him. The date is June 11th, 2026. This is our regularly scheduled city commission meeting along with our CRA meeting. And with that, I'm going to ask that um Commissioner, if you would please lead us in our invitation.
Welcome everyone and please stand if you're >> able. Let's bow our heads. >> Dear heavenly father, once again we want to thank you for arising on this morning. We thank you for this brand new day that you have created. We give you honor and praise. We ask that you look
upon us this evening. Help us to do those things that would be pleasing in your sight. We ask that you bless each and everyone that is present on this evening. Help us dear Lord to be honest and sincere. Do those things that will please you. We ask you to be with us this afternoon and help Lord bless our
country. Bless our city and our state. Have mercy upon all of us. Oh God, give us grace and mercy. We thank you for you giving us life, heaven, and strength on today. And we do honor you. All these blessings we do ask in thy son Jesus name. Amen.
>> The pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
>> Thank you everyone. Madam clerk, if you would please do a roll call for us to make sure that we have vice major vice mayor Jayori >> present. Commissioner Lisa Kito Commissioner Linda Moore >> here.
>> Commissioner Cynthia Burton >> here. >> City Manager Derek Martin >> here. >> Assistant City Manager and CRA Manager Bonnie Buff >> here. >> City Attorney Don Holmes >> here.
>> Uh Putham County Sheriff's Office Major David Usery >> here. >> Um Crescent City Fire Department. Hello bird department. >> Okay. >> Finance director Steve Compton >> here.
>> Code enforcement officer Pam Taylor >> here. >> All right. And Mayor Michelle Myers. >> I'm present. Thank you very much. >> And we have a quorum. >> Thank you. Thank you. With that, I'm going to go into our announcements.
Um, and but before I go into our announcements, commission, um, I I aired and I asked that your forgiveness and you help me out with this a little bit. Um, and his forgiveness also, Mr. Ian K, um, King came with Firewatch and he's
going to, um, if you will allow on the agenda, he'd like to give a few minutes of a presentation of Firewatch and what it does. He came and met with me several weeks ago and I meant to add him to the agenda and um I did not but but he
remembered so he drove in today. So if everyone is okay I would like to do it after our proclamations if everyone is okay with me adjusting the agenda. So >> sure can be you know reasonable amount of time. >> He's just a few minutes correservo.
Thank you. Okay. And so with that I'm going to go through our announcements. We've got a busy month coming up. Um let's start off with Saturday. So this Saturday, Simon's House. Um they've been here several
times before. They do an outstanding food distribution right over here in Market Square. They will be here from 12 to 2 set up. They'll have signs, but they have everyone get in in their cars and they as you go through they load the
cars down. um he and his wife um have always done just a marvelous job. He has a huge team that works with him. They're out of more the St. John's Hastings area, but they've been very concerned um about what's going on here. You know,
we've had some several people that have um because of the loss that we recently had of of our food, one of our food um distributions. And so anyway, they will be here. Please make sure if you if you're in need, stop in from 12 to 2. If
you know someone in need, please make sure that they stop in. Okay. We've got um How Memorial the United Methodist Church. They're doing flag day and flea market and yard sale Friday and Saturday, rain or shine. Um that is from
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They've got multiple vendors. Food is available in Fellowship Hall. They're having breakfast from 8 to 11:00 and lunch from 11 to 2. So, make sure you stop in there. And then that evening, we've got
um Ernie Evans with is bringing to us Atlantic City Boys gates open at 400 p.m. They'll be performing in um Eva Lion Park. Bring your chairs. I know they've said that they're going to have some food vendors that will be there. It
should be a great night with some great entertainment. um he always does a great show. I don't know how many of you have ever um gone up to Road Havers when he does that one in Road Havers. So anyway, they're doing
that. And then we've got to you um Junth, which is next Friday, and this is Angel Duke is helping put this on. It's the Crescent City's 14th annual Junth Festival. >> Give peace a chance, a celebration of
peace. She spoke to us at the last commission meeting about this. It's going to be from 10:00 a.m. to 6 pm in Evil Lion Park. She said they'll have authentic southern food, delicious desserts, jazz and gospel, African drummers and dancers. Um, and featuring
our own, she said day three, Katie Hamilton, and collective entertainment. So, please, if you're available next Friday, stop in for this great um for this great performance. And then at the end of the month on the 27th, I believe
it begins at 2:00 um at least the street party does, we have our big red, white, and moon. Crescent City is known for their fabulous fireworks thanks to the yacht club um and the hard work that they put in in raising the funds so that everyone
in the community, not just Crescent City, but through the surround the surrounding areas can enjoy fireworks on Crescent Lake. Those will be of course at dusk. But in the meantime, our downtown Crescent City downtown partnership is doing the street party
and it's my understanding they have a really big street party planned this year and we're really excited about that. And it does start Rachel, is that correct? At 2 o'clock. >> Oh, it's starting at 5. Okay. So, the vendors are open at 5.
>> Okay. So, the vendors will be open at 5. There will be food um and there will be plenty of shopping and of course um just enjoying everyone. And I think with that I know the women's club did they have um
they're having bingo >> bunko >> and and bunko correct >> last weekend. >> It was last weekend. Okay. So they have their usual scheduled bingo which is the third Friday of the month and Bunkco is
the third Wednesday. Correct. Okay. Uh bingo I know doors open at 5. Bingo. Be ready and in your seat at 5:45. They take it serious and they're ready to go. So with that, does anybody else have any other presentations or I mean announcements? Yes, ma'am. Um, I just
wanted to mention one thing that has um a sad thing. Um, but um, many people remember Mr. Ralph Smith, an older gentleman who lived in Crescent City who was frequently seen riding on his three-wheeler. He apparently has passed
away. And um, I looked it up just to verify it. Johnson Overur Funeral Home is handling the arrangements tomorrow. Right. There's a service for him. I believe um you can look it up on the over turf website just to get it right if you want to go. I
believe the service is at 10. Yes, >> that's on Cypress Avenue across from Eland Park. And then um the graveside is immediately follow. >> Thank you for bringing that target. It is at 10 o'clock tomorrow over here at
Overturf. And um the over turf website has you know the memorial book if anyone wants to leave a comment for the family. Uh some people are doing that. We will miss seeing him out and about in the community. We absolutely will and our thoughts and prayers go out to his
family. Okay. Do we have anything anybody else has anything else? Okay. With that I'm going to um open this up for public comment. So, this is your opportunity. If you would please come forward, state
your name and your address if you will. Okay, we have no public comment. With that, I'm going to close public comment. Thank you. And we're going to go into our presentations. Um, I want to start with we've got a proclamation 20264.
Uh, Commissioner Devino, I believe you asked for us to bring this forward. Is there is there a a a for this? I mean, is it national is it national postal service or did you just want to recognize Greg and the crew or actually all of them?
>> Yes, I have inquired for a long time. Um they were difficult to pin down. >> Yes. >> Um mainly I wanted our local office employees. You know, there's so much going on right now with different government offices. Things are changing.
people are getting older. Um, who knows? But they have done a wonderful job for us. The postal service itself, I believe, had its 250th last year. Um, but this just been on my mind a long time. And, um, they didn't give me a firm answer about whether anyone could
come here to receive it. So, um, my thought is hopefully we can make copies and take them to Absolutely. >> Absolutely. We'll give them the official one and they can have that. They'll have their official one. So, I'm going to go ahead and read this. So, it's the city of Crescent City, Florida, proclamation
number 2026-04, proclamation in honor of the United States Postal Service in Crescent City, Florida. And whereas the United States Postal Service traces its origins to July 25th, 1775 when the Second Continental Congre
Congress established a postal system and appointed Benjamin Franklin as the first postmaster general. And whereas for over 251 years, the United States Postal Service has served as a vital institution of American democracy,
communication, and commerce, binding together communities in times of peace, prosperity, crisis, and war. And whereas the city of Crescent City has been fortunate for many years to have a local office of the United States Postal
Service located in our city providing services within our city and the surrounding communities. And whereas the United States Postal Service in the city of Crescent City is a vital part of our community, providing an exemplary quality of service that is outstanding
among local postal offices known for being able to navigate the most complex rules and regulations and sometimes solving problems that have originated elsewhere. And whereas the employees of the United States Postal Service in the city of Crescent City are known for their
knowledge and expertise, their dedication to providing excellent customer service, their care and concern for the residents of our community, and their consistent, pleasant, and cheerful attitude in accomplishing all phases of their important work. Now therefore, I,
Michelle Meyers, mayor of the city of Crescent City, Florida, along with the city commission, and the residents of Crescent City, on this 11th day of June, 2026, do hereby recognize and honor the United States Postal Service in the city
of Crescent City and its employees for outstanding services to our community. Okay. Thank you very much, Commissioner Dvito. Thank you for bringing that forward. Um, and I um know that all of us, each and every
one of us at daily, except for holidays and week and Sundays, um, come in contact with our postal workers. And here in Crescent City, um, they are they are beyond they
are beyond they go above and beyond and they do an outstanding job. And I love seeing Anna's new new >> her new her new her new truck and she's in air conditioning now. >> My dog doesn't like it. It's too quiet. >> It's too quiet. She speaks up
with that. Um I'm going to go to our next one if everyone is is okay with that. City of Crescent City, Florida, proclamation number 2026-03, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. And whereas on
July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence established the United States of America as a free and independent nation bounded upon the principles of liberty, equality, self-government, and the pursuit of happiness. And whereas the year 2026
marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, a historic milestone commemorating two and a half centuries of American democracy, resilience, innovation, and civic engagement. And whereas the citizens of Crescent City
are proud to join communities across the nation in celebrating this historic semiquincentennial. I got it. and honoring the sacrifices, achievements, and contributions of generations of Americans who have preserved and strengthened our republic.
And whereas the city of Crescent City recognizes the importance of fostering patriotism, civic pride, and community spirit while reflecting upon our nation's history and looking forward to its future. And whereas the annual Red, White, and Boom celebration has become a
cherished community tradition that brings together residents, families, visitors, businesses, and civic organizations in a spirit of unity and patriotism. And the 2026 Red, White, and Boom Celebration will be held Saturday,
June 27th, 2026, and is made possible through the dedication, fundraising efforts, and community support of the Crescent City Yacht Club and the Crescent City Downtown Partnership, whose commitment helps provide a memorable and meaningful celebration for
all. And whereas this event serves as an opportunity for citizens of all ages to honor our nation's heritage, celebrate our freedoms, and strengthen the bonds that unite our community. Now, therefore, I, Michelle Meyers, mayor of the city of Crescent City,
Florida, on behalf of the city commission, and the citizens of Crescent City, do hereby proclaim July 4th, 2026 as America's 250th birthday day in the city of Crescent City, Florida. And we encourage all residents to participate
in the red, white, and blue celebration on June 27th, 2026 to commemorate this 250th anniversary of the United States of America, honor our nation's past, celebrate its present, and inspire future generations to uphold the
enduring ideals of freedom, democracy, and opportunity. >> Thank you. >> Got a big month. And you got the word right. That's great. >> And I got the word right. I know because you know I can really slaughter some words.
>> So we don't vote on these. >> I think we usually we usually do vote on these. So if I can get a motion to accept our >> that we accept both proclamation 20264 and 20265. >> I will second.
>> No, I'm sorry. 263. Sorry. I will I will second that. 04 03. >> Okay. So, we have a proper motion in the second. Do we have any other discussion? >> Okay. All in favor? We'll do a voice uh
vote. Please say I. >> I oppose. Nay. Okay. So, approved. Thank you very much everyone. And at this time, I'm going to ask Ian Keane if you would please come forward with Firewatch and give us your presentation and your handouts. And again, thank you so much
for um forgiving me. >> Thank you so much, Mayor Myers, and thank you to our distinguished commissioners that are in attendance today. My name is Ian Keane. I'm the mythical creature in the room, meaning I am retired US Coast Guard. I chose that
branch because I wanted to give people a second chance at life. I served for 22 years and now I work for the firewatch which is a 501c3 nonprofit that covers the entire state of Florida. I am the community trainer for Putnham County and we are very data
driven. You may find it alarming to hear that in 2024 two veterans took their lives in Putnham County. In 2025, that number escalated to seven, over three times the number. And with that, the University of Kentucky had a study that
came out and said 135 people are affected by a single suicide. So you're talking about 270 people up to almost a thousand people in the community that are affected by the loss of those lives. Firewatch is founded as a 501c3 to be
like CPR, train the community in recognizing warning signs and getting people to the care they need. Our focus is the veteran community. Everything we teach, however, can be used for anyone. So, being able to recognize warning signs of someone that's struggling all
the way through crisis and knowing the resource to get them to help. And one thing I was telling Mayor Myers, I came down here, talked to a couple veterans, they didn't know what help was available to them. So, what I proposed to Mayor
Mayor Meyers was making Crescent City a veteran safe community. And that is the community coming together, different organizations, the leadership, different people and seeing can we get a hundred people in Crescent City to take a free
45minute training to learn military culture and learn suicide prevention. And then with that, we give them all sorts of resources and we keep engaged with them so we can track how successful it's been for them. And then they have
full access to a free database or a free portal where they can take additional trainings depending on their needs. I heard elderly mentioned earlier we have caregiver training in that portal. So I did bring in some of these flyers. I put
them over here next to the major on the table. I'll leave some of my business cards but would definitely love to work with the city of Crescent City. Make you guys the first veteran safe community in Putnham County. and see if we can eradicate those high suicide numbers.
>> Can we have Can you give some of those to us? I mean, do you have some for us? >> Absolutely. >> I didn't want to walk up there. >> I'm trying to whisper because I have one of those voices that projects more than a microphone. So, you project that military training.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, does anybody have any questions? And you said that you would that you would when we talked that you could set up the training here locally, right? >> Yes. If any organization wants to host the training, I will come do the
training, ask answer any questions that they have. They get a wallet card when they complete the training that gives additional resources and I hand one out at the training as well. So everyone will have something when they walk away from the training they can put in their
purse or wallet so they are ready to go from the moment they step out of the the classroom. >> Okay. >> Yes. Commissioner Devita. >> Thank you mayor. Um is your last name King? K I N G or K D E or something else?
>> Ke kind of like peachy Keem only spelled different. >> Got it. Keep people that my name. Okay. So, is your contact information available on the barcode? >> Uh, that will actually take you to our website. >> Okay. >> But I I come prepared that's part of the
Coast Guard in me. >> Okay. >> Always ready. I got a pocket full of business cards. So, I will leave some of those over here as well. >> Yeah, I would appreciate that because I'd like to follow up. Thank you. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Does anybody have any other questions? And I know when he uh when we met, this
is something that um you hear often when someone has is is in distress, I didn't know I didn't know the signs. I didn't know what to look for. And then unfortunately and oftentimes it's too late. And so this is um with us him
reaching out to us. I was just hoping that we could reach out to our churches um to some of our our leaders at the high school also um anybody that might be interested and we have to have 100 people. >> Well that that is my goal for present
city is can we get 100 people >> because I think I saw you guys have around 1,900 total. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Give or take. >> Yeah. But we've got the surrounding area. So we have a larger surrounding area too. So I think if we could if any of us can reach out to our churches,
reach out to the organizations and just talk to them about it and then we'll just organize this um we can work on organizing it with you because I do think it it would be very beneficial in so many ways um both with our veterans
and with our citizens just >> and learning a little bit about their military culture. So you can learn, hey, when you're talking to someone, it's kind of like going to a Gator fan and calling them seinal might not turn out very well. Same thing with veterans. They're very proud about this.
>> Compliment. >> Depends on who you talk to. >> Just kidding. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I have a question. Um, I would like to present this to my sorority. I have several um sorority
sisters who are militant. They're veterans >> and I would like would it be okay to I mean they're in this county we um couldn't count but out of so it be okay that would be among your 50 whatever you think. >> Absolutely.
>> Okay. Because there's quite a few young ladies that I know of. They're veterans. They were over 25 years or more. That's um in the military. So I'm going to present it. We have a meeting tomorrow. So I'm going to go ahead and present this to him. >> Thank you so much.
>> And see if they want to partnership with partnership or whatever with you all and you'll be hearing from us. We'll call we >> thank you. >> I will leave a bunch of business cards. >> Thank you. >> Did you have I was just going to ask far
as having a a place to do this. You just need a room that has chairs in it to be able to meet and and talk to us. >> I prefer a screen I can plug an HDMI port into, but if not, I have a projector in my car. >> So, sponsor one here.
>> He's ready to >> And I don't think I need a microphone, but I will let you be the judge of that. >> Not at all. >> But I mean, we could we could schedule one and have one here. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And I think I I would definitely be in favor of that. So, >> just when we met and he shared that with
me, I just thought that that was very important that we, you know, he brings this to everyone. Um, >> so like I said, you don't want to wait till it's too late. So, >> and it is good to know a little bit more about the military to talk to veterans.
>> At least a little bit less intimidating, too. I have plenty of veterans now that I know that you don't want to say the military. I always get corrected about what a ship and a boat is, but I know now a ship has boats on it. So, >> a ship has boats on it. >> And I've correct other people now, but
it's a ship, not a boat. >> Okay. >> Well, thank you. >> Well, thank you. Thank you for coming in here and thank you for everything that you're doing. >> The compassion that you have, you know, to make a difference in others lives. We greatly appreciate that.
>> Absolutely. to try to, you know, here in Crescent City. We appreciate that, too. So, thank you. >> You're welcome. And thank you. You'll be hearing from us. >> Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Um, we had talked about commissioners while we're still in our presentation portion um about and several people have
reached out to me about doing and I just want to make sure that everyone is good with this before we start advertising it. Um Larry Port with Wind Dixie. We had talked about doing a presentation um for him at the next at the July meeting.
Um I was thinking that a lot of people are going to want to meet and greet him. And I don't know how you feel about this if we were to put together some sort of a reception prior to a lot of people. He kind of left very quickly when Dixie needed him somewhere else and he didn't
get to say a lot of the goodbyes he wanted to say. I know. Um, so we could do a reception before the commission meeting starting at about 4:30 maybe and I think that would give everybody, you know, at least an hour and then and then have Okay. I
just wanted to make sure. >> I'll second that. >> Okay. And so we'll work on trying to get the food um getting all that taken care of. >> I'm sure. But, you know, I again, I think Save a Lot, they have really stepped up. Mary has has um they she's
done a great job in trying to accommodate. Um she has said she didn't realize all the things that that they didn't have that when Dixie did have that they're trying to bring in, but she's working hard at that. So, please everyone just give just give them a chance. They're they're working hard and
and her staff is and um so I think they're doing a great job. And then the last thing I'm going to do before we get into our business is tonight is rather a sad night also is Melanie um this is her last meeting.
This is her last day. Um the city had a little the employees had a little um going away party for a surprise at lunch today and so there were a lot of tears and um Mel, you know, I don't want to
get have to be so strong. I don't want to get you know how near and dear you are to each and every one of us that you stepped in. You brought a smile into the office. You brought joy into so many people's lives. Um you worked really
hard to lift the morale up in the office and keep it up. You guided Derek, which is more than a full-time job, and you guided him through his first year. And um we are forever grateful.
Forever grateful. And we know that you're going on a new journey, a new adventure, and we just all wish you all the best and know that you are near and dear. And wherever you leave someplace,
you always want to hope that you leave memories, good memories, and that you've made a difference. And so please, as you walk out the doors tonight, know that you've left good memories and that you've made a big difference in our
lives and the lives of others here in Crescent City. Thank you. Thank you, mayor. Um, I wrote out an excellent letter and I figured I could read it rather than I have a blanket, please.
So, here we go. Good evening, mayors, commissioners, city managers, city staff, and the citizens of this community. Tonight, I conclude my service as your city manager with a full term.
This role has been not just a job to me. It has been a responsibility grounded in trust, service, and a deep respect for the people and the processes that hold a community together. In a city like ours, public service is
personal. You do not serve from a distance. You serve neighbors, friends, and people you see every day. That reality has made this work especially meaningful. While much of the city clerk's work takes place behind the scenes,
its purpose lies at the very heart of public service. Ensuring that government remains open, transparent, accountable. Accountability is big in my book and worthy of public trust. To our city
manager and city staff, thank you. your dedication, a steady foundation upon which the city operates. I am deeply grateful for your professionalism, resilience, and commitment to serving this community.
Often without recognition and often under challenges and circumstances, your work matters. It does make a difference every day. To the mayor and commissioners, thank you for the opportunity to serve alongside of you. Public service
requires thoughtful leadership, respect, dialogue, and a willingness to work through differences while remaining focused on the people we serve. Throughout my tenure, I have sought to keep that responsibility at the center of my work and to carry out the duties
of this office and fairness, consistency, and integrity. Like any journey in public service, there's been many moments that tested patience, resolve, and perspective. Yet through those moments,
my commitment never changed. I remained dedicated to professionalism, to doing what was right, and to preserving the integrity of this office and the trust placed in it. To the citizens of this community, thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving
you. In a small town, your neighbors are also the people you serve and that creates a unique bond. It has been an honor to assess the residents who care deeply about this community as much as I and who wants to see it continue to thrive for
generations to come. As I step away, I do so with both gratitude and reflection. Gratitude for the relationships that I have built, I have learned and the opportunity to contribute in some small way to the story
of the city, my city. I leave proud of what we have accomplished together. Appreciative of those who have served beside me and hopeful for the future of this community that we all call home. I would like to leave you with this thought this
evening. Public service is rarely about recognition. It's about showing up consistently, acting with integrity, and serving others with purpose, even when the work is unseen. The most meaningful meaningful contributions are often the
quiet ones carried out day after day in service to some greater something greater than ourselves. As I leave this office, I do so knowing that I gave it my full commitment, my full respect, and my whole heart.
I hope that this community continues to move forward with unity, respect, and shared commitment for the common good. Thank you for the trust that you have placed in me and for the honor of service and cook. It has been a privilege.
Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. And Sharita, we thank you for stepping in, joining us. Mel, thank you for working with Sharita, preparing her to
guide and direct Derek. Um, that's a short read, I'll tell you. Um, but thank you Sharita. Thank you for for stepping in your commitment also to city. Okay. And with that I'm going to go ahead and major you are up. We've got
our sheriff's office report. >> Good evening everyone. >> So I didn't get a chance to attend the cops kids and kayaks this year. So, I'll ask you a question. How was that? >> Well, I'm sorry because I last time, you know, I stole your thunder and so I wasn't gonna say anything this time.
>> Unfortunately, I was in South Florida. So, >> what a an outstanding event we had. We had um right at about I think they said we had about 400. >> We gave out I didn't, but Lee and Cheryl Dayton um who do this every year for us
and and um I'm hope they're here next year. I Well, not for them. I know they're trying to to move, but um he gave out 114 fishing rods thanks to Johnny Morris and Bass Pro. They contribute quite a few of
those. And then Lee has also done that, too. And so he taught quite a few children how to fish, which is awesome in today's society when they all their thumbs, you know, he taught them how to do this a little bit and they had a
great time. The weather was beautiful. Um, the sheriff's office, we just cannot thank you enough. The sheriff, he was out there from early. He was out there about 8:30 in the morning at set up until late in the afternoon until late in the afternoon. He was there most of
the day. Um, but you know, just the dedication and everything that everyone does. But it was a great day. The weather, I think this is the first year we didn't have any signs of rain. Normally we're you know um and the kayaking they did the kayaks um
they could have done actually one more trip. They could have done they stretched it out as late as they could but they could have done one more trip. They had that many children that were interested in doing kayak. So the friends of Dun Creek they do a great job. Also um Sam Carr I mean all of them
they just it was Maryanne you were there you showed up and we thank you. but for everybody. It was just great to see the children and the families and so we thank you once again for all that y'all are doing for you know our community. >> Perfect. It's funny you say that and say
that because I've been taking my son fishing lately and it seems like the older they get the more I say I'm not ready for these things to happen. The last time we went fishing he u was time for last. Um he actually started baiting his own hook and I you know I wasn't
ready for that. They grow up fast and we need to pour as much as we can into our our youth in the community. So glad it turned out well. >> And there will come a day when he'll take you fishing. >> That's right. >> Yeah. >> Foury old or a seveny old. So it's I'm seeing where those times are more
valuable and how much time I have to invest in him. And so anyway, I'll move to our report already. >> Okay. >> Looks very active. Looks very deceiving. I know it does. But uh we all see many times that we have present city that when we give one a bad apple in the
community he uh kind of makes he upsets the whole roost if you know what I mean. So this obviously started what we call a pattern and it started our street crimes units and certain things started happening when we started seeing certain crimes happening in a certain location. So
in a nutshell I'll go ahead and say it'd be easy to say that Mr. Jeremy Assid. Everybody's familiar with him. He got a little run with us before back when the credit city police department was here. He went to prison. He got out and obviously you see what happens when he gets out. There's actually one more case
that happened this month. He got us on and uh we've been able to there was one of those there that we have not been able to link him to. So I haven't updated that yet because I already sent it to you guys. But Jeremy Addison is currently fleeing law enforcement. We do not believe he is in the community at
this time. Now, he does have family in the community, so he'll probably be back. Um, but that's what Jeremy is doing for us right now in the community. So, hopefully we can get him the help that he needs once we catch up with him
and get him back on the right track. Do you want me to go through each one of these or do you >> No, it looks to me the top one here was an anomaly that was at 317 North Sun Street. Mr. Wayne Bell was identified as charged with a theft there at the flower shop. Uh so I'm going to follow up with
the owner of that property tomorrow just to catch up and see. >> And that was an outside theft, not on the inside, right? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. >> Any questions on any of these? >> I think one of the biggest things is make sure that you lock your vehicle and
take your purse inside. >> Yes, there's no windows being broken. That is one thing. and you see the uh the actual burglary to the residents here, which is very rare in Kon City. It u it uh it was our guys got there and unfortunately the suspects were a little
faster than our guys. I hate to admit it, but uh we got out so we'll rectify that near future. >> What is it about um thieves that they know that there's a person? You can leave it in there one time. I've done that twice. You can leave it in there one time and it's like they know it's
like it attracts them that they know that it's there. >> When you have certain individuals in your in your city, they uh they're shaking door handles. >> Okay. >> So, you may leave it in there that one time, but they probably shook your door handle those three times you that you have locked your door before. They shook that that door handle three times
before. So, there's no telling how many door handles have been shook by Mr. Thank you. Three is actually a win. Traffic activity. Uh some myrtle vehicle
making a U-turn. Somebody not paying attention. Uh the summit's green ran off the road probably not paying attention and hit a utility. >> Was that the one that hit the So they were avoiding a peacock when they >> That's right. That's right. It was
peacock. Yeah. Peacock was crossing the road >> and they avoided it. >> Okay. Everybody likes peacocks. Some >> general activity 250 calls for service. See the elevated traffic stops. That was because of the uh pattern in the area.
Again, our street crimes unit was here. Some additional personnel was put in this area specifically for that pattern. Two traffic accident, 23 reports, 14 arrests, and two charging affidavits were sent to the state attorney's office. So is that that increase in
arrests also because of the street crimes end up being here stops >> most likely people that have >> seeing people that were trespassing and just more eyes on different location always helps though. >> So it wasn't there were crimes committed
here they just happened to be here and you guys saw them. >> What's that? >> It wasn't that there were crimes committed here. They just happened to be here and you guys saw them and why you had the street crime unit here and picked them up. The the reason why we had the pre- crime unit here was before that because I call it a pattern. Again,
when we have two light crimes, it it it starts a process that works for us and we're able to quickly identify people in said crimes. Any questions on that? There's there's Oh, I'm glad it didn't
show there 500% increase. >> It went from two to five. I'll try that crime in December. >> Other than that, >> I did have a couple questions about something that was going on Grove Avenue
that actually happened this month. Mr. Richard Hardy was arrested for aggravated assault down there. It was a domestic violence situation, and I'll I'll touch base on that much, but that's what all the activity was for. We actually came out here to take him into custody a couple of times with a lot of law enforcement. So, that's why you seen the aviation units and things like that
because we was trying to get him into custody. He hasn't. >> He has been vacant. >> And did you guys get your the sign that's advertising the top of the kayak? It was was it two days ago? Well, I guess Tuesday.
>> So, the sign has been changed by May or had me change. That's what that's why I left out here so fast. I changed it really fast while it was daylight because I didn't know if I'll be able to see that keypad. But yes, I've changed it for the event this weekend. I think it's 17. >> Thank you for keeping that. the 13th. Yes.
>> This weekend. You just if you just put this weekend. >> Do we have any other questions? >> Um the one thing I I do want to ask you about and and we've talked a little bit about this is um on the last month's
report there was vandalism. Um and someone's house was vandalized. I mean truly vandalized. I mean, um, it was a vacant house. They had been working on it and I guess it was some juveniles. My
understanding it was some young some young juveniles and I don't know what's going on with that, but you know, anything that um, so that they know that we have no tolerance for that. I don't want it, you know, >> that's evident, mayor. I mean, that's that's not something we normally do to
go in somebody's home and tear it up that way. >> No, I know that. >> That's that's not human nature. They knew what they were doing. they knew what they were doing, >> they should suffer the consequences. A lot of detectives are working on that to identify those things. I believe >> I don't know how many have been actually charged that right now. So, I had to get
that. >> I just want to make sure that doesn't just you know, especially since they're they're minors, but you know, and someone was making an excuse for them and I said, "No, you know, when you've gone into someone's house like that and you've and to the damage that they you
know, it's just kids. >> They're just kids. for just being that no, these were not. This was this was not and so I just want to make sure that they know that Crescent City has a no tolerance policy when it comes to that kind of um and I'm sure commissioners
I'm sure you probably echo that same feeling that we don't want them to think they can get away with something like that. >> Yeah. Mayor, I have a question >> for about this and I think you rais a really good point. So are these juveniles going to be dealt with as juveniles in the juvenile justice
system? Do we know yet? >> I will have to look into the record to know that. >> Okay. Depend on >> how many crimes they the level of the charge or different factor they can be they could potentially be charged as as an adult. >> Okay. >> But normally we still handle those as juveniles and when they go to the state
side is when they get overturned. >> Well, I know I remember when Mr. Addison was creating a huge crime spree between the area of the high school and all of 17 in town. um Mayor Peterson at the
time and I and a lot of other people tried to have some kind of impact and input on the court system or the juvenile justice system and it was very very difficult for the juvenile to even you know give
that input. So, my suggestion, and I don't know how this would work, um, if we wrote a letter that the mayor signed, um, could we try to get that to the proper part of the court system and
whether it's, um, the juvenile authorities for the actual court, could that be submitted at some point in the process? And >> so I actually was in a meeting this morning with Mark Lewis who is the lead essay at ASA at the state
attorney's office. He is very well he is very been made very well aware how frustrated I am Mr. Hen and also these juvenile if that's a possibility we won't go that route.
>> You let I mean that would be an official statement. It could be in the court record because I mean I think you said it very well and if it's on paper and in the file because we're not it's going to be very difficult to keep up with who hears what case where.
>> Thank you. Thank you. But that's just I think that's a message that we all feel is that um no tolerance for that. >> So with the recent increase in crime, I want to apologize to the commission. This is my job. This is embarrassing for me to see this crime. this increase in
crime and just understand that I will put to use every resource I have to my ability to make sure that these individuals are brought to justice. Rest assured >> and you please don't be please don't be embarrassed because
>> oh that's human nature. >> I know I know that but we all are and this guy's out running basically laughing at me. It's a little it's a little challenging. We also know that you stepped in and yell arrested him the first time and got
him taken care of. But you know it's >> people criminals are going to be criminals. It's how you deal with it after the fact. And so we just appreciate all that you do after fact. So thank you. >> Anything else for the major? >> No, just thank you and we appreciate
your commitment. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Oh. Um, yes, ma'am. >> I just had a question about about what you were just talking about. >> Okay. I can take a public comment if you'd like to come forward and if you need to
come forward, please state your name, your address, if you will. Just >> Hi, I'm Zia. I'm at the 11 North Lake Street in Crescent City, Florida. I just had a follow-up question to take you back off.
The concern are the adults, the parents, the guardians being held some type of accountability as well with all of this. That's also something important. I think
>> it is unfortunately they didn't commit the crime and I do believe that they should also be responsible for paying these people back for this >> right to a certain level. The parents should also be >> and again that's discussed paying attention to where their children are. Absolutely. And that's discussion we can have through um pre-trial stuff once
once we get all this stuff done is um what's the word I'm looking for? >> Restitution. >> Yeah. Because really if if their parents were on top of them, they definitely would not be doing some of the stuff that they're doing. >> You're absolutely right. >> Thank you. Thank you for your comment.
Okay, with that, if we have nothing else, I'm going to go ahead and I'm going to recess our regularly scheduled meeting. I'm going to open up our CRA. >> Good evening. So, um, Tuesday we had our CRA meeting
for all of the projects that we, it was 16 commercial and two residential. Um, and I thought that went well. We all drove around and looked at the property and, um, right now I'm getting the details together that we spoke about. Um, and I'd like to set a date for our
next CRA meeting or special meeting for that if we could approve those grants. Yes. >> Okay. Um I thought we were going to do that once we had dur as the budget to just to make sure >> we'll do it all together
>> in July just to make sure that we have all the dollars that we know. >> Okay. Okay. >> Please do that for sure. I'll give >> Yes, Commissioner Dvid. >> Well, I was just going to say, aren't we going to reschedule some meetings tonight? I I would rather do the scheduling all at once. Yes. Okay. Okay.
And other than that with the fireworks, I wasn't sure he was going to be here tonight, but um that gave me an idea because we have a list of all the churches in the area. Birdie had gotten it together for us for our faith-based partnership. So, um I can get all that
together for for this because I'd be happy to something with that. >> And um I think that's all I've got right now. Thank you. >> And just for the record, um we did have a workshop on this um on the grants and
it was advertised and then we all got into golf carts and and went on the road and everyone was welcome to join us. Yes. >> And then we did come back to the office and we enjoyed the meeting. So it was but it stayed within the city limits as required. So thank you. Thank you for
putting that together. >> Thank you. Okay. We have questions, discussions put on here in case the commission had any other. We didn't have anything to report. We went through everything on Tuesday, David, but if y'all had anything to ask myself or Bonnie on the next steps, this would be the time.
>> Commissioners, does anybody have any questions um regarding >> mine is simply yes, next steps and the timing the clock is running on? >> Yes. >> I just I don't want to give any of that back. I
mean, I think we need to utilize it for what it was intended for. And I mean, we can tell from all those grant applications that there's definitely I don't want to have to give any of that back. >> I mean, you have to think about it. We have to award them and we have to get the work done. Yes. Before we pay them.
So, I mean, it's just >> our our goal. We're still on on on the beat is to have it done by July and that's the approval. That was what we put in the grant process. So, we're still we're still on on track. >> Okay. >> Yes. or is there anything wrong with the end of June?
>> There's nothing wrong with the end of June. It's just uh when you all decide, you know, the only thing we were going to do is try to couple it with our budget adjustment and rate uh ordinance. >> Well, my my suggestion about that is because as Commissioner Roy has pointed
out, the clock really is ticking. But um is it possible? I mean we know um to a certain extent how much we have a set amount now um can we not make our grant awards and then um make anything above
it if we think there's going to be more money make it contingent because the sooner we do the ARPA money the sooner people have an opportunity to spend it >> I think to get a better idea of exactly what the number is echo what the mayor has said we need to have our budget adjustment completed uh in order to know
what dollars are needed. We're going to move around and reconcile those accounts and bring that to the commission and at that time we can make a decision on the author. >> Thank you. We're hoping to do that sometime in the first first week of of July just before our July meeting have
that have that taken care of so that >> correct >> as we go into July. >> Yes. Um, and I know Bonnie, you had several things um, we had talked about at the workshop to make sure that all those contractors, because we didn't have that in front of us, just to make
sure all those contractors um, are in good standing with DVPR, um, one of the applicants, we had talked to them about possibly um, doing changing the surfacing and doing a different surface. So, you're going to need some additional um, information on
that. Um, so I think she still has some things to do to tidy some tidy some of this up. >> Um, because I I would I really wouldn't want to do that until we know for a fact all of these are in good standing. >> Yes, I agree.
>> And they and they they've got um the other thing too is how many of them because some of them would, you know, especially with the windows, they're going to need permitting. >> I think you're only allowed one window a year. So, uh, you're going to to replace any windows, you're going to need permitting.
>> You need one window without a permit. >> Yes, that's what you're saying. >> Without a permit. Yes. Otherwise, you have to have a permit in the county. It had it has to go through the building department. >> Mayor, if I could add some something to add about that additional information um that you wanted collected that was
needed. Um as well uh I had mentioned when we were on I guess in this meeting and then when we were on the road uh looking at the buildings um the requirement that we fund only changes to historic buildings that don't alter the
architectural features that make it historic. And I mentioned um that building owners really um to do this properly would need to go to the division of historic resources. So, um, both CR, our CRA staff, Bonnie
and, um, the downtown partnership, uh, executive director reached out to me yesterday and said, "Do I have the contact?" Um, it's an agency. I don't have a specific contact name. Um, Commissioner Lori may have it. Um, the
Katherine Beck may be able to help with the Main Street program. she works for the same department of state. And then um I have my notes from the preservation on Main Street conference. Um I will get those out and share those um with our
new CRA staff and then again with the um the Main Street staff. So some somewhere in there. So I'm trying to respond to them, but I don't have the exact chapter and verse of how they division of historic resources. they should be able to give put you in contact with the person that you need to contact. That's
who the Secretary of State's office with um Florida. >> And after I spoke to you about that, um I did speak to one of the contractors and he does a lot of windows in downtown St. Augustine, so he's familiar with the old buildings. So, um I think he can
help me with that, too. >> But but there's more on the table as I mentioned and contractors don't do approvals. It's the division of historic resources that do approvals and really guide people. So anyway, um hope I would
agree with the mayor. It's the division of historic resources to contact and um some of us may have, you know, like a a bureau within the division. Um but that is the >> yeah if you'll just contact them that you'll just and also get those um if you
could while you're doing that just get the parameters that they're supposed that we're supposed to work within or a a homeowner is supposed to work within if it's um because only one of them is on the national we have one what on the
national register we have contributing structures >> we have contributing structures but just to get from the contributing structures just just that we all have that if you would. Okay. So, we all have an understanding. >> I just sent the contact information for the Bureau of Historic Preservation.
Okay. I got everything. >> Thank you very much. Do you have anything else? >> Um or we're still we're still on CRA. >> We're still on CRA. >> So, um I just had >> We're not on Main Street. We're still on the CRA. We haven't moved into that yet. We're still on CRA with um our CRA.
>> Okay. Well, this is applications. This is this is really CRA. So, first of all, I just want to thank everyone for the great meeting that we had on the applications. Um the city manager, the staff, and you mayors, you organized
this and kept us moving along. And um I thought it was very informative and productive and um I thought we all learned a lot and I thought that it was a great idea um that it was brought up to go on the road again to look at these buildings in
person because I really there was definitely a benefit to that. So thank you all for everyone who proposed it. Um this really is the CRA part of Main Street. Um, and I just wanted to
highlight for the commission that um, based on what Miss Katherine Beck from the whatever the main street program in Tallahassee said um, she said we could look at updating our boundaries, right?
There's a wait boundaries for the main street. Correct. >> For main street, not CRA boundaries, but the main street. >> Exactly. But in um part of the job of the commission and the CRA board, she said
it is our job to create a direction and a vision and the work of Main Street is to implement. So, I just want us to be mindful that we have a part to do and that we not kind of leave them um
without that necessary direction that's supposed to come um from us. That we be mindful of that. And um maybe we should allocate a little more time uh the way we did um the day before yesterday to
work on what direction we really think is appropriate for the CRA so that you know we can all do our our part as the the contributing organization and that's as the CRA. So anyway, that's just all I
wanted to bring up. I thought it was just a a very excellent day on Tuesday. Thank you. >> We are actually going to a planning and zoning meeting tomorrow all day long. So, we're going to be learning all about this planning and zoning. So, maybe we'll come back with some insights after that.
>> Northeast Florida Regional Council is putting on a planning and zoning workshop >> for staff. >> Yeah, they did. They did. They have some people. They have some people go. I think it'll be very beneficial, especially as we go into some of this
that we're they're wanting that we're wanting to do with this um central business district. >> Yes. >> So, okay. We have anything else? And then we're going to go into our um present city downtown partnership. Thank
you, Bonnie. >> Okay. Um with that, Rachel. It says the um first quarter funds, but I believe these are the second quarter funds. Is that correct? So, back in March, you did not come to us. >> I did.
>> You did. >> This is the stuff for March. I'm not sure. I think uh we thought that this was for next month. We I haven't updated the information that I can give, but this was not the
this was from last time in March. been paid. >> Well, we have we it took the month to make some changes to get paid last time, but we didn't get paid. >> Okay. I thought you were doing a request for this. I thought it was going to be for the third quarter. I'm I'm confused based on
>> We were here in March and then this is June now. So, I guess I thought we came in July, but >> we usually do it a month before, >> a month before. >> So, this was for I guess. >> Yeah. That's okay. That's okay. That's
why that's why I think you're on here is for June because it's fourth of July, >> right? I do have updated um invoice and updated information. >> So, it's actually for the third quarter, right? >> Okay. That's what I thought. >> Your third quarter, our second our um January to December,
>> right? >> Um did you guys want me to present our four points or did you want me to send my updated paperwork to the clerk and stuff so you can see that? >> What would you like, commission? because I need some time to get that printed if you'd like updated
>> information. Yes, we've discussed the calls for them to fulfill work on all four points. >> I have that presentation. >> Personally, I think that's what we are obligated to inform ourselves on and if
she's ready, I'm delighted. Okay, if you're ready. >> Okay. All right. So uh thank you for the opportunity to provide an update on the activities of the present city downtown partnership. As you know our work is organized around four pillars of main street program economic vitality
promotions organization and design. I'm going to briefly you on each area. So I'm going to start with economic vitality. Uh we're excited to have two new co-chairs stepping into leadership roles within the economic vitality committee. They've already begun developing initiatives focused on
strengthening relationships with their local businesses and identifying opportunities for growth. One of their priorities is meeting directly with business owners to learn more about their needs, challenges, and ideas for downtown. We believe those conversations will help guide future programs and
ensure efforts are aligned to the business community's priorities. Um, so that was they've had several meetings and they're excited to get together with local business owners. Um our promotions uh committee is next. Um
our promotions committee remains very active. We're preparing for upcoming and street market uh to bring together food vendors, artisans, and local businesses while creating another opportunity to bring residents and visitors downtown. Uh we're also well into planning for our
second annual present city bike fest. Last year's event uh generated significant excitement and brought visitors to our into our community and we're looking forward to building on that success. We anticipate bringing additional details to the commission in July about Bikefest.
Um next up is organization. A great deal of our work recently is focused on strengthening the organization's foundations. We are fully current with our reporting and compliance requirements with Florida Main Street, Main Street America, and the state of Florida. We've also formed a committee to review our bylaws and
identify opportunities to expand the community participation and engagement with the partnership. In addition, a committee has been established to review and update the executive director contract to ensure clear expectations for them in the future. Um while much of
this work is happening behind the scenes, it is critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the partnership. Um next up is design. Um, at this time we do not have a active design committee chair. However, we are seeking community members who may be interested in serving in that role and
have reached out to members at the historical society. Um, in the meantime, Christina and I have begun exploring opportunities for a downtown mural project. Ideas include the possibly the annex building or maybe the alleyway
um behind city hall. Just ideas we have. No, we'd have to run anything to you guys. Uh, so I'm happy to answer any questions about what we're up to. >> Any questions? >> Well, they're asking for 125, correct?
They're asking for 125 for the third quarter versus >> this is their second or third. They went on calendar. We >> Yeah, we December. >> I have a question. Now we have an interim meeting. >> And how long is she going to be here?
>> Uh her current contract runs through July 7th. >> We have to vote at the next meeting to extend that or uh we do have to open up the position for other people to apply. >> Not speaking. >> Okay. So I I guess I had a little bit of
a problem, you know, just just saying, okay, you can have 125, but we only have somebody there that that's only be there until July 7th. Well, we can extend our contract to the next board meeting, which is July 6th. >> Is that what you're looking to do?
>> That's what we're looking to do. Yes. And then we have to open up the position. We've uh just recently finished up bringing a new contract for executive director position. So the 12 So the next 125 starts at what time? But to pay for the third quarter I guess
July, >> July July, August, September, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So that would be with a new >> Oh, I'm not sure. >> Okay. We still have to open the position for applicants to apply.
But your plan is to >> our plan right now is to extend the person's contract >> until you have >> for whatever time she's willing to stay. >> But you're not going to open up that contract until until hers is up. Correct. >> Right. Correct.
>> So the assumption that she's going to stay >> that is my current assumption. Yes, ma'am. >> I I know she's >> I can't make anybody do anything. >> She's her own person. >> I think the con I don't know. I don't know what your Commissioner Burton, but
I know it's it's always been my concern with this um is this goes to salary dollars that it's there to fund an executive director and not the organization. >> Um and so that would be a concern I would have that if it's only through July 7th, do you have a commitment
outside of that? And what is your plan to um advertise? I know you said you're working on the contract now. What is your plan to advertise? and are you looking to do? Because I think that's something that we the commission need to also be looking at as we go into a
budget season. Um can we continue to afford that or do you know we need to go down to half of that or what do we need to do just based on what we might be faced with from budget constraints?
>> Our discussion Tuesday was that we we asked them to consider that will not be the manager. That's only part >> and we haven't made that decision. I just I just think that >> question
how we're going to deal with that. >> Right. Our our current goes through um end of August. I think we work in September. >> So at that point that's when we have to discuss those things. >> Okay. So do you believe she'll stay
through? We just want to make sure that there's somebody in place that you don't I'm sorry I can't speak for Christina. I can't say 100% one way or the other. >> We just all have to be um you know this is it is taxpayers dollars and so we all
have to be accountable. We have to be accountable for that. I know y'all are trying to be very accountable for that too. And so I think as we expend this that that's just a concern to make sure that it's actually going towards in my opinion that it goes towards salary dollars and notation
operational that moment. To me, it seems like they they understand that, I think. And if they don't >> have a executive director in place, they're going to need to refund the money to us. I mean, I know that's not currently in in paperwork, but
>> I mean, we pay for it. >> Yeah. >> One of the the top things in the is that we have a an executive director. We're we're not in compliance with we don't have I understand. Thank you.
And I don't know um from that perspective when we have theou that if should something happen and Christina which you know um should she decide not to and you go without um Mr. Holmes do we have that ability to ask for a a
refund um for that difference for that amount of time that they were not in fact um they had someone employed. If your grant of the funds is conditional on them having someone in place, right,
>> then that can be a specific uh term and understanding and they don't need that, then yes, you can ask for it back. Now, >> I don't know where the funds will be at that point. So, asking for it and getting it are sometimes two different things. >> Well, I'm sure that with I'm sure with the treasurer that he'll make sure that
Jonathan staying on top of >> I wasn't implying otherwise. Obviously your question was can you ask >> you never know because you know >> so I haven't he says employee paid professional who shall be responsible for the day-to-day
administration of the program um and then raise an expense sufficient funds to support administration of the program and meet program objectives number three implement a comprehensive program based on corporate approach I just went over there's more to that part and it says maintain data for monitor ing and
provides the quarterly financials. >> Okay. >> So, so, so I so you don't have any caveat in there that says if they leave in July, >> they have to have >> and we have that we have the planning.
>> I'm sorry. >> That's when we're planning to rework the end. >> Okay. >> When it the end date of it is I believe the end of August or the end of September. >> Yeah, we'll do it. It's comes up in September. We've got it. Um >> I know that that is part of what we're
working on. Yes, Commissioner Da. >> So would would it be appropriate? This is partly a question for Mr. Holmes. Um that when I was going to make a motion to um grant the request for the 12,500
for the quarter that is July, August, and September. Um, and would it be appropriate to add um with the understanding that any funds that are not uh expended for salary is
accounted for and held apart to potentially um be refunded to the commission? >> There's nothing in the says that it has to be for salary right now. >> It does not say that. >> Well, that's what I'm saying.
>> We're going to say that right now. I think if if if he says that we can that's why I didn't vote for theou because for that reason but what can we do that since it doesn't say that it's specific to that except for the fact through theou that
they've said that it should um that they should have the executive direct they should have that position filled >> well they should you know saying you should and whether it's done is two different things I mean there's you know we say a lot of things and
look how long we waited for Derek. >> You know, >> I guess I'm I'm just kidding, but it can take a while to bring somebody in. >> I just want clarification on I just want clarification on whether we can request
um the segregation of the 125 and return of any funds for the quarter that are not used for salary. you have anou in place, >> right? Right. We're obligated to >> so u and of course amendments of
agreements that are mutually made cannot be made unilaterally. Right. >> So if you if you have an agreement in place that was that was that was mutual then to modify it unilaterally it would not technically be correct
>> or appropriate. Um, you could find, and I'm not trying to start issues, but you could find that they had not or were not in compliance with theou um because of the fact that they don't
have the leadership in place and um and withhold them the funds pending uh them putting someone in place. Or you could ask them if they'd be willing to consent to a modification because if they were to consent to a modification, then all's fair, right? So, if they're willing to consent to a modification of theou to
provide that the 125 is contingent upon them having someone in place in a leadership role uh and that if they don't have someone in place in a leadership in a leadership role by a certain date then the funds will be returned then you can do that assuming they're willing to you know to agree
upon that wording. >> Yeah. And it has the amendments amendments thereof must be mutually agreed upon by the parties and must be in writing. >> Yeah. I think that's what I said other than the rent part. That just makes sense. >> You can amend the MOU whenever you want
to really >> until August or September. We can do it at any time. My plan was to get the information we talked about the KPIs over to them uh next week so they could meet with their group and go over that while they're working on theirs. And I
assume that they were going to bring something back at some point in time. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. >> Right. Right. The KPIs. So, >> and please know that we're not I'm sorry, Commissioner. Go ahead. >> I mean, please know that we're not um
we're not picking on on you at all. It's just we here as a board, we have accountability. And so, when someone comes to us, we've got to be accountable for those dollars to make sure they're being spent correctly. um and and
and responsibly and so that's why that um but we also know that y'all are trying but you're reorganizing. >> We understand all that. >> Yes, we do understand all that. Um but a lot happened a lot happened in the
past um that causes some concern where we thought that someone had that caused me concern. I don't know how the other can't speak for the other commissioners caused me some concern that we thought that things were being done that unfortunately and that's not
on you. That's not on you at all. Unfortunately, some things were not being done and um and and so that's that that's a cons that's a concern that's a a big concern of mine and making sure I know with Christina I think we all feel
very confident she's done this she knows this inside and out um and works very closely with Kathy but we don't know you know we hope that Christina will will um continue and carry you forward as you go
into organized. I think it'd be great. But but I I do think that, you know, that's not necessarily >> mind. >> It may happen and it may not that she stays, you know, just >> she can't speak for
>> and we just want to make sure that, you know, we we kind of have something set up that if she leaves and you still have another so many dollars left in this bucket that we say yes to tonight. um that and there's nobody there to pay it
to that that we somehow stop that payment service fee. Do that all make sense. >> It does. It does commission. So, but in response to that, it seems to me um that
we should since we have an MO and they are um diligently working on their four points that the most logical and supportive thing to do right now would be to um vote to pay the next quarter's
payment because personally, practically um We it will be very difficult for them to fill a position if we are withholding the quarter's payment and we have the relationship with them and quite frankly
the um the relationship and the leverage if we feel we need to amend the agreement um to make sure that dollars are only used for salary. I think we can do that even in the middle of the quarter because it's a very cooperative
relationship. But I just don't see how they can hire if we don't grant them the fun. >> Well, you I'm not saying to not grant them. I'm just saying that if the event that somewhere in July, >> okay, Christina says, "Well, you know, I
got I got a better deal over here." And she leaves and then we have to go they have to go find somebody else. It could take it could take a little while >> if there's a lapse in service. I think that's I think that's what I'm hearing. I'm not hearing that there wasn't >> I'm hearing that if there's a lapse in
service that that monies that would go out that be expended that it not be operational that it goes towards >> that's a next step that we would >> that would be a next step where we would have to do some sort of a clawback or try to get some of that back if they would be willing to do that through the
board do an agreement. So, okay, with that, let's bring this in. >> Uh, so I would like to move that we um pay the to the downtown partnership uh as requested the $12,500
for the quarter that begins in July. >> I'll second that. >> Okay, we have a proper motion and a second. Commissioners, do we have any further discussion? Are we going to have something in the that says in case
if you know >> that's not the motion right now. So that would have to be something separate as Don said we would have to in somehow or another they and they would have to agree to an amendment to their MU. Currently we're binding currently a binding contract that we have with them.
Is that correct? it is and one of them understanding is and they relied upon it. So at that point yes that you could term a binding contract. >> So but I guess my point was that it's an ongoing relationship. It's an interdependent relationship. And I think
what the mayor said or city manager said or several of us said is that the next step, second step would be to um seek a modification with the downtown partnership specifying that those funds
are to be used for salary. And then potentially if there's less um the funds would either be returned or put to future salary or however we want to do it. Um but that we've discussed that as a next
step. >> Okay. >> And and I would say that obviously as the next quarter approaches and we we do this we're not going to be entering anou with them if they're spending the money that they're not supposed to spend. you know, if they lose their executive
director and all the money disappears, >> I mean, we're gonna know. So, obviously, we would that would create a big problem. So, I think it's definitely in their best interest to make sure that money is not spent. and with the understanding that we rely on them and kind of on their honor um and they rely
on us for that funding and I would hope that even though Christina's contract is up in July 3rd or 7th she would stay around and hopefully that pay part of it. So I I mean I think it's a it's a trust thing we're relying on each
other and obviously we have I know it right but I know it's the organization and it's money and I feel just as strong as you do. This is tax money. We are responsible for this. Um but you know we also have to work together. So
>> and we have and we know that they're trying to do good things for city for all of us. Um I would say though that through this discussion this is on record where our concerns are. So, madame clerk, if you would please um in the minutes just make sure that you've
captured um that there was a discussion on this. Okay. Okay. So, we h right now we have a proper motion in a second. I'm going to open it up for public comment. Um do we have any public comment on this at this time?
Seeing no one come forward. Madam clerk, I'm going to ask you to do a roll call for us, please. And this is to pay what would be I think our consider our fourth quarter their third quarter >> um payment that is in line with theou.
Well, my motion is 12. >> That's July, which is the fourth quarter, >> right? >> Okay. Um, Commissioner Cynthia Burton. >> I, >> uh, Commissioner Linda Moore.
>> I, >> Commissioner, Liz Kito, >> I, >> Vice Mayor, uh, William BJ Lori. >> I, >> uh, Mayor Michelle Myers. >> I, so approved.
>> Thank you. Thank you, Rachel. I don't think you're done though. >> I don't think you're >> um so we're going to move on to the request by the Crescent City Downtown Partnership to install a banner style sign at Market Square. >> Um so this was brought to downtown
partnership by Big Dog Graphics out of Pearson. Um, they would like to do a it's more of a like a solid sign that would be able to have slats in it that would have different events. So, it would be reusable instead of buying a banner every time. We could just be able
to change the slats out and it would be able to have downtown partnership events and city events. And it would go over in Market Square where the current um not so beautiful sign is right now. >> Okay. St. Poles will be used as well. No
new construction. >> Okay. And big dog. And this is just I'm sorry. Does anybody have questions? Commissioner B. Look like you did. I should have called ahead. >> No. And and it's my understanding this is really this is really for the the
present city downtown partnership. He's doing this for their events and for the present city events. Like if the city was putting on something that was not downtown March related, >> it would be a city a city of them but not individuals outside of that. Is that >> Yeah. If they were to do other um
entities, it would be more of a advertising space kind of if they wanted to put their events up there advertising space >> and had a couple questions. Let me ask Michize
that the square is for sale. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, everything I kind of read, it makes it sound as though this is where we come for everything. This is the square in my fashion where all of our events, everything's going to be beautiful, but but it really is for
sale. And so, we have a for sale sign up. Currently, the sign that's out there is the one that's been doing working or the one that's been out there. We talked about reaching out to a new repres, you know, representative for real estate, putting
a new sign out there. Currently, we actually have a party that's looking at um that's trying to do their due diligence to actually purchase the property. We have talked about that. >> Okay. Well, wait, wait, mayor. If I could, that's that was one of my questions. So, this is really important.
make sure. Commissioner Burton, Commissioner Burton, are you willing to allow her to continue or are you done? >> Well, I just want to make sure I I kind of like the idea of putting a sign out that gives the events that may happen in the city. Um, but I just want people to
understand that the lot is for sale. It's a lot to me. It's a lot, right? >> Okay. It's not just this this market square where everybody comes and meets and, you know, has this great time, you know, and that's kind of the way it was being presented and and it's like, no.
Okay. Um, and meanwhile though, if you take away the two poles that say no sale in between it or for sale, excuse me, not no sale, but for sale in between it, uh, where are we putting the the for sale sign? >> We'll find out with the realtor where
they would like to put that. I mean, that's where that's the staging area for what it's been for a while. But I think that with new technology, I know it's been out there for a while, the advertisement would be online and other places that possibly it hadn't been before. >> Okay. In the future, we had to do this
on >> Let me um Commissioner Dvita piggyback on that. Go ahead, Commissioner. You have the floor now. >> Thank you so much. Um, very well said. So my first question was just pretty much what Commissioner Burton said. How
can you I mean is this a good place to put up a sign to be um you know a general notice of events um when the property is for sale? Are we going to make the sale um the sale of
this property subject to retaining the sign? Yeah, >> I'm just saying. So, the sign could potentially be very temporary. >> Mhm. >> It could. >> Okay. So, I'm just I just want to make
there if we sell the property, the sign may have to go unless we make arrangements with whoever buys the property to use a small portion of it somewhere. Um, my other question was, um, I'm not sure. I
assume that this mockup was done by Big Dog Signs. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I know these people really well. They do not live in Crescent City. They are based in Valuchia County, I believe. Um and I agree that the sign should not
say Market Square. It should say maybe historic downtown Crescent City because Market Square is Commissioner Bird's absolutely right. That's it's not a place where things happen. We're talking about our whole downtown business
district. >> Okay. >> That's that's not like that does not have to be what the sign looks like. >> Okay. So, but that's my other kind of my other question. Um, you know, this this if this sign goes forward, it's going to be a partnership
between the downtown partnership in the city because city owns dirt, the city owns the poles. Um, so if we approve this or it would be my suggestion that the city also approve
whatever verbage goes on the sign and that we come up with a shared idea of how it's used. Um because for example, I would assume that you would want to put the catfish festival on there that we would, you know, that's a huge event in
Crescent City. But anyway, so my concern would be that if it's partnership, um the the city should have some input along the lines of what Commissioner Burton originally. >> That's my I just want I want to
interject here a little bit. >> Yeah. Steve with Big Dog um is in Pearson. He is he's he and his wife, they have a company there. They've supported this Crescent City downtown partnership. Um they were here at Bikefest and they actually were on site
printing the shirts and gave them at almost cost to the downtown partnership. And talking to Steve, I mean, if you've got somebody who's wanting to help, I um he really I think this is something he's done for for numerous communities. He
really wants to help and support and build this up. And he is um has gotten involved with our Crescent City downtown partnership. She's already said this is a slat. It'll be a slat um sign that they can um add and subtract from. Is
that correct? >> Right. Um, but you know, at the same time, I just want to I personally am appreciative for all that he's wanting to do here in Crescent City because he doesn't have to. >> He doesn't have to. And he's doing a lot
of this on his own. I know he did the Junth sign for Angel um thinking that was also the downtown partnership and he did that as as as part of what he gives back. He and his wife give back to the community. They're
on board for >> retired and they're they're just they're just coming this what they want to do. >> Yes. And so they're also um in line for Bikefest, >> right? Okay. Couple of things on this lot over here. This lot has set empty
for many years and we um the commission and our city managers, not not just you, our city managers have done nothing to try to promote that property. I know in the five and a half years I've had I've been here. You can't read that sign, >> right?
>> And if you do read it, it's embarrassing that it looks the way it does. >> First off, we need to take it down regardless, right? >> Okay. So, something needs to happen to the sign. >> If we're going to market that property, then we need to put out an RFQ, I mean
RFP or or RF everything so that we can get >> some agents RFP. um so that we could get some agents that are interested in marketing that property and selling that property. Um and so I think that we can
also have a for sale sign, which I think we absolutely need on that property so that people also know, hey, this is a great place that if we have a function here, but if you look on here, Red, White, and Boom Street Party, that's not on Market Square. That's down Central, right?
>> The the um the Gaffy Hour, that's not there. I mean, there's other things, the holiday market, >> but I also know that in looking at this sign, you have to remember there's a lot on this sign. So, Rachel, I don't know how he's wanting to do this or how y'all
are thinking about doing this, but keep in mind that to keep it simple because people are driving by and >> fast to read >> and and it has to be fast to read. But most importantly, you know, thank him
for wanting to do something, but at the same time, I'm gonna put it back on us that we need to also do something with that piece of property. It's a most extremely valuable piece of property here in Crescent City. >> So, I I will echo a
>> completely, mayor. Um, that sign actually does say that there's an RFP for the property, and it is on our website, which good luck finding it. Um, and that has been the extent I think of any marketing on that piece of property for the two decades or more that I think we've owned it.
>> And and if you look at the RFP, if you find it, it is not at all accurate. Um, it has a lot of incorrect information saying that we don't have um highspeed wireless in town or we don't have any high-speed broadband and things like that. So, it definitely needs to be updated. It needs to be streamlined and corrected. When we had those gentlemen
came here from that were talking about a proposal, I actually asked them, "How did you guys even find out about this?" And I think someone was really bored one night and was really looking through the depths of the internet and found it. Um I mean we definitely have that that is a that is an asset that we have been
sitting on for quite a while and we need to do something about and you know the fact that we call it market square I think is because I some of us got really tired calling it the Miller lot or the old Miller building or the old Miller lot and I think the market square name was at least a little more uh fresh and
new and and it kind of be just became adopted. Um but I I do I agree. Um that sign needs to be done with. I mean it and and the partnership has been very helpful over the last few years by putting banners up there advertising events so that you don't see that sign.
So we definitely need to do something about it um sooner than later. Um and I'm glad that that Steve is uh is willing to do, you know, have a good idea and do something to help out the partnership. So, >> and I believe Market Square came because we were doing farmers market there and so they started calling it farmers
market and it just it stuck. >> Well, we just needed someone to call it too. We kept calling it three different things and you know the old property if they get bought just doesn't sound fun. >> So, Commissioner Dvito, you had some concern with the wording. what would you like to see on this sign? If if just I
mean I don't necessarily have to make that up right here, but I guess my my main concern is that you know the commission approve whatever um wording is there. It needs to it just needs to be appropriate. Market square I think is
is not right. And I don't mean to disparage Steve or Deb. I know them very well. Deb was my pastor for many years and Steve attended our church. Um, I had no idea they were involved with the downtown partnership. But my point is some of these fine distinctions are not
known to them because they're not here all the time. It just needs to be I think Commissioner Burton's original point was a little more accurate as to where people are being invited to somewhere. It's not just Market Square.
And I mean, personally, I would say historic downtown because that's what we're trying to bring them to, I guess. um just not markets for >> just city downtown partnership events. >> I think I think yes >> if I may just observation if we left the
Crescent City downtown partnership logo their sign and put our city logo and take all the language out of there and just say the event calendar. >> I think that would be the best way to go. >> Right. Because I think people are going to be looking to see that event right by that sign. It's just a reminder that on
this day there's this event going on in present city. Yeah. >> Yeah. Most likely if you come here that day, you're going to see what's going on, >> right? >> So, we're not that big of town. Find out where >> and we're getting very close to getting our sign up as well, which is digital right across the street.
>> So, just to let y'all know, >> I'm tired of stepping over. >> It's very >> Okay. So, I need I need a motion. I I'll go ahead and move that we approve the u the installation or the acceptance
of um Steve from Big Dog's Graphics offer for to construct a sign for the downtown partnership and the city of Crescent City for events in the lot that we own across the street. Um and that the final verbage be approved by the
city manager we can move forward. Okay, Commissioner Lori has a proper motion. Do I have a second? >> I'll second it. >> Okay, so we have a proper motion and a second um for Big Dog and the Crescent City Downtown Partnership to work
together to uh recreate the sign that's there and with the approval of the verbiage from the city manager. Motion was made by Commissioner Lori and seconded by Commissioner.
Do we have any further discussion? >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Okay. Do we have any public comment? >> Okay. I'll ask you to please do a roll call, madam clerk. >> Commissioner Devito. >> I. >> Vice Mayor Lori.
>> Hi. >> Commissioner Burton. >> I. >> Commissioner Bourne. >> I. >> Mayor Myers. >> I. So approved. Thank you, Rachel. and please tell him thank you as well. We have one more for you. Um before we get
into that, commissioners, we've talked about does anybody want to do a motion to direct our city manager? Because even if someone's doing their due diligence, sometimes if something goes on the market, it's sometimes it can put a fire, too. So, I
don't know if if um or something to think about at the July meeting that we um have him put out an RFP for >> for >> Yes, we have to bring at the July meeting.
>> An RFP for for real estate. Um >> would we do that? >> Um >> I thought you could do an RF. >> We don't have a um >> I said you would do an RF. You request for everything for everything. Um, I like that. But >> yeah, but uh
you you know the nature of an R is that you're going to be basically assessing the qualifications of the applicants and then after you decide which one you believe to be most qualified, then you enter negotiations to uh to fine-tune the details of the contract, which with a real estate agent
is normally just the percentage of commission that they're going to charge and length of the term. So, you know, I suspect that an RFQ would be preferable to an RFP. Um, where you because, you know, in an RFQ, you're ranking the realtors in the in the in the order that
you believe they they hold their to their qualifications and then you enter negotiations. If you can't reach a deal with number one, you go to number two. So, that's what I would suggest you do as an RFQ. And that would allow you to, I
believe, assess such things as their presence in the community, their marketing measures in our community, but also because of the nature of this, their marketing measures outside of our community because it's highly likely that whoever might want to buy that property is not from here.
>> If they're from here, they probably already know it can be purchased. But there so you know you're I think that would the RFQ would allow you to kind of judge their ability to reach out uh how they're going to market the property and and then what you decide uh on the you know they can with realtors now they can give you examples
of how they market whether it be by internet whatever. So, I would say RFP for a realtor to go forward with the the uh with the sale or the marketing of the property for sale. >> And then we would actually issue an RFP or we'd let them
>> you pick with the realtor you like and that like is not a good term. You pick the realtor you believe to be the most qualified, offers the the most to you by qualifications, and then you enter negotiations with them for a contract or a brokerage a brokerage or listing agreement. If you can't reach one with
them because they want 20% then you go to tip number two. >> Yeah. much like what we do with our grant, but what the only thing that I know in what we originally did was kind of saying come to us with ideas about what to do with the property and you know if you want to buy it outright or you want
to trade it with the you know or something like that if we had that's the RFP basically said this piece of property is available now that if we were selling it outright and I mean is that what we're changing kind of the the whole here? If you're going to use a realtor, you're probably not going to be
entertaining anything other than most likely a sale opportunity. I don't It's going to be difficult for realtors to try to field those sorts of alternative proposals for the use of that property. If you're going to try to throw something out there and allow people to
be imaginative in what they're proposing, that's going to be kind of on you to do that um rather than through a realtor, quite frankly. And I I just want to make sure that we but we are trying to find out that make sure that we're protected as far as
we don't you know trying to have some control over what the future of that property is. I mean we I know we you know I don't know I don't think >> well we're the sellers. >> We are >> so we have we have a certain amount of we have a certain amount of control >> but but we also that's all part of the
negotiation too. So if somebody comes in um you know it's their proposal to us and whether or not we're willing to accept that that's >> the more control you have the less marketability you're going to have. >> Right. I think >> I feel like that might be desirable
still >> right there to me there's two things going on here. One commissioner has pointed out that our RFP that is currently on our website is out of date. it's and date it
a little. Yeah. So, my suggestion would be that um that we do direct the city manager to do two things because um the RFQ is a process and we're going to have to discuss that process. Um, if we
direct the city manager to update the RFP, that means we will be looking at the RFP and it will at least um we will be more informed about it and at least um while we're going through the RFQ process, we will have a more accurate RFP
that's on there if someone is looking at it because it's there. >> So, don't we want it to be accurate? >> The RFP though, the whole there's a little confusion here because there's an RFP, but we are the sellers. I understand that. So, I'm saying we should update our RFP to make sure that
it is just accurate because Commissioner Lori says there are some outdated information. >> It might not actually be up here anymore. >> Well, you have to you have to go through a process though. So, we have to think I think this is needs to be
>> put on a July meeting for discussion because you have to surplus that property. Correct. So, we'd have to surplus that property and and I think that you would want to enter into or figure out and and maybe Derek, this is what you can come back to us with if that's so if that's the
commission's um wishes is that you research how we should do this if it's if it's more beneficial to us to put out an RFQ and then we have an agent, I mean a broker who basically is representing this the city in in the sale of our
properties that is that is um very familiar with the surplus process and commercial properties um or or like you said if we just sell it oursel if we put it out there on our own and we market it and what's required for that too and if
in fact we need to do an RF an RFP so I think but we can't get bogged down in that tonight that's something for you to bring back >> I'll work with Don Mayor on the qualifications and the grading of the qualifications that's where it's at in the RQ. How how do we grade somebody?
How do we put somebody else above another? I don't know how many steps there would be in that because like Don said, if you're looking at duration of time and you're looking at percentage, a share percentage of the sale. I will look and see what other people have done. I will come up with something and
bring it back to the commission. Um, as you all said, this is something that's been going on for a long time. You know, I'll jump on it >> and don't we don't have to reinvent the wheel. The school district the school district does this. do some research and see what >> so we don't have to reinvent the wheel. >> So just >> RFQS for a realtor are not that
difficult come up with a few basic criteria and judge them based upon that >> if that's what you're looking to do. If you're not and I hear some and that's why I think probably an agenda item is better for next month because I hear I'm not sure there unonymity on the commission as to what you want to do
with the property >> that property the realtor that you go after if if it were if it were me and I own that I'm really trying to get rid of that. I want a realtor that's going to showcase the city, all of the new construction we have going on, all of the new businesses, part of what you're
going to put, we'll build that into that interview, yes, with them so that they're familiar because I've dealt with one and they didn't have a clue what was going on with the property and that's the last thing that you want, right? >> Um, okay. So, let's if if everyone is are we in agreement to ask,
>> okay, commissioner veto your face, what what can we do? >> Okay, you're saying we would have to surplus it and all that. We've already put the property up for sale. Haven't we done that? >> The propertyy's for sale, but it's through us. I mean, if you read if you read the sign, it's our telephone
number. So, we're not working with an agent. The property is for sale, but it's just how we need to start marketing it for sale. Okay. >> So, but you're assuming that we haven't decided it's surplus. >> Didn't we do that at some point? affordable
may have been casted and you those are details that you can work through. If you got an offer tomorrow, you could put it on the agenda to for declaration of surplus next meeting. Those are if if the if the willingness on of the commission is to sell the property then
you know the the rest of it is just the technicality of putting the ducks in order, >> right? But does the the other element that Mr. Holmes just said he thought he heard us saying different things about what the intent of the commission is. Commissioner Lori pointed out that the
RFP specifically was done to give the commission um control. And usually when you go with a realtor, they um that's a whole different idea that would even
though we're the seller um you have to be careful about what you say in the contract with the realtor because you may be giving up all the control unless you seller. >> I think what I heard best is to leave it for July and we can talk about it in
July. Okay. >> But you're still you're still a seller. So, it still have to enter into a contract. They still have to bring us a contract that we have to approve the terms and conditions of that. >> I just wanted to make sure we weren't just >> Okay, let's let's move on. We know that.
So, let's go to the CCVP the request um for the annex use. >> Do we want to talk about this a little bit? It's on the It's on the agenda. Did you want to talk about this at this meeting? Um the possible the possibility
or annex to to move into the annex. >> People can't hear us out there. >> They were talking >> sometimes that >> um we my board meeting that we would like to move into the possibility. You would have to know the logistics and how
much it would cost and just some general information about they did say yes we can just go forward with >> with talking to us about it. >> Right. Okay. >> How much negotiated it? >> We've talked about this at a couple meetings and some things I think it
would be most advantageous for them as well as for the city to enter into some sort of form of agreement but at in a shortterm basis at at a zero cost. um they're going through a change right now. Even though we're paying for their their director, they are working out new
ideas on how to generate loans. And I think in the time and the changeover, it would be very helpful for this group for their long-term success at the city and the commission uh would have it to for them to be in their rentree for a specified period of time
>> and that would include utilities as well. Okay. >> So, we would be covering the utilities as well. Is that what you're proposing? >> Just for a short period, >> not just the rent. Okay. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I mean, we're covering the utilities now. >> Yeah, we are.
>> We are. We are. Is there even a different power meter? I don't believe >> I believe so. It is. >> I did. final question every month. >> Okay. Okay. We just know that that where
you are now, you're on month to month. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> And it is a drain. >> It is a drain. >> Um so my question is, is that something the city manager could bring back to us in July or August or when would they be
ready to >> I'd love to my building as soon as possible. If I could give them permission to store stuff there, um, that would be good. Um, even if it's not something that we're opening up dayto day and it needs a lot of work done, too. Still,
>> I still don't think that the $1,200 payout is the right thing for our organization at this time. >> Okay. >> I think at this time I would like permission from the commission to enter into an agreement with them. If their
board decides to do that, I can have that ran through our legal counsel and get that to them as soon as possible. >> And you have to give what kind of notice do you have to give a 30-day notice? What's your notice for the other for the other properties? >> Yeah, I believe it's 30 days. >> So, they don't want to give a 30-day.
That's So, that's an additional So, if you have to do that, that's additional time, additional monies, and you need to know that we're that we're on board. Correct. >> Yes. >> For your board. Okay. because we go from the 15th to the 15th.
So if I said this is our last month start on the 15th 15th of July. >> Okay. >> So I need a motion. So you go right ahead. >> Okay. So um I move that we authorize our
city manager um to enter into an agreement with the downtown partnership. um for lease of the annex building monthto month. Okay. Um at um no charge um with the
city being responsible for uh the utilities of electricity and water. That sound right? >> I'll second that. >> Okay. So we have a proper motion and a second. The one thing I will ask um do
we have any discussion? >> No, I I I think it's time to uh we we know that uh the partnership main street and struggling a little bit and uh it'd be nice to give them a leg up uh trying to get them back on track and I think
that's really important for our city. uh this is something that we've worked really hard at and uh I I hate to, you know, see it. I I hate watching it struggle as much as it struggle. So, I think this would be a a very good way to help.
That's all I really want to say. That can be a good thing. >> Um there's not a time certain you did that on a month-to-month basis. Do we have a time period that you would like to bring this back for? Um or are we just going to wait and see through? I
just want to make sure that we >> Yeah, that's a good question. Um is this month? >> Well, month to month is um to review in six months. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yes. I'd like to amend my motion to say
um that that arrangement would be for six months subject to and subject to review and extension. >> Okay. No second that. >> You'll second that. Okay. So, we have a proper motion in a second. No further discussion. Do we have any public
comment? >> Okay. >> Rachel, are you good? >> Okay. If we have no um other public comment, Madam Cler, if you please do a roll call. >> Commissioner Burton. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Moore.
>> I. >> Commissioner Deito. >> I. >> Vice Mayor Lori. >> I. >> Mayor. I so approved. It would be nice to see that have some life and have it show the downtown partnership. So it does need it
does need some work though and >> use the front door. So with that at this time I'm going to take a re I'm going to close out and I'm going to take a seven minute recess.
>> Thank you all. Oh, I'm sorry. I'll take Okay, this meeting is back in session. Thank you all for your patience as we do a short little recess. I'm turning it over to you. You were in our public hearing section. >> Thank you, mayor. I appreciate that. Um,
we're going to touch on a lean reduction policy resolution. Put this together from our last meeting. Uh, it was asked that we as staff put something together that was a uniform lean reduction policy. Um, in review of that policy, we did strike out any um documentation or
documentation requirements for 14-day compliance. the language in the header uh in the title is wrong. I've spoken with our legal counsel here about that. Um but this was really important because you know we didn't have a policy in
place before. Um and this this resolution adopts formal uniform lean reduction policy for code enforcement cases within our city. The purpose is to create a fair, transparent, consistent process for reviewing and approving lean reduction uh requests submitted by property owners who have uh who have
bought their properties back uh brought their properties back into compliance. Real quick to just key elements of this of course is establishing our uniform policy commission authority and standardized applica applicant process and administrative proision uh pro
provisions. >> Okay. And we have a resolution. >> Yes, there's a resolution. >> You want to read the title to you read the title to the resolution? >> Sure. >> So, the title and I'm going to omit the language that uh the city manager
alluded to regarding the 14-day compliance which has been removed from the from the body of the resolution. The title without that provision or section in it would read as follows. A resolution of the city commission of the city of Crescent City, Florida, adopting a uniform lean reduction policy for code
enforcement cases, providing for strict documentation requirements, establishing uniform criteria and procedures, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing for an effective date. >> Okay, commissioners, I need a I'll
entertain a motion, please. Then we can move on for discussion. the motion to um >> to adopt resolution number 202607 of the to adopt a uniform lean reduction policy for code enforcement cases.
>> Okay, >> I'll second that. >> We have a proper motion by Commissioner Berg, second by Commissioner Lorie. Okay, commissioners, let's discuss. >> Any questions? Yeah, the first question I have is where did the 14day compliance go?
>> Well, I can tell you what my suggestions were. Um, and I will tell you that in my book, the the paper version I have the actual guidelines are are not with
the resolution. So I don't know whether they are in yours or not but section one states the city commission hereby adopts the lean reduction policy of code enforcement cases including all procedures eligibility requirements verification of standards and criteria set forth there in a copy of the policy
is attached here to exhibit A >> right >> I'm sorry >> yes >> that's not exhibit A >> and exhibit A is the it's the crux of the matter I mean it's the essence of it so if maybe we can pass that exhibit A out I assume it the exhibit A
critical. >> Right. >> I think is exhibit A >> and exhibit A is in the digital form. I'm not sure if it was not printed out, but that is the name reduction policy for code enforcement cases. And that
just goes through >> that. >> Yes, that is it right there. >> So, um, >> and you hyperlink that to everybody, correct? >> Yes, it is part of the hyperlinks. So, is that how do I get to your hyperlink? You just click >> because I'm not hyperl.
>> Yes, if I could while they're looking >> and I think what it was is in your book, if you look in your book, it's it's prior to the resolution, not behind the resolution. >> So, um if you look at the lean reduction policy,
um it's a much abbreviated version over what was first. what I first reviewed, right? >> And uh I think the while I applaud the desire to be thorough in these, I think that sometimes it's self-defeating if
you make it too technical. >> Yes. >> Just my observation and from experience. U there's going to be an element of subjectivity and lean reductions no matter what you do >> because you're going to have to make determinations such as what is financial hardship. um you're going to have to
make a subjective determination as to how long is too long for for a condition to have existed without it being remedied. So instead of putting very specific guidelines in like and again I applaud the effort that went into coming
up with a very detailed policy. Um it's not me to decide whether to do it or not but my observation was I think that's going to get very cumbersome. Okay, >> because depending upon the amount of time it had a 10% reduction, a 20% reduction, a 30% reduction, 40 and I
could see us spending a lot of time deciding whether you're going to go 10 or 20%. So uh instead the in my opinion and this is just my opinion setting forth the uh general
criteria to be reviewed and providing some procedural u specifications and criteria that accomplishes the you know the the purpose of trying to make certain that the same criteria or at least subject matter is being discussed each time a
request comes before you without hamstringing you to the point that you feel obligated to go to a particular numerical value of the reduction. >> Okay? >> And that's where I've seen it done in other places. So blame me as far as as far as taking out some of that other the
14 days specifically. >> Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. >> No, we have some questions. Commissioner or Lori? >> Um any it says that all of the cases may not exceed a maximum 90% reduction. Um, I like the fact that it says
administrative costs are not over reduction. I mean, I also think back to a few cases just recently where administrative costs were just from 10 years ago and not actually we really
didn't have a way to quantify this administrative cost because we were using numbers from years ago and then numbers from now and I don't know um it seems like there should be there might be some I don't it seems like there there are going to be some cases in which administrative costs to me should
be waved because I mean in the event that this is something that we've already had a few of them that has happened that was 10 years ago the property it's not the property owner that owned it at the time and they're coming to get the lean you know reduced now why are we charging somebody
administrative cost for something that we screwed up on that's our fault >> but but if they but we might not have screwed up on it might have been there for 10 years and it's been in non-compliance for 10 years and then somebody's buying it. I mean, if if I
was to suggest anything, I would say administrative costs are knowledgeable for reduction and they should be based on today's value, today's administrative cost value or however you would do that because that's what we ran into last time. How do we know how much that
person from an administrative >> and remember the fact that the condition didn't arise as a fault of or at the fault of the person who's who's now owns the property really isn't a get out of jail free card because if the lean's
recorded due diligence required you to look on the records and you found that the lean was there so you bought the property may have even gotten a reduction in the price based upon the fact the the lean was there. So, I I agree that it's I've seen it work. Uh
that the fact that the condition didn't wasn't caused by the by the by the new purchaser certainly can be a mitigating factor, but it's not a total in my opinion, it shouldn't result in a total exemption from from paying.
>> Exactly. Exactly. >> Yeah. And I think we need to remember too that from administrative costs again that's cost that the city's incuring that we're paying and that's taxpayer dollars again. >> Yeah. Because somebody else was you know
violated those those >> in black we established a separate fund uh with commission approval and the fines and cost went back into the fund for future enforcement action. Um, and you know, it's not lean. Code
enforcement is never a break even proposition. Hardly ever. But at least having a fund there uh to help defay some of the costs is uh it it really does help your program move forward. U
it cost $7,000. It used to cost $7,000 to tear down a house. I'm sure it costs a lot more now by the time you pay tipping fees and everything, but so much of that you can take out of the general budget. >> But I like that idea, Don, because um Mr. because especially when we get into
like an abatement because when you get into we got into an abatement and we had to have a dumpster brought in and it was extremely expensive. Um we had other things that that occurred and and so it's really costivited
for us to do abatements oftent times um when they actually should be done and because we don't have the funding source also add correct I'm sorry and when we have abatement costs we add those lean >> yeah absolutely you do but you have to advance them up front
>> and you don't get them back until you sell the property and >> on section six the limitations have a payment cost not eligible for reduction as well. >> So we ended up when we got serious in it the commission agreed to give it a
$40,000 uh budget which they appropriated and I understand things are relative but uh that let us be real about trying to get rid of some of the der properties them put them back on the market you know at foreclosure
sale and and move forward. I understand numbers may not be the same here but but the point I guess I started with was reducing these things to nothing basically >> there's no punishment for you >> it's at least you you aren't able to
build any kind of fund that >> I agree >> ultimately we're here to to clean up the properties we want the properties cleaned up it's not to make money however if somebody is neglectful and they're not doing what they should be
doing even after we have tried to go into those actions then then in that case you know there needs to be consequences. We've got a house right now that I'm getting phone calls again that we evaded
and it is right back to where it is. >> The owner is no longer alive. I'm not sure why we haven't done anything except for the fact the cost that's involved with that. And they're right back to the same activity. And it's not fair to the other homeowners because typically your
home is your >> your largest asset you have um for the most part and the value of that should not I mean I think that we have a responsibility that if
it's impacting the value of people's assets um and we're turning a blind eye to it then um >> you probably familiar with the broken window concept. >> Yes. >> And that relates to both crime as well as property values. So, and I said >> and also there also the the health and
safety. I mean >> one of the reasons that overgrown yards is bad is fur and you know disease and things like I mean besides the property value I you know it's people's health. >> Commissioner Devita if I could um the property that you were just talking
about over on um I guess I'll say the address whatever. Yes. where it is on the west side of town. You know, one problem that we have with enforcement is homestead property and I believe the one you're talking about for many years was homestead any longer. It should not be
any longer. >> Okay. But in the situation that we're going to be in, it could be in probate. It could be an heir's property. Now, we don't know the status of it. So, if um this is not on the subject of this ordinance, but that might be something
for the city to be proactive about and look up the status of where that is. If you know, if it's an heir's property, we're going to have a problem with that as well. >> Not really. >> Well, you can property just as you just as you can. >> Well, we don't have budgets right now.
But back to the uh resolutions under discussion. Um, I am in agreement with the city attorney about the complexity of the percentage. It's not in this printed folder. It was in another
>> new version that you have in front of you. >> A new copy that I got. But my my one concern about this is um most of the lean reduction cases come to us when the owner of the property has an opportunity
for a sale. And if we if city staff is not going to schedule um a hearing before the commission until all this documentation is fully in place until the file is done. then there are
going to be sales that might not occur. I mean the reason we scheduled them sometimes we've um the last one of the last lean reduction requests that was involved disabled and hardship um the
request for lean reduction did not come before us um I mean the paperwork the actual paper until probably the day of the meeting. um but the buyer came, you know, yada yada yada. I guess what I'm
trying to say is um to be very strict on this to not provide for emergencies or exceptions. Um we may be frustrating our end purpose if we have buyers. I mean most of our lean reductions are for sale to facilitate sale.
>> I I I think that stop that there should not be scheduled and coming before us until everything is done and together. I mean, I think that's the reason for this. Um, when we get things that are half filled out or half done and half ready, we don't get the chance to review
it at all before the meeting. It's given to us right at the meeting. I I don't, you know, I I frankly don't like making decisions like that. Um, >> I don't we we do that to facilitate sales and to
alleviate the hardships. And this I can think of two situations where um one of them was a serious hardship and the person needed to get out of state and the buyer probably wasn't going to wait. So we would have just had the property
sitting there with the lean in bad condition and um I just I I can see that this could disadvantage us, create a disadvantage and frustrate our ultimate. So what part are you talking about? Because I believe
I believe a lot of that's on staff. So before staff brings something to us, >> I would feel that they would have that responsibility to make sure that they that everything is filled out and completed, we have a full picture of what we're dealing with. So where are
you where are you concerned that we need to make some changes because I really I want to move through this. Um, >> if you go to section five commissioner, you'll see what we laid out in detail that no anything in bold. No case will be scheduled for commission
consideration to the application. >> So that means it could take six weeks to schedule something because you won't put it on the agenda until it is complete. >> So I if I could I think Mr. Veto makes a
valid point um in that it may be that you'd want a different a completely different section, but it would have to have some provisions in it that um were that that assured that
if you allowed a prospective buyer to come in and apply for a lean reduction with a with the authorization of the owner, there'd have to be some specific criter criteria that guaranteed that the conditions were going to be remedied in
a given period of time with then the conditional reduction in lean dependent upon that and I don't know how how difficult that's going to be for you to enforce in other words um if
someone comes in and there's $100,000 let let's take that out let's $10,000 worth of leans on property and they want to make sure those those leans are satisfied or reduced as a condition of them buying. You can look at that two ways.
They probably they can negotiate that in the purchase price, right? And take the chance that they're going to end up having to pay the $10,000 as part of the purchase price. Where the lean is super high is where the problem comes in. So, let's say the lean is
$200,000. We should never let one get that high. We should bring it for foreclosure technically before it ever gets to that that's that that that amount but as Mr. Devito had indicated earlier or you did mayor you can't forclose on homestead
property so that does pose a problem. So if you were going to say that in the in the event of or in a situation where you had a lean and you had to decide what the proportional value of the lean was compared to the property. But if you trip that threshold, then you'd allow a
prospective purchaser to come in and apply for lean reduction provided that any reduction would be conditional upon one the conditions be remedied within a given period of time and then two if
that remedy occurred you would grant a a reduction in some particular amount. I that that is a possibility for you. You understand the concept I'm talking about? >> Yeah. >> Okay. because this last one that we did would not be eligible because and none
of them I mean some of them would not be because it says in here specifically that it would have to have been corrected. Well, we did that one without um it being corrected. The property has no active code violations. Well, that
one had not been that's still not corrected current and they still have they still haven't gone to close. Um, but that would prohibit us from being able to do this. So, I do think in some ways there I agree with Commissioner
Devito. There are some there are some good points to this, but they're also tying our hands in some situations because again, ultimately, we want properties cleaned up. >> So, this is the standard. This is the standard. uh it has been traditional
that you don't allow someone to come for leuction until the condition has been rendered and you put that burden on the buyer the seller but in so this is this is conventional but also you're in a little bit less financially uh
>> sound >> location I mean I'm not being insulting anything just making an observation so >> hardships >> hardships there more hardships here so you know maybe maybe that's a I could help get Gary write a provision a a separate section in that regard pretty
quickly. >> If that's if that was what your desire was. >> Sure. >> You know, my concern is that we if we're going to have guidelines that they facilitate us getting properties
cleaned up and as well getting them owned by people who can clean them up and maintain them, which that is a serious issue. Um, I don't think the world is going to fall apart if we um
table this until the next meeting when the language can be prepared. >> Um, because my concern is we have quite a few things on the agenda, some of which are extremely important. One of which is our fire station and well, there are just
>> Oh, yeah. We've got a lot on the agenda to get through. So my suggestion of all >> my suggestion would be that um we table it until July and allow the city attorney um >> okay somebody to resend it. That's the
wish. I need someone to resend their motion. >> Move the table date certainly. >> So you resend it and second >> Okay. So Commissioner B is rescending her and so I need a new motion please. Um, I move that we table this the lean
reduction policy until the July meeting so that the city manager and city attorney can come together for some better for some additional options. >> Okay. So, I have a proper motion by Commissioner Lori to table the resolution.
Um, let's say resolution >> 2026 2026-07. Do I have a second? I'll second. And I have a second by commissioner. Do we have any further discussion?
>> And we'll have attachment A on >> Yes, we'll bring it to the none. Um, madam cler, could you do a roll call for please? >> Um, vice mayor Lori. >> I commissioner. Hi. Um,
>> Commissioner Moore. Commissioner Burton. >> Hi, >> Mayor Myers. >> I Okay, so framework. >> Okay, let's move on to ordinance number 2026-2. Do you want to read that? >> Thank you, mayor. Actually, I would like to table this for July as well for more
further review. >> Okay. Um, commissioners, >> um, I move that we the ordinance. >> Yes. 20262. This is on our golf cart and motor vehicle. Um I I move that we table
ordinance 22602 um until July. >> I'll second. >> Hey, we have a proper motion by Commissioner Lori and a second by Commissioner Burton. Um any further discussion? >> I I will just say that every day that
goes by, I see more and more of these things on the road passing my house. I mean it's I'm serious. I I believe the draft dairy cass what it's worth as to golf carts is very consistent with state statute.
>> Uh I think the question is is >> other stuff. You know I'll be honest with you. I kind of looked at it and Tracy and I bought bikes and we bought all parts. They're all kind of brand new. And so we kind of got into what we
needed to know, okay, to to write these things. >> And everything changed in 2025. >> And so, um, there were new new rules that came out. And unfortunately, this ordinance wasn't put together using those rules. They put together using
2011 rules from what I could see. >> So, I brought that attention to and said, I really don't think you should go forward with this. So, it's my fault. And >> no, I saw it. >> I saw I saw it and I think like we still
have the age 14 in there and I don't think the statute speaks to age. It's just you have to have >> um So, there's some other things. If you're 18 or older, you have to have a proper ID. So, there's some things in there that we that need to be cleaned up. The
one thing I do want to say though as we go forward when we bring these ordinances we're advertising these >> okay there's monies going out so >> if you continue them to a date certain you don't have to read >> okay we don't have to read >> not if you table it to a date >> certain we need table this to a date
certain so >> to the next meeting >> um I have an observation we've talked about keying this to whatever new law it is the legislature adopted check which was that 0382
um that I checked that has been enrolled but it has not even been sent to the governor. They have it passed in March. They have not sent it to the governor. So um and it it's not very complicated
but I have no idea when they're going to send that to the governor. He might not deal with it. I mean once they send it you can there's a time times when Um, but if it hasn't even gone, we we don't know what that will mean.
>> Well, the thing is, you may as well move forward with what the new ideas are catch up. >> Just catch up. So, anyway, so table until July. >> So, we're tableling until July. >> Okay. >> So, we have a proper motion and a second.
>> Um, madam clerk, if you would please do I think Liz is trying to tell us that this is haunting us. Commissioner Burton. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Moore. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Deo. >> Hi, >> Vice Mayor. Lori, >> hi. >> Mayor Myers,
>> I thank you. And we'll see this at the July meeting. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I'm just so thankful mine won't go over 20 miles hour no matter what I do. Tomorrow, Tuesday. I don't know who that was. >> They were going to close out our public hearing. Yes, ma'am.
You mentioned that every time we advertise something there's an expenditure. >> Yes. >> Um so I would just like to make the observation when we table something um if we're going to bring it back with changes usually if we table something on first
reading the city manager or the clerk do not change the text. They bring it back as it was in our book and then we bring we amend it at the next meeting. If you republish it with
the different text on doesn't that >> you don't have to >> right. So we title >> I guess what I'm saying is we we kind of leave it alone and then we discuss the proposed changes in the next meeting. Is that what we're looking at doing?
>> You just you tabled this agenda item. This agenda item won't change as it's styled. You tabled it. So this same agenda item will be on your July calendar and that's why you don't need to revertise it. You can make whatever modifications you want to then.
>> Right. But so what I'm saying is I'm hoping that what is in the packet for the July meeting is exactly this text and then we get together and there will be a separate list of proposed changes. >> Not doesn't have to be. No, we can we
can make changes. >> We're going to make the changes and they're going to be redlined. Yes. And then we'll go over what those changes are together. They'll be redlin to go through each. >> Okay. >> Each change, >> right? But they will be apparent. >> They will be very apparent. Bold and red.
>> That's the key. >> Thank you. >> Okay. With that, I'm going to close out the public hearing section. Um yes, Pam. >> She's just waiting. >> Okay. There she doesn't have the number. >> Mayor, if I can ask um can we possibly
move in business uh up the uh code enforcement above Robert Taylor? The gentleman is here and he's the commission's pleasure to do so. >> I think it's fine. >> Okay. Thank you. He's been very patient >> and Mr. Taylor's been very patient. >> And Mr. Taylor has been very patient.
>> He's promised he's going to be very brief though. Mr. Taylor 28 seconds. >> Okay. So, we're gonna go um you're on. >> This is um case number 2600042
and it has two case numbers uh 17-61- CEB. It's James Allen, Senior and Pasa Holding LLC. It's 615 Florida Avenue. It's on the agenda tonight for a lean reduction.
I have here you have it in your packet. Um when I first cited the property owner, Mr. Allen, I've never had any response from him. The property was sold in a taxdeed sale to American
Premier, I believe, in Texas, and they had I had no contact with them. Mr. Uh, Roberto Pass bought the property in February of this year on a tax deed sale and he contacted me and as soon as he
found out about the code violations, he brought the property in compliance. you have his lean reduction form in your package where he's um offering to pay the $300
for the time between the date he was notified and the date he brought the property in compliance. And that's what uh staff is recommending that you reduce the lean to $300 plus the 5565 administrative cost that was awarded by
the code enforcement board on November 28th of 2017. And Mr. Paz is here if you have any questions for him. >> Commission, do we have any um questions? >> Just clear this question.
Sorry. Go ahead. >> My question was this property was out of compliance and the original owners went to tax deed and new people bought it still didn't clean it up and went to another and didn't pay taxes tax.
>> But people that bought the from Texas that bought the on taxi sale did not pay the taxes on it. >> That's funny. Interesting. that bought it in the tax sale and then they pay taxes and then so it went again. Okay.
So the amount was it got up to 77,000 is how much this would have been and that's what we're reducing it from. >> No. Yeah. Yeah, we're reducing it from from that
and he's willing to pay the 300 was notified, >> right? >> Plus the administrative cost of 55 years. >> I have two pictures here
>> taken in 2017 and 2022. >> The people that bought it in the taxi sale did nothing to maintain it. right across the street from there. >> And then pictures here taken May 13th, 2026 and May 14th where Mr. Paz had the
property maintained and maintained. He didn't take down any of the trees either. >> He wants to pay $300 from the time that he bought it that he that it was out of compliance plus the administrative cost.
>> Is it in compliance now? >> Yes, we just voted it yesterday as well. >> You just yesterday on April 8th and then again yesterday >> because we were actually standing right across >> the street.
I'd like to recognize for a motion before he speaks. Um, sure. >> So, thank you. Um, I would like to move that we accept the recommendation of the special magistrate and we reduce the
lean on 615 Florida Avenue uh to a total amount of $355.65. That being the fine lean to 300 plus administrative costs. um provided that it is paid within 30
days of today's date on or before July 11th, 2020. >> Motion second proper motion by Commissioner Devito um for staff recommendation and a second by Commissioner. Do we have any further discussion?
>> Thank you. >> Okay. No, we thank you. Thank you. And I know your neighbors are appreciative too. And and I think you even took care of some of the neighbors yards too >> on the first run. Yes. >> On April 8th yesterday, we rectified and only did my portion. >> Okay. Well, I know >> also prepared to pay today as well just
to get it all taken care of. >> And we appreciate your time and the time that you've spent here tonight with us. Thank you for your patience and thank you for taking care of that property. We look forward to hopefully hopefully you're going to build there and you're going to be a resident here in Crescent City. That's a beautiful piece of property. >> Beautiful. >> Yeah, it's a beautiful piece of
property. Is that your plan is to build build a home for for yourself or build not for not for ourselves at the moment. Potentially to have a place to go on the weekends, >> right? And then go from there. Yeah. >> It's a beautiful location. >> Okay. >> Okay. Madam clerk, I'm going to ask you
please do a roll call. >> Vice Mayor Lorie >> I. >> Commissioner Dino >> I. >> Commissioner Moore >> I. >> Commissioner Borton >> I. >> Mayor Myers >> I. Okay. So approve. Thank you. >> Thank you so much.
>> I need to sign Pam. I think you have form for me to sign on this if you want to hand it to me and I'll take care of it while we continue. Okay. Now, we're going to go to Mr. Robert Taylor. >> You got 23 seconds. Isn't that
>> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much for this opportunity to present the schematic design documents for the new fire station for the city of Crescent City. >> That's the right one. All right. What
ma'am put on the board is the first sheet of the documents which is a summary of what we are planning to present tonight. And in view of the time I'd like to kind of give you the reader digest of them. >> Do you think I can do that? body. >> I'm sorry.
>> Oh, okay. >> The first item is the song work that was prepared originally back in the 2nd of April and modified again a couple times. It's contained in your packet. It's uh dated 28 May 2026. This is the summary
of the work that was uh produced and edited and refined through several meetings with the city manager, the fire chief, the assistant fire chief, and several of the uh fire in the fire station. So, I wanted to let you know
that it's been refined and it is a significant part of the drawings that you'll see tonight. Um, I'm going to come back to the available cost reductions and site utilities in just a minute. The drawings that have uh included in your packet are
schematic design, but you can see that they're detailed and have been accomplished through a lot of work by us and our consulting engineers. I would highlight uh the drawing A1.5 which is the current floor plan if you'd
like to look at that and I'll look at that in just a minute. Item three on the narrative talks about each engineer has submitted an overview of what the scope of his discipline includes and again they're very detailed about what they would provide and that they are planning
to accomplish within this project. Uh item four is a survey that was prepared by NV5 and is included in your packet as one of the documents. Uh the geotechnical exploration is in process and that is expected in just a few
weeks. It will be necessary for building design, site design, site water retention and some other elements. Item six uh are options and opportunities which I did want to highlight uh for the city to save money. One of those is direct purchase and we
talked to the city attorney about options that could be included in the bidding doc bidding documents that would allow us to do that. I assume there are no prohibitions on the part of the construction contract to direct purchase >> for the city to to purchase. >> Yes.
>> And take advantage of also the tax at that point. >> There's no you can do that. Yes. Of course. >> You've done that I'm sure some of your project before. >> Yes. We've done that a lot with the county and with the city and that it does save money and it is a good idea.
>> Um, page two, let's see if I can get page two. There you go. I'm not going to go through all of these, but I wanted to tell you that the original concept provided for three apparatus base and we were not able to include all three, but
what we did include is two plus an added alternate alternate for the third one. So if money is available, we'll be able to provide that with the documents that we produce, excuse me, at this time. We've also included an alternate to
provide for an extended overhead, which you can look for in the drawings on A1.5. Um, we're going to use faux stone instead of a concrete block. Uh, we're doing some subtle things to the building
construction to save costs. Um, alternate number three is a source source capture system for the apparatus bay. When the vehicles are running, perhaps charging batteries or being ready to start, they give off carbon monoxide. The source capture system, we understand, is going to cost about
$60,000, which we'd love to include, but again, it'll be budget driven. Okay. Um, I'm going to move on now to page three and
item eight on page three is significant uh because of the site work and one of the things I'll show you on the cost projection was a significant part of the project. We compared it to what the um county did at the Haworn Fire Station
and they're they bid the site work separate from the building which we think is a good idea. We talked to city manager Martin about doing that and have prepared to provide two separate documents. >> The benefit of this is that you can save some cost. Typically the general
contractor will hire a site work contractor and add overhead and profit and so on and that just increases the cost. So by doing two separate projects or contractor rather I'm sure it will save us some money. The other thing we wanted to look at is getting certain
work accomplished by the city like Quest City Natural Gas can do that work uh out of sequence with reference to the construction contract at its convenience basically and be ready provide the source to the site and for the final connections to be made by the
contractor. Similarly, public works may be able to do um site clearing and grading. There's a lot of uh excuse me earth and mounds and construction debris on the site which they could remove. The fire department
chief Riser says his crew is able to do the earth moving equipment and I'm of the opinion city manager Martin that we can apply those costs to this project because it would be a definite expense and something that we could again save overhead and profit and our our
liability would be the equipment cost. Yeah, >> we already we've already chipped a lot of the debris and hauled it off. >> Yeah. >> Already. >> I haven't been to the site, but that's a great thing. Thank you, >> Commissioner Dvita. >> Yes. Um, thank you, Mayor and Mr.
Taylor. I'm not really sure I understand on item number eight what you're saying um, city departments can perform certain other cost reduction services. For example, so when the city natural gas company installs those gas lines,
are they being paid at all out of the grant? >> It's my opinion that you can pay for these services within the grant because they're being used to accomplish the >> Okay. So I was not clearing. We are being paid through the grant
because normally with gas company for example all the departments the um the enterprise departments get paid you know we pay for our water nothing is free with enterprise but you're saying they will be paid for their cost >> that would be my opinion and
>> but it would be direct it would not go through >> the larger contractor >> that's correct >> okay just want to make sure so money is flowing for reimbursement. >> Good. >> Well, wait a second. I want to piggy back on that. Have you verified that with the state?
>> We are in the process of that, right? >> Okay. So, that's I think that's the key ingredient right there because >> um we need we need assurance that we can do this that that is part that they will approve that. So any of those costs involved
>> and I agree mayor and I think these are things that we would like to get cleared up and approved >> as we proceed into the next phase which will be design development um and we can accelerate the work and hopefully save a lot of cost similar we had mentioned the
utilities um clearing and grading um public works Harris indicated that there might have been some barrier debris. He was going to try to excavate and remove that. >> Yes. >> Um we're deleting the helipad from this
particular project just because of expense. Um and some other things that we're planning to do. It's a consideration for the landscaping and irrigation may be reduced or even eliminated according to the land development code at the discretion of the city commission and the city
manager. >> To eliminate landscaping, >> the landscaping and irrigation >> is the discretion. It's in our contract and it's something we will do and could even be accomplished by an agenda if you wish. So if money's available, we do it. There are certain things we've got to
do. The water management requires that we stabilize the soil and sew seed and frank grass and things like that. The land development code has a specific requirement for trees and shrubbery and buffers and things that are above and beyond the minimum requirements. That's
just something we u and again I already mentioned this Alex Taker is my civil engineer and he said that he would be happy to do that >> separate the two contracts. >> So let's see ma'am.
>> So I I just real fast before we finish and and not not for you Mr. Taylor but for Mr. Martin. Mr. Martin. Um I guess what I'm hearing is the fire department is um their staff, he's got his staff.
Are they doing that? When are they doing that? And that they're helping with this as well. And then our staff is already I mean especially in our public works, I mean right now our medians, I mean they are over we know that there's issues. So
when are they going to fit this in? Is this something that >> it in the timetable that we have before any type of heavy construction or contract, which right now we're on a pretty aggressive schedule to have this work completed and out for bid by the end of this fiscal year. Um we
anticipate a contract being completed and executed with a contractor sometime in the first quarter, hopefully by February. Um between now and then, we've already started the work. uh in between we've already had a chipper company come out and we combined it with other debris
removal as you all remember from our tree canopy at that time and told Keith we have the machines let's go ahead and grab all this stuff up out here we got a lot of that already hauled out and hauled off we're separating those bills so when we get the um direction from the
state on how to how to go after that um I was told in a preliminary conversation with the state any and all work that is done for the fire station is reimburseable under the grant. So, I just haven't asked if we do it that >> I'm going to get it in writing. Yes, ma'am. But, you know, to answer the
question, there's ways we can do it without taking away from the regular everyday duties that they have. We're just going to have to time it right. >> Okay. I just know we're in growing season and they're stressed as it is. Go ahead. >> Yes. >> City manager Martin and I talked about this and that is our goal is to try to
get this thing bid and awarded before the end of the year. >> Okay. So this is a document that I have flagged in your documents. It has a yellow postage of it and at the top it says cost options versus Haworn fire
station. Uh what we did after visiting fire station I got cost information from Jr. Grimes the assistant county administrator and he provided uh separate costs for the building and for the site. Uh, in the first part you can
see that the building costs about $275 a square foot. In the second paragraph, he's talking about developing two and a half acres which they bid and their bid price was $520,000. They were able to perform that same amount of work for $300,000.
Um, the cost savings by doing that is rather significant. If we can accomplish this new building for I added a 5% overhead property based on 7,000 square feet, we'll be looking at a building cost of about $2 million.
That's third paragraph. Fourth paragraph, the site utility cost. What I did, I averaged the site cost between what was bid and what they actually did. And our site costs were about $164,000 per acre. and we thought we would develop about two and a half acres for a
dentational $410,000. Um, adding all that together, a engineering, geotech, civil engineering, landscaping at 2.736 million. What city manager Martin and I have talked about is considering this
additive alternate for bay number three. And if we delete that additive alternate, it gives us a cushion about $38,000. So without additive alternate number one, the building cost is projected at this time to be about $2.4 million.
Uh at the culmination of the schematic design phase, I have authorized our cost estimating contractor Steve Black to do a more detailed estimate based on these drawings and the narrative that we have. And by the time we meet again, hopefully
around 9 July, we'll have that information and we can say, "Hey, this is a more comfortable cost projection." All right. Are there questions about the first part of the packet? If not, let me see. Can I go back?
Looks to me like we reduced the the the actual interior space and we increased the um bays the bay space. So I guess that's
still sufficient to accommodate um the ambulance and the ambulance staff. Is that correct? Um, Chief Riser is not happy with that. >> That's not He's not the decision. Yeah, he's not
the decision maker here. >> Well, uh, what we tried to do, Mayor, is I'm bringing that drawing right now. This building right here, you see where the cursor is? That includes two truck bays, plus the living quarters and the
showers and the kitchen and the restroom and the ancillary functions. This third bay will be bid as an alternate. This is the guy right here. Okay. And what I did for the drawing, I separated that out because not just architectural, but there'll be structural, mechanical,
equin cost of monies available for the ambulance. >> Yes. Yeah, he would. >> What about insight in the interior for ambul for the ambulance staff to be in there? uh per our last meeting he agreed and that's in the summit of other work
that two of the dorm rooms would be for EMS facility EMS use >> Mr. Martin. >> Yes sir. >> And I'm I'm sorry I'm going to be but that is not his call. >> No that's that's not his call. If we if
we recall when we went to the legislature, it was for an ambulance. And the first part of this project, project number one, the first million dollars was to build an ambulance bay. Okay. So, there needs to be a strong
understanding that that's what we were doing is we were bringing the ambulance into the city of Crescent City. >> Okay. So, I understand that he's got some ideas of how he would like this. got. However,
we that's that was that was our that was what we sent to the legislature and that's what they the first part phase one of this project was for was for an annual. So, I don't know how come we're veering off of that. >> I don't feel that we're veering off. I feel like we are if we don't if we if
the third the third bay is not necessarily for the ambulance >> double bay too. >> They are double bays. We extended them out to 100 ft long so you can have back to back. We assume that um if their if
the ambulance was coming which is what we had talked about they would be able to fit in one of these. We have talked about the round robin being able to park in the front and have the utilization of the of how it's how it's designed to be able to move around if needed. But >> we didn't talk about it. We agreed to it. >> Correct.
>> Okay. We all agreed for the ambulance. >> Correct. >> And and and I'm not I'm not at you, but I'm just saying that right now. Who's controlling this? >> We we are the city commissioner. >> Okay. I just want to make sure. >> We are. Okay. >> I just want
Yes. If I could. Yes. to speak to that point. >> Yes. >> Um I have been very uncomfortable about your process that we used to decide first the location and then it was said
well we won't decide what to build until we have the location because that will dictate what we can build. I was very uncomfortable with that process because this information that Mr. Taylor is bringing us now and I understand he has
his reasons um and the chief had his reasons. Um, the information now that estimates the costs, what would seem more logical to me and would do what you said, put the
commission in control, would have been to list the elements needed in order priority and put rough costs to them so that we could see where we were. Um, I realize we're in this and we have to do the best
we can, but that was the reason that I thought we should do this in a different order with specific specific goals first for all the specific elements and try to cost those
out because it's it's apparent to me >> that what we I guess what the staff said they wanted and we said go ahead and go for it. Um is bumping well up against our budget
and because we're talking about I mean one of the reasons that we went to the um old 17 junction road site owned by the city was because I think it would accommodate a helipad in part in part it was because we owned it. Anyway, I'm
just wanted to explain why I had those concerns. But my my second concern is um I am getting very nervous about the cost of this and how we're going to get to where you think we need to be and
get what is what is going to accomplish our goal. >> And I'm not concerned about that, Commissioner Devito. And and I I quite honestly with a lot of this um we don't have the expertise. So we have to rely on Mr. Taylor. He doesn't have the expertise. We rely on Mr. Taylor. And so
I just want to make sure that I mean he doesn't when I mean we have to rely on Mr. Taylor because that's what he does and that's his expertise. >> Yes. >> Um and so and you have done Thank you. and your patience through the years has
been what my concern is because he needs to be making these recommendations to us and we're at that we're at that point now where it has to come be brought back to us. What my concern is is that we put in a legislative request. I stood there and I
stated on behalf of this commission that this was for an ambulance bay ambulance so that we could bring the ambulance into present city. Okay. And so now you're telling me that the fire chief is uncomfortable and does not is not in
support of that. And so as we build this out, there might not necessarily be that bay available because we will have expended those monies. >> See, and and I remember that there was supposed to be an ambulance as well. You know, there really it's all supposed to
be all-encompassing. Everything's supposed to be right there. And when I looked at this, I kind of saw the same thing. you know, I I thought there was supposed to be three days. I thought the ambulance was supposed to be here and and I I agree with uh with the mayor. It's like what happened here?
>> That's all. >> So, that's I mean, so as we go forward, um you know, but I I trust that we have and Mr. Taylor, I know you and I have had this conversation since day one. First, it was we have a million dollars.
We will not go over a million dollars. We now they were so generous, the legislature so generous and the governor to give us an additional so that we could actually have in Crescent City a a working fire department um and fire
station that's safe for those and he's given us 3 million. We will not go over 3 million. >> We can't. >> Correct. >> We can't. and and as we move forward in the process um and I' I've been on this side on the estimating side I can tell you that um we have a good set of plans
and schematics and the numbers going to tighten up a number that was utilized as a best guess worst case scenario so I feel confident that the numbers are going to tighten up and and we're going to have a better and a better buffer the reason that I had instructed Mr. Taylor,
of course, to pull this out as an ad alternative was to um have the contractors basically sharpen their pencil on that piece. Um I think we're going to get it. It's going to be fine. We have 100 foot base and we're going to have an ambulance in that station.
>> Two other comments if I may. >> That's a nice thing to say, but that's not what's being shown here. >> Um >> yes, sir. The summary of the work that I included that we kind of skipped over is a detail six pages long of what's included in the fire station and it does
identify that um two of those dormitories will be allocated for the EMS team. >> The baggage themselves are long enough. They're 74 feet right now. I think the longest vehicle they have is like 38 ft. So we envision that the vehicle to adapt
right there will be double loaded. You could put an ambulance here, a pump truck here. And similarly here, you could put two vehicles in each bay. Okay. Um, this uh alternate number two
is an extended overhead overhang where there are bush vehicles and other vehicles are not quite so important would have shading and protection from the rain. So, we're trying to give the city the greatest opportunity
of these facilities. Uh, and I have refined the scope of the work or the summary of the work several times to make sure that you're aware of the changes that we made. As a matter of fact, on the 28 May issue, I added
things in red and struck through the things and so you can still read them what we deleted. Yeah, I'm trying to be as transparent about the changes that we're making so the city commission can have confidence where >> Thank you. And this is extremely detailed
and I this was stuff that I mean that you don't even think about. So, thank you for all the details. I mean, you've got everything in here down to the faucets. >> Um, you know, we I appreciate that. But it looks like we've gone down from eight dormatory rooms to six. And we feel like
six with two of those being for the EMS that we would still be sufficient for four with four dormatory rooms. Is that correct? >> Is that correct, Mr. Martin? >> There's more offices in that that we've talked about that could be utilized for both. But you're correct. >> These two spaces, if you look at this,
these are offices. There's another office. This would be the main office where uh the chief and the dispatch would occur. Um this room is dedicated as a tool and storage room. This room is for medical facility, medical storage.
So the six rooms in the middle basically that one, that one, all those are dorm rooms. Yes. >> Yeah. It looks like we're playing basketball in the day room. How come that thing's so huge? >> It's a huge That's where they >> That's where they spend all their time.
>> Well, it's just I'm just curious, you know. It's not just a day room. It's a training room. >> It's a a place where they could relax and socialize. And you know, they're 24 on and 48 off. I understand how they work. So, it's a full-time facility.
>> And their kitchen is in that room, too. >> Yeah. There's the kitchen. >> It's big. >> And And it really see I don't have current lights, but uh it's fairly precise. experience.
>> Okay. I just throughout this whole thing and I've heard that several times and I apologize that I got um that I was as strong as I was with that. But we we've got to land this as an ambulance, but that's the whole purpose. >> Yes. >> That we went to the legislature and we
have to uphold >> you know what we told them. >> Any other things? Do we have any other questions? Anybody? >> I just want to say Mr. This is great work and we appreciate the fact that you're willing to work with us.
>> I I said I appreciate the fact that you're willing to work with us and continue working on this project as you already have for several years. Um we know you're the best that there is around with this and so thank you for putting up with us. >> Thank you, Commissioner. >> He has the patience of Joe.
>> Yes. >> Um and my understanding is that DO D gave us the approval that they did approve to be able to use that site. Yes, ma'am. >> Not my first choice to but again. Okay. Do we have anything
else? >> Um, he needs an approval from us. Do you want to >> design approval? >> I need a motion. Um, >> I move that we approve the schematic design um that Mr. Chandler has presented and that we move forward.
We have a proper motion. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> So, we have a proper motion by Commissioner Lori and a second by Commissioner Burton to approve the schematic design as presented by Architect Robert Taylor on our fire station. Do we have any further
discussion? >> Yes. Commission to be on comment. I think the discussion tonight points up that a different process in setting our goals and going about in the design and
site selection could have benefited us. Um that we would not be here tonight whittling things down and asking questions the way we are. And as well, I just want to say for the record that I am very disappointed that the $3 million
to accommodate an ambulance has taken our entire fire station out of the center of the city in proximity to most of the residents and has taken it to the very south end in a much more remote,
less central, unblockable area. So, we are where we are, but that is great. um disappointment and I wish we had thought this through in a little more deliberative process with goals and objectives.
Commissioner Devito, um I just want to say that it wasn't the ambulance that caused that because we had the ambulance station planned right here for a million dollars and it was um an an attachment to our current fire station. It was the whole fire station in all. what whatever
it was the process we have followed um just I don't I don't think it was the best process we could have followed and it was not particularly deliberate on part of the commission >> that's my thought we considered four
different sites >> right I know and I'm talking about process I did not care for the process by which we selected the sites and we selected the sites before we went over in detail and said what our priorities were. I'm just saying that's my opinion.
I would not have designed the process that way. >> Okay. Thank you for sharing that. >> Thank you, mayor. >> We have any other comment? Do we have any public comment? Open up. >> I'm happy with where it is.
>> Okay. >> Um thank you. Um, with that, I'm going to let's do a roll call if you would please, Madam Cler. >> Commissioner Burton, >> I. >> Commissioner Moore, >> I. >> Commissioner Devito,
>> I. >> Vice Mayor Lori, >> I. >> Mayor Myers, >> I thank you. So approved, Mr. Taylor. Again, we greatly appreciate you. Appreciate your patience, too. Please be safe home. Um, I wonder I I just wonder
if Mr. Jones put money on 28 second. >> I've known Bob for a long time. I would have never put money on 28. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. I appreciate it. >> Okay, we're going to move on to if you
would please if you would please FD in time. Oh, we've got the MU. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. So, in front of you, you have a 2026 memorandum of understanding between Presley City and County for disaster removal. Stephan
Turner turned requested that I bring this to you all. Um, the purpose of this, of course, is to provide you guys an overview. Theou formulizes a free renewal responsibility between the city uh between the city and Putham County um following declared disaster events. Um,
it formulizes long-standing practice and grants county the legal authority to conduct storm related debris removal on city maintained roads after a declared disaster. This authority is required for FEMA and FDM eligibility and reimbursement. Um, this aligns with FEMA
public assistance program policy guide category A debris removal and meet statutory requirements under section 40370718 Florida statutes. >> Thank you commissioners. Um, I'll entertain a motion, please. And
>> um, could I be recognized? >> Yes. Commission. >> Um, I move that we approve the 2026 memorandum of understanding for debris removal on city maintained roads following disaster events as presented
by the city manager. >> Okay. We have a proper motion by Commissioner Devito. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> We have a proper second. Do we have any discussion? Um my my question looking through this I I understand kind of the reason behind it. I do know that I was the only one
here that was serving in 2004 when we were struck by two hurricanes. Um at the time we took care of all this ourselves and that but we didn't have any of these things in place. It was literally chaos. I mean trying to get off of course because everybody else in the state had been struck as well and trying to get
all the stuff off the ground and then two weeks later having the second hurricane bearing down us. It was a it was a mess. I know we we last two years ago we had >> same situation >> but but waste pro basically to pick up our um all of our stuff wasn't
>> that was the county >> that was the county they contracted they contracted for that >> but this this putting this in place will have us ready to go for something happens which is not going to happen this year um >> if we don't have this in place then we
it would be our our responsibility >> no and I and I I I'm all for it. >> Everything is done through FRC now with FEM. We're not FRC certified. >> Can you tell us what FROCK is? >> FROM is is part of FDM. They actually
don't have the F the acronym does not mean anything. It's a it is F- ROC. It's a reporting module through FD and that is for that is for recovery. It's for recovery after storm. Um, but we are not certified and so the state the county is
and it makes the paperwork a lot easier. If we have to get involved and I talked to Tennessee about this if we have to get involved utilizing our trucks our guys they will give us the mechanism for reporting to them and then we will get reimburseed our costs as well. So, it's a team. It's a team effort. Their hand
most likely with their hand. >> And we do that anyway with our guys when they have to do any of the debris removal, which they do go in and clear the streets and do everything that they need to and we keep up with their hours. Correct. Correct. >> And we submit that. >> Correct. No, 2004. It was way too big
for us to handle ourselves at all. It was a big mess. And then we had to wait two year two and a half years to get money back. put the money back >> and we take out that $800,000 line from >> they've already gone through the tr trouble of getting their disaster
recovery area mapped and pre-approval and all of that's done. So, it's all ready to go. >> Hence why we have the million dollar reserve is because >> Okay. Any other any other questions? >> If not, Madam Cler, could you please do a roll call for us?
>> Commissioner Deito. >> Hi, Vice Mayor Lori. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Moore >> I. Commissioner Burton >> I. >> Mayor Myers. >> I Okay. So, approve. >> I just want to ask is this do we have to sign this every year or is this going to be >> It's yearly. >> Yes, sir.
>> I figured we put the date on. >> That's what Mr. >> Then we're going to move on to our um FT. Do you want >> Yes, ma'am. This is more of a settlement. That's what I put in there. Settlement. Um this is authorizing the city to um move forward with contract
for installation of a motorized security gate. As you all know, um we were given um documentation from uh FD on some of our some of our wells that had hit nitrogen or not nitro, I'm sorry, nit
what is nitrates. >> Nitrates. That's right. Sorry. Thank you. And um so they had a long consent order. We were able to negotiate that down to a short consent order. That consent order was for $10,000. We've been uh tasked to come up with one of the one of the things we could do is
either pay the $10,000 and get nothing for it or come up with an inind project. We submitted a couple projects to them. They came back and denied those projects because they deemed them on the maintenance side of things. So, the last project that we had submitted looks as
if I've gotten a level on like level one clearance approval. I I have to get finalization approval from their supervisor, but right now it would be a security gate, a mechanized security gate. Um, and the project costs around $13,000 plus electrical, which would get
us around the $15,000 mark. As you all know, we put $15,000 into our budget last year for this specific purpose. I'm just asking approval if they if their supervisor does give me an approval letter for me to move forward and get that job done.
>> Okay. Mayor, I have a question. Okay. >> So, you want this to be contingent on approval? >> Contingent on approval. Yes, ma'am. From the FT. >> And then another question I have is I see here there's a proposed motion that says the account it should come from,
>> but it doesn't say where is that account like is that >> that account is under wastewater? Yeah. Under wastewater. >> Okay. So, it's in the wastewater portion of the budget. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. may or may not be recognized for a motion. >> Um, yes.
>> Okay. Um, based I'm reading off of staff's recommendation, I move to authorize city staff to purchase and install a new motorized security gate at the wastewater treatment facility from Lman Fence Company in the amount of
$13,720 to be funded from the wastewater budget account number 403-0035-535-349. 91- Z00 contingent
on this being approved by Department right by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as our um what is it as our um >> in um
>> right >> right as approved to um comply with the consent order. >> I'll I'll second that. >> We have a proper motion in a second. Do we have any further discussion? >> Okay. My concern is you've got in here
13,720 and that's what we're approving. And then you have plus electric. >> So you're going to get a gate with no electric right now. That's what we're only approving the 13,720. >> The Yes, ma'am. in and the the the budget impact if you proposed approvals
is $1,280. We just need to run the conduit that we have power out there. >> That's not what we're approving though, >> right? I I I want approval for the full $15,000 and that should cover. >> So, you've got a motion. You have to have electric in order to run an
electric fence. >> Okay. So, the motion needs to be for $15,000. >> $15,000. So, we need to spend 10. >> Well, we have we have to spend we have to spend the $15,000. That is >> what they require.
>> Yes. Because it's got to be >> basically what he's saying is you you you either pay $10,000 or you benefit by paying 15,000 and you get a project out of it. >> Correct. Got it. 10,000 would be lost in the business.
>> So I would like to amend my motion um to substitute the amount of $15,000 um in lie of 13,720. >> Oh second. >> Okay. Second. Do we have any further
discussion? >> Does the staff time to work on that does that count towards the value of I'm sorry sir. is the staff time and the st the effort the cost of the staff. I was just wondering you get over that 15,000. >> Yes.
>> Yes. Okay. >> Okay. >> Madam clerk, if you would do a roll call for us, please. >> Commissioner Burton. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Moore. >> Hi. >> Vice Mayor Lori. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Devito. >> I. Mayor Myers.
>> I. So great. Thank you. Okay, let's move on. >> Thank you. The next is RFQ uh employees benefits brokerage and consulting services. Um the city crescent city of course on approval will issue an RFQ to
procure qualified firm service at city's uh employee benefits broker and consultant acting as the city's agent of record and strategic adviser for design implementation evaluation and ongoing management of the city's employees benefits program. the intents to enhance cost effectiveness, ensure regulatory
compliance, improve employee education, and support long-term human capital um objectives. I'm looking to move forward, get this queue out and get some qualified companies to make decisions, move forward so we can bring better benefits at better cost for our employees.
>> So in in English, what is this about? I'm sorry, >> we ran into this last year. Remember >> we did >> we did this in order to get bids for our insurance package. >> We have brown and brown. Okay. So now we're doing the right way.
>> We're doing it right. >> Mayor, could I ask for clarification here? >> Sure. >> Just to make sure I understand. I asked city manager this previously. So this is for the employee benefits portion of our insurance, not for the overall liability insurance.
>> You're correct, ma'am. >> Okay. And you're anticipating that we might save money. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. >> And it's not just about saving money, but it's about getting better better quality, >> right, >> for our employees. Correct. Mayor, if I may, it's my understanding that we need
to be concerned about saving money from this point forward. >> Yeah. >> Concerned about taking care of our employees. >> Yeah. And making sure that they're getting the benefits. Yes. >> Okay. >> I believe. Well, I move that we approve
the RFQ. >> Yes. The RFQ for the employee benefit brokerage and consultancy consultant consult consulting services. Sorry. >> Okay. We have a proper motion. Do we have a second?
>> I have proper motion from Commissioner and proper second from Commissioner. Do we have any further discussion? If not, madam clerk, you do a roll call for us, please. >> Commissioner >> I. >> Vice Mayor Lori, >> I.
>> Commissioner Burton, >> I. >> Commissioner Moore, >> I approve. >> Oh, sorry. Mayor Myers. >> Hi. Thank you. So, >> okay. So, now we're gonna move on to the new banner purchase. >> Thank you, ma'am. Appreciate that. Yes,
ma'am. All right. So, new banner purchase. As you all know, our banners are getting old. They're not They don't have as much pop as they used to. Um, we have plenty of money in a few of our line items. Um, I've given you all the accounts uh for each of our CRAAS
looking to utilize funds. Please don't think I'm going to spend all of that money out of there. Um, this is just an example to show you what monies we have uh in there currently for each CRA um central, north, and south. What I'm looking to do is spend up to around
$10,000, and this would be to include um new banners for Central and for Summit. So, we would have large banners up to $150 each for um for Summit. And the small banners that you see on Central,
those are around $70 to $90 each. Um, we need new seasonal ones and we need new ones that that showcase our city >> and ones that are white now because the yellow >> I mean we've had those out for years. >> Four years a little while I think about
four years historic millions per month. >> Um, and so we've got 30 up and down central. How many do we have up and down summit? >> I'm I'm still waiting for Keith to give me a count. Okay. >> Yes, ma'am. Okay. All right. >> You going to bring back the approval of
whatever design and the colors? >> I would like to see the colors connect. >> Yes, they have standardized ones. So, I believe we've ordered some of those before. Um, standardized. If you look at the ones that have flowers for the springtime, those are standard.
>> Um, I can I can bring it back. I I really would like to have just a a few hours workshop really to to bring a few designs to you all so we can you know make some decisions. >> I think the biggest thing is going to be the designs up and down >> set. Yes, I agree. The sunrise sunset
was a great idea. That yellow >> the yellow just never pops. So we really need something that when people are driving through town that catches their attention when you drive through other communities those you know they just really >> I agree. I agree. I mean, I just
>> he can they have the company that does that. He's got the all the stuff that that company actually does that the banner company. >> Yes. The same banners that we've ordered before. We we've had we've ordered several banners. >> So, what you're asking us approval for tonight is
to purchase the new banners. that are sorry. >> Yes. I'm asking for approval to purchase the new banners uh along Central North and South utilizing those line items not to exceed $10,000 in total value. Um and
I but I do need to get the count. However, I would like to have a workshop just to get the designs just finalize the designs >> and I can start working with the sales team to get a better deal now knowing that we have approval. the CRA point
>> possibly because this you're taking this out of CRA funds. Yeah, CR >> that's okay. I mean I can open and shut if we want to. >> Yeah, if y'all want to do that. Is that what everybody wants to do so we can get
this and move on? >> Okay, I'm going to recess our current um commission meeting. I'm going to open up our CRA meeting. We now sitting as a CRA board. the CRA funds that we're looking to approve. Do I have a Can I entertain
a motion from anyone? >> Um, I can I get a cost again? >> 10,000. >> 10,000 total. >> No more than 10,000. >> No more than 10,000. Okay. So, I move that we authorize the city manager to make preparations to spend up to $10,000 total from the Central North and South
CRA uh budgets under the signage, wayfinding, and improvement project line items. um for new banners on central and summit street from Summit Street. >> Do we have a second?
>> Um I'll second it proper motion and second. Do we have any further discussion? >> Okay, Madam Cler, do a roll call for us, please. >> Um Commissioner Burton, >> I. >> Commissioner Moore, >> I. >> Vice Mayor Lori, >> I.
>> Commissioner Devito, >> I. Mayor Myers, >> I approve. So approved. Thank you. I'm going to close out our CRA and open back up our regular scheduled meeting. Let's move on. >> Okay. Next is the lawsuit discussion. Um
in-house representation or outside counsel direction to proceed. Um I had sent this um or put this in in here prior to finding out that um we made a little boooo in house as far as timeliness of getting this over to our legal counsel. I've instructed staff to
make sure that any uh any and all future documentation that needs to be uh that needs to go to law or addresses something within the law goes to a council as well if they're going through their channels. Um I was on um in a conference when we
received the notification from FMIT that they would not be handling the case upon my arrival back in town. of course catching up. Um it did not take the front seat, but we did get it over to our legal counselor who then um reviewed it and said, "Hey, when did you get
this?" And we were a little bit behind the angle and if you'd like to take over from that, I appreciate it. >> This is a a suit that was filed >> and you were served with a summon that required you to respond within 20 days.
Um, I think as I understand what happened, it was forwarded to FMIT. Um, and they at some point rejected coverage is a contract dispute, not a liability claim. Um,
maybe been some confusion on the part of staff in any event. Um, maybe it was assumed that FMIT was going to contact the plaintiff's lawyer and and ask for an extension of time with them to file an answer. I don't know any of that. When I received the lawsuit, the 20 days
had already expired and a motion for a default had been filed and u and had been granted. >> So, u a default uh technically the definition of a default is that it admits all the allegations of the complaint as being true
um and puts the defendant behind the aball. I um filed a notice of appearance immediately for the purpose of uh making sure that there was someone of record that would receive uh copies of any
further pleadings that were filed, including a pleading for default judgment or damages. And I sent an email to the plaintiff's attorney asking if they would be will explaining that there had been confusion and uh it was excusable neglect in my opinion and asking if they would agree to set aside
the default and they have not responded at all. So my next step would be to file a motion to the court to ask the court to set aside the default. If the court grants that motion, then you're back at a point where you can defend the case on the merits. If the court doesn't grant
that motion, then um you're going to be significantly disadvantaged in the lawsuit. Uh this is the this was a suit regarding um I think some uh financial services clarion that I think you are all
familiar with or maybe you are all familiar with I don't know this was before I myself was coming through your meetings that may have been touched upon at some meeting but I guess this was during uh um your previous city manager two ago um two city managers ago I guess
during his reign Correct. >> Um and um so that's where you are right now. They are claiming they've asked for damages in amount of I think >> 13 or so thousand plus interest from 2022.
So uh because that's when they claimed that the liquidated damage sum was due. So that's where you are right now. And in terms of the procedural, I'm not really uh don't think strategy discussion is appropriate in an open meeting. You can do that at a closed meeting, but the first the first
strategy is to see if we can get back in the door so that we can defend on the merits. Otherwise, you are fighting a uphill battle primarily theoretically limited to damages. You know, how much the damages are you, you know, they pled that amount again that a court could
take that amount as being as having been admitted because no answer was filed. Um, but that's where we are right now. This happened. I don't know. I think I found out about it last Friday. Filed notice of appearance on Monday. Uh filed
an email or sent an email asking for uh communication with plants attorney. Got a response and so here we are. debating. >> So, obviously, um, when the agenda came out and I looked at the city manager's
question, which was how to choose council, um, it concerned me greatly that none of the paperwork showed that we had responded to the summons, which was required, and you've explained where we are. Um, and I hope that we will
develop very specific quitting procedures for that. But what concerns me also is is that we have been made aware as a commission that a lawsuit was coming because it's my understanding that for medical malpractice and suits
against the government and some other kind of suits, the um plaintiff has to file a pre-suit notice. Did we not get a pre-suit notice? >> That's in negligence actions primarily. >> Not just neglig. >> I don't know whether you were or not. I the first I've heard of the suit was
when I was last Friday. Negligence actions, you're required to file a pre-suit notice, but but contract action, which is what this is, >> right? >> But it's been pending for a long time. I mean, 2022 is apparently when they
>> they're bumping up they're bumping up against limitations or whatever else it is. But I guess my my concern is that we were told a couple of times that they were intending to file suit. So >> they had different >> whether it was a statuto requirement or
whatever. >> Um, >> right. Bobby Pick told us that, but it's in the city manager's report somewhere here that we were also notified previously that we were going
to be sued. And with that notification, it concerns me somewhat that we didn't reach out to them then or, you know, discuss it then because obviously it's better if you can work things out before
there's an actual lawsuit. >> We received a generic form that had a QR code on that. Remember that was something that we had received, but there was nothing on the QR code because nothing had been filed at that time. It was more of a generic form saying that there's a possibility that someone's going to be filing suit and and they
they they named you they put information on there but when you follow >> right it was basically so you would get representation is what it is. It's just a solicitation from the court. >> I didn't receive anything from the court until we got served. >> And I think this is of course Derek this
is your this is your first flush with this with a lawsuit. >> Yes. >> Um a lawsuit. Well, it's a simple solution is I mean people can talk about suing you all day long, >> but there's a difference of opinion as to whether or not you jump up and start
throwing money at them when they say they might sue you. But when you get a summon in house, >> then there should be a specific procedure. It's pretty simple. You can send it to FMIT, but at some point there needs to be a guarantee that there's going to either be an extension granted
by the other side or an answer filed within the 20-day time frame. And um you know I don't know it's I don't know >> and I've met with staff it was a simple mistake on my part not to instruct them to include Don I'm sorry Mr. Holmes on that email. Um moving forward though
staff has been instructed that anything that has to do in a legal manner should include not just FMIT but Mr. Holmes or any representation we have at that time. So I apologize to this body that I did not direct them. The fault is mine. Well, and that's I mean I I took
service. I always take service. So I took service and I just assumed that as part of that it would go to FMIT. But everything everything legal anything legal from here always goes to our city attorney that fall that falls on me >> and and Bobby Bobby was very involved in
this and they went back and forth um with their attorney and um and they threatened us back then too that they were going to sue us. >> We also gave them some information but we also gave them quite a bit of information about the reality >> and I'm a little surprised that if MIT
doesn't respond when they receive a claim to you saying okay we're going to consider this but understand that you're responsible for making sure that since a summon has been filed it defaulted and then I'm a little surprised at that but you know take a while sometimes back to
us >> there's a it's a it's a digital interface it's through email it's not a person that we just pick up the phone and call >> um The mayor, I have another question. So, um I thought the city manager's original question to us is um are we
using in-house representation or outside counsel? >> And you're and I'm fine with you doing either. I just went ahead and tried to take some >> absolutely >> preemptive steps immediately as I when I learned of it. You could certainly change attorneys, but I was just trying to make sure we had a notice of
appearance filed. Well, my question it was my first thought was um regardless of who handles it and Mr. Holmes um I feel very confident in you if you wish to do it um and we get a certain price from you. Is that correct? Or if it's
litigation is that um >> I would just do it. I think our contract costs a certain number of hours for the the amount and then after that there's an hourly rate and I would just do it on the same >> the same basis as far as >> because one of my concerns is um
obviously you would hopefully represent us but um one of my concerns is you know where in the budget will we find money to pay to resolve this because we are fairly um I mean we're fairly tight on our
legal budget. It does not really anticipate >> this unless maybe it can be brought in for landing. So, I guess that's to be determined, but it seems to me that that is something that has to be figured out. >> And I think at this point in time where
we are is we just Mr. Holmes needs to get us out of it if he can. You >> want a motion? >> This this situation that we continue to proceed. Yes, please. Somebody >> I move that um Mr. who's as our attorney acts on this lawsuit from Clarion.
>> Thank you. >> Sure. >> And I will second that motion in a second. Any other discussion? If none, >> if you would please do a roll call. >> Commissioner Burton. >> I. >> Commissioner Moore. >> I Commissioner Devito.
>> Hi. >> Vice Mayor Lori. >> Hi. >> Mayor Myers. >> Hi. Thank you. And >> thank you, Mr. phones for >> service. >> Thank you very much. >> I was thinking it was 30 days and it was only 20 days. So that was
>> that was even worse. >> It was even worse. Okay. Um okay, let's go on to our city manager performance review and approval. You have in front of you um what we have used in the past. The last one it's the same. Exactly. It
should be exactly the same >> and we'll have they'll have it clerk, if you, Madam Cler, if you please send that to him digitally. If everyone will fill this out, get this back to >> um get this back to
um the clerk. >> If you'll get this back to the clerk prior to the next meeting >> so that we can go over this and we'll put this on the >> and we'll put this on the agenda for the next meeting. Would it be helpful, mayor, if the clerk also sends to you
all the previous review that so you have your notes? You all want that at all? >> Yes, definitely. I have been >> just go for it. >> Okay. >> It's a whole year. >> It's a whole year. >> You can look at it from an improvement
from an improvement standpoint. So, this is the the six months after actually this is the seven eth month after the six months. So, >> okay. >> I mean, you know, I hit him so hard. >> So, let's move on to um we've got at
this point in time I didn't think we were going to do this, but we're at 9:50 actually about probably 9:46. Um we still have a few things left to talk about. So, um do you want to continue to push or do we want to go
ahead and extend at this time? We do our best working on pressure here. But >> okay, then let's move because every moment we're not we're wasting we're wasting time. So let's move on to the budget adjustment and gas rate please. >> Yes, ma'am. All right. So in front of
you of course not taking any vote tonight. This is more of a read ahead. Um purpose is to provide you guys with a summary of our proposed natural gas rate adjustment for for this year. Um this was brought to you all in 2025. We already did an increase on residential
side from 16 to 18 and from 18 to 21 or 22. Um they wanted a threephase or three- tiered approach to this and so this is this would be the second um the second rate increase for what they had originally proposed. We're looking to um
bring the cost residential from 18 to 21 and small commercial um/commercial from 22 to 25. I've given you all the regional rate comparison with all the competitors, we're still currently sitting at the at the medium low. Um,
even with the increase, highest is Central Florida Gas at 71. We're looking to be at 25. Um, Lake City is at 25, Clear Water's 25. Um, Palaca, and I do want to bring this up, Palaca's at 2450.
Just so so that's up for discussion. residential um 18 to 21. Um Central Florida Gas is at 26. Um PAC is at 1410. So wanted to take that into consideration. Justification for the
rate increase, it aligns with our rate study mandates to maintain our financial stability within that. Um that department supports system maintenance, regulatory compliance, and operational cost increase. uh keeps the city's rates competitive in the regional market and prevents future steeper
emergency increases by competing uh completing the plan phase approach. It ensures adequate revenue to support long-term capital planning and customer service reliability. >> Okay. Commissioner Ward,
>> um these numbers in the graph, you got these from uh FGU. >> FGU. Yes, sir. >> I don't know why it's called FGU. MGM that's >> they had provided it in a sheet the highlighter and I just I I took them and built this because I didn't like the way
it looked. I will commercial is 155. >> Yes. >> Yeah. But um the other thing is are you saying that we're going to make these changes when we do our rate increases at the end of the fiscal year? You want to do this in in July? >> I'd like to do this in July, but when
we're ready for our budget talk, some budget adjustments. So, I'm waiting on a few things for the close out to know what any carry forward was. We're still finalizing um that process. So, soon as that is done, I'd like to bring it forward. >> And I believe there was a couple of
those that automatically increase, but they're every other year. So, we don't rates will go up. Our rates go up every year. >> Correct. >> That will be done. We will have to do another >> We have to do another rate. Yes. >> So, that's why I was asking whether you want to do it now or you want to wait
till October. We were originally slated to do this in March, but because of the hype increase and all of the stuff that happened with our gas department that was out of our control, we did not bring the rate increase at that time. >> Pretty exorbitant bills. >> You want to do this now or you want to do this in October?
>> We can't do this now. It has to be done by >> I mean before October. >> Oh, I'd like to do it before October. Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> I still my my other complaint is that we need to give people time. We can't just we can't just pop these rates on everybody 30 days later.
>> Yeah, that that was Yeah. And that was why we did this phase approach >> kind and kind of do that every fiscal year. We're like, hey, we're going to pass it before the end of September and then October 1st your rates go up. I mean, and that's one of those things that the state legislature really been a
little mad about us operating utilities and popping rates on people. That's why we're gonna have to the laws that have changed next year that we're gonna have to have more public meetings twice a year or once a year, isn't it? >> Um, so I'm saying I would like to kind
of give people a little bit more notice. I know it's $2, but it's $2 as well as FPL and everybody else. Yes, >> I I would agree with that. people need to be in. >> Yeah, it's because you have to put some you need to put something out in the in
the in the water bill, too, showing them that there's a potential rate increase. >> Okay. >> Correct. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, we're going to move this to the July um for discussion. You just brought this to us forformational purposes. No need. Okay. >> Just to read ahead.
>> Okay. Thank you so much. Um let's go on to move on to the August meeting rescheduled due to conflict with the FLC conference. We always do this. Go ahead. >> I said I'm going to go ahead and move that we extend 15 minutes. >> Go ahead if you'd like. >> Second.
>> Proper motion and a second to extend 15 minutes. Pass. >> Okay. >> All in favor, please say I. I. >> I. N. >> Always. >> Um. Okay. So, so this is for the August
meeting is scheduled currently scheduled for the 13th. You've got the FLC conference. So, we typically move it to either that Monday or Tuesday prior. >> Tuesday is Derek Martin's birthday, >> 11. >> August 11th. >> Oh, yeah.
>> Happy birthday to you. Let's have the meeting on a motion. I I move that we uh move August the meeting for August 2026, the regular meeting um to August 11th at 6 p.m.
>> second. I will second. I have a proper motion by Commissioner Lori, a second by Commissioner Devito to move the regularly scheduled meeting from the 13th to the 11th in August of 2026. >> So just FYI, I probably won't be able to attend that.
>> Okay. On the 11th. Oh, because you've got the other. >> Would the Monday be better? >> Monday's fine. Yeah. >> From the 13th to when >> to the to the 11th or the 10th. Now we're looking at the 10th unless y'all want to do it the week prior.
>> The be in July. >> You can't be here. >> When >> when will you be here? >> I won't be here on the 10th. Will you be here? Okay. Yeah. On the 11th and the 12th. >> Okay. So, you won't be here on the 10th. Will you be here on the 6th?
>> Yeah, I believe so. >> Okay. Would we want to move this a week? A week prior. Are you available on the sixth? >> Is that the first Thursday of the month? Yeah. I don't think I'm going to be there either. >> What's that? >> Another meeting he has.
>> Another meeting Tuesday. Well, to me to give the city manager and the staff enough time to prepare, I think the 11th is probably the best because we're not going to be able to get Mr. Holmes anyway.
Not it doesn't sound like the dates I mean the the preing Thursday wouldn't order that I have committed on that and the Tuesdays >> and other than that I have no I don't have commitments at night during that time frame other than on the second Tuesday and the first Thursday of course
then you're normally the second Thursday. >> So do you want to do it the first Tuesday on the fourth? >> You you're available on the fourth the first Tuesday. >> Yes ma'am. >> Okay do on the first Tuesday. Staff would we normally have a light agenda for that anyway? Staff would just I
guess have to Mr. Martin, you'd have to start building that agenda now. >> So, is everybody in agreement on the fourth? Are you here on the fourth? Everybody. Commissioner Burton.
>> Okay. here. I just I just think it's a >> I don't want to go into this without our city attorney here. So, >> and there's no one else available. >> Not at this time. >> I'll explain that. >> Okay. So,
>> we need to So, I need a motion, please, for the fourth. >> I I went to >> Oh, we need to Yeah, you made a motion. So, we need to No. Um, I meant the 4th of August at 6 PM.
>> Okay. So, the 4th of August at 6. There you go. >> Commissioner Devito, are you in second on that? >> I'll second. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So, all in favor, please say I oppose. Nay. Okay. So, be it. That's when our
commission meeting will be scheduled. >> Okay. >> From that, we're going to close out our business. Um, and we're going to move on to our approval of um, minutes. So, you've got the minutes in front of you.
I'll entertain a motion. Um, I move that we approve the minutes for the commission regular and CRA meeting from May 14th, 2026 um, with corrections. And I have two.
What are your two corrections? So, um, on the last page, page seven, uh, under commission comments, the bullet point that has the name Don Howard, that should be coward with a C. And then on
page six, um, at the very top of the page, security related building upgrades, the motion. I made the motion. Um, the motion is not the motion I made. I wrote it out based on the recommendation. This these are my notes
from when I made the motion. The um that said what we were funding um but primarily it does not say from the better place plan >> fund and it really should say that and I looked up my notes it was from the
better place plan fund. >> Okay. So, let me ask um Madame Clerk, can can you do that? Just I rather than from her notes, can you do it verbatim? Um can did it pick it up if it would do it verb? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Okay. So, those would be would you be acceptable to that? >> Sure. >> Okay. >> Okay. We have we have a proper motion with changes those two changes. Does anybody have any other changes? >> Okay. Can I get a second? Okay, we have
a proper motion in a second. Do we have any other discussion? >> If there's no other discussion, >> discussions, I continue to be impressed by these notes. >> Yeah, they're very good. >> Thank you guys. >> And the system, I know it's taken a while for the system to really capture
us, but >> it helps that you repeat. >> It really does motion. >> It really It really is when I remember. >> Okay, I'm going to do a voice vote on this. All in favor of the motions, please say I. I >> I >> oppose. Nay. And so approved.
Um we're going to go to our city manager report. Do we want to do the attorney report? Does he do you have to report? We also need to do workshops at some point. You're going to have to get some workshop dates. So >> So mine's very quick. Uh, as most of you
may know or probably know, my law partner and son-in-law um was appointed by Governor Sennis to take the bench in in Pum County effective July 12th. He'll be a judge as of that date. So,
obviously, he has to leave the firm. Um, and at that point, I'm going to essentially uh revert to a sole practitioner with some staff. Uh I I'm at a point in life where supervising younger attorneys is not protect
particularly in my in my patience window. >> Uh so I'm going back to being a sole practitioner which I was for about half my career more. Um but my firm will have to change the name. I have to change but under Florida bar rules. It'll be Homes Law instead of Homeland and Young. I
start home big because when Joe Piggins was my partner, it was Homeland Pickkins and then over the evolution things has happened. So your contract is with Home and Young, which is a multimember firm. You're it. You don't have to make a decision now, but you're perfectly free. If you'd like to, you know, to uh look
at other options, that's entirely up to you. You just get rid of us. >> I'm sorry. >> I'm just being entirely forthright. You know, it's that's why the uh issue with the dates was an issue because I don't have anybody else to to cover. It'll be
me and three uh staff persons will be in my firm. So, um you know, that's the very proud of my my son-in-law and uh very happy for the family uh and and Governor Dantis' faith in him. It was a
selection process as always involving quite a few folks that went through the judicial nominations commission and then ultimately three were sent to the governor for consideration and interviews and he was chosen. So it's a great thing but it's going to require me to make change. So that's >> we're very impressed with county firm
has produced two jud at least two judges three >> judge was also with my firm. >> He's an appellet bench now. >> Okay. Judge Pickkins now and Judge >> and now Judge >> Young will be
>> Bobby. Yeah. >> And Bobby actually had no opposition. So he's got it for >> correct. >> So that is >> okay. Well, thank you. Is he replacing? >> Uh I think he would be considered to
have replaced Morris. Fine. That's >> No, I I take that back. I think he would be considered to have replaced Janusa. >> Oh, okay. >> I think that Judge Johnson replaced technically replaced Morris and and George replaced Judge Janus.
>> Janusa. Okay. >> Okay. >> And then each has to be reelected, right? >> I'm sorry. Do you have a while before he has to be reelected? >> I think it's a little over two years. >> Okay. She ran and when we ran the last time. So he has he has
>> two years in about >> Yeah. >> five months. >> Actually, that's exactly what he has. >> Right. >> Okay. With that, so the city manager's report, do we have anything any questions from the city manager report?
>> Um >> yes, Commissioner Devito. >> Two quick questions. um how are you looking on the audit that's in progress and when will we have the figures for the close out of the fiscal year 25 budget? >> So right now um we have a third party
finalizing the steps for 25 everything's been in and submitted. They're just finalizing a report for me so we can have that on our for our next budget meeting. Uh so I know what the carry report is. Now your first question you were asking about >> how what is the status of the audit that
is technically through June 30th. >> Right. So right now um I'm I'm happy to say that we're we're probably doing better than we've done in most recent years. Anticipate having uh the audit completed not by we haven't
been told it would be completed by the end of this month, but we also haven't been told that it wouldn't be. They're really on schedule. uh Steve and his uh team has been giving them everything that they need some things ahead of time and I'm proud of that process. Um it
looks like we anticipate most likely that we're going to be completed in July. We'll make sure that the state's notified promptly. If we can't get there, get the information to them. But we're looking to actually have it completed by July this year, which I think is a big leap and a jump. But I'm
really proud of Steve and his team. >> It's tremendous. >> And we do have to make sure we We need to you know hire a new auditor to a new contract with a >> yes I just want to keep in mind yes
>> mayor one question may have this question also the status of the historic preservation ordinance which Mr. Cara recommended be done as amendments to the land development code
>> historic preservation changes that >> okay >> we are commissioner worked on and car >> it is a work in progress at this point right now >> so there's nothing did it go to historic I mean to the historic preservation
board yet >> it has not gone there yet in its current form now >> so the current form form did >> well well current form >> it has but but was brought to your attention that they it needs to go through the land development code >> it needs the land development code needs
to have an amendment correctly so yes >> they thought it would be better to do it development code it doesn't have to go it the plan development code would have to be amended >> well if you don't do it that way then you've got two you could have two conflicting documents we don't have time right?
>> It's just a lot more uh it's going to be a lot easier to implement if it's incorporated than your landed on code instead of a standalone. So, but it's my understanding when we started the whole
planning review process in 2022 that we identified historic preservation as a priority and that didn't get fully done and here it's still 2026. Obviously, Derek, it's not your problem. >> No, it's not that's not fault because
that was what Mr. Cor did when we were implanted on the code. It was the uh reconification community code that exed out our land that xed out our historic preservation ordinance. So that had nothing to do with the planning process.
The planning process was done and everything was brought into line with the current preservation the at time historic current preservation current current historic preservation. >> Anyway, we're still working on that. >> Okay. Any other questions for Mr. Martin because we are running out of time and
we've got a couple. Yes. I just have a few comments. Um, we have two applicants, very strong applicants for the gas department, uh, department head. Okay. Um, the north tower project is almost completed um on the on the north
end run. Everything's been moved and sent over towards the u um the facility up that way and they've been notified. Um, work is starting on Main Street and >> and it's all all going as planned program. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Oh, tree grant was also uh tenatively approved for reimbursement and so has the u FEMA money from EFA for the docks. >> Really? Yes. All of it. >> All of it. Awesome. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, we've got approximately
six. We have about eight minutes. Um so, we if nobody else has any questions of Mr. Martin, we're going to move on to the city commission. Um, before we do any of this, I do want to let everybody know
that Charles Overur said he will be here July 23rd from 10 to 12 to answer any questions for any um we have an upcoming election. Our qualifying will be the first week of August. He'll be here to answer any
questions and to give paperwork if anybody um in the meantime if you need him, please don't hesitate to reach out. October 20 I mean July 23rd >> from 10 to 12. Okay.
>> Um and please everyone make sure that you know July 1st your financial disclosures. Madame clerk um all of our boards I know that they've they should have been notified um but they've all
received it. Okay. And u Mr. Martin, you also have to do your financial >> this will be commission. >> She did it. That's right. She's done for the year. It's all online and I and I will not as for us to
discuss October the October meeting I will not be here >> that's my daughter's get a new wedding for me that weekend so not my wedding >> I know your more, >> you know, but somebody will
misconstrue that. Um, so anyway, I just wanted everyone to know that so that as we go forward, okay, >> give you plenty of notice. Um, >> and then I guess we've got a few minutes left.
>> Not really. We should have ended at 109. >> Okay. You really want my >> We're on the commission, but we haven't done workshops, >> right? >> So, we've really got to do our workshops if we can get those in. >> We had one for this Friday.
>> Mr. Martin, do you have those what we need for our workshops? We currently have one scheduled for next Tuesday at 1:00. >> Yes, ma'am. >> You've got another one scheduled for the 18th at 10 o'clock. Yes, ma'am. These are all for a budget, correct? We'll be
ready. Mayor, >> slow down, please. Wait a minute. Our next workshop is Okay. Tuesday. Tuesday at what time? >> One. >> Okay. I have Tuesday at 1. Then I have the um Wait, do we have We have >> the 18th.
>> Oh, we have one on the 18th. >> Oh, I thought we moved that one. Anyway, we still have that. >> Okay. Even though there's PNC, budget workshop. >> Two, what time on on 18? >> 10. >> 10 a.m. >> 10 a.m.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> So, the one that you were going to do this past um tomorrow, do you want to move that to? Does everybody have their calendars out? >> That I assume we take here on Tuesday. >> So, you want to move it to the Tuesday? >> Tuesday
>> at 1:00. Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> What? >> It's a It's a workshop. >> Do you want to have a special meeting? >> Because we did on the special meeting. >> Well, the special meeting was on the gas, correct? >> On the gas. >> So, we don't need a special meeting.
>> And we're not going to We don't need the special meeting. We're only doing a budget on Tuesday. >> So, 100 p.m. We've got that. So, you're going to move everything from Friday to >> Tuesday. Tuesday. >> Yes, ma'am. General fund. And we're ready. We're ready for you. >> Okay.
And then >> Okay. I I thought we needed an additional one. So you guys >> you you originally requested three. >> Well, the city manager did, but I think thought the commission said, "Did we
need three?" >> He originally requested like nine. >> Nine. They all looked at him like >> Right. Right. The original sleeping bag. Um mayor I have a request please. So
when we do general budget that's the part of the budget that the drill fun the general fund yes that the commission expenses fall under >> I had sent to the city manager the um league of cities has a comparison chart
for what commission pay is >> and I had asked the city manager to circulate that. So, I'm hoping that he will circulate that for the meeting when we consider the general fund. >> We can't change our compensation. >> Our compensation is I'm 500 and y'all
are 400. >> And then there's a comp there's a salary and then there's benefits. >> I'm there's all I want is for him to circulate the >> Okay. >> Um the spreadsheet and we can't we
actually we are able to change it. There are just restrictions, but it's what we are receiving under the ordinance is more than we budgeted for. >> Um, but anyway, what was that thing? >> We have two minutes. The other okay the
other thing is it I think it would be very helpful to us if the closeout information is available that we receive it as soon as possible because as the city of PLA commission said it's very important to figure out where we what we
did last year when we are considering what we might do this year. Um so to me the sooner that we get to see that um the more informed we will be. Okay. be able to do that carry over.
>> Yes, ma'am. >> All that ma'am. >> Do we have anything else? Anything else? >> We're not currently scheduling any other workshops. >> I guess not. >> We're going to have workshops. >> I keep asking, are we going to have other workshops? You want to schedule?
You've got one minute. >> We're not going to have any other workshops. We have other workshops, but I thought we already set those other workshops. >> No, we don't have any. >> We can we can tomorrow's, >> right? Mhm. >> We already had one scheduled for Tuesday and we had one scheduled for Thursday.
>> So that was three. So >> that's all we have. >> Now you've moved just our funds to Tuesday. >> We'll we'll need another meeting for the enterprise funds. >> And the CRA and the better place.
>> So but I anticipate on having that completed the first round starting on the 18th. Okay. Okay. Okay. And so that >> so you having all these workshops on all this BS workshop >> and and let's put it this way. We've
always had our CRA meetings and those kinds of meetings in a regular meeting. >> No, not our budget. >> Budget talk. Well, yes and no. I mean, >> um, but that's fine. >> Well, I think better. We're not going to
do the nine. We're gonna do the two next week and then I believe we could do >> No, we're not doing the nine. Go ahead. >> Don't worry. By the time we end tomorrow, >> no problem. >> Let's go ahead and adjourn. And on
Monday, on Tuesday, let's be prepared for work. >> And then we'll figure that. >> All in favor to please say I. So move. Thank you everyone. Don't break it