is February 26, 2026, approximately 100 p.m. Um I'm going to ask that um Commissioner Moore would please everyone please stand if you are able.
Let's call our hands. Dear heavenly father, we want to thank you for today. We thank you for rising on to this morning for how you took care of us all night long and you kept us safe from all hurt, harm and danger, seen and unseen.
And Father God, we ask you for we thank you for bringing us together one more time that we might do your business. We ask that you viewing us as we make decisions on the day be. We ask that you bless the marine families on today. Those that are sick and shut in, those
that need you in this hour. have mercy upon them and bless all of us here that are present on today and even those that are not here give them strength on today also and father god we forever praise you and we'll forever give you the highest praise all these blessings we ask in that s Jesus name amen
>> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the standyice for Okay. Thank you. >> If you would please do a roll call for us.
>> Commissioner. >> Mr. President. >> Mr. Moore >> here. >> Mr. Burton >> here. >> Myers >> present. Martin city. >> I'm here
finance director >> here. myself on the table. >> Okay, thank you. Everyone is present. Thank you everyone for coming today. Thank you commissioners for being here today. That we're going to go ahead and we're going to get started. Uh Mr. Martin, if
you would go ahead and start us off. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you and thank you for coming today for the special meeting. If I may ask the chair, can we move the update to the permit for soda from Mitch Atwell to the top above the grant process rules?
Um we can commissioners is everyone >> okay with that commission. >> Thank you very much. >> So we're gonna go ahead and move that up. >> Yes ma'am. Thank you very much. So I have a briefing sheet in here for you all um for Mr. Atwell and we'll get to
that real quick. I apologize. >> Mr. Atwell, do you want to come forward just >> Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Mayor, for having me again. I hate taking up y'all's time. I'm just trying to make something go on for the city to give us
something strong to build off of. Um, I want to start off. I passed away with a little stump of Roman swamp fly. Hope y'all had a chance to look at that. Um, that's a lot of history that was here 22 years ago. Um, so it's not like what I'm
asking is new. Um, I'd like to show youall a video that we just put out on the internet and we've got about 60,000 views already. >> Where's my play at? Southern Outlaw Drag Boat Association is coming back to Crescent City, Florida,
April 11th and 12th for an action-packed weekend of outdoor drag boat racing. Speeds reaching 120 mph. Experience the thrill of the quickest outdoor powered drag boats in the US this April in Crescent City. >> Behind us is the world's fastest bottom.
Period. Thank you all for letting me share that. Um I know my people are proud of it. I mean we're getting a lot of views and interest. Um if you look at our packet that uh we made up it shows we have interest from Canada, Wisconsin, Texas, everywhere. really wanted to cover race,
get out of the car. Um, I don't think I laid it out as best as we could and I would just appreciate the um consideration that we could, you know, put this on and and have the contingency so we can have the outcome that we
intend on. >> So, you already had an approval on the um Crescent Lake. >> Yes. to perform there and then you came back to us just for anybody in the audience. Um just because we all know
Crescent Lake can be um a little choppy and very quick in a quick period of time and they've asked for an alternate just in case so that all those come here >> have an opportunity to race.
>> We would very much prefer to stay on. We have all intentions on leaving all of our main setup in the Sunrise Park. Okay. >> And if we have to, we'll trailer the boats for that event or class down to
Stella. >> Okay. And you've included in here um you've included in here what you feel as inclement weather. >> Yes. to I'm also still I I've um added the weather app to my phone and
I do live on the lake >> so every morning I'm getting up and taking a picture of the wind >> and the speed and the direction and a picture of the lake. So, I think we've come down to like 5 to 6 m an hour. No
more than about a 6 to 8 in chop. And with way the weather is working on my phone and the pictures, it's it's somewhere in that range. >> And you'll make this determination by noon on Friday. Correct. that that would be but we would we would let y'all know
probably Thursday afternoon or Friday morning and then we could have a decision that we could get because like we talked about having to relocate some things. >> Okay. >> Um you know we would need some time. >> Okay. My understanding is also you're
going to continue even if you do um race on Stella that you're going to continue to use the compound. >> Yes ma'am. >> Okay. at Sunrise Park. Okay. I asked um Mr. Martin to call FWC
to check with them. Do you want to share with us what FWC said? >> Yes, ma'am. So, the city has uh formally requested FWC to put a vote in the water at the race. I'm still waiting for them to get back with me, but they obliged and said that they would be getting back to us by the end of this week to let us
know on their schedule. >> And that's a common courtesy that they typically >> Yes. Correct. And they'll do it for monitoring purposes, >> right? Yes. Can I ask a question? What's the purpose of having FWC have folks on the water and monitoring?
>> Just >> they're going to be there. They there are state enforcement of our environment and and our fish and wildlife. So they are the they are the authority in in wildlife >> on wildlife >> on wild water
>> and the waterways. >> Um but we have our own regulations for our waterways. They're they're state. >> I know what they are, but the answer we don't >> No. No, they don't actually.
>> Um Okay. >> Okay. So, I'm going to open it up. Commissioners, do you have any questions of >> Yeah. Okay. So, Mitch, um we heard from the video that the boats go 120 miles hour.
>> Two. There's one class that is the the what we call the pro mods and they are but we usually have only had we last our last race we only had two of those boats. >> Okay. And what's what's the general range? What's the average speed? >> 90 to 100. >> Okay.
All right. And um what is the decibel level that the boats produce? >> Is pretty much the same as any bass boat that's on that lake out under. We run under two-stroke outboard Mercury motors. Um there's no stack exhaust or nothing like that. All it's exhaust
through the foot. And it's like I said, we actually it's we've been testing out there for over a month and there's been no complaints or no issues >> on Stella >> on Stella >> on Stella. We laid a track out. We know exactly where we would run and how we
would do it. And it was actually on a weekend and I would think if there was going to be a big issue that that's when the most issue would be if there was ever no no nobody even comes to the park except to look at us and say, "Man, this is so cool."
>> Okay. Um I have another question. So do boats have mufflers? >> No, man. They're not a car. They're not the It's a two-stroke outboard engine. They exhaust through a tuner in the midsection that releases in the water.
>> Okay. So, I am looking at the map that was prepared. >> Mhm. >> Um, it shows the racetrack going north to south along the >> You were south to north. >> South Well, going in a north south
direction. So, starting south to north. Um, and that's a 800 foot racetrack. >> Yes, ma'am. Okay. So, um, is there a particular reason you're starting at that little narrow area? >> Yes, ma'am.
>> And what is that? >> And the reason that's a race and a safety issue is the gazebo at the end of the park would be where our announcers and our finish line and our camera to take the finishing start
finish line photos. And it gives these faster boats, which people have the two of them, more than enough adequate time to slow down before they get to the other end. And also that puts the race course dead in front of the park for the best
visibility for inspects. >> Okay. So also um is there a minimum depth of water that you need? >> No. >> So you can >> I mean I can't run in a ditch. can't run in 6 in of water, but I need 3 foot 4T
of water. >> Okay. Because you know that we are in a severe drought. >> Okay. By April, it is possible that that little narrow area, you're planning to put the boats in at the Lake Stella boat ramps. >> Um the last time we had a drought this
bad, the area that you're proposing to start in was a twoft depth. >> Okay. That's not that's just where we'll unload the boats and they will stage we will troll out of the cove and then we'll start approximately 100
yards past the entrance or coming out of the neck. >> I I see that but I'm saying that area gets very very low. >> Okay. And Miss Lisa in saying exactly what you're saying in the same principle
we can't control the weather >> right >> or anything else. I'm justware. >> Yes, I'm very much aware. I've been I've got a flyer. I've been doing races on that lake since 04 or been involved. >> Right. Right. So, okay. Um
All right. And Okay. Um I think Well, so just one question I have for you. Um I looked up the wind today. The wind today is 8 miles an hour >> out of the out of the west southwest in
the lakes's flat. >> We if you also if you notice I think we put in the wind direction has a lot to do which we all know if we've been on that lake north east northeast is a no
go 90% of the time south and west there's usually no problem because we have the blockage of the trees and everything right there. We're kind of in the little hole in the code. >> Okay. And well, I don't know. I guess this is a
really a question for this is really a discussion for commissioners. Okay. >> Question. Thank you. How large is the outboards motor for these drag racing boats?
>> The size. Um actually we right the the last year it was pretty much all two-stroke engines and two motors 250s >> 250s >> now that we have opened this new class and we're allowing four stroke engines in there's going to be a couple that's
got 300 horsepower but yet they're not 100 mile boats. They're just great big four-stroke motors. >> Right. I just want to make it clear that that those size motors, yes, are on most of the bass boats that are fishing right now.
>> Go to Sunrise and pretty much any boat out there will have pretty much what we're racing to an extent. >> Okay. But they don't go now. >> They're in a fishing tournament. They're trying to get from one place.
You know, >> I mean, I got a guy on there's a guy running one of the fishing shows and he'll square up now. He's got the fastest bass boat in the world that run 119 mph. >> Do I want to be that fast of a little skinny bass boat? No. >> But they're out there.
>> So, I just have one more question. Um, my understanding too is that you're not asking before they asked to close down Dextra Park. You're not closing down Dexter Park. You've just asked to utilize the gazebo or the pavilion at the end. Correct. >> The pavilion and the dock. >> And the dock.
>> Okay. And what we figured is that the park would be for spectators. Penny could still be open to the public, which public would come and be spectators. >> Okay. >> Um as long as that um we would not even if they had the swimming area that they
had it, that still wouldn't be an issue. What is the possibility of us getting um those our swimming ropes out there? We have swimming ropes and we had some issues with them. So now they're I think they're sitting out the yard. So I think
that would be important to talk to Keith and see what we could do even if we had to do >> um some temporary something temporary out there for security purposes. >> Yes, I I've been asking for it for a little while now to get that out. Um the main the main push was to get it out before spring, but if the commission
wishes that it would be done and and last time to that. >> Okay, we'll get it done. >> Okay, we have no other questions. Um >> I'm going to open it up for public comment. We Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Okay, we have anyone that would like to speak. Please come forward. State your name and your address if you if you please. Hi, I'm Pat M 202. Um, I was late getting here. I apologize. I am speaking concerning the
um part of the boat race that that is asking for permission to use Lake Stella in the event Lake Cresous to Wendy or Bobby or whatever. Um, I just want to say I a friend and I walk my dogs on the
prom by Lake Stella four or five times a week. I I love the new trees. Thank you so much to the city for planting those trees because it gets pretty hot in the summer. And they'll also enhance the park in every possible way. But I'm here
to speak for the birds and the bees and the trees and the water quality and the tranquility that that park offers. It's a little lake. It's not made for great big boat races. The people who live
along around it definitely don't want to hear that noise and don't want to see oil in their water more than there already gets to be. And I think we have a treasure in Lake and in that park and we put a lot of
money into it. And it's kind of like saying, "Yeah, we can make a lot of money if we would allow um oil exploration and mining in the Grand Canyon. Um but you'll lose it forever." So, I just want to say I think
first of all those people have their boat racing some other season than bird nesting season. It would be kind of nice and I really don't want to see that happening on our cell. So, thank you commissioners for listening to my
feelings about them. >> Thank you. Have anybody else that would like to come forward? Please come forward. >> Good morning, commissioners. Kevin Jordan 347 here in the city. Um I think this is a
situation where you're going to get exactly what you want. My preference as property owner is that the race not be conducted at stop. I attended the one in Crescent Lake enjoyed for about a half
hour or so. The voter self as far as that goes. No harm done. Um, my preference for Lake Stella is that it remain a residential lake, a lake for people to recreate on
with the freedom to enjoy some of the more serene aspects of it. Canoeing, small boat sailing, as you know, we conducted a couple of small boat rides there in the past. Um, there is a bird rrookery that's very close to their starting line. I understand their desire
to want to stage the race in full view of the beach. uh to maximize spectatorship. Um we don't have scientific data about the impact on the murders in the group to be honest with you. I wish we did. Uh perhaps one of these days I or someone
like you might initiate a study to establish that kind of foundational data set, but we don't have it. So short of anecdotal data and local complaints about the effect, we don't really have anything concrete to stand on. Um, but my preference and as a property owner is
that we keep this as a as a as a nice quiet little neighborhood residential lake and and again a jewel of the city. Keep the the boats, especially the boats on Crescent Lake. I have to point out in all honesty, of course, that we do have
an approved sea plane base there on on Reynolds Island, but it's not used very often. flies in and out maybe once every couple of months. There's one one person in our area who tests his uh
with the big airboat on Mike St. makes as much noise as an airplane and much more noise than the soda racers. Um that's kind of a pain in the neck. I wish somebody would leave me alone with that character for about five minutes.
Again, it's not a chronic offense and and this is not a chronic offense. This is a, you know, one or two day thing. But in approving it as a contingency, I think we need to be prepared for this to actually take place. The chances are pretty good that the weather will exceed
their threshold requirement for the contingency. So if you approve it, I think you can expect it. And in the end, I think you're going to get exactly what you want. And and that's the the choice that you have to make is which way are
you going to push the city's identity because this does represent a juncture of that nature. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Please go miss 19 street. Guys, I am sick because um it's a short story, but
um the year did not start it well for me. A lot of drama and then uh I resigned for a lot of groups and I retreated to my little house on 19 Cedar Street thinking about my little city and everything that is going on in my city.
on 21426 I received the Holy Ghost and that was Valentine's Day and I jumped into the lake and I don't know um what decimals I can be praising the Lord but the police was called on me because it was 5:00
a.m. I think that it's been long enough that we prohibit sites in this city to be used by people. I think the whole city should be used for everybody to be able to use. This is not a bad idea. I
live right there. They should be able to use it. I think people are more important than birds for a couple of days. The same people coming here is the same people that were at the tree and garden that complains about cutting limbs. And I'm a little tired about
that. I think we should be uh all about taking care of our people first and for all. Fear is the absence of love and we should just first love our neighbors and let them have fun. And then for Fourth of July when we open it to the
African-American community to them to have their Fourth of July celebrations with the backup of the city. Open it to everybody. Enough of closing certain parts of the city for certain people. Thank you.
>> Hey, I'm John. I'm 66 highway 17. Um I I do want to thank the city for creating the park, maintaining the park
down there. It is a gym in the city. But many of us in the community are looking ways for ways in which to bring economic growth to the city.
When I was a kid, they were racist only similar to this. They didn't the engines weren't as big. They didn't go by 120 m an hour, but it's been going on for many years. It draws people to the community.
We have two wonderful things in Crescent City. Nature, Lake Stella and Lake Crescent. We need to maximize them in our economic growth and
our economic uh attempts to make this city better environmentally. It it will have a small impact but not much as I see it. I think this is a good thing and it will bring
people to the city and I I would I'm going to ask you to vote for it. Um, ma'am, before we close public comment, I would like to speak as a resident. Okay, need to go to the podium. I need to go
to the podium. Yes, please. Um, and in the meantime, I am going to say that um I just was in a branding um workshop with the county for the county and they did a a a I guess a poll and it was like
what attracts people to Putin County and the number one thing was our waterway basically the St. John's River but the waterways and and what that adds to and brings to any of the communities. So, um, we have to just be mindful of that
as we're trying to bring people into the community. So, go ahead, Commissioner. >> Sure. Thank you so much, Lisa Kito. 108 South Main Street. Um, I just turned 69 years old. Uh, 108 South Main Street was
my grandparents home from 1941 until they passed away. was my father and three months home and it has been my part-time home and one consistent home since I was a baby and I learned to swim
in Lake Stella and I started enjoying wildlife on Lake Stella when I was four years old. When I was a young girl there was a rrookery on Bird Island that was equivalent to one at the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine and it was written up
in the Jacksonville Times Union and people from the University of Florida and groups came here to see it. Um it was very well known at the time and in the past Ottabon um designated that
as a bird sanctuary. I can't find the records of what happened to it. Um but my uncle and another young man from this area they both passed away. They went out and put in posts to designate it as bird sanctuary. One of the reason many
people come to Crescent City is for the natural beauty. We have people viewing wildlife and coming to Crescent City to take photographs. What we emphasize on our website is the beauty of Crescent City. We even talk about the cranes
flying by. So, I've lived on this lake for 69 years and uh I remember when the rock in the swamp took place um that had a tremendous negative impact on the
rrookery on Lake Stella. The birds absolutely did not come for about 8 years. After that kind of activity died down, they came back and it was very beautiful to see and people came here to see those
birds. Um when when you had the most recent boat races on Lake Stella, the birds had just started to nest at that time. Um FWC came out, took a look, documented that birds were there. After
the races, the nesting season was not completed. Some birds are still trying to nest on Rhode Island, and I think if we took care of it, um they would nest there even more. If you want to have um
something for people to come and see. People view wildlife every day. Um here's the great Florida birding wildlife trail that's u managed by the Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission. They indicate that wildlife
viewing um is significant commercially and economically. They advise local communities to promote wildlife viewing. Um apparent I believe that Commissioner Burton um and her partner tried to get
us on the Ray Florida burning trail, but that application was denied. And there is a lovely brochure that I believe Commissioner Burton and her partner did and was funded by the TDC that um gives people information on birding uh in
Crescent City. burning and wildlife viewing are definitely economically beneficial according to our department of commerce in Florida and FWC. I can tell you from being on that lake every
day um Mr. Newold uh lives out of town and has his own nature area on Crescent Lake. I'm there day in day out, year in year out. And yes, um there's a negative impact on the airboats and there is a
negative impact when you have very loud boat races, not just a few fishing boats at one time as well. Um we need to be cognizant that there is an eagle's nest at the south end of the lake. April is eagle nesting season. The lake is where
the young eagles fish when they are young. So, um I see a lot of negatives in this. I see a lot of positives that we can get from promoting wildlife viewing. And as a commissioner, I will
have a little more to say about what the rules and regulations are that pertain to that area of Lake Stella and the water. Thank you very much for listening. Anybody else at the mic? >> Again, to John's point.
>> Um, no. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. No. And this isn't to rebut um anybody. Everyone should come when they come to these meetings. They should feel like they can speak um and and there should be um
>> no attacks or or no negativity towards anything that they say. Everyone um should have that opportunity. So, um anyway, do we have any further discussion? >> Mayor, I just want to point out um we
received a letter from a local resident, I believe, Trisha Bratton. She said she was not able to be here because of her health. She um was not in favor of the vote races being on Lake Stella. And as
well um I believe we received a letter um I did that was copied to everyone from St. John's Regional Ottawa. >> Okay. So we'll make sure those are noted to the >> Okay. Well, did everyone get a chance to take a look at that? >> Yes, ma'am.
>> Um I I just want to make a a couple of comments. I've um lived on Lake Stella for 46 or more years. Um I was born here across the city um on the vision street and um you can
almost put my age together for I've been here all my life. Okay. All my life I've been here and u yes there have been issues with um the boats and stuff like that but um it it's always been worked out and it's as far as I'm
concerned I feel like if that um airplane that comes in front of my house can come down and go up without loud noises. I mean, it's it's often sometimes um I don't have an issue with um the boat race for a couple of days,
but I live directly there almost in the front almost and I hear and I see everything. And I've been here when they had everything that comes on that street, even the first catfish festival we had. My son was 5 years old. >> He won the first um race, the tallest
race. He was 5 years old. And I I remember that. I remember when it was booming. I remember when it went down. I remember all the situations in my house in front of my house. I was not able to back out the yard for for a long time. But um everything came together and it
worked out. And uh the catfish chest was it was gone. It was dead for a long time, you know. But I see it's time to um revive and come back. Um I I don't think a day or two would hurt too much. Um I'm familiar with the um
the Birds Island. I remember my mom used to work for the showers. I don't know if some of you here know baby showers. And I remember her son um he was much older but his name was I think it was James um James also the son was a
junior. I remember him and his daughter staying with us a couple of times. they spent the night and I remember when he died he wanted to be um he wanted to be cremated and he wanted his ashes to go over on the bird island over there and I think that's where they are but you know
I'm I'm saying this to say that you know we we want our city to grow and sometimes we have to um you know allow certain things and sometimes we you know if it's if if it's not going to hurt it too bad um I really don't think it's
going to be that bad because I see the birds all the time. At least I've been seeing a lot of black birds. I don't know what kind they are. I really need to do my research anyway, but they're here all the time. They're here in the winter time. They're here in the summer. They're just back and forth. But I just want to make that comment. I they're
right there. Right there where you can see it right there in the midst of everything. So I hear it when it's loud. I hear it the other time when I say what I want. I'll stay here for a while and we'll take a little trip somewhere so I wouldn't have to hear it. But um I never complain. That's something that that's
not within me. That's not in my DNA to complain. But um sometimes you do have to say something when it's bad. But I really don't think it'll make a a big difference um if we did it a day or two. I really don't. And besides, we might
not even come on this side. We'll pray. I do my special prayers that the Lord just let me stay over there on Lake Crescent and not have to come over on um on our side in front of Lake and I just want you know I often say a lot of things but anyway I
just I still had a need to say this because it's important. I'm right there. I am right there. That's where I live and I live here like I say all of my life. I went away to school a couple times but that's it. I've been here and
my dad's family been here for a long time. So, you know, I was I lived on the other side when I wasn't even allowed to swim on this side. So, I I know the history, but anyway, I just wanted to say that. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yes, sir.
>> Um I I move that we approve the application or the I guess it's an addendum application um to improve the contingency site of Lake Scholar. for the um April
11th to 12th soda sun or whatever it's called. Sorry. >> We have a proper motion in a second. Commissioners, do we have any further discussion? >> I just want to say this is a contingency plan >> and uh and that's the important word
here. I mean, things really got to be pretty windy and whatever to take them off the lake. Uh, but I'm with everybody else. Um, I kind of live with the bird watcher and that cookery. Uh, we keep pretty close
eye on that. And there is a lot of there's a lot of stuff going on on Lake Stella that you don't know. But there's also this is a very very noisy city all the time. >> Okay. Every day. You know, every morning, you know, around 6:30 there's
that motorcycle. >> Okay. Well, I mean, it it's it just is what it is. And uh and airplanes, I've heard that plane come down. I've heard the air boats go through. And for a couple days,
I think uh I think this will be okay for Crescent City. And again, it's a contingency plan. So, that's all I wanted to say. >> Yeah. Um, I don't think that we should be doing
this. I don't think that we actually can be doing this. And this is really staff work, but this is facts in the law. Um, the area that they're proposing to use for the race parking and for the racetrack is
designated in our comprehensive plan as conservation area. It's supposed to be for activities that conserve and promote wildlife and the natural state. And I think it is common
sense that 30 to 50 very large outboard motors running up down all day are not going to promote wildlife. That is in our comp plan and our zoning. So we are
by allowing this even as a contingency plan because if it we are saying they can do it um it is not consistent with the comp plan in the zone which we expect everyone else to comply with as
well. Um, our ordinances um prohibit any boat operating in waterways in the city uh in excess of a speed of 5 miles an hour.
That's in our ordinance 36-20. And there's a lot of reasons that you don't let boats operate within the city limits. I think part of the lake is out of the city limit. >> What limits is that? Oh, it's 36-20. Speed of votes.
>> We typically don't have 36-20. It would have to have a date on it. >> So, it would be >> sexual racist. >> So, 36-20. >> Yeah, it's from unique code. >> Okay. >> It's from so 5 miles an hour in the city. And it's my understanding there
are several reasons for it. For one thing, and our lake is suffering from low water levels right now. boat activity. The faster the boat, the more the bottom is turned up. That promotes the growth of algae in our
lake. We're talking about letting 30 to 50 boats come in and run up and down all day and turn up algae. We already have a problem with water weeds growing in this lake. We don't need, especially in hot
temperatures and low water levels, turning up algae. that does not promote the conservation of the lake. Um, and it's against it's against our zoning and it's against our speed limits. And for
those who say that they don't think that the power boats have an impact on the wildlife on the lake, then they're not taking careful note. I do take careful note and yes, it has. So, we have a
resource down in Matthysse Park, little um monument there, said Mr. Matthysse established that park at the south end of lake um because this was Paradise on Earth. Boat races in your conservation area is
not promoting paradise on Earth. So, um there are we don't even you're supposed to have passive activities in a conservation area. That's not that's not what this is. And there's another part of the lake um where you don't um have
this little narrow shallow strip. We are talking about allowing these high speeds to create wakes and buff it up against the um the wetlands. It is not good for any wildlife that is
trying to hide or live or fish or feed in the wetlands. It's very detrimental. And as well um the area they have designated for race boat parking that's also conservation area. Um the square encompasses
not only where we have trees but where we just planted whole trees. So this just this does not comply with our zoning. It does not comply with conservation use. And I will point out um other places
have turned down these races for other reasons. I know they're happening in Eustace, but it's on a very different lake. And Eustace, I looked up, I took note, they have three separate conservation areas and lakes. And I
would guess that if somebody asked to do boat races in their conservation area, they would say, "No, this is the only conservation area that we have." And I really don't see how we can go against our zoning and ordinances to allow us.
Thank you. >> That there's no zoning on water. There's no zoning. You don't zone the water and there's no future land use for the water. We don't do that. >> Yes, there is. >> There's not check. There's no zoning on water. I did. >> The park is conservationary, but parking
and having spectators in the park is is low maintenance. It's low intensity. And and if I may add to that, um the uh the boat race association has said that they would rope off the area 20 ft
before the actual power holes, which is about 100 ft from any new trees that we planted. the parking will be on the road and the grass area, not in the deep in the convers in the conservation area. >> That is very soft soil there. >> And and I don't want to I'm not going to
debate conservation. We've debated this before. >> Um and I feel like everything we do at that park, we are adhering to what true conservation is. Um >> I'm not going to debate it. I'm not debating. This is my second. This is my
time to speak. I've given ample opportunity. I have one more thing to say. >> Let me finish. >> Yes, I'll be happy to. >> Let me finish. >> I attended these very involved in these races. Very invol involved in walking
swamp. Um and I was very involved with these races um with Mr. Atwell and with all of his racers basically the last time they were here. And the one thing I want to say about both of these groups
is they are very very respectful >> of our community. Very respectful they have been of our waterways. They were extremely respectful of our park the last time they were here and made sure that it was um pristine when they left
there. Um and they adhere to all the rules that we have. I'm not going to be here um unfortunately for this one and so I won't be involved and um if this is
approved I am of course looking to Mr. Outwall and Soda to make sure that they are again very respectful of our community. But I also want to say this.
If we don't bring people to our community, all I'm hearing from everyone is we've got to have economic development. We've got to fill these buildings. We've got to do this. We've got to do that. Right now, we currently
have a grocery store that we could be possibly losing. We don't know for a fact, but we've been fighting for it. If we lose that, we all have to think about what is going to be here in Crescent
City to bring people right now. That's bringing people. And if we don't bring people, and that was the second part of this rebranding that they're doing is they said events bring people. That the average
community, the general population does not support businesses as much as businesses need to be supported. They can't. They are dependent on people coming into this community. The last time they came here, our restaurants
were full. We provided them with all of the restaurants in the area, a list and their addresses. You know, the the motel was full. I mean, they were staying as far as I think Aster Pala, those TDC
dollars that brings money into our community. And as a matter of fact, didn't you aren't you receiving TDC dollars to help with this? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. So this is something people that we have to think about that we've got to
bring people to our communities because if we don't we can be historic as much as we want to be but we'll be a ghost town a historic ghost town and that's my biggest concern right now and but I am
at the same time I am asking that you just make sure that everyone there and Mitch this is on you that they are respectful of our community. So with that, Commissioner, go ahead. >> Yes. Thanks, Mayor. So from our comp
plan item number eight, I'm quoting as shown on the future land use map. Conservation land covers conservation land use covers Lake Stella and lesser lake sites within the city limits.
That's our plan. In addition, a small 2acre island in Lake Stella and 75 acres of wetland on the north and east waterfront of Lake Stella are designated as conservation land use.
So it says the lakes are conservation. >> It is clear that the lakes are >> and I want to read >> just mayor please. >> Yes. So you can look at this from a couple different viewpoints. Um
>> I need your point and I need to wrap this up. >> Okay. When I speak, you always say that we have to wrap it up. Others get to see you. >> Commissioner, you have spoken more than anybody else. Now, I'm asking you to finish up your argument and so we can go forward. >> You talk about this being a ghost town
and we need visitors to survive. We also need residents to survive. Um, romp in the swamp 22 years ago or whenever it was was extremely controversial. It was divisive. Um, some people left. It was
so divisive that the city commission then passed a resolution not to allow future boat races of that nature. After the last boat race, um some people who lived on the lake moved out and that was
one of the reasons. If you I think uh economic development is a discussion that we need to have but Crescent City has been having festivals and boat races for many years now and they have not
done the trick and as well promoting our conservation spaces and being a beautiful place to live is a place that other areas have used very successfully. If you want if you want to go for a one
time only thing, that's fine. Um, but romp in the swamp 22 years ago was not a happy event. It was environmentally destructive and it was very divisive and it resulted um in and a big backlash. >> Okay, thank you.
>> Rock the swamp was a very different race than what they're talking about now. This is a drag race. It's 800 ft. Um, Rock the Swamp was around and around and around and around multiple folks. I know I was part of Rock the Swamp. And I say that I I know from my history with Rock
the Swamp and with Mitch that these these racers are are good people. They come to our community. They spend money on gas and groceries. They are doing things that are bringing money into the area and they're some of the nicest people in the world. They're usually families. It's not just some money
getting drunk or something like that. These are very nice people, good people that we should have come to the community. We should be happy that they willing to come here. So I I think that we just need to go ahead and vote. >> Okay, I do want to No, but I'm done. I'm done with I have something else to say.
Commissioner always >> you I'm sorry, but we need to bring this. >> This is a lack of courtesy. We need to debate courtesy. There's something in error that has been said and that is in this
addendum. Um the sodote racers said that they would bring us money because people would be staying here. I distinctly remember that Mitch said when he applied for the permit and he asked us to wave the permit fees. He said we needed to wave the permit fees because their
participants could not stay here. they would be staying north of here in Pala and would have to drive back and forth every day. >> Okay, that's >> to fill all the room. >> So, Mr. Martin, just please make sure
that um that with this when you write out that addendum for him, you have in here that it's the pavilion at Lake Stella Park. That's at Dexter Beach. >> Make sure. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay, with that, commissioners, we have a proper motion and a second. Um, Miss
Taylor, I'm gonna ask you to take a vote. Roll call for us, please. >> Commissioner Burton. >> Hi. >> Mr. Moore, >> I. >> Mr. Lawrence, >> I. >> Mr. Dita, >> nay. >> Myers,
>> I. Thank you. So approved. Thank you. Um, please make sure you get this so that it doesn't get lost. I know. >> I found several of these upstairs just recently. Yeah, >> that hurts. I thought I had I thought I had to use it.
>> Thank y'all so much. >> Just one more thing. I'm over with Mr. Veto. We have uh the fish camp completely sold out and they're starting to take the RV sites. So, we have any motel or any >> Thank you for sharing that with us.
>> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you all. >> Okay, let's go on to let's go back to our business items. We're going to start to talk about the grant process rules. >> Yes. Thank you. All right. Thank you very much. >> Um you can have your briefing sheet. Um
the purpose is to provide um financial assistance. Of course, I want to go through the whole process. You know what the CRA redevelopment grant program is and what it supports. Um basically you have in front of you a printed copy of the grant process. Um there's a couple
that were floating around. the one on the on the city's website, the one that I originally provided you all. Um, but there's a red line marker on the updated which takes into consideration a process that was utilized back in 2023. It looks like it's more of a budget process than
it is a um, you know, uh, project implementation process. Um, but I think we could still utilize it. the dates were in 2023 and it was part of the budget and working on the budget to have projects ready for that next um FY,
but there is some language missing when I was reviewing it. Um that language has been added to uh to the document that you have in front of you in red and that's what you know, of course, all of it we can go through, but I want to make sure that what we're providing the
public uh is the latest and greatest and that any changes that we need to do or add, uh we do that today. one one portion that I saw under C grant categories that talked about the redevelopment grant program and it was merely more towards commercial properties and not the housing
rehabilitation. So I added portions in there for housing with thresholds and minimums. Um those are up for discussion. Um and uh there was some other criteria uh that that was changed or added and some of that had to do with
whether or not uh people could do the work ourselves and get reimbursed. Um and whether or not we could put in a clause, which I talked to Don Holmes, we could put in in a contract. I I put in and I apologize a lean as a something
that had teeth to hold people accountable if they were to sell the property after getting a grant from us. We don't have to do a lean. We can take that out. It can simply be language that is put into a contract, even the one that we've already created. Um and uh >> that's the language I asked you to find
out from Mr. Holmes if there was another opportunity. >> Yes. And there and absolutely there is and it would just need to be recorded um once once that ex is executed. So it has it has teeth. >> Okay. Commissioners, um you've got this in
front of you. Do we have um I have quite a few. Do y'all have any um >> any question? First of all, >> yes, go ahead. >> Do we need minimums? >> That's what that was my question too. I mean, if someone wants to do something
that's $250 and we want to match that >> before, >> right? There are minimums before even on the other um document. Yes. So, I put minimums for the housing uh went around and looked at other CRAAS. Um Steve and I actually talked to the FRA. He was a
FRA board member. He's now one of the executive directors for CRA in >> Winter Winterart. >> Winter Garden Winter Garden. and and he gave us a lot of examples. There there are thresholds um you know in other cities that they
>> that's in other cities but we didn't have >> we didn't have a threshold on ours and so you saying we had that in here. We I don't see where we had that in here. That was I believe from other cities. We didn't have a minimum on ours that I could find because otherwise it would have been redlined out. >> Yeah. I don't remember. I think we had
maxes and I probably >> correct >> and I really don't think we need a minimum. I think if someone's willing to do a small project, why would we >> Okay. >> turn it down >> and it should be considered just like everyone else. >> Okay. Mayor, I have a
>> Yes. Could we pick a version and go through it page by page because I have um some questions and some comments and >> you need to go with the most current version that you have in front of you that has red lines in it. Do you have
that one? That's the one we're working off that we changed back in 2023. >> Right. And it it concerns me that um I don't know how this happened. Um the that's the one that's one of the ones we voted on. The commission voted on and
somehow there was a version that I don't think is the most recent one that was has been up on our website. Um >> well that happens because obviously it was the new one was not uploaded. If we voted we have to go with what we voted. I I don't know. I have several
copies that are just the cover. And I believe that the reason the one you have that's red line that has the dates was not uploaded. I can only guess is because it was part of that fiscal plan for that year. The meat of the
criteria is what's on the current one that's on the website. It covers how to go about getting the grant has everything in there except for we we added definite criteria and we approved the targeted building. But anyway, I'm just trying to figure out what copy I
should be working on. Somebody please get the one that's in front of us. >> It's the red line copy. >> It's the red line. >> I brought that from home, I think. >> Okay. Look in this folder right here. Look in your black folder. >> In your black.
>> It would have been outside the folder. Ma'am, it was an addition. >> You had it. You had it outside the folder. Okay. >> Oh, here it is. Right here. Here. You can have my copy because I have the I have my other copy. >> Okay. There you go. Right there. All right. Take it here.
>> Okay. All I know is I went with the 2023 copy. Um I'll try to I'll try to follow along. >> That's that's the 2023 copy, right? >> But what he's saying is that he's made some suggested changes with red lines. I
went through them on the computer today and I made notes on >> Okay. Did you bring that with you so you have it in front of you? >> Yes. Um I think I can go. So as far as bullets, we should have one, two, three, four,
five, six, seven bullets. And the added language is to ensure the equitable and fair distribution of CRA grant funds. >> Right. I don't have a problem with that. There's some up in the first two bullets. There's some tinkering around
the boarding, I guess. Are we all okay with that? >> Okay. I'm just trying to figure out I know where we are. >> No, I'm not. But but go through yours. >> Okay. You want me to go through mine? Um All right. Um I see under grant
categories. Um I understand kind of why you went in that direction. Um it says housing rehabilitation grant program. It's designed to support the improvement um
etc etc. And then we'll have a question that under that in red line there's grant categories structural and safety upgrades. Do all those relate to the housing rehabil housing rehabilitation grant program? >> Yes it would.
>> Okay. So my suggestion is because this is the problem I think we're running into before I mean previously we have not divided this into commercial and housing and that's the language here. Um we also have churches and nonprofits.
So if we make two separate categories which I'm not really sure we should do then where do nonprofits and churches fall? because some of our CRA buildings are historic churches and as well I
think the woman's club is applying for grant they're they're nonprofit. Um we could say that commercial includes churches and nonprofits. >> I think that's the way we have so far have looked at it because typically they're going to be in a commercial building.
>> Right. But I'm just saying I think we should certify that and then um >> Okay. So, what language do you want put in here so that we can do that? What language would you like to see? >> Well, just to make it clear, I don't really care where we put it, but um
maybe at the end of the first paragraph that um commercial includes um everything that's non-residential, including churches and nonprofits. >> Okay. >> And put that under rent categories where paragraph is. My other suggestion would be
>> before you go forward with that, is everyone in agreement with that adding that language? >> The commercial would include churches and nonprofits, >> right? >> No, you're not. You're not. Okay, then we'll have discussion on that. >> Hold that thought. Mr. Martin, if you'd
hold that thought for us. >> Yes. Commit, please. >> Okay. So, the housing rehabilitation program um that might that might work better um to me as an addendum instead of a
whole separate category. Um it it just might work better as an addendum, call it special rules for housing. Um because there's there's other places where
things pertain we really where things pertain to everything, not just housing. I think that might be a better way to handle it. And the thinking behind it was we have two revenue streams. We have
two two grand in our CRA. One's housing, one's one's the other. So we were we need to specify what we're doing in each one of those and some rules. That's that's all this was laid out for. That was it. >> So you're breaking them down. So the grant categories. So what you need to do is grant categories would be commercial
commercial properties and then what we need for what we're looking for and what we can do with commercial properties and then the residential just like we have in this. And then Commissioner Burton has some some concerns about is there some language you how you want to see? I
I don't really know if there's language, but but I do know with churches or with 501c's. Um, a lot of times you're talking, especially the churches, you're talking historical type buildings. There are tons of grants out there for historical
buildings. There are a ton of grants out there for 501c's. Um, I I just think that I mean we have a very limited amount of dollars in our CRA and I mean I'm not if if that's where
you'd like to spend money, I guess I'm not saying don't do it, but I'm just saying that, you know, I I would prefer to give it to buildings and homes uh for, you know, I just think that there's other avenues for historic churches and
I1 Yes, >> that's it. It it is part of our CRA plan that the historic buildings including the the two black historic traditionally black historic churches are targeted buildings. It's in it's been in our CRA plan and even in the most recent update
to it. So, I mean I think that we really should leave that in there. So, this one stated purposes of our CRA is to um help preserve those buildings and all the buildings. And I think as we go forward too that
that's something that we as we are as they're being graded too is you know have they also applied for have they also applied for other grants and what's happening and is this because they're not able to to get those grants. I understand where you're coming from.
coming from something >> where a resident often times they don't have that opportunity and our our basic or general commercial doesn't have that opportunity either except for if it's a historic building sometimes they can if they fall within certain categories but
we also know what's happening with all those historic grants too >> so okay um okay commissioner Dvita yes so I think we added back in um or the city manager added back in the targeted building list. Is that included in the
back here? >> It's it's right here in it and it's always been part of it. >> Right. Right. I know, but I'm just looking the red line. Okay, here it is. I found it. Um >> we need to p um page numbers on these
and also date the bottom at the so that we know when this was the last when the draft went right. Um, mayor, under eligibility, um, I think at the end of that sentence on eligibility, this might be a good place to say only work done according to
a approved grant application is eligible because we've had misunderstandings about that in the past. only work done in accordance with an approved grant application is eligible.
>> What page where sorry number where we at? >> We're under your third page. Okay. >> And there's there's a little one sentence under there and I would say only work done according to an approved
grant application is eligible. And I guess this is my question. The way it's broken out, I guess into the housing program, all these grant criteria and eligibility criteria will apply.
Does that be clear? >> Um it was it was clear to me when I read it, but of course, you know, I'm looking at it from a different perspective than those 12 because we've been working on this and dealing with this. So those people that are not familiar with this,
you know, we do want to make sure that it's and also for our protection that it's as transparent as it can possibly be. >> Right. And mayor, the reason I asked that is because under grant criteria, there's some discussion of the dollar
amounts um and then those dollar amounts in um the re the housing part. And maybe one thing we could do to clarify it is to put a little asterisk by the housing
rehabilitation grant program and say that all program rules apply to housing housing except you know where in clear conflict. I mean I I just I have a
feeling there might be some inconsistencies there. Um so under eligibility I had one um and then as well um the grant timeline um I think the city manager is right.
This this timeline was looking at um I think spending the next year's dollars. I I don't know. Um, I think we could shorten this timeline up a little bit because we are trying to spend our
current fiscal year dollars, right? That Well, and that's I had that conversation with Mr. Martin as well because it seems to me like if we approve those and they go into effect October one, we're looking at those in a rears that was
available to us and as we go forward, we need to move the timeline. So it's after the the fiscal year has begun, >> right? >> And then it would be within that fiscal year and then we're not constantly chasing our tails and as to how much is left. Correct.
>> You know, have we spent all this? >> Um where we going with this? I mean, as far as >> as far as >> so we know so we know where it's coming out of because if it starts if it starts October 1st, is it the previous fiscal year's budget or is it the current year's budget?
>> Well, doesn't we need to spend this? I'm saying to me I think we already have applications received do we not? >> We do for the next year but as we go forward I think that that's something that we need to take into consideration. >> Well and to me maybe the grant timeline
I I don't know should come but I'm saying how can we >> the grant timeline what do you think what's your recommendation? >> What I'm asking is how can we adjust this grant timeline to have it apply to the current fiscal year dollars. We talked about that at the prior meeting.
So I'm open to suggestion on that as to what is um doable because this is the end of February. Um if we gave people I don't know we have to have a a public meeting, right? Or do we just need to
let people apply? >> He's going to have a public meeting. >> We're shooting for the 9th on that >> of March. >> March. >> Yes, ma'am. so that he has a public meeting and then everybody gets their application in and I think they should be able to by August no later than our
and we should we should approve it. >> No, for us the approvals August. >> Why wouldn't we wait until August? >> Well, we don't have to. We could do it in July. >> We could be a little bit more aggressive with it. Another option if you all want to do this is that we can go back to
this for next year's planning and we have 35 goals and objectives under the 2025 goals and objectives plan is 25 to 27 under CRA staff can go and research what objectives we can actually do and task and get contractors to do and get
that work done and spend the money on places on where we need to where we've already where we've already put action. I mean it's it's already written and approved um before we get you know into planning for next year for housing or for the businesses or buildings.
>> I'm not following >> I don't follow you either. >> So you have for instance goal one there's new brick pa areas street uh new street >> you're talking about our master plan >> right >> talking about our master plan goals. >> Well this is CRA goals goals. Okay. And
so what I'm saying is instead of going after and rushing and trying to cram in I have a stack this big of course u those projects is that we could go under our goals and objectives and spend some of the CRA money this year on what the city's responsible for in the CRA
>> but those are not grants. That's not grant money. That's a whole separate entity. >> Yeah. Those are improvements. Those are improvements within the CRA district. So that's different from the grants. >> Okay. if I could. My concern is um that people
have already applied. We allocated the money for this year and I'm just very concerned that we go ahead and make the money available for at least for people who have applied. They've been looking
at this. It's on us that we have not pulled the trigger and made it available. So to me, um, especially in the central CRA and, uh, on the Grove Avenue area, there's there's quite a bit of need, um, and I I would just like to
see us get the money out there as soon as possible from the current fiscal year >> and in fairness to people who are trying to apply. Okay, mayor. So, the reason we're in this process now is because we
brought it to your attention that because of the money that we had, we didn't have enough to spread it out for all the people that had requested funds. We just don't have enough to make it uh go far. And that that's where we're at. I mean, central CRA is is limited to a
little bit. Uh I believe what we have left right now is around $30,000 for rehabilitation grants. Um, and we have a little bit in housing, but we just don't have a lot. But between two people that requested money, we were actually over by $600. That's what I need the answer
on how we can maybe this year look at what we have fundwise left and spread that out equally between more people in the in the central district mainly. >> Well, may if I could I don't I think we just need to go
forward with the process. I'm not sure. We've never just taken the total amount and then divided it among all the applicants because it's quite possible that that would result in applicant not really being able to use their grant. I mean, I think we just need to get the
grant applications and see what we have and then we figure out well how to do it. >> Well, we also have to take into account and this something we're not taking into account and that's a conversation I had with you earlier today. We don't have a CRA director at this time. Okay, this is
a lengthy process. It's not just, you know, people submitting this and getting their three bids. Correct. Um, and especially depending on when they've sent those bids in. There's a lot of footwork involved in these >> in making sure that these grants adhere
to the requirements. Yes. Okay. You do not have that time, I don't believe. >> No, I do not. >> You do not. So that's a concern that I have that those people that have made application that we um make sure that
they are are it's it's taken into full account and it's properly done. So if we need to that's why I said if we have to push it to August as far as our approval if we have to push it to July you're going to meet you're going
to have hold a meeting in March. >> Yes. >> Okay. You hope to have a CRA director. Um, we hope by April. >> Yes. >> Okay. They're going to have to get their feet wet, understand what they're coming into, get familiar with these properties. We have to also go out. Then
you're going to have to go through and you're going to have to evaluate these because like you said, two alone have taken up more than what was available. >> Yes. >> So, you're going to have to do that. And I guess we're going to have to rely on
you that the biggest thing is is the deadline for them to get their grant application in. Correct. Because we deal with this with the state, >> right? >> Okay. They we have a deadline. If you're past that deadline, then then that that application is not considered. Now,
we've got some that are still, I think, sitting out there that we're still waiting for approvals on that are possibly sitting there. And so that's on that's on us. That's on us. But I think in fairness, everybody has ample time.
So if you feel that June 1st is ample time after you have your March meeting, then we need to >> stick to it. And that's when everybody has to have an application in. And then from that point, then you're going to have to go through with your CRA
director and with your finance director. And y'all are going to have to evaluate these and see what can be funded, what's a targeted building, what's not a targeted building. There's a grading on those that you're going to need to do. And then you're going to have to bring it back to us, the CRA board for
approval. Okay. Yes, ma'am. >> So, and at that timeline, if you think you can do that by the July meeting, then so be it. if you think it needs to be August and then with whatever monies, we just need to get them approved and
let them get going as soon as possible. >> Correct. >> With the understanding that's this current fiscal year's budget, what I'm saying as this goes forward because this needs to be a working document, not an annual document. Okay? So, as we go
forward, I think we need to move all those timelines sooner. So either we have applications must be received by January um however you and CRA director decide and you can come back to us you know but I think that that's my
recommendation so that we can say as much within the budget year as we possibly can because there it creates a tremendous amount of confusion and Steve with everybody as to how much money is in there how much money is in there because then we're going to have a new
group of money and do we take last years. You understand? >> Right. >> Right. >> Okay. So, I don't know where that leaves us. Are you saying you're going to keep these dates the same and just change it to 2026? >> That's what we're saying.
>> Well, I can't. But, um, I do have one other substantive issue to address. Um, there's no page numbers, but >> we've already asked you to put page number. >> I know. I know. I'm trying to direct you to it. It's where it starts. This is where the property owner fills it out.
Um, one name of property owner then goes 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. There's new language about repayment. Um, that's fine with me. Whatever um the city manager has worked out with the city attorney. But then um this is a
question we had for a while. Number nine, uh, work can only be completed by either a contractor licensed by the state of Florida or insured. Um, there's a lot of work >> and insured, doesn't it?
>> It should say and insured. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, there's a lot of work that we fund um where I don't think the people doing that work are in a trade or profession that is actually licensed by the state.
landscapers. >> Don't think so. Are painters licensed? They are. Yes, they are. >> Are you sure? >> Roofers are >> Yeah, they are. >> They have to go through They have to go through DBTR and it's a contractors and I believe it's out of Jacksonville is
where they actually have to get their their certified. >> Okay. >> Their certification. Doesn't the county serve give licenses to some people like roofers for example? >> Those are all state >> and you should always you should always
check DDPR before you hire anybody to do any work and get their license in >> and they should give it to you freely >> freely >> to have on the side of their vehicle most likely >> and it will show if there's any complaints. I mean, it has everything in there.
>> We've looked at these grant applications that I don't remember seeing um the state license from the contractors. I don't remember saying that quite >> fact I remember looking up
and has made sure that I mean she's checked that that was a requirement. >> Okay. So >> and they wouldn't be insured. If they're not licensed they can't have insurance. They they won't they won't typically insure them. Um well for example
um our grows are not licensed by the state but they we're not talking about harbor that's a whole different category. >> However the other thing um is I don't see here will we require do we require them to have a business tax license?
>> We do. So >> don't it's on here. >> I don't think it's on here. I didn't had that >> because and the reason being is because a lot of them are not necessarily within the city limits. So their business will be outside the city limits and if
they're outside the city limits they might not have a business tax um or if they're in the county and it's not required. It just depends. Someone comes from Orlando and he came up and did work for us and I don't believe that we require them to have to. Um it's only
those that are actually positioned within the city. Correct. >> Correct. >> When a minute we paid for people to purchase their business tax license so they could do business in the city. I mean we can put
that requirement whatever is like to do tree work. You're supposed to have a you're supposed to have a DGR with us. >> It doesn't I don't think it matters where your office is. I think here you have to have a business tax license
that >> I know it says for for people >> because that's going to be I mean then we've got then that's going to be an issue for everybody in the city that if they're having private work done then then and they don't have that person that means they would have to come get a
license from us as well. >> I'm not sure. I'm not sure. We need to we need to find out. >> We need to verify that. But I've had people who wouldn't come to work for us unless we paid for it because they didn't have business tax license. >> So we paid. >> You paid personally.
>> Of course. >> Well, I'm asking. That's what I'm asking because I don't recall the city ever doing that. I thought when you said we or if it was you personally. >> When Rob and I were sorry, you're right. When Roth and I hired someone who is not based here, there was nobody in town who
did that kind of work like for um the ceiling installation. Um I think we paid for the cost of them. We added that to the job. But so I I don't know. And I've had people who would not come because they didn't want to have to make the
application >> based on the legislature. I'll run it by by Don. >> Okay. >> So, I guess if it's if it is already required, I'm not suggesting that we add a requirement, but if it is something that is already required, then should we
not make sure that that's clear? >> The business tax is mainly levied over a person who maintains a permanent business or per business location within the city. But I'm going to verify that. Okay. >> So, I think that's all I had.
Um, I don't I don't get copy. So, I'm looking at copy. >> I I emailed you. >> No, no, when we when I put it, I think your your email said it was attached. It wasn't attached. >> Commissioner Burton, >> you're good.
>> Commissioner Moore. >> Okay. I have a I have a few things while I wait on um and you can if you need to look at this. So when you're going into when we start on the first page and it says objectives
>> um go down to assist businesses relocating to a more suitable location and allow for not allowing for >> um allow for so as it's currently take your red line take your red ing out. >> I'm sorry I was sending a quick email to
Commissioner Lori. Where were you at? First um objectives when you go to objectives >> okay >> the um second bullet >> okay >> taking out um the ing for allowing because this is an objective so this business is relocated to the location
and allow for re merchandising of um vacant space okay >> um when we come down to and I'm not sure that down at the bottom of that to ensure the equitable and fair distribution of CR grant funds so that
resources are allocated consistently and transparently. Uh it's very wordy and we have to be careful. Have you run that by dawn? >> Okay. So this hasn't been run by dawn. >> Not yet. >> No. Okay. >> Okay. So, we need to make sure that we
don't put ourselves by that language in any type of um should somebody come back to us and feel that they were not fairly treated. Okay. So, so he needs to look at that language. Yes, Commissioner Dita. >> I just take that out.
>> Yeah, I mean I would too. I think I I had that too that we take that out. I just feel that it could possibly set us up for some liability >> if somebody challenged it. Um even before that I think elsewhere in here this document says this is up to the CRA
board. Yeah. We have to make some value judgments. Um so to me I don't I would just assume >> I I think that should be generally understood but it's not necessarily needed to be
>> stated. So I think that language needs to come out. >> I agree if everyone is in agreement. Is everyone in agreement? >> Yes. >> That we remove that language? >> Okay. >> Okay. It's out. >> Um, we've already talked about why put minimum in there. I don't think we need minimums. >> I took out all the minimums.
>> Everybody in agreement. We take minimums out. >> I haven't even found minimums. >> It's only in the second page under residential. >> Okay. >> Okay. And then >> Oh, minimum. Okay. Um, okay. Okay. And then additional
conditions we have down here. Um, it says a lean will be placed on property for the duration and repayment period. I I would personally we want people to benefit from this program. And what we have to think about is if what we get
the benefit that the CRA gets and the city gets is that we are going to get a building that is now not hopefully blighted. Um, and that can be and if it's sold, that's something else we have to think about because some of these buildings have been sitting um, vacant
for a long time and under one ownership and as soon as that building sells, the um, property appraiser has an opportunity to go in there and revalue it at its current market value, right? >> And so that's going to help with the CRA as well. So we benefit from that. But if
I was a commercial um property owner, I would not I would not agree to you putting a lean on my property. However, if we have language in the document >> that says that this will be filed with the county and you'll file it with the
clerk of court, >> okay? And it's a document that at some point in time we have to go back to them if they've not met the requirements. Okay. um and and they breach their contract with us. At least we have that
filed and we have that opportunity. So, I'm I'm more in that. I don't know how everybody else feels about that. >> Yes, I did. And I'll when I run this by Don, I'll make sure that we insert the correct language in there. I've made a note here for that.
>> Okay. Okay. What may this this is where I'm talking about putting an asterisk that says all the requirements of the grant program apply to the housing program because we have a repayment period if improvements are removed or the property
is sold. So either we should repeat them here or we should just say generally for housing that all the other provisions of the grant program apply and because essentially we we don't want them removing the improvements. Right.
>> Right. >> Um so I mean I think you could have that but I think somewhere in this document you could put that that all of the grant requirements apply to both residential and commercial. to housing housing.
>> So, is that does that satisfy? Is that good? >> Um, I think it might >> And you could Yeah. And you could even if you need to add another line in there that says that. >> Sure. And you're saying um you want the repayment period if improvements are
removed or the property is sold but without the lean. >> No le >> even for commercial property. >> Yes. >> But we're going to record the document. >> But we will record the document. It's kind of like when you sell I've sold businesses and I've had business and I've bought businesses and when you have
that they typically will file that document if there's a repayment or if there's something on that do on that business which I it'll file with the clerk it's recorded and I'm just I'm less concerned about
the residential property being sold than I am the commercial being sold but so okay I'm sorry that was Okay. Um, and then I've got on here that if you go down to grant criteria where it says grants over the 5,000, go down
to the third bullet. >> Not sure why you're making a ch what what you're changing. Um, >> are you talking about the the red lines that are in there? It was because when I took the I didn't I could not find this document in our I had to OCR this
document. So, I took a PDF uh >> Yes. So, it came out kind of blotchy and I took that out and retyped it correctly. That's all that is. >> There's no different language in here. >> No language changed. >> Okay. Um and then
we also have So, let's go. Let me let me continue. I apologize. Um the third pa the fourth page is um an agreement will be drawn up at the very bottom contractual agreement. I think an agreement will be drawn up that will
include not which will include. I think that because I believe that might be a little that's just a a grammatical. >> Um there should be something in here that um if you come down, we've already talked about the year. So you're going
to take the year out, but you'll have dates. >> So you'll just have the actual date. And I said you could put um of the of the current current of the current fiscal year, whatever. Um I think you have it down here a little bit further where it
even speaks to it has language regarding the current the the fiscal year. So you just want to make sure that that that date. So it's like we're going to do it June 1st. We'll do it June 1st. Um June 1st of each calendar or fiscal year,
however calendar year, however you want to, whatever language you want to come up with. >> Okay. >> And then >> that's under presentation to the CRA board. >> Grant. >> Okay. >> So, mayor, are you saying that the CRA board's not going to consider these until August? >> No, it's not what I said. I didn't say
that. I'm gonna we'll leave that up to him to see whether they can get these processed. >> So, he's going to have to come back to us. And we've said and when I said earlier, my recommendation and commissioners, of course, it's just my recommendation. It's up to y'all, >> is that
as we go outside of as we go into the new fiscal year that we need to move all of this closer. So, it needs to be that they have to have their documents in by January 15th and then and then by >> by March, you know, we're making need to
be and that gives them plenty of time. So, this is just going to be kind of an annotated >> Yes. >> timeline for this year and we need to establish >> a regular timeline for next year. >> Um, and take out that 2026 general conditions.
>> Um, I also think that when you're looking at the targeted building list that you need to make notation which ones are residential. >> You might want to do that for for anything if it's residential, church. Um, but we need to have something in
there that that >> so that as we just view it and anybody else views it, >> they'll know because for a lot of people, 133 Central Avenue, well, is that a building? Is that residential or not? You know, >> just so just so we have that. So, I
would put that. You go on to the next page where it says um and this is their application. You need their phone number. There's not a place for a phone number. You absolutely need a phone number in there. And then go down to number four. Total redevelopment project cost. You might
want to put estimated. You have estimate down further. So So estimated project cost. >> All right. Sorry, I was taking care of one. >> That's okay. >> All right. Next one. What was the last one you just asked? >> The total
>> estimated cost. Just see where it says total. >> Yeah. So see where it says right here. total redevelopment project cost. >> Okay, >> total redevelopment estimated project cost. >> Um and then of course when you come into number eight which is the repayment
agreement clause um the undersigned agrees to repay the full cost of grant funded improvement if such improvements are removed. I I think not the full cost that can be a little confusing. Which number was that? >> Number eight.
>> Okay. Okay. >> It's you've got it all in red. >> Yeah. >> So, see that can be a little confusing that if >> it's full cost. It's not. It's graduated. >> It's graduated. So, you need to have some clarification in that. >> Okay.
Um, >> you take out the word full and just say the cost and then when it goes down it says structured >> or you could even put to repay the the graduated or structured cost of grant funding. Yeah. However you want to language
>> the form that kind of makes I took it out. at the cost >> and you're going to take out also to ensure enforcability the city will report a property not to I the city you need to put in there will record the document the agreement court
>> um and then we come down to this one that's work can only be completed by either a contractor um and it doesn't allow And we do have
um people just like um gosh I draw one >> he's an electrician. >> Yes. >> Okay. So he's a licensed electrician. Um you you have people throughout the the
city who on their properties they have that and they were able to do that previously. Right. So this is requiring them and sometimes that's going to drive the cost up also if they're not allowed to do it themselves. Just like Rich, if Rich lived in the city and he wanted to
do something and we knew that he was he was licensed and can do it, this would prohibit him from being able to do that. I think so. >> If they are licensed and insured and have a company, I don't think that's an issue. I think you know that's what it said a contractor.
>> Okay. >> So contractor is very specific. >> Okay. when he was doing windows. We paid and we paid >> windows. I'm just using him as an example where he was doing electric. >> I'm sorry. I think I think the reason he put this in here and I discussed this
with them was they they used to say, you know, or by the applicant themselves >> and I think that makes it seem very um like for instance at Pam's Kitchen, they wanted papers in themselves and when they filmed that's not >> it's only Yeah. It can only be done by
you know a licensed um >> individual. Do we want to put individual instead of contractor? >> Professional whatever just contractor we have to be careful because contractor is whose definition of what contractor is >> because sometimes a handyman is is a
handyman is not a contractor but he's licensed. >> I put professional to the contractor out. >> Yeah. >> Just Yeah. And you can look at DBPR too, language, and see if there's something in there. And that's all I have for that. >> Sorry. Thank y'all for >> entertaining that.
>> Um, so I don't know. I mean, I wanted us to be able to finalize this. Um, do we feel like we're that we want to vote on this and then if Don has any concerns that that it holds it up and he brings it back to us? >> If not, we'll just go forward with what
we have. >> I like that idea. I mean, we've covered it all. We've talked about it. >> There's a few places that he needs to get some polished >> language and verbage our attorney, but >> I think we've gone over the points here. We told him what we want. So, I think uh
I'm comfortable to make a motion. >> Um I'm going to open it up for public comment, but you can go ahead and make a motion. >> Um I move that we approve the CRA um grant application for this fiscal year. Do I have a second
>> with the changes? >> With the changes >> with the changes that we discussed. Yes. >> Okay. I will second. >> This Commissioner Moore already seconded. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> So, we have a proper motion by Commissioner Lori and a second by um Commissioner Moore that to um accept
this as our new grant redevelopment program with the changes that the commission as discussed agreed upon. And um I'm going to open it up to public comment. Do we have any public comment at this time? Yes, ma'am. If you would please come forward, state your name and
and your address if you please. >> Hello everyone. >> Please state your name. My name is Angel Lake Street of course 3212. We as most of you probably know we've
been working on this ch church program not because something we did we started with our city manager Patrick Kennedy and that great group John etc. But then they change past every year to depending
and then we had the pandmic and all the things that happened to most of us. However, I became very ill. So we jump started this program again about a year ago and we made some great headways. Our only problem was that you guys were
discussing finding people who were quantified certified to do this term inspection. It's not like you go and spray for a rope just a rub in your house and put a trap. It's much more intense and they have to be very very
experienced understanding that especially dealing with these old structures. The church is over 100 years old. We have a structure engineer to come in before everybody start digging under to determine can we move
this church. Once you get under there and digging I used to do that stuff with my prime. It has to be on a platform so you cannot do repairs. My point I'm not going to go through a whole lecture on that. Point is as I was reading through
the application long question I was always paused and I couldn't get answers where the fees are. If it's a grant, that grant has to be repaid over a
period of 3 to five years. It was in your um on your work tonight. I'm looking at this and I share this to the ministers that well, we have to pay this back. >> That's only if you alter it
>> or you sell it. So if you undo what we've done within a certain period of time, then we are going to require you to pay back because this is >> the resident's money. This is their money and they, you know, we >> have agreed to do this. Okay.
>> And so at that point, if you've undone what we've allowed you to do, then you have to pay it back. And it's a five year it's a fiveyear sliding scale. >> Thank you. >> There's so many good views on that. But thank you guys very much. We're making
some headways this past year and getting what we need. So as you know we have the final three certified bonafide um termite inspectors and structural engineer and architects
working with us to bring it to fruition. So once we get phase one done, we've already started looking at those whom finance the foundation of the church. So that's where my frustration was coming from. What do we do? We can't skip over
B and go to C until all this is taken care together. Okay. But thanks for answering my question. I have a very clear concise understanding now. >> Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you. Okay.
All right. I'm just going to assume that we work out all of this bureaucracy that will eventually get us to stop the termites in this building. You know, I love history. I love
that church. I love the people in it. All of that. And of course, I love Jason Randolph and the history. The reason I'm in this project primarily is about economic growth.
If if we get that building saved and the Savannah School of Design comes in and they said they would do it for us and redo reurbages the inside
and that building becomes a part of the civil civil rights tours that are are in the country. There are a lot of people who in their retirement years get on tour
buses and do various things and a civil rights tour is one of the things they do. And it could stop in Crescent City and it could end up in Cindy and then end up down in the normal in between.
You don't think of Florida as a civil rights state. All states went through civil rights. And if they stopped here, the 20 to 30 people on a bus and they had lunch at three bananas or some other
restaurant here or they spent the night here. Economic growth. That's my bottom line on this project. I love the project. I love history. And when you think about the history of
Pleasant City and who has come out of it, I can think of we had a Supreme Court judge from the state of Florida come out across the city. >> Justice Rand. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> But he doesn't compare to J. Philip Randolph, a national >> figure. and he is Crescent City's hero and we need to celebrate that and and we can
turn it into economic growth for Crescent City. >> Can I can I ask um a question commissioners? I just want to Okay, this is just I'm throwing this out there because there's so much um right now
with um people charitable giving. Uh I know that this GoFund there's like a GoFundMe, >> a GoFundMe type program. Have y'all done any of that to where you've talked about and you might be surprised across the
nation those people that through his work um for you, you know, you you just might want to put something out there. You might be really surprised. I mean, you think about all the things that people have put on there that people
give to um and that might be very beneficial because there's a lot of people that through the civil rights movement that want to support that history and you might just have somebody that can write story because it's all
about selling your story. uh that story, his story. And so I would just encourage I would encourage that. But if you have somebody that can help you with that, um you never know. >> Yeah. Hey, $1,000 even. Um and I think
it's pretty much um you know, it's just been amazing to me what people have given to different causes when that story touches them. And so I I think that you know that that's something that
you might want to look maybe you've already looked into. That's just a suggestion. I'm just throwing that out there as a suggestion. >> May I? >> Yes. >> Absolutely right. I was want to find out how >> I'm sorry we can't hear you. this dude
also about so um something a couple years ago trying to determine economic wrote the course and at the same time educate our young people about the history of crescent city most importantly a random
nobody knew I I didn't know I grew up in this town I had a contract with UNESCO I'm sitting beside this lady Janette Gina and we sitting there talking she He says, "Oh, Crescent City, you must smell a bit of random."
I'm so he must be reported. So, oh, of course I did. But soon as I got back home, that was the first thing I did. Now, I contacted the principal from a random high school and I've been up to Harlem a couple of times the building.
He owned the big apartment building. So I thought perhaps it would be great if we would bring students from Harlem to President City and a random trail. The president loved it and then we said
18 months later to give time for financing. We would take kids from Crescent City and take them to New York City and they will host them there to do a round up. So, you're right on point with what you're saying, what we can do.
And I received um a listing of about 400 churches that was funded in 2000, that was 201617. Over $4 million was pumped to these churchs throughout
the United States for renovations and things of that nature. That's where we've been. And I wrote back to them and told them about the brand out. But before we can do anything, I know you guys got to go. The church has to be stable.
>> We have to get our homework prepared. So you're right. There's a lot out there, but we have to start from where we are and move forward. But thank you. >> Oh, no. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for all y'all are doing. If we have no further public comment, I'm going to I'm going to close public
comment at this time. We currently have a um >> a motion and a second. >> Yes. I have a procedural question. I asked before we vote. Um, was it okay
for us to advertise this as a commission meeting when we were having a CRA meeting doing CRA business? We didn't actually open a CRA meeting, but I didn't get an answer back. I sent an email to the city manager and to the
city attorney, but I didn't get an answer. So, I didn't know >> as CRA um the agenda that was that I got the notice just said commission. >> He told me he was going to take a look at it that he didn't feel that there was an issue with it. That's all I got.
>> I don't specifically open a CRA meeting or >> I can't everybody is advertised that way. So, I think that >> we're not really taking CRA action or spending money. We're just approving a
form. >> We're approving a form that the commission would ultimately have to approve really anyway. I mean, so >> Okay. >> And and if he finds that we that that we've done it in error, >> Yes, ma'am. >> then by all means, we can bring it back
at the March meeting. Yes, ma'am. >> But for for all intents and purposes, let's go forward if we can because otherwise we're just constantly moving things down the road. Um, >> okay. >> Miss Taylor, if you take a roll call for us, please. >> Commissioner Moore,
>> I. >> Mr. Burton, >> I. >> Mr. Lauren, >> I. >> Mr. >> Hi, Mayor. >> Myers. >> I. >> Okay. So, approved. And if you would, when you get those changes, all those changes, um, Commissioner Martin, if you would please make sure you get those out to the
>> I will route them to you. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, we're going to move on and I guess you've got an update on the assistant city manager, CRA manager. >> Yes, ma'am. I do. Thank you. Um, so I
put a briefing sheet in there just to update you on recruitment process. Um, we have put out the position on our website. We're also waiting for Florida, Kansas City to approve it there, but we have all of the positions on the FLC site as well or going on there. We've
already posted everything. We're just waiting on them. We've also posted it on um on our LinkedIn accounts and also on Facebook. We've had multiple inquiries on all the jobs from the clerk's position to gas uh operator position uh
to the ACM. And actually today at 3:00 we had an interview where somebody from CRA >> So my question Yes. Go ahead. Well, no you go. My question is you have in here, this is a very lengthy job description. >> Yes, it is.
>> And you have in here basic knowledge of ESRI GIS software. Do we have that? >> That is software that the county uses and that's something >> that's just their GIS, >> right? Correct. It's just basic knowledge. >> Okay. Well, we all have that. I have that. >> Yeah. Basically, >> everybody has that. I mean, you just go
in there. Okay. I just I I just wanted to make >> Okay. Does anybody have any questions on this? Commissioner, you um Yes, I did. Um first of all, I want to say the city manager does a very nice um ad for sure
that is very eye-catching. >> That was that was the one that we removed. We went with an even a better one. But thank you. >> All I'm saying is that was good. But I did notice um it says pay starts at 60,000. >> Yes.
>> Um what did we budget for this? Because um I mean when you say start like the actual job description says 60,000 annually starting salary. Did um the way
the way the ad looks I don't know what do we budget for this? Are we going to be within budget? We'll be very well within budget. Yes, ma'am. >> At the time we were making >> at the time they they were making um Christina was making what 86
>> I believe. >> Yeah. Well, this is so a portion of this is going to come out of the CRA >> and then and then the other one will come out of the general. >> She was also the interim city manager. >> But it bumped up to that.
>> Yes. >> Yeah. That didn't include that. But I'm just asking what we actually budgeted and with this will we be in budget? >> We will be well within budget. >> Yes. We'll be saving some money which is the intention. >> Okay.
>> That I've also I've also signed up um with uh UNF. They have a job um fair coming up here soon and I've reached out to them and I'm going to take all of our positions as well to them. We have they have uh 2,000 graduates coming out of that school this year and they have a
huge job fair. So I'm I'm hoping that we can do some recruiting down there as well. >> Yes, sir. >> But and want to look at you have to >> Yeah. If I could just one more. The city manager said he submitted it to the
league of cities. Does that include the arm that is the Florida Redevelopment Association? the I have not gone Florida redevelopment association um for posting. We've gone to Florida League of Cities job postings because it's free.
>> But does the redevelopment that's where you're really going to find that person that does the CRA economic development but they don't charge >> so you absolutely need to get that >> right because they're Yeah. many time they're credited experience. That's the
community. >> That's how we Steve and I reached out and to them about our five main deliverables. And by the way too, um kudos to Steve. Thank you for putting those numbers together and getting everything together. We've actually revised some things for our last meeting
uh and found where there were some, you know, areas that that we needed a little fixing. >> Obviously, obviously our report that's been done. Um, and so that'll be coming to you all just as a as a courtesy on the March meeting. Um, but we met with a, like I said, the FRA, a board member
that is deep involved in that. He looked over our entire package, every single deliverable, and everything is a thumbs up and we're good to go. >> Yeah. Back when this came to us, January 2nd of 2025 by Mr. real hard. He said that the recommended salary range was 75
to 85 for the CRA manager/sit um assistant city manager. That's what we approved. So that's what he brought to us. >> That's what we budgeted for. >> Especially since we're already so far through the year, we haven't paid that
out. So right, >> so that's something for us to do. I don't think there's no action on that. Um um mayor, I have a question about two things. One is um we may have heard um
the city manager had a meeting or the planning firm had a meeting with Z going about the central business district reszoning thing. >> Yes, I attended it. >> Pardon? >> I attended it when they had the public meeting they had. >> Yes. Yes.
>> Okay. Um, so just it was my recollection that a couple of us had a question about how much this is costing us. Um, I've had a couple of residents reach out to me very
concerned. Um, some of them didn't get letters, some of them felt like they got their letter late, but most of all they were very concerned about what this is going to do. Um, I have a question about how much we're spending on this and is it really a good
idea because we have a tremendous amount of vacancies on Central Avenue and Summit and if you took all the residential property and turned it into commercial property, nobody has
ever shown us a rationale for why all all the ground floor space needs to be commercial. It's It's a lot of space. >> That's not >> That's not That's not Yeah. >> It allows for mixed use, which we don't
have currently in our zoning. >> We either have GC1, >> right, >> or we have residential or multif family. We don't have a mixture. And we got an issue right here across the street because because of that. And so what this will allow will be mixed use, which
is residential and commercial living together. It's kind of one of those things that it's a walkable community. It creates that walkable community. >> That is what we have now. >> Our current zoning does not allow >> and and that's why it's empty a lot. And
what this will do will allow more, >> right? It'll allow more opportunities for for businesses and families to >> So wait, somebody explain to me how is it on Summit Avenue that we have >> Summit Street. >> Summit Street. Thank you. businesses and
residences right there on summer. H how is that possible? >> Some of it be surprised go in there and look at the zoning see what they >> Yeah. >> But right now we have one z one
commercial zoning category that allows everything from strip mall to a small business and there's nothing else in between. Most cities have multiple commercial um property, zoning categories. We have one that covers everything. And what it does not cover
is allow you to have multiple uses on one piece of property like you normally have in the downtown area like we have traditionally in our downtown area. This will allow that, but it's not changing and saying that you have to have commercial. If you're a resident, you can stay a residence
>> because those will happen because what happens what we currently have to do is you have to come in and you have to do a special use >> or a variance or a conditional use and so then you have to take that between planning and zoning. >> Um so so those people can opt out and
there were quite a few in the audience that night. I mean, there was a I was surprised at the amount of people and a lot of our residences. There was one, two, three, four, four major residences from the east end of Central that were
in the audience that that I believe no five >> and I've received opt out forms from those individuals. And we also have a new fillable form. I just received it last night from Mark Caret about 6:00. We haven't uploaded on the website yet, but we're going to make it clear to the
community that there is an opt out form, digital PDF fillable form on our website. It'll be posted today or tomorrow. >> Okay. >> Well, I'll I'll try to go through this. I I'm not sure that the people who are affected actually understand what it
does and how it helps them. Um, but my next >> Well, why don't you if you need to help them with that? I mean, that's something >> I don't understand it. I don't understand the way Mr. Karat explains it and all I know is this. The city has
been through the years trying to eject residents from their residential buildings. Mr. Is that what you're doing? Is that what we're doing? >> I I don't you don't have to berate me. I'm saying people have a history of receiving
letters being told they shouldn't be living there because it's residential and there's supposed to be commercial blah blah blah. Um I certainly need help understanding this because Mr. Ket just to me doesn't go in a in a clear line.
>> Well then what we'll do is why don't we do this if you feel that you need a workshop and those commissioners that want to attend the workshop with Mr. Correct. And he can explain it in more detail, then we can do that. It's going to cost us that. Um
>> I I do want to ask Pam. Um Pam, have you sent out any letters to anybody um telling them that they could not live in a in a in a house because it was zoned commercial? >> No. >> Okay. >> No, I Well, that's what you said. I
know, but you just said >> we have a history. But we haven't but >> we haven't expert. >> I just wanted for clarification for anybody watching that's not a practice that we are practicing here. This this current commission. >> No, I'm I'm talking about Mr. Kennedy.
>> Well, that was that was a past. >> Okay. But but people have that lived experience and so what we say to them is somewhat colored by that. But leaving that aside, um, and yes, I think a a
workshop or a session with Mr. Crow would be helpful. Um, you mentioned the Wind Dixie situation. Do you have any update on that? >> I do. Larry has been out. Um, I do know that permits have been pulled. My understanding for the black one, no permits have been pulled for this one at
this time. Is that correct? >> I have a watchdog. We have two two areas and they have nothing. Larry has had some major um he anyway Larry's been on leave and he should be back this he should have been back this week. I spoke to him the other day as a matter of fact
on Saturday um because um anyway he called me because he thought that all Dixie had to be the water boiled because that was a whole another issue. Um, so, so anyway, Larry said he would get with me this week and
I haven't heard from him. I know he's doing a lot of catch up because he's been out for about two weeks, but >> no, he personally had personal personal leave that he he needed. Okay. So much better.
>> So quite a few months ago, we discussed trying to get meeting with actual decision makers in both the new company which I don't know the name. Do you own >> No, no. That owns my Dixie. >> Oh, Southeastern Broers. >> Are they still Southeastern?
>> Southeastern. >> Anyway, we discussed trying to get meetings with Aldi representatives and Southeast represent Angel. No, we have not. And Aldi um we have we reached out to them and Aldi has
not responded to anything. We've sent them I think the last correspondence is we sent them all of the um >> petitions and have asked I we did speak to one representative and he knows from when Dixie um I believe we use one of
the regionals >> and so he knows he knows he has from South Eastern Groceries and he knows that we want to um but but anyway I think that we've done um honestly as much as as much as we can and it's a business decision that they're
And so >> okay, but the store currently belongs to Aldi's Corporation, correct? >> Okay, >> that's my understanding, but it's operating it's currently operating as a Wind Dixie. >> And uh Commission, I apologize. I
reached out. Don was notified. I was told that his other attorney would be here, Leo, and I'm not sure why he's not here. I hope he's okay, but I apologize for not having here. >> Okay. >> Okay. And does the city manager have a job interview? >> Yes, I do.
>> Okay. >> Okay. So, we have anything else before I ask to um and you if you need to go. >> Thank you very much. Thank you. You can be dismissed. >> Thank you very much. >> I'll second that.
>> We have a proper motion. Um and a second favor, please say I. >> Okay. Hey, I want to remind everybody that soul food starts tomorrow evening. The parade is Saturday. >> The tea, I don't know who's going to the
tea at 4 o'lock. I am too. That's why I wore my little flowery dress. That's at