thousands of dollars um just to hire the law firm that would have to do
>> they would have to preliminary work um I don't know I mean the discussion centered around how do we provide for the future needs of the Crescent City Fire Department because Miss Chief Hoel was telling us that we're going to need
more and more to have paid personnel. >> Well, and equipment costs are astronomical. >> Yeah, I'll be happy to speak to that. In 2020, we bought a fire truck that was $380,000. We're ordering one at our next commission meeting in the same truck
just three years newer is 560,000. Um when I left the city of Palaca, I think Mr. Well, Mr. Holmes was still there at the point at the time. In 2018, we built a custom cab truck was $380,000. In 2018, um I had Chief Back reach out
to a supplier and see if custom cab trucks were coming anywhere close to a commercial unit. Um, a stock custom cab truck with zero equipment on it, not even the shells in the compartment is $980,000. Um, and some of them are up to five
years to get them. Right. So, it's it it's a very weird market as far as buying fire apparatus at the moment. Um, we as a county have made the effort to when hey if we have a stock truck come in, say, do you have a stock truck program and that's where we've been fortunate enough to buy. So, if you
ordered one today, you won't see it for four years at least. I mean, that's what I'm hearing now from the custom build side is over a four year weight period. >> So, I understand there's, you know, there are considerations uh of, you know, the burden on taxpayers. I get that. And I'm not trying to advocate one
way or the other, but because of the issues that Commissioner Devito mentioned, i.e., I don't know what the numbers are right now, but in the in the city of Black, I think 33% of of property owners pay taxes, something like that. the remainder of them don't because of homestead exemptions and
there's a lot of talk of that going up. >> Yeah. >> Serious talk of that going up the homestead exemptions. >> So that that in a small in a poor county like Putnham and I don't mean that in a negative way. I mean I've chosen to live
here. I don't see it as a criticism. >> But in a in in a county like Palm Beach for something who cares. I mean, they got so much money off of Avalon taxes that I shouldn't say it that way, but they do. They just have tons of money. We don't. And that that requires some
imagination and some other vehicles to try to to try to generate funds for such things as garbage. So, you have the garbage fee uh in the county, you know, and that is a fixed sum in it like 200 bucks, $150, something like that, which
you know, services landfill. And in the city of Black, we went through the fire service fee. Some people very much didn't like it. And there are provisions though for you to seek an exemption or a de a at least a one-year exemption if there's a hardship. Um but you know
there was some rough going for a year u would be worth paying something that had never paid anything but over time it you know it's it's been a a funding source that's that's been a help when you're trying to keep up with as he said it's personnel costs too. You mean the cost
of >> of of funding a fire department is astronaut astronomical. >> It it it truly is. And I mean that's and me I'd rather a partnership than what I am trying to tell you to individualize of the department. Right. But we've got to try to figure out what the partnership looks like moving forward.
Uh because I don't think it's going to be a huge burden on your citizens of just living in Crescent City to try to afford a standalone fire department. Um volunteerism across the nation as we all know it is down. Right. um 25 years ago, 30 years ago when I started as a kid,
you had 40 people across the street over here today, one or two at the best. So the the the numbers have just gone down because I mean, and let's be realistic. I mean, whenever I started um in 1998,
it was a 40-hour class to be a volunteer fireman. Today, it's almost 300 hours. who has the time and ability to take 300 hours of their time to do the same job that you once could have got for a 40-hour, you know, where you could have done it in a couple weekends or something to where you could serve your community, but now it's become really, really challenging. And then you talk
about the cost of paying personnel, right? Um, for every dollar we spend on a person right now, we're paying 65 cents on the backside for insurance, Florida State retirement, and all the benefits that go with it. So, for every $1 they receive, it costs about $1.65 to
pay the um true hard cost. I look at it this today with the start rate of starting fireman for the county that starts somewhere around 46 to $48,000 here for starting fire truly turns into be about 100 grand a year. So, um, as you start thinking about that long term,
I mean, and we're still not where we need to be as a county and running more than two people on a truck, but you start turning two people on a truck 24 hours a day, the easy math on that $600,000 year just to just to just to put a truck on, right? And then you start looking beyond that is how much cost the apparatus has to change. And I
seen one of your agenda items on the night is talk about a piece of fire apparatus. Then things are not cheap and they're and they're only good for so long, right? The rating stay so long on them. Um whether you can rebuild them or have them reertified, but the fire department business is becoming very very very very expensive. Um so that's
kind of you know >> your turnout gear now. Y'all have new requirements for it. >> Yeah, it's it the the shelf life on it. I could be mistaken, but I think it's five years. Is it 10? 10 10 years now. Then you had to completely replace it. Whether it's been used one time or whether it's sat on the shelf or whatever it is, it's got an expiration
date. So 10 years that's gone. >> That's 2500 3,000. >> $2,500 to $3,000 a set. Um so those those are expensive. Plus, you know, I mean, you're talking about a radio now that, you know, we just the county just went through and bought $6,500 a piece for just a portable. Um about $5,000 a
piece of the one that's inside the truck. Um you start buying that times three or four people that are on a vehicle, you know, that stuff starts really adding up. So, um, like I said, when the city manager reached out to me, I said, "Let's start the conversation. Let's see how we can partner, right?" Because I think that's where the better bang for the buck's going to be in all
this is a partnership versus trying to stand alone. So, uh, we've got great benefit from the the Crescent City Fire Department for many years um, of protecting just the areas outside of the city limits of Crescent City. There's no doubt about that. I mean, they've done a phenomenal job for the years, but it's getting to a time where you need more
than one person on a truck, right? You guys pay one person a day to to ride a piece of fire apparatus eight hours a day. But if that person really gets put in a bad spot, one person isn't enough. And the closest people that I got coming to them is coming that I can guarantee
you is coming all the way from Georgetown or all the way from Satsum. Um the ambulances in Crescent City and those guys are mostly dual certified. I've mentioned to the mayor multiple times that when you guys do kick off this um new fire station that we would bring the ambulance into Crescent City
because that's where it needs to be. It needs to be around the populace of people, right? It's not going to delay our time anymore getting to a further out jurisdiction by being in Crescent City than what it is out on Union Avenue, right? I can get down 308 and we're fixing to um put a secondary transport unit at the fire station in
Georgetown, which will help, right? Because usually when this one goes on a call, we're waiting on the unit coming out soon. So, it's always a logistical shuffle on on a regular basis. So, >> mayor, I have a couple questions. >> Okay. >> So, um, Commissioner Lori, you kind of
touched on this and you just talked about the plans that you have to put another transport unit out in Georgetown. >> That's correct. So, is there any written
plan or outline that would describe for us that we would be able to distribute to the commission and to the public that kind of lays out how this hybrid system works and where the main facilities are
because we don't really I think you kind of alluded to that we we don't really see it. We hear about it, but we don't see it. And we're talking about, you know, how to partner in the future and continue in the future. So, is is that
something that exists on some pieces of paper or I mean, well, I'm going start with answering one section, right? Then we'll move to each individual line item. Well, I mean, if you want to know the location of all of our fire stations, that's very easily found on our county website, right? You can click on fire
emergency services. will take you to a geographical map where all the fire stations are. Um, so that that is available for the public at any given moment. Is there really a document that says how the hybrid works? No. Um, because hybrid changes a lot, right? I
mean, um, so one day, today, Crescent City may have four people available. Tomorrow, we may have none, right? So, but we do a what I want to say is a good job of bringing a truck into Crescent City. a truck responds to the city limit. It's a Crescent City on every
single 911 hit, whether it's an EMS call or whatever. And if the guys are here after your day guy leaves or whatever, the volunteer picks it up at night, they they can cancel the unit coming to them. But that unit is coming. It's just coming from what I'm going to tell you. And if if you're in a situation that's
too far away from you guys, so it's time that you guys need to start looking at what you're going to do to improve the quality for your citizen. I mean, it's my truck's coming from too far away. >> Okay. Um then I had another question. I mean essentially the question I had at a
prior meeting was we were talking about funding fire department. So I said, "Well, um, what if we opted back into the MSTU? Mhm. >> Would we be able to make an arrangement
with the county whereby some of that money actually was designated to specifically do whatever needed to be done in Crescent City, you know, um and of course keeping in mind that
Crescent City has its role in supporting the whole, you know, the hybrid system in South County. um quite frankly when I hear you talk um to hire another full-time person is
in excess of what the MSTU seems like brought it to Crescent City the last time we had it. I don't know. My my interest initially is if we opted back into the MSTU, could some of that money be directed specifically to the
personnel or that we need here? Well, I'd like to voluntate on the other side, right? You've opted out of the MST and we still send $60,000 a year that we never did cut and we've increased since the day that you guys opted out, right? >> So, all those dollars truly, if you want
to look at it from a dollar perspective, came right back into the uses for Crescent City, right? I mean, I ran a number years ago and the finance director could absolutely tell me I'm wrong, but a mill in Crescent City produced about roughly 60 $70,000. Is
that correct? Okay. So, but I mean somewhere in that neighborhood. So, you do that. I mean the for us it was 60 grand, right? So, if you think about the what we send down, I think we exceed what we would send down for Crescent City. Uh because
we send down at 60 almost $60,000 a year in just operational dollars that they can come in and say, "Hey, we need this." Right? And as long as Chief Back or one of the deputy chiefs approves it, it gets bought and it's sent down to Crescent City. Right? So there is that. Plus we buy the fuel. Plus we service
the vehicles. Plus we maintain them all. Plus we send out all the capital investment in your air packs that are when we bought them. We're almost $9,000 a piece and every one of your trucks has one on it for every seated passenger that stays there. We have to maintain and service those every year. Uh we buy
all your EMS supplies. So I think we are sending not only your initial investment, we're sending way more and in and in kind trade of everything else. >> I think before we kind of go on this I think we need some numbers like in other
words you're saying about 1.1 1.1 added to the tax. So it would be I'm not stating at 8.7. So now we would be charging 9.8 8. Okay. In taxes and that
1.1 would go to the county for fire service. I'd like to know what that would generate. I mean, you know, we're we're we're a small city. We've got 1,800 people. We have 680 homes that actually pay taxes.
We have >> a whole lot of churches, um, a whole lot of schools. I mean, if you go down, you know, we're two square miles and you go down two square miles, there's not a whole lot of people, you know, capturing
property that that pays taxes, you know, and so um and and the other thing I'd like to know is how many buyers are actually in Crescent City that Crescent City is actually taking care of? I think I think you take care of more outside of
the city. I might be wrong. Okay. I I I don't know the numbers. I really don't. >> I can I can try to run you numbers. That's with with our tracking mechanism is a little hard because it's it's by station, right? So it does I don't necessarily we can backtrack it through
the the number. I can tell you the vast majority of your EMS based calls which causes the fire department to respond. I mean even your fire department responds to the MBA base calls. Most of them are in the I'm going to tell you the greater Crescent City area, right? So you do have some outliers. I mean, you have
some out there, but I mean, a lot of them are to the 100 North Lake Street nursing home when they go I mean, because just because they're no different. They pick up the phone, call 911, we send the trucks to them, right? And then, of course, most of your 911 calls are usually majority into the
urban nice type area where your population are. So, um I don't I'd have to ask some of your local folks how often they actually respond out to a call in the county. Um, as far as fires in the city for your fire department, you're probably close to accurate. I don't know exactly how many are actually
inside the city limits across the city. We can absolutely pull that data for you. Um, >> I I think uh when you're talking EMTs going down to the nursing home, I don't believe that we get very much. We don't get any tax money from the nursing home either. I mean, the nursing home I think
there's some kind of agreement. >> We have 5,000 taxes. >> We have 5,000 You know, >> I'm just saying. Okay. I'm just saying. >> I'm with you. Right. It's it's an expense. That's why I said this isn't a this is not a county versus city type
thing. We got to figure out in this thing. I mean, I think that's, you know, the way we need to head. It's figuring out what we can do to partner to make everybody's life safer and a better system for our citizens. >> But I'm trying to say our citizens maybe 1.1 is I don't I guess we just need to sit down
and talk about it. >> Sure. I tell you 1.1's a deal compared to what it would be on MSV. I promise you that to run your own fire department. You could put that same system in here. You're talking about trying to draw over a million dollars. I mean, I can put a pretty close guess on it on a twoman man station as close to a
million dollars per station that we run out there. >> Okay. >> Um, so that give you an idea about what it would cost to run a station. It's about a million dollars a year. >> I think Do you have something? I was just going to say that. I mean, >> uh, you know, like as Mr. Grimes was
alluding to, they're very expensive. They can get up to, you know, up to almost a million dollars and even more depending on what you get. Um, this company is having heavy discounts on the fire department. As Mr. Grimes was saying, um, it can take a long time.
Right now, uh, is the time to press, which we were told from our, um, fire the fire marshal of the state that we got the appropriations from. Uh they said that we can simultaneously put in for grants for the upraz and other uh items that we need for firefighting
capabilities. Um I'd like permission to at least explore those possibilities um with the fire chief to see what we can get because from talking with um the grant specialist, they have grants for a new fire boat. Um they have uh grants
for the fire truck and and also other items that might be needed by the um the fire station. The other thing is a new um AFG grant which is the assistant to firefighters grant is opening up. Um this does also they give millions of dollars in federal dollars to support
PPE, SB, SCBA replacements, firefighter EMS training as well as communications and firefighter rescue equipment. Um that's going to be opening the application uh period to open. They they say you can get started early. Um, I
would just like to look at every any and all options that can get us, you know, things that we need. Um, hopefully they're not dead ends, but >> So, what are you looking for us for for permission? >> Permission to move forward with the with these types of grants for this. I I know
that before there was some grants. I just want to make sure that you all knew what we were doing and I had permission from you to move forward with these. And of course, when we get findings, I I will bring them to you. >> Okay. I think this will be it. >> You're just making the grand amp, though. You're not making a commitment to buy
>> I'm not making the commitment to buy a fire truck or anything like that. I just we we can >> Nobody's going around buying six fire trucks right now, right? But they have them. Um if we can go go and move forward and have u success in this grant for an apparatus, then we can get to
that conversation of how much the truck cost, what the discount is, and what they're willing to give us for our apparatus, which which preliminary uh The preliminary cost that we were told was around3 to $400,000 for our apparatus as it sits right now on a tradein.
>> Okay. I I my question would be then is we have to also talk to the county because if the county provided that apparatus what was there any type of >> and that's discussion we have to have correct? >> Y I'll enterain a motion. I get a motion
to grant him the approval authority. >> I I move that we grant the city manager the authority to look into um fire apparatus trading acquisition options and grants
a bunch of words stuck together. >> Do we have a second? I'm just wondering why we have to do that. >> Well, he start looking at trade magazines. >> Well, I guess to make if he if he enters
into So, if you enter into do a grant application through um the fire marshals. >> Yes. >> Before he can't do any grants. We're just telling them that he has permission to look at. Is that what I understand? We we want to move forward with filling
out the information with the same people that gave us the grants for the fire station. She said right now while the iron is hot, the state will will funnel that money, especially since we're building a new fire station. So, right now we're on the radar. If we get the paperwork in, we could possibly get some
more grants for the things that we need. I would like to move in that direction, fill out the grant applications and get them submitted to the specialists that we met about fire station. >> That that doesn't cost us any money. It doesn't cost us any money to >> No,
but anyway, make the motion and I'll >> Thank you. We have a motion second. Yes, Commissioner De, >> but it's not We're talking about the Department of Financial Services, right? >> We're talking about the state fire marshall's office. >> Yes.
They merged those and so they're they're together. Yes. So So yes, it's it's an arm of of that. >> Okay. But but the legislature gave us the capital money. This is other grants. I don't know where they're coming from, but the money that we got came
specifically from the legislature. It's funneled right >> through the Department of Finance. They're getting this grant money. I don't know where from. Um but I will get all the information. >> We'll talk with the representative that we've been talking to and I will present
all of the findings to you all. >> Okay. Sounds good. >> Maybe like a 12, 13 year old vote right now that can be replaced with a grant process that she told us should be easy. We have examples of the grants, the proposals or requests that were written from other cities that recently had
success and she's shared those with us and we're going to we're going to follow that same formula. >> Well, let's go ahead. We should finish. >> Okay. Do we have any other discussion on this? >> Okay. Madam clerk, if you please do a roll call.
Commissioner Burton. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Moore. >> Hi. >> Commissioner. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Devito. Hi. >> Myers. Hi. >> Okay. If I could just say one thing. >> Yeah. >> It sounds like one good thing led to another.
But it sounds like there were grants that may have been available if we known about them. The reason we know about them is because the great >> she came in and sat down. She came to town and she sat down and she shared a lot of information. Right. Because we had the legislative grant that came
through their department. So that's what I mean by that was >> one good thing led to another. That was good. >> Um okay, let's go ahead. >> All right. So I would like to just move back up. We'll go to see um staff
requests from you all. And we're doing this in the office as well. We have a lot of things that we want to work for um towards enhancing our website and to showcase not only senior staff but also you all the members of the entire commission. Um I would love to put your
biographies a professional government photo um and either a vision or mission statement that you have um for the city. >> Okay. >> All right. >> May we have a picture? [Music] not know where they are.
>> I don't I don't know where they are. I haven't seen them, but we definitely would like to do that. >> We could reach out to Ashley, too, and see where they are. >> I mean, we're one of the only cities I've ever seen that doesn't have >> Yeah. >> a little page for every commissioner >> and and I'll be honest, there's a lot of
work that needs to be done on the website. We're going to take those. This is just something that I want to get ahead with you all so we can kind of get the pictures and get everything together, but we have more work than just that. Have you looked at where we are on that contract with >> I am I have it on my notes and this week
I will with town web to see exactly where we are and where we fall into that contract how long it would last or if it's a year to year but yes I will yes >> so there's a lot to be desired. Yes. >> Sorry when you're done.
>> Yes question for all of us for the city manager. So, as far as our biographies, um, might be a good idea to get us a sense of how many words you're looking for. >> 20. Can you sum it up in 20?
>> I think I can sum mine up in 20. >> Well, I think they're usually a little longer than that. I looked at the other day would do or two, >> right? But my my other observation is I
mean I've looked at a lot of city websites and the legislative websites. Um I'm not I'm not so sure. I think most just put a picture in a biography >> like your your public service or your community service. Um when you say
vision mission statement to me we're that's a campaign kind of thing. We're supposed to have a unified vision as a commission. So to me, um, >> and and I'll be honest with you, you're 100% correct, but on the main page, my
if you go to a lot of other cities, they have a commissioner commissioner's main page, that main page has the commissioners, as a group vision or mission statement. Uh, as a group and then goes into the individual
>> that's the city's correct mission statement. Correct. We don't have ours our but ours is the city. >> Ours is the city. Correct. >> Right. So that would need to be for the city and I don't think we've ever adopted one for the city. We've talked about it. We have it maybe for the CRA
but not for the city. And then the other thing that I've noticed about our website for a while. Um, most cities have a description of the key staff and what they do,
not so much their personal biographies or their hobbies or whatever. It says what this person does and we don't have that. um we don't really have information about the departments and I
don't know how the rest of the commission feels about it but to me um I think it would be the most helpful for the community to know what the department does and um what the leader of the department is responsible for and then um I mean to me that's just the
professional um thing to do but and I agree I think our website needs help um I have never liked um I don't I think it has a very good explanation of what our city's about. And I objected originally
to describing us as a humble community. There's that language that came from some kind of visioning. It says we're a humble community. I mean, that that I've never seen a city website that described the city as humble. You usually talk
about your your attributes and what makes a great place to live or work or >> whatever. Beyond that, there's not easily found accurate information, right? >> As far as water rates, sewer rates, >> correct? >> What it cost to hook up and what each
department is and who does what. And if you want to find the consumer confidence, you know, water report from last year, forget it. It's not on there. The budget's not on there from last year. It's not on the last three years. Um, so yeah, these are things these are things. I talked to Charles read about
or Charles wrote about the stuff you gave a list and then talk to you about it too. It's really daunting >> and I think what you're going to have to do with that because it's a lot of work to do that. I mean it's a lot of work for somebody to maintain that. You're
going to have to determine um how you're going to get that maintained. >> Yeah. How much money do you want to spend? >> Yeah. How much money? >> I've got to find out because I got to look at the town web contract. when that's up, but there are other companies similar that I think could possibly do a better job. Um, and then of course we
would need to bring them in, I think, in a workshop to get uh the entire um group and the city involved. I mean, everybody from the department heads to the commission, myself, the clerk, you know, there's going to be pages for everybody.
Um, and those pages will tell the story of who we are and what we're doing. And that's important. The one thing that I think is missing which I do agree with you all is that this the website that is an advertisement for the city that tells that that is going to be a draw when
people do look it up and you want it to have some some snap and so we'll look into that together and we'll make those decisions together. I will bring some proposals and some options and and we'll have a workshop on that. you do do that. If you remember though that if we're going to if we're going to change
website, I mean web servicing company companies that you're going to have to do that through the bid process. >> Yes, ma'am. >> So before we go down that road, >> you probably do an RFQ. Okay.
Next. Next. >> Yeah, I like that one. >> Next. All right, so we're going to move to F. Um, this is something that came up um recently. Uh, we conducted a meeting with the FD on October 2nd um about uh a
long consent order received in September. Um, this stems from two of our monitoring wells having nitrate spikes. This happened last year. Uh, we had a few discussions with the commission about this and original bill was around $15,000. The reporting for the long consent was also very costly, mostly in manh hours
and could last up to a year or more. Um the meeting held on 102 went went uh I thought very well. We made our case for the city. Uh we explained that most of the items in the order had already been fixed, replaced or repaired. Um we also brought to the FDP's attention that we
were under a grant with the plans approved by an engineer and the FDP review um that took place of these monitor trails these monitoring monitoring wells uh which one was actually placed in an abandoned um abandoned property next to a septic
field. Um uh they have uh they have reduced our fee. Um it will not be any more than $10,000. It could be less by the time we get it. Um we also have options for the response which we still have to do. Um
they are proposing to do a short form which will be a lot less reporting. Um we can pay the fee and be done. Uh we can propose an inind project at one and a half times the the actual fee that um that comes down. Um, and that would
enhance our, you know, that project would have to enhance our treatment facility, but it can't be directly fixing what the problem is actually uh is. So either way, they've agreed to resend a long order that will be provided and that was provided and and give us that short consent order in lie
of it. I haven't received it yet, but I have had some emails back and forth with FDP waiting for that. Um, so I just wanted to update you. >> What do you need from us? Is this just an update? >> This is just an update on business. Yes, ma'am. this um the ININ project. What would that entail? And
>> literally the ININ project is a project that's one and a half times the cost. It could be new LED lights. It can't be associated with the violation that that was the nitrates. So the wells >> we can't replace the well that counts towards the >> correct I was in discussion with the
FTP. We can pay the flat fee at 10 or pay 15,000. Does it make a lot of sense to spend a bunch of money if you know if we're not getting something really for it? I I personally think and I have to talk to her and find out if we can do
this as one of the options is possibly modifying our current permit. If we modify our current permit to cap one of those wells and move the monitoring to another well that we know is perfectly fine and they approve it because they know that they had told us to put it in a bad spot to begin with, then problem
goes away and and we may be able to get out of this without really having to expend anything >> because we have five five wells. our compliance wells in two or >> correct and it may be where they'll allow us to put
>> another well in uh in lie of so and we modify our permit or we pay the money and we we change our permit when we when we reapply which has to happen anyway. >> How much is it one of those well? I'd have to get the cost on that, but you're talking a a regular two or three inch
well, you know, maybe $6,000 to $10,000. They're not very deep. They're very shallow. 50 to 60 ft. >> So regardless, we're probably going to have to pay. >> There's going to be something, >> right? But if we I'd rather I mean, paying a fine is that's just wasted money. Mhm.
>> But if we do an entire project that upgrades something that we're getting a benefit from and that the citizens are getting a benefit from, then that's not wasted money. That's an investment in the future. >> Correct. >> So I I would rather my personal feeling is I'd rather not just pay a $10,000
fine to the FD and say, "Here you go, guys." >> Yes. >> But you still have to then put in a new well somewhere or fix the well that's broken. Otherwise, you're going to get again >> you modify the permit so you you you
>> modify the permit so we can have more nitrite. >> No, modify the permit not to have that well as being the monitoring. But I tell you this, that the $15,000, if y'all remember, we did set aside this year. So, it is in our budget. It's not an emergency spend. We We knew this was
happening. >> We set aside 15 uh >> I believe it was 15. >> Yeah, 15,000. And it could be a little bit more, but I'm pretty sure it was 15,000. Um >> 15,000 finance director says
>> 15,000. So we were just looking 15,000. >> Okay. >> Commissioner, did you have something? I thought you >> um that answered my question where the money would come from, but I just wanted to echo Commissioner Lori. I mean
certainly it seems like very not beneficial to the city justifying that you know do something that leaves us better off than we were before all this. >> So you're going to bring this back to us once I get the short order from her. I
will bring the options and the cost. Yes. >> Okay. Let's move on. >> All right. Moving on to G. Um this came up because of a discussion this week um with the tree and garden board. I just wanted to make sure that we had this discussion and you all sent me in the right direction. Um, our current code is
very vague. Um, and this has to do specific with heritage trees. It's very vague in describing or otherwise specifically naming species of trees that are heritage trees. I think it's important for us um to make sure that we specify what types of trees can be considered in the in in the definition
portion of our code. Um, we should also consider language that pertains to invasive trees. Uh we currently have some invasive trees um in rideaways that are damaging to our roads and curbs, asphalt and sidewalks. Um we need to make sure these trees aren't permitted
in the rightway for the future and I think language should be put in there for that specifically. Um these types of trees have super large root systems that interfere with the infrastructure and can be very costly um in the long run. >> Mayor, could I just respond to
technicality here? Um, I don't I don't think our code is vague in describing heritage trees. It sets a size. What that means is, and this is I was there when the tree and garden board brought it up and I've thought about it for a
long time and it's been discussed in the past, a heritage tree is described as 30 in at 4 and 1/2 ft off the ground. So, what that means is that about the only
tree that you can um that will be designated a heritage tree is going to be an oak tree because they're about the only ones that grow that big. What that means is it's not that it's big and I don't think that's what the tree and garden board was saying. Um, if you want
to protect other trees in your hardwood hammock that are very valuable, beneficial trees like a magnolia tree or a pine tree or other trees um other cities um do it a little differently. Um
you can have um a different size for a different tree, a different um variety of tree so that you protect large trees, beneficial trees of different varieties. I think that's what they're talking
about. For example, if you wanted to protect a pine tree, um you would never find a pine tree that would be 30 DBH that 4 and 1/2 ft above the ground. Really nice, right? Or probably even a seed a cedar tree. We
>> So, so the idea is to have a little more variety um in the trees that you're protecting as heritage trees. And I think Miss Bowererman suggested um that you get some data um from other cities or a um
I don't know a horiculturalist or an arborist to figure out um what would be the what would be the um the different kinds of trees that you want to include in protection and then what the size should be what what's what is a large
mature pine tree that provides a lot of benefits. And then the invasive issue is separate. >> Yes, it is. >> Right. And I just wanted to bring to your attention and this is very important. Um you're noticing the large
camp for trees. Um I brought this to the attention of the tree and garden board in the city right away and I can tell you two specific locations. There are some small very immature hamper trees that
would not be expensive to remove. they're right at the curbs or the sidewalk. It would be very beneficial and not very expensive for the city staff um to, you know, start chopping those small ones
down. >> Oh my gosh. Did you hear that? >> I heard it. >> Did you hear that? >> Okay. Well, I'm saying if you want to cut a problem off before it starts, and I can tell you there's um there's one like that at Memphis Park, it's actually
several small um it's like kind of like a cherry wall, right? >> And there's several small ones together. And if you just leave it there and keep just trimming branches back from the roadway, >> that's going to become, you know, it's like those palm trees when they start.
Um, and there's another one over where um across from the school and the Presbyterian church on South Prospect Street, the staff was actually trimming like a shrub. Okay, >> that needs to be eliminated. But, um, we
actually the tree and garden ward or anybody could identify some of the small ones that need to be nipped in the back. >> Did you say eliminate? You want to eliminate a tree? a small invasive invasive and we have some big invasive
trees too. >> But to you need to nip it in the bud and that would be something very beneficial that we could do just like you take out cherry laurels if they're coming up in the middle of your garden or your rose garden or whatever these could be dealt
with. So just wanted to share that >> and and my one comment is that as we all remember rewriting our land development code for those two years and in that it has a list of the protected trees and what can be heritage trees and also all of the invasive species. >> Right.
>> So that you might just need to refer to that and integrate it into our our code of ordinances. I don't know if maybe our our attorney could could comment on what is the difference between our code of ordinances and the land development code
and as far as the you know the applicability like is there is one stronger than the other? >> They're both ordinances. >> Okay. >> And they shouldn't be inconsistent. >> No, they should be the same. >> Well, that's the thing. We when we rewrote and adopted the land development
code, we had changed some stuff and actually has much more stringent penalties. our our co our code ordinances and our tree ordinance does not have any penalties for you cutting down a tree or a hamster tree whereas our new high development code does quite quite expensive penalties and so um that
means I guess there's some different definitions in there but they don't really conflict with each other just the land development code is much more um specific and has a list of species and stuff like that Markat w bro w bro w bro w bro w bro w bro w bro w bro w bro w bro w bro w bro w bro w bro w bro w bro w bro w bro w bro w broke that but we just need to I guess them
>> most of your ordinances are trying to hopefully state that that to the extent that there's not a conflict with other ordinances, you know, all other ordinances would would remain in full force of effect. That one may not but uh yeah if there's not a conflict then you
and them together and uh and and you know work with them on that basis. If >> I could just say one thing is my understanding when the companies were brought to the code board for trimming a tree without a permit that that was in
section 26 of our code ordinances and our code officer and the special magistrate found a penalty for it. Okay, >> that was my understanding. I wonder I wondered about that at the time, but they I believe they found violation of chapter 26, which is not the land
development code, >> right? >> And that there is >> there are penalties in the land development code, >> but they they found the penalties, correct? >> I know. Okay. So that that was >> talking about penalties as well. We
received the $5,000 check from the Indiana company either yesterday or today and we we received the actual check. >> Wow. >> And is that going into a tree protection fund by trees or are we doing something special? >> We had that we put that in the budget I think. Didn't we include that in the
budget? >> That 5,000. No, that was the tree right here. So wherever you all would like to use it and put it, we will we will we will do that. What? I figured it could go towards other issues with trees. I mean, we've
always been looking for money to deal with trees, right? It seemed to make sense to me that a penalty for cutting down the tree needs to go towards training other trees. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. I Okay. So again going back to the invasive and going back to the
discussion it that is the problem that I saw when the when the tree um when we had the meeting this week u with the tree board tree garden board there was a difference uh in in those ordinances and I want to find out how we can marry those up make sure
that we have that make sure we specify that we can't put uh invasive trees in the rightway that's important that's important for future it's important to be real clear and have stated. The other thing is I think it's really important and again I understand Commissioner
Devito what you're saying about um the ordinance covering the the the size of the trees but taking the list of trees that were you know specified as heritage I think needs to be put in the code just specify it straight out instead of the size. >> I don't think there's a list of trees
that are specified as heritage. It's the size. >> Right. No, I No, I that's your you're exactly right. I'm saying in in the other ordinance they specify actual trees. And then the other thing that we we were lacking is specifying what trees are are trash trees, you know, like a camper.
>> And even though and and even though the campers are they're they're pretty and they have a nice canopy and they give you shade, they're still they're wreak havoc under the ground and and and they shouldn't be in the right away. >> They're the very first on the list.
>> Yeah. Okay. >> Okay. >> So, and I think that's something too with Mun Code. You need to check with Municode and see what's lacking because there's times which we've looked at the things. >> Yeah. Code is not on code. >> Yes. It needs to be it needs to be on
Municode. So, you need to really get with Municode and find out what >> Well, there will be a cost for that, right? That's the reason we have we have >> so that we have everything on there. So
it makes it easy for the residents and anybody else looking at >> agree right now our land development code is split up into 10 different PDFs on the website and it's very combined it today myself but yeah we need to have
it under code because it should be searchable. So, mayor, what I'm asking is did our contract with code not include >> I've got a note. I'm gonna get all the information. >> Yeah, there is something that you can I mean that they const it's an update as part of our service that we have in the
land development code is large. >> They just went up on their fee. I believe it's a new flat fee for it because they used to do it per time that you you did it, but now it's a flat fee per year. and and they'll update and reconify every year and add all the new ordinances. And so we're getting to that
point where it's almost time to get all the new ordinances. >> Yes. >> Because we had not approved the development code at the time we uh that we approved the union code and all of our updated. Okay. >> Last line of business, New Moon Lodge. This is something that we've been
talking about and working towards. And for um I attached in your package the grant agreement for your review. I wanted you all to just take a look at that scope of work. I'm ready to sign that. Um Steve Krisco with the state. Um he he needed a signature. Of course,
this is he wanted me to review the the language that was in the grant. I just double checked to make sure it was what was already previously provided um prior to my arrival. I didn't change anything in there. >> I thought one time, didn't we didn't we do all this architectural work?
>> No, we did. That that was the preliminary historical research and then the schematic to do the construction documents which is the next phase. That's what this grant is for. >> That's what this because that what they did was just a proposed kind of um
>> with the building. >> So it will actually give us construction documents that we can take to a contractor to do the work. >> Okay. So I just wanted to make you aware that we are at that stage now ready to sign ready to move this process forward to to to start that engineering design phase project
because they're RG is the they're our ongoing where the continuum services contracted them for for this work. Okay. >> So you just need to come in but and I noticed that I mean $50,000 is the grant. We put aside $10,000 because they
first given us a a quot of 60,000. >> Correct. >> Okay. Okay. So, I just want to make sure that that didn't need to be in here. Um, but we have that $10,000 set aside in better place to to go get this $50,000. We do. Okay. Yes. >> I noticed in here that Michael >> Brillhard
still his name is still on there. So, you might need to look into that. The other thing is there has to be I believe there has to be a letter. My concern is that this shows um seven of 25 that was kind of their their start date. The
agreement shall begin on 7125. It ends 6:3026. Yes. >> Um so please check into that >> the dates. >> Yeah. And then also you need to a copy of the grantees Florida substitute form W9 must be submitted to the division. So make sure
you've got that. Additionally, um I believe if because of us being ruled meeting that requirement that you have to submit a letter with this and I did not see a letter in here asking to be released of a matching
>> and it says in order not to be matching, >> right, you have to make a statement. >> You have to make a statement and I did not see where that statement was. The first project progress report is due October 31st for the period ending September 30th. So that would put us
that we have that that would be you have that due. So you need to check on that. >> Yes. And that's been on my agenda. I have a call in to Steve um on that particular matter. >> Okay. And that 13 is that matching funds. That should help you with um what what they're requiring if we don't do
that. Okay. That's really good news. I'm glad we got the money. I'm repeating this. >> Well, next step further, >> right? It's important. Um, mayor, if I could. >> Yes. >> Um, the mayor has highlighted, I think,
all the eyes that need to be dotted, the te that need to be crossed, especially um the letter as far as our being excused from the match. um the first progress report on August 31st and as well um REG Architects gave us that
price of $60,000. I think it needs to be confirmed ASAP that they are ready and able to do this um by I think I didn't make a note that may just said it's June 30th we have to finish this. So it gives
them less than um 9 months >> I think >> and make sure it's still at that at that at that price at that price because we this needs to as mayor pointed out this needs to kind of go because the the
clock's running that's what you're saying. So, but this is good news and they told us at the time they did um the the conceptual drawings that time was of the essence because the building is not getting any younger and
>> and that's also something that with that building is I've noticed that it has not been being maintained >> and so we really I've got that in my notes that that crew needs to be over there and that needs to be on that regular schedule and keep that maintained. That is that again that's it
really is and that's city property and >> you mean the grass right not the actual building >> no that's not >> um so no the actual the grass so please make sure they put that on the schedule
>> shepherd whoever the name is one our site is the grass is very high that's all I That concludes regular business. >> Okay. So, you're done with the regular business? >> Yes, ma'am. >> So, then we're going to go into your
city manager report. Anything in your city manager report? >> I do want to update you on a couple things. I do put a lot of stuff in here for you all just to know what we've got going on. Um I'm working with Keith right now. He's trying to finalize some information on the roof. We've got that the roof leak over there and the HBAC
needs. I need to meet um >> at at our team. >> Yes. >> Yes. I need to meet with Mr. Kennedy to see what he's got. They had two prices, one for another rooftop unit and one for split unit and I need to get those cost and and we've got to have that
discussion. Um did want to let you know um that we had a really good meeting with FPNL um and DOT. Uh we discussed the lights on 17. I had taken that opportunity at that time to to take the
representatives with me in my my car on 17 to show them specifically our problems with the curb implants um and the exposed rebar. I thought it was a real good time even though those guys have nothing to do with it. Um the guy stated, "I've been working for the DOT for 26 years and I know who to talk to."
Um, just so happened that the next day we had a vehicle um at the station over here run over and pop a tire and the guy is actually an insurance claims adjuster. Real nice. Um, not our fault and we're we're not in trouble for it. That's the DOT and their representative,
but it's still a blight and still a safety issue. Um, company came out um and started working on them. I've seen them out all week. They actually fixed one already which was the worst one and I believe I don't know and I apologize the shop or the street but it's the it's
the garage um >> eucalyptus. >> Okay. Yes. And what they've done is they've taken a very large their approach was a little different. Instead of having just concrete with the rebar they took a L bracket real thick L bracket heavy steel and they have the
rebar tied in behind it. So when you look at it it's really square and uniform. They said a semi-truck could run over and it won't it won't crush again. [Music] >> And it is DOT that they should be, you know, >> that's right. The trucks going up.
>> They assured me that they're doing it in phases, but they're actually going to go through and fix every single one of the actual uh curb inlets that are broke. Um, I also got uh nothing in an email, but I got a verbal from the representative that he knows that they have officially put in a work order to
fix the concrete that's broken in the entire ditch at the St. John's because I took them to go look at that as well. So, um, wanted you to uh to know that that had been done. >> The light should be the light should be
from FPL. The ones on >> they've worked on those. They've been Yes. Yes. >> That means it's not like a cell that's having a problem with working. >> If there's anything particular you want
to do or ask um I wanted to highlight Steve has done a great job working with the auditors, continuing that grind. I believe we only have I think one one item left. >> Yeah, one open it >> one open item left. So, we are getting very close to being done with that. And
that's kudos to Mr. Mr. Steve, our finance director. >> Thank you, Steve. >> Thank you, Steve. That's important. Very important. Um, >> no, I've got a couple of things. Statement revenue and expenditures when
our Greenscape agreements that we've only received, it looks like we've only received 86,000. I mean $8,600 that has to be build I think with that's with um FDOT and I believe you have to bill that. >> Okay. >> Um the clerk and I never clerk it's on
your greenscape agreement. >> Okay. >> But and I think I think the clerk at one point might have done it. I'm not sure why she would have done it because that really should have been either the finance. We've we've found that before um madam clerk where where the previous
clerk had been paying some of those those DOT bills with we we've located that why that was our practice will be where it has to go. >> Please make sure we do that because >> you know that's that's lacking and they won't pay
that until you until you submit that bill. Um, >> wasn't it the same thing with the um the light maintenance or the truck? >> Yes. And we we did we did send that in. Yes. >> Um I got I got a call and I'm not sure I
sent you an email on this from um South the South P I mean the Christian Center Service Center. >> Yes, I did get your email on that. >> And so please look into that because she's asked about that. And it looks like there's only 300 remaining. I don't know if the library
Do you know if the library Miss Anancy if the library received their 300? >> We have not gotten any money from y'all from y'all. >> Yes, >> it was 500 and we haven't gotten it yet. >> Okay. So, I'm so I'm concerned. >> Should I write a letter and request it?
>> Yes. But I think what we did is it was 300 this year. >> Voted. We voted on it. My concern is there's only 300. It says unexpended. >> So, please look into that as to who got it. You expended 600 this last. >> So that was three. It was three people.
>> It was three. It was it was the library, the Christian service center, and the women civic association event. So if um Miss um Nancy is saying that the library
did not receive the funds that I think that would be the first one to look >> out. >> And then we've also got and I'm and maybe this was part of the advertising but travel and pdeium. I guess that must
have been for the manager advertising. Is that correct that it went that we spent the 10,000 when we were traveling? Okay. >> Yep. Yep. It's under city hall. Um I think that might be that might be it.
The other thing um is I know the painting it's in our better place. That should have please make sure that it was done that it was placed in better place and not in the general fund. And then in our taxes in our um ad in
our if you look over here for um where is it? Oh, here it is on our um local 6 cent gas tax. We are way down on we are way down on that one from what we budgeted for. And
that's also on the um on both of those. The new local. So, if you look into those and just see what's going on, what's going on with that? >> We do. We have another month, but when you look at what's come in, it still doesn't look like it's going to that
it's going to match up with that. >> Um, okay. I mean, from from your from yours, that's that's what that's what I've got. I know you talked about from this legislative delegation and you got to submit that this month.
>> Yes. >> Um so >> update you on that. >> We the commission when we did our presentation um it was on of course Cherry Street and it was the um the phase two the phase two of the Lake
Argenta. Um as we go forward with this do we want to add a storm water study to that? um to try to see if that's something that we could do. Someone else told me that their that community had received a storm water to do a storm water study. I
don't know that we would get it or not, but I think it's vital to the to to where we are um and what's going on right now with our storm water. >> We have a storm water plant. Yes. >> If I may, so I spoke with John Petravich today. Um he's the project and funding
specialist for CPH. Um last year of course he had uh sent over what had been done the construction for Lake Argenta. Uh we only received 700 out of the 1.4. Um the design and construction for Lake Street and South Water Tower um main
improvements that was not funded. Um their suggestion was to request the remainder of Lake Argenta um and to resubmit the Lake Street South Tower uh Main Street and then they were also feeling that right now it's been hot to try for wastewater and and uh water
treatment facility improvement needs and they had some projects that they could give us. Um, at the same time, I went ahead and told him about um our discussion at the at that meeting that we had that we would like to find out how much it would cost and how long it would take, but have a package put
together for an overall city master plan for our our storm water. He felt that yeah, the legislature sometimes doesn't go through that, but that there is a a a big need here because we have certain people that have some major drainage issues at the bottom of Lake Street specifically. um and that he could put
that in. The other one that I told him that the city was um thinking about to that we would like to add um to that would be the Cherry Street and the environmental impacts um or reduction that that would do for phosphorus and our water and groundwater. He thought that those were two great projects to
add and he said ask for it all. Ask for everything you can get. >> Well, I don't >> but >> I don't know how the commission feels about that. I think also you should be talking to St. John I mean to water management district St. John's water management district and and see if
there's something in there al possibly too for storm water. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> So um I believe when we were at the delegation meeting our delegation members said that there would be less
money year after year and before we decide what to put in for they have to sponsor it. >> Yeah. they have to. >> So we I think the a very important thing is we know what we presented to them.
>> Um I think you know you you can't just um you know inundate them. They have to be willing to sponsor it. So to me that is a very important factor finding not just what Midtower says but what are >> what they're willing what is
Representative Sap or Senator Leak willing to accept. thinking about the needs and and um and the future. Uh and I was in my conversation with John Pedrovich. He explained to me that uh in the spring or summer there is another grant that will open up that is has
billions of dollars that is specialized for u things such as storm water and drainage that we can we can go after as well that >> does that thing legislative preparation there's still grant processes that we're saying
that we are going through. Um, so we want to make sure that we do both. >> Um, because if we don't get the legislative appropriation, we go through the competitive grant process. Um, which is really in some people's minds the right way to do it.
>> You're doing legislative probation trying to do an end run around the D and the other, you know, the other executive agencies. >> Right. If I can follow up what Commissioner on what Commissioner is saying, it's key to check with the
legislative offices because some of them want you to go first through the competitive grant process and that is entirely up to them. >> They want sometimes they will ask >> and to your point which is well taken. >> Yes. They'll usually tell you what it
appears that is is is a favorite subject in a given year. >> Yes. >> And you know, more recently it was elimination of septic takes. It was So they'll they'll usually tell you, look, this is a favorite subject this year. If
you got any any needs of this category, this is probably the year to to to ask for them. I'm not a big fan of just asking for everything because usually what that means is you get nothing. So, I mean, I think it is really key to get
with your legislative staff, start with the aids and and the administrative assistants and ask them what what it looks like, but because their respective legislator is telling enough folks so that those aids know
what usually is is a favorite subject and they'll they'll tell you. And I agree with what's being said. It's really important to to do that homework up front, you know, and and instead of just telling them what you want, >> ask them what you got a good chance of getting. And that's just fact of life.
>> It goes under their name. They're sponsoring it. And if they're not willing to go to math for you >> or push it. I mean, they may say, "Okay, yeah, we'll do it. A million dollars for a >> shiny red truck. Cool." But that may be the last you hear of, >> right?
>> So, I mean, say, work with them. And the senator, I mean, he was very clear about that that you had better have done your homework. >> Yes. And he was and he was that way last year. Um, we just have to somehow or another figure out with this storm water because we're going to have to
eventually do something with >> storm water. I mean, I I know there was >> projects funded last year in the legislature from for storm water and just I I think like Mr. homestead you might want to reach out to their staff
and see if storm water is still something that is favored or is a >> in my conversation with Mr. country. It's his thing. Uh he he believes that it is. They had contact I guess through their office that it's it's a cost thing
too. They said that there's a a punch number of of cost per project that they're really looking for. He said the sweet the sweet number is between a million to two million or you know a million and a half he said to to two and a half million something like that on projects. >> Well right now where we were we had one
at 500 I believe and one at 700,000. We were very conservative and I think that's that's where I mean we have to look at what we also got last year and what they sponsored last year and we can't be I mean you know we can't be greedy right >> um and if there's another avenue for us
to go through that's why I said you need to >> speak to the water management district and see what they can do because that water flowing right out into Lake so >> and that's one of those things that CPH is really good I mean midtower now CPH is really great at that's CPH bought
them to Tower was because of their you their expertise. They're great in the industry as far as finding your your needs and helping you apply for grants to get them. It's not something that most engineering firms do and we're really lucky that we've been very lucky with them
>> and you have a long history with them. So, they know they know the needs. >> Yes, they do. >> Um, code enforcement. When you go to code enforcement, we've asked Pam in the past, please, she puts in there chapter 10, section 1021, um,
>> and so if she could just say what it is. Yeah. Okay. >> Just say what it is. We've talked to her about that in the past. Um, where are you on the FPL? Where are we on that um that easement purchase? >> Um, we're we're still waiting to hear back from them uh with the language.
>> Okay. So, they haven't >> Not yet. No, ma'am. Okay. Okay. Anybody have anything else of of um Mr. Martin? I do. A couple of things. Um
so, so on the item for the water main project in the city manager's report, it says you are getting ready to put that out to bid for the water main project. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. So just making very sure um I
asked about this in previous meeting and I was told that the same tree protection addendum that went into the um bid documents for the parts that it completed is going to go out with bid
documents for North Main Street. And I just want to make sure that that happens. I'm making a note of it because that's it's the same issue. There are the same types and size of
trees that need those tree protections. And um if you can't find the document, Mr. R sent it to me. So I just want to make sure that happens. And then um are we where are we on this might be a
commission issue planning for the successor for the gas department leadership. Mr. >> We're going to have a I think we have to have a we have to have we have to have a workshop of that and Katie's looking at some times when she can
>> when she can do it. I know that he's got >> um he's tied up. She's tied up. So, it's probably going to be the first part of November, but we're going to have to have a very um Yeah, we're gonna have to have some hard discussions about our gas department. >> We are working on getting those
schedules aligned so we can have that meeting. >> Yes, because we're going to have to have some hard discussions on our gas department. >> Okay. Okay. What else you got? Um, are we doing anything to um acknowledge
Ryan Grant when he takes office? My understanding is that's in the report is the 24th or the end of the month. The 24th of 20 I'm sorry. We were talking about >> business. Your business.
>> We figured that. Did you figure it all out? >> Well, >> we've been working on a safety plan. >> Well, that was my next question. >> And so, we have Dawn here. I was trying to figure out how we need to coordinate
that effort to to go through that plan. >> So, um, of course, the key on a security plan is that you don't want to make it public. >> Exactly. >> Um, the the um legislature has not given cart
blanch to municipalities to have a closed meeting to discuss security. They have made an exception to the closed to the open meeting rule and to the public record rule for you to
discuss a security plan. It may sound semantics like semantics and I guess to an extent it is but the way the case law is is worded is that if for instance the city manager
uh brings a written plan for your consideration that portion of the meeting at which the plan is discussed is closed to the public. You still have to make so you can discuss it closed to the public.
Pretty clear. You still have to have it recorded, right? >> And you still have to make uh a transcript of the meeting, but that is not a public record. That's a sealed record. >> So, the paperwork itself, >> I'm sorry. >> And the paperwork itself would not be public.
>> Correct. Paperwork itself would not be public. >> So, you can do it either at a regular meeting and you can close a portion of it, but of course that involves some >> inconvenience. That would be >> or you can do a special meeting and but but you and it's you know it does sound
a little bit stilted but it seems like you ought to be able to just have a closed meeting to discuss security and come up with your plan but you can't >> because the key is you're discussing a document and both the document and discussion concerning the document are exemplary the public record law and the
other meeting law. So you can he can bring a plan, you can modify it at the meeting >> and come up with a plan that you want and as long as we're discussing a plan is closed. >> The meeting's closed and and it's closed not for any nefarious purpose, but you
just don't want everybody to know what your plan is. >> Yeah, I I have a preliminary plan. Uh Major and I have looked at said plan. Um, and I'm going to be forwarding over the final plan over to his office for
him to write it by his uh his safety crews. And then I'll be bringing something to you all. We can discuss that. >> Okay? Because we we talked about this a month ago, over a month ago, and we've met several times. And every time somebody walks in that door,
>> you know, it's a it's a concern. It's a concern that we have. And with everything going on right now, um, you know, that's something that I thought maybe had already gone over to Captain US, our major user. And so, please, please get on that so that we have it.
My next question to Don is, Don, I think it's important that he not email that out to us. Is that >> exactly? I mean, I know that's what And I' I've had that conversation. Please do not email that. He needs to bring a written document >> with with you
>> to a meeting >> that meeting. So, and that commissioner that means there's been no questions and he'll go through it at that meeting with us. >> Um, so >> and then once it's done, it's it's for us to know and and we'll keep that to ourselves. Correct.
>> Correct. Okay. So, yeah, please do please do get on that >> once we know Derrick will have to kill us at >> Okay. Commissioner Dita, did you have anything else? Is that it? No, >> I have probably shortened me.
>> Um I have um Don, do you have anything that you need? >> Do you have anything that you need to report on? >> No. Uh if you want to report on the investigation, which is Derek indicated you, Mike. Uh all I have to report is that the attorney who you hired to do
the investigation has been in touch with or maybe I should say it in the reverse way, Mr. Devito's attorney has Mr. Devito's attorney has been in touch with the attorney who's doing the investigation. The last email I had from the investigator is that there was
discussion about uh how or whether Mr. Veto's statement would be provided and um and as of the last time I spoke with the investigator that had not been decided. So that's that's what I have.
>> Um do we have any questions of Don? anything done? >> Okay. So, let me make this clear for the record if I may, Mayor. Uh, Commissioner Devito has retained counsel. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Thank you. First of my knowledge. >> Um, two things. >> That's what I've been advised. I've not been contacted directly by any attorney, but the investigator advised me that yes, council had been retained and had contacted the investigator.
>> Thank you. >> Um, two things that um I think I I just really fast and then we need to we need to leave. Y'all might y'all didn't want to Thomas, Alex, you might want to go ahead and call just so that um but the
county um put in place impact fees as of September 5th. >> And um those impact fees are going to impact us. And unfortunately, they did not realize that until after they put those impact fees in place that because
we don't have impact fees in place that those impact fees are going to are going to um affect us. I reached out to Commissioner Nubold and said, "How'd this happen without the municipalities input?" Because we were none of us were
ever notified. Uh we weren't notified. none of the municipalities that and I met with the mayors on Tuesday and none of the municipalities were notified of this and so they're all trying to figure it out. So I think that's something that um I think we need to direct Mr. Martin
to please work very closely with Mr. Suggs. Julianne um is the one I guess is the guru. Deian Young is the guru on that and find out how that's going to impact our residents here in town because we need to make sure that
they're made aware of it. And and they said to me, the comment came back, we'll have you, but we all know that to do an impact study, it's going to cost us a significant, you know, amount of money. So,
we just have to find out what those impacts are going to be, how much they're going to be. Um, but those did go into effect on September 5th. Um, the other thing is Commissioner Devito, you had asked the chamber if they would be willing to host a um a public
>> that was suggested. They said no. >> Oh, they will not host. >> They said no. They said that they felt like it was um creating an unrealistic expectation for the public and giving false hopes because quite honestly they
don't know that um that that's going to change that's going to do anything to change um to change their mind. They talked about business retention grants and I said I don't see how that would apply in this case because we're dealing with you know all these going to do with
conversion and but possibly if when Dixie wanted to come back in Southeastern Grocerers that there could be new business tax incentives by both the county and and the city. But she said it in a very nice way, but she said, "I just want to share
that with you that um she she really felt like there was some unrealistic expectations." And I said, "I understand." And and I will share that with the commission. >> And um it it it is, but I understand where
she's coming from. Also, please remember that Northeast, we have our our meeting um next Thursday. If you need reservations, please make those. Is there anything else? Huh? >> So, back to what the chamber told you.
It's on our point as to our desire to retain the full service um grocery store. This was several months ago. Um, and she expressed a willingness if we had a woman
to have someone go with us and she told me then I think I shared that with you about the idea of business retention grants that that was something that we could offer. But when she talked to me, she strongly recommended really trying
the one-on-one meeting with Southeastern because they have to >> I'm ask they know they we would like that. >> So, and she suggested that we have a discussion and we get a game plan together about what do we feel we
can offer them even if it's intangible. And of course the business I don't know anything about county retention. So it would be nice if she could flush that out. >> Well that really okay and and like she said and that's with adorum that's using adalor dollars that we would weigh some
adorum in the county could possibly but that's I said there I said don't see how that's going to help us because that's all the owned Windixie. So alli owns Wind Dixie and so they're doing the conversion. If Windixie decides to come back in and build rebuild somewhere
else, then that's where you would have the new business tax incentive. She is excited. I guess there's a big um 6,000 home development that's going in over in Flagst County and thinks that that will tremendously benefit us.
Um but um and and so but retail strategies bless you. So, retail strategies, okay, >> um is going to be hosting and I think that's something too that would be advantageous to any of us is when you go
to she's asking them to do um something that basically talks about because a lot of people don't understand unless you're in that industry what it requires the rooftops, how close to other facilities and so retail strategies is going to do.
She's hoping that they'll do a presentation on that. a presentation to who? >> To um I don't to I guess whoever shows up for it. >> Oh, and that was one question I had. We >> um asked we authorized retail strategies
to apply for the grant, but apparently we didn't get it. >> That's not the case at all. We're still we're still waiting. I actually reached out to um Retail Strategies this week and talked to her. um she's checked the Florida Commerce site and said for us to do the same, but she has not heard
anything yet. It has not been awarded um to anybody. She said it has just hasn't been awarded. >> Okay. Because when she brought that grant to us, she indicated she thought it would be a very quick turnaround. That's why I was >> not optimistic. So that's good news.
It's still happening. >> Okay. >> Do we have anything else? If not, >> I move. >> I second it. >> Okay. We have a proper motion and a second. All in favor, please say I. I. >> Oppos? Nay. >> Okay, this meeting is adjourned. Thank
you all. >> You do get an email to look at email. on. I sorted it over to