Are we on? >> Yes, the mics are on. >> M on us. >> Pam, are we live? You're good. Okay, we're good. Okay, with that, I'm going to go ahead. We're going to open up the
regularly scheduled meeting. The date is January 8th, 2026 and the time is 6:03 p.m. Thank you and welcome everyone for being here tonight. And with that, I'm going to ask Commissioner Moore if you would please lead us in invitation.
Everyone stand if you are a bow here. Dear heavenly father, once again we want to thank you for our rising on this morning. We thank you for you woke us up to a brand new day, one we've never seen before and we won't see again. We thank you for your grace and for your mercy.
We thank you for you looked over us and you kept us safe from all her harm and danger. And tonight we ask you to be with us, be among us, oh God. Help us to do those things that were pleasing in our sight. Help us, oh God, to contain knowledge, understanding, and be fair
with everything that we're doing in this hour. And Father God, we ask prayer over our nation on tonight. Have mercy upon our people, those that have lost their lives. Have mercy upon their family. In the mighty name of Jesus, we do pray this evening. We ask you bless us, keep us, cover us, and keep us safe. And we
forever praise you and give you the highest praise. All these blessings we do ask in son Jesus name. Amen. And the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands nation
with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, Commissioner Mo. Thank you very much. And with that, Pam, thank you for filling in tonight. Once again, we appreciate that. If you would do a roll call for us, please of those officials that are present.
>> Commissioner Devito, >> present. >> Commissioner Lori >> here. >> Commissioner Moore >> here. >> Commissioner Burton >> here. >> City Manager Derek >> here. >> City Attorney Don Holmes >> here.
>> Putman County Sheriff's Office Major David Usher >> here. >> Finance Director Steven Cocham >> here. and myself as a court. >> Okay. Thank you. And I myself and I am here too. So with that, I'm
going to start off the evening. Welcome everyone. We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Um I was just telling um Mr. homes that, you know, I hadn't had Sunday blues in a long time, but those two weeks of Christmas and New
Year's, I don't know about y'all, but it was like, uh oh, Monday is upon us. The holidays are over. Um but here we are in 2026. It's going to be a blessed year here in Crescent City. And um again, thank you all for being here. Let's talk a little bit about what we've got going
on in Crescent City um in the next couple of weeks. We're going to start off with the women's club. is hosting bingo and that is going to be um this next Friday. I apologize. Next Friday evening the 16th. Doors open
at 5:00. Bingo starts at 5:45. Don't be late so you can get your place and get your card. And then we have the historic society, Franklin um Peninsula Historic Society is going to have their monthly meeting and that is going to be on the
15th at the women's club at 4:00 and it's going to be the amazing Marz. Okay. The amazing Marsy is going to um be talked about at that meeting and you
know want to say anything about it. >> It's the um the ship that the M they do it's a traveling stage the new theater shows so it's really neat it has a great history that are going to be there talking about it. >> So that's exciting. And then we've got
um Howal Memorial is going to have their first annual chili cookoff and that's going to be Saturday, January 17th. That's next seven. That's next Saturday. And that's going to um let's see what does it say about that. Starts from
11:00 a.m. to 300 p.m. $5 entry fee. $1 per tasting, $5 per bowl. um one ticket for tasting and three tickets per bowl to vote for your favorite chili. So everybody please come out and make this a success for them so that they um we'll
have a great inaugural chili cook off >> okay >> the Methodist church up on um Lemon and um and Sunday and then we've got on the 20th we have Mr. Paul Weaver and he is
going to do a community presentation on the Crescent City Historic District updates. That's going to be at 5:30 p.m. Um, and that's going to also be at the Crescent City Women's Club. So, please make sure um Paul's going to review the findings of the extensive update that
the city just had recently had done for our historic district, what has been lost and what might be added, his recommendations, the future actions, and what this means for our city. So, this will be a very um interesting and very entertaining as well. So, please make
sure you um make time for that. And then we also have Bunko. Bunko's being moved this month. Those of you that are Bunko players, it's going to be the following Wednesday. So, it'll be the 21st of January. It's going to be from 1 to 3.
Then I have on here that the Crescent City Library Board, they're going to welcome the local Ottabon Society and members will share about the great backyard bird count February 14th through 16th, 2026 and how to participate. It's fun for
beginners and families. Um looks like it's going to be Wednesday, January for 14th, 2026 at noon. They're going to have Nancy. What are they going to have >> the program about it? >> Yes. Okay. They're having also their
winter book sale at the Cresant City Library. That's January 30th and 31st. And the library offers programs for all age groups and has recently doubled the number of programs to get more people involved. Summer interactive parent and child with the latest addition being an
introduction to sewing, which is always a um a great um opportunity to know how to sew for those of us that don't wish you did. Um, and please stop by our Crescent City Library. They've done beautiful job with the remodel and we're
very proud of that and what the county has brought to um to the library for us. And then of course we have Arbor Day in addition to the big cookoff on next Saturday, we have Arbor Day and uh Commissioner Devito, do you want to say
a little bit about Arbor Day and what times I will not be here. So you're gonna be here >> be there. Okay. Um, sure. would be happy. Do you want me to say a few words about Arbor Day? >> Just the times and and where the location. >> Okay. Arbor Day will be held at Eagle
Lion Park from 10:00 a.m. to 200 p.m. Um and just there will be many more activities this year. It's being organized by local um horiculturalist and educator um Christopher Edler. And
um also our extension agent will be there. And there's going to be tours and activities for the children and um seed giveaways. >> Okay. >> So, it's going to be very dynamic. Um and there'll be um some vendors there as
well. >> Okay. Great. And then at the end of February, we've got the Soul Food Festival. This is the fourth. I think this is our fourth annual Soul Food Festival. Yeah, it would be our fourth. >> Okay. >> Believe it's our fourth. We're going to make it our fourth. It's our fourth. So
that's going to be uh February 27th and 28th with the parade occurring on the 28th. That's on Saturday and that's going to be at Evil Lion Park. And for those of you the lights um thank you all for um just participating and being a
part of the lights. The lights will be going on through probably the end of our this month. Um if they will hold out, we've had a few issues. We've had some people that have messed with the lights, but the medium lights um are going to be
going down probably this next week. Um and our big Christmas tree will probably be going down this next week. Is that correct? >> Yes, ma'am. >> But we'll keep the other lights on for everyone to enjoy in the evening. The gazebo was cleaned up today. Thank you to the downtown partnership. So, um it
is free and clear of all the holiday. It's always sad to take the holiday decorations down. So, with that, let's go ahead and do you have a do you have any commissioners? You have any um announcements? Okay, we have no more announcements.
Let's go to our um back to our agenda and we've got the approval of the amendments. My understanding is we're going to table these these minutes that we had some issues. So, I need a motion to table. Is that correct? >> Correct. That is correct. >> I move that we table minutes until the
next meeting. >> I'll second it. >> Okay. We have a proper motion in a second. Commissioners, if we have no discussion, um, all in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. Opposed? >> I have one question. Yes.
>> For the city manager? >> Yes, ma'am. >> So, when the internet goes off, does Sonic Clear not work? >> Correct. It's all tied together. >> Okay. Got it. Thank you. Which means we really have got to with Windstream. Um, I don't understand why this building
we I don't have that problem. Do any of you have that problem? And so we have it here. >> Honestly, with our situation, which is I I told our um city clerk right now, him that to be careful on the end of people uh walking over that wire. That seems to
be the problem. So, our internet box and and of course the power to the mics are on that cord that's there. I'm going to switch it to that back wall so we don't go over it. It seems that it happens between breaks and before the meeting. It's because of that. That is the problem. That that white
>> Commissioner Devito must be stepping on that. >> Blame that on Commissioner. >> Nope. >> We're going to rerun through the recorded U tape. Okay. And then do Sonic Clear over again to make sure we capture everything. >> Okay. >> Yes, ma'am. And again, um, Commissioner,
I know sometimes this is hard, but with Sonic Clear, it's important that we all speak individually and one at a time. So, we have to be cognizant of that. And that's also with this owl. This is our second out. We have to be careful with the wires there, and we always are as
far as walking across that. So, with that, at this time, I'm going to go ahead and open up for public comment. Um, please step forward if you would. If you if there is something you would like to speak to us about that is not on the agenda. It will be heard at this time. We have uh you have three minutes. If
you want to please state your name and um your address if you will. Okay. Seeing no one come forward for public comment. I'm going to close public comment. And then we had a presentation with our
popner football championship. um but they one of the coaches could not be here and it's very important that he's here. So they've asked us if we can move it to the February which will be um really kind of a twofer because we're going to kick off their season also at
that same time. So we'll do it at our February meeting. That's okay. And with that I want to go ahead and open it up. Um Mr. Martin if you want to introduce and Jason Moore and Brenda and let's get started. I sure do. Sure do.
>> James Moore is here to do the presentation. I'm actually going to go download I'll do the slides for you. >> Okay. >> I'll be your cler. Thank you. >> All right. You're welcome. >> Good evening. My name is Brandon. I'm a partner with James M Company. I appreciate the opportunity to be here
tonight. Uh you have a few documents that I know were previously sent electronically, but I also provided some permit copies for you as well. Uh it includes the financial statements for both the city and the CRA as well as the print out of the PowerPoint uh which obviously is up here as well. So if you want to follow along, I recommend using
the PowerPoint. Uh before we get into the presentation itself, I did want to thank the commission again for the opportunity to perform the audit this year. Also want to thank Steve and his team for all their help. Um every time we go through an audit, it's a challenge. You ask all the questions along the request. I think this year was
even more so of a challenge just related to trying to determine what to do with a police pension plan, how to value that. So to give you a little bit of background on that, as auditors, we're really here to kind of verify that the numbers included in your financial statements are correct. As part of the
governmental accounting standards that we follow and the city follows, there's a requirement that we go through um and get a calculation related to the pension really called the net pension liability. that that's calculated by an actuary. So, as part of going through this audit,
we had conversations with that actuary to to try and determine what to do with the police pension plan because it is still open. However, the annuity was purchased for the last participants. They had never really seen it. They didn't know how to value the the plan as it stands. So, we kind of again we had
some difficulties because of that situation. So, then we had conversations as to what's the next step. So, as you'll see here on the next slide, we do have what's called a qualified opinion related to the police pension plan specific for this net pension liability.
And again, it's related to the actuary unable unable to be able to provide a calculation for that liability. Um, outside of that, all the other funds have what's called an unmodified opinion or opinion. Ultimately, from the state's perspective, we've had other
municipalities that have had to go this route. Um again they'll they've accepted this report as it currently stands. But again wanted to give you a little bit of background on the challenges related to the police pension plan as it stands impacting the audit but also trying to determine what to do with you know not
be able to get that number. The second report you can see here the single audit report um really has to do with the city had expenditures exceeding $750,000. So we have to do some additional testing uh over the state single audit. Um you can see here there are no findings
related to that single audit that we performed. The third report the internal control and compliance report. So as part of our process we were required to get an understanding of internal controls and do some testing over that as well. Uh if there are any items that we know we're required to communicate that in this
report but we do have some comments in here. The first one being material audit adjustments. Um so as we work through our process if there are adjusting entries that we determine the new material it does create this uh this comment I will say this unfortunately we have this comment still
however this has progressed um as far as Steve and you know the team cleaning up the numbers. So again progress is being made but unfortunately due to the size of the entries that we post we are required to communicate that. The second item is the payroll au authorization and
documentation. So as part of our process um we do look at and test payroll. Um unfortunately we were unable to get supporting documentation to support certain pay rates. So again this is one where as auditors were required to have some sort of supporting documentation. You can see in the back too management
does provide a response as far as what what what's happening moving forward but for our audit period we unable to provide that documentation. The next item, review and approval journal entries. So again, we do a sample test. There were journal entries. There was one journal entry that we were only able to
get the supporting documentation for. Um so again, that is kind of the result of that that um that comment there. And then the last item in district 4 is proper authorization of dispersements. So, similar to the other items, really
getting supporting documentation for the transaction, whether it be purchase order or invoice as well as kind of showing the documented approval as well. The fourth report, the chapter 10 550 report or general um report has some more required communication in there.
There is an area that includes financial improvement recommendations. We have one comment included for for that item related to debt compliance. So the city does have two bonds and then there's certain cover calculations included in that that the city's required to track
as well as we look at. One of those calculations requires a certain cash balance and at year end that cash balance was insufficient. So not saying that the city didn't have enough cash holistically but specifically in that fund and was it was out of compliance. Um so again just recommending that you
know making sure you monitor and maintain that cash balance as as required. And then the the last uh report, the examination report, just indicating the city is in compliance with specific statutes. Next slide. So again, this is just kind of a summary
of from year to year. Um obviously some improvement and I know I I went over the current comments, but there were were a few comments from last year that were being made. Unfortunately, we did have a new comment this year. Um but again there are responses in the back with regards to the kind of the um actions
that management is planning on doing moving forward. But just kind of gives you an idea of the the progress that we've made so far. Next slide please. So moving over to the numbers the general fund uh main operating fund for the city uh just a little graph showing kind of revenues and expenditures and fund
balance. To the next slide um really what we look at for that is the assigned and unassigned fund balance. um compared to expenditures and transfers out as a percentage. So this year for FY24 was approximately 52%.
And what we compare it to is the government finance officers association recommends minimum of two months. So think of that as a floor. Um so we're really making sure that we don't go beneath the the twomon threshold which is 16.7%. They also indicate hey keep taking into
consideration other factors you know such as hurricanes or emergencies. Um so again just kind of comparing it to the the recommended minimum of the GFA that they have here. Next slide please. And then your other governmental funds
just highlighting the discretionary tax fund for your better place funds of approximately 371,000. And then your CRA fund um having a restricted fund balance of about 172,000 and as I mentioned before there is a separate audit as required by the state
um that we we also issue as well in the findings in that report. Moving over to your business type funds or your enterprise type funds. Um this is just showing your unrestricted net position for your gas and water and sewer as well as a percentage uh
compared to operating expenses. And you can see an increase um from from the prior year for both the gas and water and sewer. Um biggest thing here is what we what we like to say is this is really half the picture. The what's the mean ground is kind of the other half where you want to continue to invest in that
infrastructure to make sure that the system you have in place is still providing the services to the citizens. Uh that being said, um approximately $1.5 million in additions u mainly were related to the water replacement project
um was done during the fiscal year. So again kind of in what we would expect as far as that continual investment in enterprise fund. Next slide. Uh then with regards to long-term debt, again no governmental long-term debt.
Your business type has approximately $1.4 billion in bonds payable. Again, I mentioned those two bonds earlier and then your your retirement plans including your defined contribution plan and then the fire defined benefit pension um which again is calculated by a third party actuary showing a pension
asset of about 28,000. With that I will stop for any questions. >> Okay, thank you very much. >> Thanks >> commissioners. I'm going to start down the line. you have any questions? I do. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much, Mr. Um there's a lot of material here and the questions are in different spots. Um just very um
just a question that I had. I noticed in the audit document that's page eight in the document I was originally given um somewhere in there that mentions the better place fund see where is this
I didn't mark it with a pen and I can find it but I'm pretty sure it's on page eight that mentions the better place fund um that'll What's that on the the actual the audit? The actual audit. >> Yeah. Oh, there it is. It's um second
paragraph from the talk. Discretionary sales tax uh 1% was in place during the year. Um also known as better place plan. Um I just I know you said it was in place during the year. Um
that we don't have any control over that. that's enacted by the county should that be noted because >> so this section is a management discussion analysis and this is really management's way to tell their story. So
again we >> just say it's there. >> Yeah. >> This narrative just so you know and just so you all know this can be as long or as short as you want this section specifically. We have clients that put a
lot of information here. Um, so there is a lot of flexibility as far as what you can and can't include. Not just addressing your item, but just in general, just so you know. >> Okay, that's that's fine. That was just something that jumped out at me. Um, the
change in net position, that was a change of about 400 something plus,000. said we had a change in net position in our >> in our I don't know >> it's going to be on the business type funds. Is that what you're talking
about? >> No. Um our total it's mainly in the government funds and it was due to um and of course this is fiscal year ending 2024. I don't think it's in the PowerPoint. I
think it's in the audit. Um but I'm sure Mr. Kendrick knows who I'm talking about. It was the 400,000 plus change in our net position and that was we said it was mainly in the government fund and
because of a transfer to one of our business funds. Is that an unusual drop? So the >> So are you talking about page 11
the decrease on government activities position? >> Yes. >> So there's a the challenge with the this schedule as far as and also the schedule on page 10 is these are governmentwide. So there's
adjusting entries that we post that can impact this. So if you look at page pages 13 and 14 show you what we have to do to adjust for governmentwide activities. I
think the the page that's probably more valuable for you commissioner is page 14 which looks at individual funds and what those changes are. >> Okay. So you've got your general fund, your main operating fund uh with a
decrease of about 360,000, your discretionary tax with a decrease of about 143 and then your CRA with a slight increase. >> Right. I think you described it as a decrease in our debt position. >> Yes. Net change in fund balances. Is that what you're talking about?
>> Yes. >> Okay. And then um I guess my main concern is the issue with the police pension plan. Um this this is the second year running that the audit has not been
completed until December, which is 6 months after the date the state wants it here. last year. Um, we were told obviously and I do want to say for any of these
problems, our current finance director only came in um with four months to go in the current year that the audit is for the fiscal year 2024 year. So, um I just I don't want you to think that any questions are directed to you because we
all know this was not primarily your year. you can that um I guess with four months to go. So um how are we going to resolve the problem with the police pension plan? Is it
going to be a problem for this next year? >> No. The the big challenge was this year to determine if there was evaluation and if there was an evaluation which they were able to provide, we went a qualified opinion related to the police plan which we'll
plan on continuing to do unless the police pension plan closes. >> Okay. But we've had this plan for several years now, but we didn't have a problem getting the audit done on time until last year. And >> Right. So the way they they closed well
they didn't close the police pension plan and they purchased annuities for the participants >> and when was that that was two >> near the end of fiscal year 2023. >> Yeah that's what I thought it's been two years >> and because of the timing of when that
was done we were able to get comfort related to kind of the valuation piece because with kind of the county standards we can rely on the priority report which we did last year. Okay. Our hope was we would the pension plan would get resolved which it didn't. It stayed
open and that's when Fost Foster said we have no idea what to do with this and that's where the challenge I think for us and Steve was is like what's the best route forward if the pension plan closes it solves the problem. It didn't close. So we had to you know make a
determination to go to the qualifying route. >> Okay. And then may I have two more questions. So um last year we got a late start with this year's well with the 2024 audit and then so as I've been
given to understand that um you and the staff can't start the audit for fiscal year 25 until you're done with this one. So what are our projections for coming in reasonably on time for fiscal year 2025?
>> So we were I was actually looking at scheduling today and Maria who's also on the engagement um you know talking through it with her we've already started to pencil in dates um really in March but obviously if there's work that comes in we have availability we'll work
on it but again we've started to have those conversations with Steve and you know making sure that we're kind of lined up because really we don't want to get started with the audit if the numbers aren't ready um so want to give him a chance to take a breather and then obviously make sure we're kind of lined up for success because I think I told
before too, commissioners. We don't like being late either. I mean, we want us to see it, you know, get this done before June 30th. I know Steve does too. So, um, you know, our goal is to do that. Again, I think the challenge is this year hopefully, you know, with the police pension plan, we have a way
forward. So, you know, that shouldn't be the hangup this year. >> Okay. And then um the other thing is I don't know if you know this may be a staff question but have we lost any income from the state or have we been
penalized by the state in any way for the two late products and if that's a staff question they can we can address that later after your time. I I don't want to take up it's a time it's welcome I have another
question about that can come later. Thank you so much. That's all my question. >> Commissioner White. >> Um yeah. Um so and this question is also for everybody. What are we going to do about the police pension? If we just leave it like this and we do the
unclo this route, we'll be fine, but it seems to me like we need to take some action and do something. So it's just not there open, right? >> Well, we have two people on it, >> right? >> So we have we have two people that are still using that. We have one as a widow, one is a retired police officer.
Okay. >> Um and so everyone else opted out of it. >> Correct. >> Yep. They took their lunch payments and they opted out. So I don't know what we can do. I guess that's something Steve, you would have to look at, you know, and talking to them in Montani. Do we have
any options? Right now, my understanding just based on what I've asked and and been told is that they didn't want to they they wanted to continue. Correct. >> Correct. Yeah. We had a meeting with Brendan and Marina and uh Michael Berhart, previous um you know city
manager and it seemed like he just was kind of at a standstill. Um those two people are just um you know I guess it's like I don't know if it's their decision or not but um you know Bonnie seemed to believe that you know it would make sense for her to continue going forward. But I believe the the gentleman we talked to from the states
said he had never seen anything like this either. So he was kind of he had no way to you know he had he didn't really know who either. Well, Mayor, if I could follow up to Commissioner Wy's question, just make sure I understand what he asked and what
Mr. McKit told us if that's okay. Um, so apparently I understood you to say that um the audit wouldn't be held up next year because the state will accept the
qualified opinion. Okay, you got to say something. You're nodding. We answer. Yes. >> Okay. So, Commissioner Wy's question, what can we do about this? It sounds as if um I mean the people we have
basically a contract with the beneficiaries, right? And you're saying that as long as the state will accept the qualified opinion on that part of our um funds and assets, then we can
have a timely audit if everything else goes okay. >> With regards to the audit in the auditor general, they'll accept this report. Now, I will say they're talking to the state and Steve may have more information about this.
Again, he kind of mentioned he had never seen anything like that. There is a possibility that the state would want some of their contributions back as well. Again, I don't know where that's at. That's kind of out of the scope of what we're doing. Um because again, it is one where
I think everyone it's very unusual to leave a plan open even though these were purchased and it is kind of like a standstill because essentially we don't know what to do with this. However, I do know from an audit perspective,
auditor general will accept this report. >> Okay. >> And and I will I just want for clarification because we the commission agreed to do this to a qualified opinion. Correct. >> To move the to move this the audit along for the state.
>> You got it. >> Sorry. >> Okay. Yeah. that and Commissioner Lori. >> Yes. The um finding number five, 2024, the debt compliance. Um they talking about not having the money in the cash
renewal and replacement fund. Um I can find ordinance 9602. It's like 45 pages long and I just didn't get a chance to read through it all. How did we find it out with that with that amount? That needs to be had this finding two years ago, didn't we? We've
had it every year. >> It's not a repeat. We didn't have it last year. >> Maybe not last year. >> So, it's happened. Yeah. It's happened before. And I just want to make sure how do we make sure that we have that properly laid out. >> Yeah. So, we we have a worksheet and we've shared it with Steve as far as how
that's calculated. >> Within the ordinance, there's a bond document. In the bond document, there's there's actually a handful of calculations. So, really, we're recalculating those to kind of determine compliance. Um but again working with Steve we showed him what we we had
identified and so he he now sees how we're calculating it as well. >> Okay. So then he's got the numbers >> you've got to that was that was my concern. >> Could could we for clarification just so people understand that we are meeting our bond requirement. We we have we are
paying our bond. >> Correct. if you would explain what you're talking about so they kind of know that that's more of a reserve that has to be set aside than a percentage that has to be set aside. >> So in the document it specifically indicates a specific cash balance within the fund. So from a citywide perspective
there's sufficient cash to make those payments. >> However, when you read the specific covenant calculation is very specific as to restricted cash balance within the gas fund. And that's really what the government there's a handful of other
calculations that we calculate as well which the city is in compiance with. However, it was this one again this one balance that was in the fund below the threshold. >> Okay. Commissioner Commissioner >> B.
Um I just have a couple of things. When you go to the five-year trend, just for clarification, when someone looks at the general fund five-year trend, then it shows, of course, the expenditures and the revenues. Um, and there's no
notation on there that of course our expenditures, if someone was to look at this and not have backup on it, um, that would look as if we are overspending. But we also had monies that had come in that were carried over from the year
prior. So is that does that take and we also had the the grants does that go into this is that part of that and that's why that's showing that >> yes that chart is more for kind of a trend analysis we can also show it just purely from the numbers um it always
fluctuates I mean there's different capital needs that may be required um different projects grants that as you mentioned um really it's that next slide there that I think is more important really looking at that fund balance as a percentage >> okay >> because it does flush year. You have different initiatives and
priorities. Um, but we really kind of focus on that percentage related to the funds. >> I just wanted some clarification for anybody that's looking at this or sees this so they have they have kind of more of a general a general understanding. Um
my next question was in relation to I mean when you look at our where we are because of course my name is on my name is the one that they contact from the state. Um where do you think we stand with the state? Do you have any
idea with with what you have submitted and our material weaknesses? So this thing will follow up with typically they'll follow up asking the status of um findings that you had for multiple years.
>> So similar to the management response, you have to reply to them and say this is what we're planning on doing moving forward and this is kind of the action item. So that's what from what I've seen is basically what it requests. >> Well, I think we're we're good with that, right Steve? And also for
clarification, just for the general public, when you when you notated about the um that there were raises given no documentation, those raises were not given an error. Those raises were given um I think we just need some clarification for the general public on
those. So it's not the concept that that the city manager or anybody who's just handing out raises because that's not the case. There's just not the documentation, >> correct, >> to support that other than just, you know, this person their their evaluation
done and now it's time for their raise. Is that correct? >> Right. There's no supporting documentation that we could use for audit evidence to indicate this raise to the careers personel action form or email or whatever it may be. >> We have implemented that now, right?
>> Yes. And we also have a rates study. So, I'm not quite sure what that wasn't given, but we we do have a study that was conducted in 2022 and so I'll make sure that that they have that as well. >> Well, that doesn't but that doesn't have anything really to do with the raises that were given um other than the fact,
you know, so >> personel action forms. >> Personnel action forms. Yeah. >> And and however you decided to do that, if you have a memo to the file or what how you're doing that, y'all have corrected that. Is that correct? >> Yes, Sheila has corrected that. She will have to correct. Okay.
I did have one more question. >> Um there was I think in one of the findings there was a reference to um there wasn't documentation for um cash payments made. I think that was
somewhere on pages 53 to 55. Um yep >> the proper authorization of dispersements. Yes. Dispersements. So when you say cash, do you mean actual cash money? Like petty cash or
>> No, that's a term we use for expenditures. >> That's what I thought. So you mean a a check was written >> check or even if it was only from a PCA >> like a payment, >> correct? >> Okay. So we're not we're not talking about pettash. We're talking about a payment. That's to make sure I
understand it. >> Correct. Um, and it says, "So, you did seek documentation to authorize a payment >> similar to the payroll item. Again, we request supporting documentation,
whether invoice or purchase order. Um, and again, there's a sample selection that we we take from that or items that we're unable to get supporting documentation for." >> Okay. And is that related to the finding from 2023?
the audit that was completed last last year. >> This is a review comment, correct? >> That's what I thought. So, and is is that the same comment as um it said specifically in your test for 2023
um that four out of 10 tests did not provide sufficient documentation. Is that the same? Are those two the same? So the timing of finding >> it's a good question. So the controls we look at are in a vacuum essentially
looking at for that fiscal year. So if we have findings in fiscal year 2023 those are those findings again those are dispersements that were in that period for fiscal year 2024 those are different dispersements and but this year what happened is we
started testing and then we noted a similar issue so we didn't go through our full full amount. So we do a sample testing that'll generally be a larger sample. Um so when we get to a certain amount where we aren't able to find supporting documentation, that's when we
kind of identify the issue. >> Okay. Because um and I guess make it up for the commission. Um I had hoped that we would get to see what was considered supporting documentation because the commissioners
signed the checks. And so I think I asked this last year whether it would be helpful for us to have reviewed with us. What should we be looking for for documentation when we are signing a check? Would that make sense for us to
be um briefed on that? >> So typically what we would recommend is that you have a formal procurement policy that highlights the process. So whether that be purchase order, invoices, have the various thresholds
and then the kind of approval levels. Um and then follow that process. >> Okay. >> Um again, if it's informal, we would want some level of supporting documentation and review and approval. And as as auditors, again, we we need
support. So whether it be the invoice with a signature on it or electronic, again, there's got to be something for us to validate that information. But again, our recommendation generally is have have an approved policy or procedure really driving that and then following that policy and procedure. And
again, I can't off the top of my head, I can't remember if there's a formal process. I know we have a documented one internally that'll be following for testing purposes, but as far as the formalized piece, it would be having that documented and then following that.
>> I'm sorry. Do we have that formal policy for pre procurement policy? >> Yes. Yeah. Our I think a lot of it was um it wasn't particularly the uh the the cash journal entries like the the
invoices we were missing. I think it was just like the regular journal entry testing you guys were looking at that we were we were missing the backup for. >> Yeah. Because when we sign checks all that >> I know I always look for to make sure
that we have that there's an invoice and that we've and somebody has approved that >> correct yeah >> proper approvals >> invoice. >> So are you saying that's what was not occurring tell just for everybody's knowledge? >> Well we were missing we were missing
purchase orders. >> Okay. >> I thought I thought admins was was generating purchase orders and apparently it wasn't. So now we've gone to uh we're actually physically printing out a purchase order and that gets signed by myself and the city manager with every every check. >> Okay. >> Okay. Mayor, thank you very much. And
that's why I said this here was being audited where we wasn't. Our finance director's here. >> Any other question? >> Thank you very much. >> Everyone's good. Everyone's good. >> Um I I did have a question. our contract
with you is uh through the 2025 fiscal year. So that's something that we need to I know we have prices through that you gave us for the five years I guess and um I I just want to bring that to everyone's attention. We need to either
review our contract or look for you know an auditor. I'm not sure what the process of there's it's spelled out our charter auditing committee and that kind of thing. So, um I just want to bring the table's attention. Obviously, we're good for now. Still got a year to go,
but we need to be aware of that. So, >> um and and let me ask you this too, while we're on that subject. I mean, in relation to with all of the municipalities that you're dealing with, I know this is going to be a hard question, but how are we in relation? I mean, are we are we pretty average in
our audit? Are we >> It's always an interesting question. Sometimes we get that question, what grade do we get? >> Um, I will say we again, we have clients that, you know, are finishing a on time. Then we have other clients that like
just down the road where we haven't even started their audit. So, um, I think the goal would be to get finished before June 30th resolve the majority of the the findings. Um, again, that's kind of where we come about it. Um
I think being late with the state is always kind of a difficult situation and we don't like being there either. Um the state creates deadlines without talking to us as auditors too as you all are aware. Um so basically we find out from you when the audits do. Um so again that
being in that situation isn't you know we don't like being there either >> and this year they moved up seems like they moved in some of those deadlines up and they were not as flexible as they have been in the past with that. So, um, they are staying on top of that. >> And I'd like to say thank you to Brendan
and for getting everything taken care of >> and staff and getting that and especially that last piece that we had to that we had to get in there. Thank you very much for assistance with that. >> Yeah. Again, I I want to thank Steve for all this help. Um, I know this year wasn't easy either. Again, I hope that
next year we'll have made progress and we can get on that. Oh, I already said that that 2026 was going to be a positive year, right, for everybody. Thank you. Thank you and your staff. >> Yeah, thank you. >> And Stephen, of course. Thank you.
>> I know you were living, breathing, eating, everything. That's I saw you munching on some paper every once in a while. >> That was for the evidence. >> Thank you. And thank you for coming in tonight. >> Appreciate that. So with that, I'm going
to go ahead and major. >> There it is right there. >> Can you give us a copy printed so that we have a paper copy for the file? >> I will. >> Thank you. >> Good evening, everyone. >> We don't want to see it. >> You don't got your copy?
>> No. Oh, okay. So, we'll move right into our report or my report. What's going on here? >> All right. You'll see we got a busy month. We got actually a numbers here. When we see the bar graphs, there's a five dash and a four,
but a u a wood chipper. And again, you see these tests in an active and I'll tell you why that is. At 247 South Main Street, a wood chipper was taken from a piece of property that was considered a storage property. It was under a tarp in the backyard. Somebody took said um one
of those small wood chippers and uh the next area is at 896 North Summit Street which is McDonald's. Left her cell phone in the restroom throughout the day. Didn't think to check on it. Finally sees their cell phone's gone and obviously somebody's
taking it from the restroom. Problem with that was there had been so many people in that McDonald's that day. There's no way we can try to count how many people to try to figure out who got this phone out of there. My second cell phone, we get a call to a disturbance at a residence. Someone pulls up into the
driveway. They leave the car door open. They go inside. They get to a disturbance inside. They ask one of the individuals inside to come back out and get something out of the car. a family member, set family member who was there to cause a disturbance left to later find out
that a cell phone that is no good is messing with that car as she departed the driveway. And then the other is 406 South Cross Street, a threewheel one three wheels. >> Yeah.
>> Was taken from the a barn that's on the property or shed. I don't know how in the world they got that thing. when you drive by the property to see it. I have no idea, but it was there months ago and it's not there anymore. So, we don't know what happens. So, the reason these
things have been Amazon is the timelines and things like that that were associated with when these things occurred like the the three-wheeler, I believe it was back in March that was last seen there and then came back and it was gone. So, there's no nothing to
follow up on. We did the canvases there. Obviously, nobody seen anybody loading a three-wheeler up, which is really odd to me. So, that one's kind of a mystery. Any questions on these? >> That belong to my cousin. >> It's
I don't know how they got it out there without anybody saying anything. >> So, it came out of the back barn. >> Yes. Well, that was originally the carport was the Swanson family when that other house was there. That was the carport, I believe. >> But anyway, um
>> it's just very odd that the neighbor didn't see somebody taking this thing out of there. It's really odd, >> especially down >> right there. >> Residential. Yes. >> Yeah, that's that's very odd. Um, I was wondering with the one at
McDonald's, uh, was that just recent because I drove by there? >> I think maybe it was the >> say it was on the >> 18th. >> Oh, okay. Cuz there was four deputies parked there the other night and I
thought maybe didn't know what happened. I figured maybe. >> Well, sorry. Burglar had showed up. >> Well, they treat us fairly there, too. They don't charge us for needles, so >> they had their lights on. So,
>> yeah, they had all their lights on. >> The one cell phone they went to broken. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> I guess the guy wanted to take a report to report and the other cell phone it still hasn't came on. So, there's no way for us to track it. >> They probably got rid of it or figured
out to do anything with it. These really didn't help you out, did they? For your >> That's okay. They were on us. >> Um, did we have any other questions of major? Okay, you >> here's your traffic activity. The first one is a vehicle is going down Summit
Street hybrid lane and basically get another vehicle head on. They kind of just veered off on him, but basically hit the car head on. There was some heavy rains. The second was that son of Lake View. You see a vehicle stopped on summer street waiting to turn. Somebody wasn't paying attention and rear ended
them. >> The third one there was the one that was so confusing man and the city manager called me about it or that we spoke of vehicles traveling west on Vernon and we've been having a problem with some kids. I don't know if you've seen them before. They're right there at Cherry
Street in Vernon. They ride at their scooters and their bicycles and stuff. My guys have been on their behind without getting out of that road. You make contact with the parents. So 7:00 in the afternoon, it's dark and they're under in the street again and
somebody hit somebody hit the scooter, knock them off the scooter and fled the scene. So you told them not to know where that car is. >> Luckily nobody very minor injuries. Lucky they were flown just because for precautionary reasons, but the minor.
>> Okay, good. Because with a lifelighted that's always a concern. Okay. Yes, I can say one thing. Yeah. So, just for when you print this out, I assume there's going to be a printed copy somewhere. >> And that first bullet point item up
there, the description, the vehicle was traveling westbound on Summit Street. It was on Summit Street. >> First of all, I got that wrong. That's burning. I'm sorry. >> All right. That's >> tied up by my Okay. Just wanted to thought maybe you should want to change that. >> Yes, I will.
and they might have hired from summit. I did think that might be a possibility, but likely >> okay. >> And here's your here's your just some of your data for your calls for service. 192 calls for service, 41 41 being traffic stops. traffic accidents were
actually three uh 14 reports, four arrest and one person had charges following the state attorney's office. It looks like while we're still there, um, Major, that as far as our traffic stops because,
um, several of us look just right off the summit and so we we hear what's going on out there. Um, and and obviously we reduced in November and in December what's going on with >> radio reception. >> Radio reception.
>> Yes. So, we have we were having some major issues last month with our radios and they're just not working even in our cars. And we've got probably with their handheld in our car radio, you're talking about $15,000
worth of worth of radios and they're we're not getting any service. So, what we're doing right now is we're working on trying to get an Omni tower put on the big tower out of Huntington. The last we seen that was being shut down. We're looking at some other options, but it's it's pretty bad right now. And
we're now going to um a different kind of radio. The guys are going to start using their portables more. And they are cellular based. So if they're not hitting the towers, they switch over to cellular and they can talk anywhere. Unfortunate part is those radios are $10,000 a piece.
>> So we're slowly slowly migrating into those radios. For clarification though for everybody, you still have >> proper communication. Yes. >> Okay. So, I don't want anybody take advant try to take advantage of that. >> Are y'all already overgrown to the 800 series? >> Yes, we are.
>> It's the 800 series radio that are having a problem. >> Yes, sir. >> Is that saying that the fire >> fire our fire department was having? >> Yeah, that was the um seven plus million dollar project radio system. >> Yeah. And unfortunately they guaranteed
us 90% coverage into the county and we are getting that 90% for a part the 10% here and the 10% out west of course. >> Okay. Um
>> that kind of explains it. Do they not have anything I guess you don't have like we don't have anything that tracks these cars as far as their speed and >> Yes, >> we do. I mean, >> there's two things we're working on. >> So, you don't have to be physically
there, but you can. >> Right. Right. Their body cams track them, their cars track them. We also have a device that we're now plugging into the car to tell us all the data about the car. So, if something happens, we to see what what happened whether it's regarding traffic crashes or
speeding the planes or anything like that. We're seeing we're having some glitches with our current GPS that's built into our computer systems with our smart cat smart comp application and we're now wanting to get some very detailed data so we're not collecting wrong data or
giving out wrong data and we're going to a different device so that we can track that a little closer. >> Question I have comment. Thank you. Um, first of all, um, with
regard to the children running about on scooters and whatnot, um, a couple years ago, we had a problem with kids on little motorbikes with no helmets, little tiny kids literally going around and around in a circle on Central Avenue, Grand Ronto of Florida. I mean,
it was like something out of a Italian movie from the 1960s. And it was really dangerous. They were going right there in front of St. of the Paul. It was a racetrack and I think the deputies uh tracked him down and went to talk to their parents and that probably saved
some child's life because they had no helmets whatsoever. So, thank you for that. Hopefully, that'll work again with those scooters. >> That's when as these things start getting cheaper, these electric scooters, we're going to start seeing problems with those things and they are fast.
>> Oh, yeah. I mean, just absolutely no fear. no watching out for traffic. Um anyway, then the other thing the mayor raised the issue of speed on summit and we can all hear it and I have been
noticing right about 7:00 um a.m. PM 7 o'clock in the morning um speeding right south of the stoplight. Trucks probably going to work but looking like they're tagging and racing each other.
Um it's very nice about that 30 motor, >> right? But this this is really fast. I mean marketably faster than the other traffic and it's right about 7:00 and it's you know fairly consistent probably
45 50 miles an hour just south. Is it going to change for now or should it change for you guys? >> I have I have somebody who who listens out for that too and I know he's been out there and has caught him
>> actually caught him and um warned him and it stopped for some time >> and then but it it's started it's it he started back up I guess available. Is there with the scooters um is there any type of I mean do we need to come up
with a policy here in town? I mean something that um I know that's probably a headache. I I'm not allowed I wanted one of those scooters especially ones with a seat my husband will let me get it because he said based on the way you drive there's no way I'm going to let you get on scooter. Um,
>> it's something we're just starting to work on because I mean it is it is a >> technically if it's on the roadway it could be considered a vehicle but >> they're they're just it's the new thing everybody's getting them and even the little ones that you ride that you one foot some 40 mph.
>> Yeah. And on the sidewalks if they're riding down the sidewalks and you know we've got people out there walking running on our sidewalks and they you can't stop in time. So I don't know if you're if there's something we need to do. We we'll we'll you just advise us when it's time, right?
>> Yes. >> The other thing I do want to bring up and I would like for you and Mr. Martin to work on. We've been putting this off for years now, but we need cameras >> and we have
we need cameras >> and it's going to come and and we're going to be in a pickle because somebody's going to need some footage and we don't have footage. >> Um, and that's going to be on us. And I know it's an expense, but we put this off and put this off and put this off.
So, if we need to put off a wood chipper or we don't have to, but um a wood chipper um you know or whatever we have to put off, but please if y'all would work on on this camera on the camera issue
>> that Project Nola thing that you showed Charles and I looked into and actually the website to you is really >> really affordable option. you just have to pay the subscription and the other thing is getting internet from the parts wherever we're going to put them. But it
definitely saves the money from having to buy the cameras and you also get the help of them monitoring them as well. So >> expense. It's an expense. >> It's a monthly subscription fee. You don't have to buy the actual equipment. You just have to uh pay. Absolutely.
Yeah, >> the main thing that's been responsible for all of our crown reduction, especially property crowns, just can't go anywhere without a camera anymore. >> Mine at my house tells you >> you're being you're being recorded
and zooms in on your face and does facial I say facial recognition, but it recognizes your face and gets the closeup of your face. So, >> um, but I think I know that I think with some of the vandalism we're having too, that that might take care of it because
I know just even over here in the park, you know, I go in there at night and check those lights and, you know, somebody has cut cut some of the lines or they've done something to them and they're just just being >> just vanalizing and that's not
necessary, but that's in all of our parks and just here in general. So I I really I think that commissioners as we go and start talking about our goals and objectives going forward that needs to be something that we really need to um
come into current times. So thank you. There's nothing else. Okay. >> That's the last one. But that's our >> Wow. How we ended the year? doing pretty good for
>> Thank you >> again. Great job. We appreciate you know in spite of that 100% increase. We all know present city is a very safe place to live. So
>> thank you. Um, with that I need to go ahead and um I'm going to close out or I'm going to recess our current meeting and open up our CRA meeting. Right. Yeah. So, uh, typically right now
we have a meeting on our calendar staff does for February 9th for a workshop. I'm asking permission to set this workshop up for the public to take 30 days for an outweek program through uh all means necessary to reach to our
businesses and to the housing uh people living in houses in the CRA districts the areas that we're looking north and and south um in hopes to garner some u information to people and to garner some projects that are worth looking at and
to put them together from college in a way that you all individually can go and look at these particular projects and then we can review them at a later date to decide how we're going to divvy up the money. The problem is that we we are having a lot of people that are wanting
to do projects but we don't have the money to cover them all even in some that are 100% covered projects that are you know um targeted. So, uh, that's what I'm asking to do. Just want to get permission to do that and bring that to you all at a further date. Uh, sometime
most likely early March is when I'm looking to bring it back to you all um, in the interim after February 9th. I'll be able to give you all the information via email and you can look at the projects and then we can set up a meeting after that to to discuss as a group.
>> So, for clarification, I mean, we've done this in the past and that's how we did our grant program. That's how we were doing our grant program. That's what you're doing. It's a question and answer and this is how to fill out your form. Correct. >> Yes, it is. >> Okay. So, that's what you would be holding in the evening after six o'clock
for the general public or six o'clock and after. >> Correct. And I would give them a deadline to get the information back to us. Um I would let them know how many quotes we need. Um you know, all of the rules of the of engagement and then I'll bring it back to you all. >> I don't think you said you'd bring it back to us in March. I don't believe
you'd be able to bring it back to us in March. So, we need to have set a deadline to have applications in. You have to have a set deadline. >> I was I was going to have this meeting hopefully on Mondays. It's more it's February 9th. I was going to give everybody two weeks to get the
information back to me. Um 30 days >> 30 days. I >> I think you probably would need you probably I would give them 60 days. It's going to take a little while. you're dealing with business owners and at least 60 days to where they bring it back to you maybe by the end of April
that gives you a month and then the month of June like we did in the past okay >> we go through our evaluation and and decision making commission commissioner B >> February 9th the meeting's going to be at 6 o'clock >> yes this will be a workshop six o'clock
>> not a workshop for us >> not work every Yeah. Is it just for the public and staff to talk about the >> the rules and the conflict like we did two years ago? >> Charles did this. >> Yeah. No, I kind of for
>> you can be here but you don't have to be here. Then when everybody everybody submitted their grants we went through we kind of negotiated on some of them like well we're not going to do the cutters but we do this >> right >> you know and so to make the money go farther >> more equitable
>> which I I like this much better I think we just didn't have enough people applied because we kind of got everybody the first time now we have a lot more people >> yes I mean right now >> right now I'm sitting on four or five projects and properties they keep coming
in and so I've let those individuals know that we are going to have this meeting to be part of it. So it's going to be good. >> Yes, Commissioner Devita. >> Um okay. Um actually I wanted to ask one question for our city manager and then I
wanted to know if I could I had some other suggestions but do we currently have a CRA manager at this time? What is the status of that? Mhm. >> We do not have a CRA manager. We have an executive >> director.
>> Okay. Well, you didn't know. I mean, you didn't you weren't aware of that? >> No, I was not. The last thing I heard was that a decision had been made. >> Oh, okay. I apologize. I never heard anything. I don't know. >> Yeah. Currently currently.
>> Okay. So, we don't have >> Okay. So, um just to speak to that, um the y'all have mentioned um project to make to make the grant process more
equitable and then the money go farther. Those are really two different things. And my concern in particular for the central CRA is that um the money just doesn't go very far at all. And I think
in order to really well to do more um it might be a good idea for us to rework our CRA grant program especially for the central CRA where there is so much need. Um I think we still have fair amount of
money for the north CRA. Correct. >> Yes ma'am. That's correct. >> Okay. But it's um it's really kind of um just it's opposite of what we really need. There's more money but fewer requests for the North CRA. There's less money but more requests for the central
CRA. >> We're currently working on that with some of the business owners of the North CRA that >> but I'm trying to get to the central CRA is in greatly in need. We have I would say blight in the central CRA. So, um,
it it just seems to me that we need to look for ways to make that money. >> So, you want to >> No, we can't you can't do that. No, that's not what I'm talking about. So, I mentioned Mr. Bud and I think I mentioned it to the commission. Um,
I believe there are some CRAAS that have loan programs. so that ultimately the um the property owner pays back the principal and the CRA pays the interest. That might be a
way to make the money stretch further. I can't find the program that I saw but in looking at different CRA programs trying to find the one that I saw before. Um, in the agenda packet is the material
that I sent to the city manager that came from me and it's really just there to give some ideas. Um, the first five pages just a Google search of CRA loan
programs in Florida. Um, there and this is why I asked do we have a CRA manager? Um there are other uh funding programs other than just our
CRA money. And I think that it would be very important for us to look and see whether any of those like rural community development revolving loan program whether they could help any of the people in our CRAS either
residential or commercial. Um, and again, it might help us help more people if we made our program a loan program. Um, Mr. Red said he did not wish to do that. I'm not sure why. Um,
but one thing that I noticed, so after those first five pages, um, there was a South St. Pete program that somehow that I sent to >> Are you the one that sent all this information from the Okay. AI generated. Okay. >> Right. The first, yeah, the first five
pages are a Google search that have uh information that we could look into further other cities, other um >> loan sources. But um one thing I noted, I looked at um South St. Pete, I looked
at Lauder Hill, I looked at aka Lauder Hill is the only city um for which I actually sent the information to Mr. Martin. Um but you know we've talked about sometimes we will we have in the past given a property owner funding but
then nothing happens with the property. For example the um old music store on Summit Street. We fix the roof. The property is still completely unoccupied. Um something that might there might be some things that would
just allow us to use the funds for a better purpose. um Lauder Hill for their facade grants, for example. I thought this was something we might want to incorporate. Um and other cities do this, too. It's the grant is called it's
a forgivable loan and it's prrated over years. >> Five years. >> Yeah. Okay. Well, I think it's >> I think they did it's five years and five years they they drop the um >> it just becomes a grant and not a loan, >> right? And I would assume um I saw some
other cities where you had to actually do something with the property productive um or you had to pay it back. And then about Lauder Hill, I thought this was a very helpful provision. Um it says if you dispose of your property in five years, I think it goes on longer
than five years, the outstanding balance is due to the city. So in other words, if you they don't allow people to get a decide grant then get a big windfall and so the city would get that money back if if someone >> sell it but if they don't sell it that
grant I think >> right becomes forgivable and the city can decide that. So, um just this is just something I wanted to share with everyone and just two things. Um, I think we need to find ways to make especially our central CRA money go
forward and we need to look and see if there are other funding programs um that could help our central CRA property members because we we're not going to get very far um unless we can increase
our our kidney. My concern and I and I and I I will say this that first off in order to do these loans unless we're a co-signer on on the loans which I think is what you would be talking about and we would take care of the interest they would take care of the principal that
you have to have money I would think in your CRA program that should they default on that loan that we can cover that because ultimately if they default on it then we're responsible for it. So my concern is and I can totally you know understand Charles
make that could be very risky especially with we have limited funds in that central in that central fund and so we do if we do a loan through just the monies we have you have to have that monies >> in order to do the loan so it's a no
we've got >> current currently the in the central the redevelopment is like 30 $30,000 I think we started out with 46,000 and the housing is 16,000 we got to use. So it is much it's significantly different than the others, >> right? It's much more. So I'm not saying
that's our ultimate solution. Um but I do think putting more criteria in there and making sure that um the funds are used for a productive purpose that um you know if somebody gets sells a
property that we get our money back. Um, I think some of those things could help us. So, this I just shared with y'all what I found. >> I do not with the music store. I was kind of surprised when we did pay for
the roof and I think that was our funds actually the economic development funds but you know then they put it up for sale and I was like I believe I talked to Christina I was like hey isn't there something in our contract that says that they can't do this and she said no all it says is if they undid the
improvements then they'd have to pay it back and I was like oh that doesn't seems like we missed an opportunity there that doesn't really seem I mean I want to be paying for people's buildings and then selling them right then >> and that's something that started with the former owner and the new owners and
it was kind of an agreement and and we've entered into that. Um, and it's I know that they have tried to market that. They've tried to rent it. People have looked at it. People have kind of talked to us about renting it for whatever reason they can't rent it. They haven't been able to sell it. But um,
but yeah, I agree with you that, you know, we've approved it and all of a sudden they're they're making money on us, then shame on us. No, we >> improve the property, but it's not going anywhere. So, I guess I think that was Christina's Charles's
response to me was well, they can't take the property with them. The property is still improved, but it still seems >> because the ultimate we had that loan repayment options in the event of a sale in black. We instituted it first part of my term as city manager and um put a
certain u hold period in. You had to own the property for a certain number of years in order for granting and we prorrated the repayment. You sold it up for two years. You had to pay x% back. It's done. It's it's there's a lot of models out there and and we we we did it
on on all of ours for that very reason. I agree the property stays there, but you're creating a windfall for the owner with taxpayer money basically if you if you uh you know, you allow the property to be improved and they sell the next year at great profit. So
>> So anyway, I just I need tweet that I shared it. I shared it and um I really I really do think that um somewhere somehow we could we need help in our CRA and the whole city with someone with
expertise in economic development and someone with expertise in historic preservation. I think we could really use that and how we're going to get there I don't know but I think that would help us a lot. >> Um are you are you advertising for that
position? It will be um I was going to bring to you all changing the the job description because right now it is for a CRA manager assistant city manager and I don't feel that that's necessary. >> I do feel that's necessary. I I do personally. I don't know how the
other commissioners feel, but I feel like that in order to get someone that has that expertise um that this is often times this is a stepping stone for them as well and they're looking to go into that city manager. That's how Charles started and
he was looking to move up. Um I also believe that as an two two city managers felt it necessary to have an assistant city manager. Um, and when you're absent, that's where that assistant city
manager steps in because that person should be able to know everything that's going on um, in the city. Right now, you've got, we have Dave, I guess, that is your, you know, person, but Dave is not really um, trained or or he not
trained, but he's not up to speed on everything that's going on in public works. Um, and that's somebody that really can assist you. Um, and so, um, you and I have had that conversation. Yes, ma'am. >> And I really do think that in my opinion, I don't know, commissioners,
how you feel about that, but that would be a recommendation of mine that you do need somebody to um to back you up as well. And that's, you know, it also gives the incentive so that we could get somebody in here that possibly has
significant experience in economic development. So, >> if I just could respond to that, um, to me, um, I understand wanting to have someone who can fill in with the city manager is not here. I think that's
important. Um but as well there are certain expertises that we need and um I remember um at one point when Mr. Red um advertised for the finance director, he made the finance director the assistant
city manager. Um, so to me that I thought that was uh an efficient way to do it to have someone with a high level of education um and designate them as the assistant city manager as well. Um, but what we're looking at going
forward, I think it would be great if you had someone who um didn't necessarily muddy the um chain of command waters, >> but um had enough education and expertise that they could serve as assistant city manager when they're
needed. But as well, we do have those needs particularly for economic development. Then to me, if our city manager brings us a job description, then we would have the opportunity to talk about and he could share with us what are the needs that aren't covered
and because obviously he is has the expertise with public works and other things. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Well, I think it's a mistake to have our finance director also be a part-time
city manager. His hands are already but I just want to get that get that out of mind. I think Steve is not it doesn't have to be a parttime city manager as well. I do agree that we need somebody to fill that position and um they seem
to be working pretty well with the combination of CRA and u part-time city manager. not part city manager assistant assistant. >> Um there are times when um that's
necessary. It just is necessary. And um and it's also could be a real feather in your cap. If you can bring somebody in and move them up, I think you'd be pretty proud to move them out to another city. Okay. you're winning and say uh
you know that kind of stuff is it's an achievement I think for a lot of city managers to do stuff like that but uh you can use the help too I mean there's just no question about it and plenty of work that's for sure. Well, yeah, there
is. And um you know, so >> I don't know where we want to go and like tonight's really not >> No, it's not. It's not on the >> agenda. I think you ought to think about it. >> But you need to you would but we do need to get this advertised and we do need to get this filled. And I'm thinking that
possibly before you have this open forum that maybe commissioners um weigh in on this that maybe we go back and we really look at our um our guidelines and and just like Don said so that we're not in that pickle again.
>> And so maybe that's something we do in February and then you can hold it in March. That still gives you 60 days. That would still give you 60 days, okay, with the applicants to get something back to you by May. Okay. Commissioners, are you in agreement to that? >> Commissioner, >> that's fine. Okay.
>> You know, the other the other thing is we do need a city. >> Yes. >> So, so we're working on advertising advertising that already >> that we've advertised. Yes. Locally and statewide that we have. Yes.
>> Okay. I know appreciate that, too. Okay. Is that everything? If not, I'm going to go ahead and close out our CRA. Okay. So, our CRA is closed out and we're going to reconvene on a regular scheduled meeting. Um, let's move on to business items. We don't have anything
on public hearing. I know Mr. Griffy's here. You want to go ahead and >> Yes, please. Um, so I received a phone call um from Mr. Griffy yesterday regarding the Dunkin Donuts. >> You want to introduce Mr. Griffy? You want to >> Yes. >> Let's talk about this.
>> Who Who Mr. Griffy is >> Mr. Griffy? Go ahead. Introduce yourself. >> Yeah, I'm John Griffy. I'm the dummy franchise. That's my wife Jean. She's the brains of the operation. >> We also make sure we'll take care of
>> that wasn't paying attention. So, uh, we're the local franchise in St. John's County. We own the one in East. We opened the one up in Interlock and just opened in Hastings. So, we've been in the business 25 years and would like to build a dungeon here in Crescent City.
>> So, um you want to keep going? >> Yeah, sure. Okay. So, I know I know that our attorney, you know, we have the time walk is the building we're looking at. Um we have had a lean issue. uh and our
attorney and city attorney worked together I believe to put together a memorandum of understanding um and we took that forward and unfortunately for the title insurance issue it became very complicated and um
pretty much non-doable at this point. So our option is to eliminate the memorandum of understanding. We have sent the letter to the current owner that says, "We're committed to buying it. You have 30 days to get the tenants
out, clean your stuff out, and we will close." And um at that point, we will close. We would come and honor our agreement of paying the $25,000 for the lean. The lean would be released. We
would then close on the property with a cash purchase uh with title insurance. Our attorney, you know, Ellen Smith has advised us very strongly due to the circumstances and the owner of the
property to not close without title insurance. >> Right. So um we're going to listen to her and uh at that point we would be ready to u move forward and we purchased the building probably 10 to 12 days
the time you know the timing of the lean began released we purchased the building file for uh our permits and start work right away. We've asked the current owner to please sign to allow us to submit for permits. he refuses. Um very
difficult person to get a hold of. I think he lives over somewhere in Orlando or something and um so but that's really why I'm here. You know, I want to talk to Eric and mayor and um and uh to uh
kind of present our case and we're ready to move forward. We um own the development rights for this area with Duncan um and uh we we want to do this uh so we're ready to move forward if we
can if we can resolve the lean issue. >> So basically so we we agreed but it would be after the closing. Is that correct Pam? Do you want to kind of give us a a quick synopsis as to um our
>> how we were doing this? So, we would have to go ahead and and allow him to what he's asking or what he needs is in order to get his title insurance. Um, we would have to give him clear title.
>> You you don't have Well, so lean is a cloud on his title or an encumbrance. >> It'll be there until it's satisfied. Um, normally most government entities don't reduce or satisfy lands until the
violation has been cured. If I'm understanding you correctly, >> you because of difficulties in dealing with the owner, you can't get him to >> to designate you as his uh agent for application for permits or any of that. >> Correct.
>> Um, so you're you're saying you're pretty much going to have to buy the thing. >> Correct. And then you can do whatever you need as far as permits and you're going to plan on paying us before you close or after. >> So we would we would ask that we would um come in and pay the $25,000
the lean but then the price would be done. 10 to 14 days later we are going to pay cash for the property. We don't have time to get financing. We really want to get movement and then at that point we would have control the
property. Uh I met with our contractor today. We would start immediate work on the outside of the building cleaning the landscaping and all that and and uh we can do demo work without the permit. Um you know we we presented plans to uh
city manager um Duncan's approved it and when we're ready to go. It's just uh and then we would come back to the bank. We deal with South State Bank for years. We've dealt with them. So we uh would come back and then get financing and and
go from there. So we sent this letter to him which I gave a copy to the city manager and we're basically now on the hook to buy this. Once we tell him to tell his tenants to leave, we have committed to purchasing the property. So
in our particular case, we're in a no no turnback situation. We have to figure out how to do this. Um, and this is the quickest and easiest way for everybody to kind of get what they want. We want to be here. I think
y'all want to clean that place up. >> You have a contract with the seller though. >> Yes, we have to sign for sale contract >> and and it it allows you to move forward uh to to basically with specific performance if you have to. You can force him to close. Yes, we we he has to
close. Uh and the trigger for him to have to close was us to present him with a letter saying evict your tenants. There's no active lease. The lease is not valid. Get those people out. I don't know the last time
been in there, but it looks more like a I don't know what they're doing in there. Anyway, it's >> clean whatever out and you have 30 days to do that. >> In relation to that letter, when would you when would you be trying to get us
to or asking us to release the link? >> So, once we are satisfied he's out and we're ready to close and you know and I come and say to you, we are ready to close you know um you know I wouldn't want y'all to release the lean before that. We want to keep that in place to
keep pressure on him. So, at that point, I would say if he's um moved out what he's going to move out, we're willing to accept the property. >> We're ready to write a check and you know uh you know, you can talk with that, you know, and we'd be ready to
move >> and come back. >> I don't have a problem with accommodating it. >> Okay. >> Okay. And when do you get the title? we would we would get the title insurance once the lean is released. So, we've
we've run the title search and the only thing that we found so far uh was this lean right now. But that doesn't mean there doesn't mean there's not other things out there and we to be honest, we just
don't trust the individual. >> You know, we're just very skeptical. So, we we need to have the insurance policy. >> Okay. Okay. Uh, Commissioner Devita. >> Okay. So, what I heard was, thank you, Mr. You're welcome.
>> Um, what I heard was we, Mr. Griffy is asking us to terminate the existing and then let him pay the $25,000 to have the lean release. Um,
I have not had a chance today to look at theou. I understand the city manager emailed it to all of us. Um, so my question, Mr. Holmes, is do we need to terminate the MOMU or should we modify it in some way? I mean, I just want to
make sure that we are protected. Um, so I'm looking to you to make sure that we do that. If he shows up with $25,000 in his hand, it says here, "Now satisfy the lean." >> That's pretty good protection.
>> Well, I don't remember what was in the what it obligated us to do or anybody else. Um, >> you were going to reduce the lean to the 25 and you voted to do it. Yes. >> They reduced the lean to $25,000 for you, meaning collectively the the panel
did. um in in order that with the condition that he clean the property up which he can't do until he owns it if he can't get permits or he can't get authorization from the current owner and move forward. So from I mean I
understand that by the book you could still say hey well you don't know for sure he's going to clean it up but given the circumstances and the all of the events and information that he provided
it would seem to me it's a pretty reasonable risk if he shows up with 25,000 and says here's the money we're closed and we've already sent a letter telling the fella to evict this tenant. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, it would seem to me like it's >> a reasonable accommodation and for you
to help cooperate with somebody who's trying to bring a business. Absolutely. My perspective. >> So, step out of good faith, >> right? So, we previously voted to reduce the lean to $25,000 on behalf of the transaction between Mr.
Griffy and the current owner. Um, what kind of motion do we need now? Do we need to just say to vacate the um but that for Mr. Griffy the lean is reduced to $25,000
and payable by certain time. >> Well, I mean I think I think that the motion could simply be that he's he's articulated what he's looking for, which is basically that he's going to show up at 25,000. We're going to release the
lean and then he's going to move forward post taste to get permits and close and go on down the road. Matter of fact, K mentioned you probably going to just pay cash to close and then go to your bank financing for your construction. >> Yes.
>> So, I mean payment of $25,000 by >> we're we're I mean the I mean I don't know we're paying $525,000 for this building. I mean we are paying more than fair price.
>> We want to be here and so um you know it will be it will be I got the quote to finish it'll be a $1.7 million project for us. >> So in answer to your question it would be a motion to uh to supersede the
previousou by agreeing to satisfy the lean upon payments by Mr. Griffy >> of $25,000 pursuant to the plan that he outlined >> and you you are the body that has the
ability to reduce the length. You could vote to to reduce it and then >> you might want to state that we've done a lean reduction based on the guarantee by Mr. Griffy. But I guess the um the qualification here is this lean reduction is only for Mr. Griffy,
>> right? >> Yes. >> Yes, it's Yeah. association with just buying property. Correct. Yes. Not for the current owner >> or anybody else. >> Not anybody else. >> Pam had a question. What's the timeline?
>> Do you have a specific date? >> So So the timeline, we don't have a specific date because of the owner. So the timeline is we've sent him the letter by contract. He's got 30 days. We sent the letter two days ago. So he's on a clock.
doesn't mean he's going to make that talk because he hasn't done anything he said he's going to do anyway. There may be a point where we just have to say just give us the building. The biggest issue and I'm sure you're attorney is we're more concerned with
not what's in the building. We're concerned about the tenant. We don't want to take on that fight because >> it's, you know, >> but he's not going to pay the 25,000 or ask for a lean to be released until
after 10 is left and he's got a deal at closing. So, we will do this almost simultaneously. >> We we would come out here and say, "Here's your check." And we would know that the building is vacant and ready to
go. And then we would um you know, so so really >> you're talking about 30 days from now. >> Well, we hope we hope, but you know, we we um you know, the the risk really right now to us is we're we're committed
to closing by contract when we tell him to kick his tenant out. We have committed to buying this. So, um, you know, so right now we've taken >> that risk with hoping that we could work
with y'all to do that. We won't be here. We're coming to present >> and our and our risk our risk is I mean, we really don't have that, but except for the fact that until they're ready to go to closing and we know that property's going to close, that that
um lean is still on that property. Yes. And so if he if he backs out for any reason or something happens that goes ary then that lean is still on >> propert until you pay that $25,000 and we it exactly
>> yeah I mean you had the foreclosure option as long there >> um >> which is so I need I'm ready for a motion and I'm willing to make a stab at it. Okay but um so I'll make a stab at it. So with respect to the
property commonly referred to as the China walk property on North Summit, um I move to I move that we vacate the memorandum of understanding um for which
we had a schedule for lean reduction um that we allow a perspective the purchaser, Mr. Griffy, to pay the $25,000
um reduced lean prior to closing and that at that time when the $25,000 is paid, we would release the lean. Does that do it? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Second. >> Okay, I have a proper motion and a
second. Commissioner, do we have any further discussion? If not, um, yes, >> just want to make sure. So, this the scenario that I thought I heard you allude to, um, if something happens, if
Mr. Griffy pays us the $25,000 and they never close for who knows what reason, um, we have $25,000 and we just go on from there. That That's what would happen. Well, the problem then we would have
released a lean and so I think Mr. Grimy said that he wasn't planning on bringing the 25,000 down until >> he had got things squared away with the current owner. They were out. He was sure he was going forward and he was paying cash out of pocket to buy the property before he even went to the bank
for financing. So I guess we're all there is a little bit of good faith involved. You're correct where Mr. Griffy, I don't Yeah, I I have no reason to doubt what he's saying. So, >> no, no, not Mr. Griffy. I'm talking about circumstances beyond everyone's control.
>> The guy won't move out. And the biggest flaw in the, you know, potential flaw is I guess if his owner, current owner just continues to be uncooperative and then >> yeah, >> he won't do it. He won't do anything and he won't even respond to your request
for closing. And then they're going to have to decide whether they're going to file for specific performance, which I assume they're been some very experienced and well-known real estate attorney. I assume she's have I have little doubt she's got specific performance clause in the contract.
>> Right. So I've made the motion. Um this seems to be the best thing to do going forward. Just want to make sure we all understand that there's no guarantees in life and that we're going for the best. Y >> and to allow Mr. Rippy to do his best.
>> We are very determined to make this happen. >> I promise you that. >> Yes. Okay. Just just so we all know. >> And we if something goes ary and he's paid it, then we start over from square one. But
and and we'll figure it out because right now >> if he doesn't do anything with that property, we're not going forward and we still have a a you know lighted property. So >> Exactly. >> Taylor, go ahead. Sorry. And the city attorney did point out to us that the
actual amount of the lean is probably um too dated and too high enough to be confiscatory. It's not like we would ever be able to collect the dollar amount of the total amount of the lane.
But anyway, cross >> I don't remember saying that. >> Not with this. Not with this. >> I thought it was this lane. Well, anyway, this lane is this lane is very active. >> Okay. She goes, >> is that correct? Taylor is very active. >> Okay, good to know. >> Okay, with that, Miss Taylor, if you do
a roll call for us, please. >> Commissioner Demito, >> hi. >> Commissioner Lloyd, >> I. >> Commissioner Moore, >> I. >> Commissioner Burton, >> I. >> Mayor Myers, >> I thank you, Mr. Helps you at all. You might also tell
Miss Smith that I would be prepared to recommend to commission. Now I I don't vote. So they may they've been declined to follow my recommendation. But if he doesn't follow through, I would be inclined to recommend commission if they authorize me to initiate foreclosure proceedings on the property.
>> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> And and we will be a fabulous committee member and we will help you with some of your organizations. >> Thank you very much. We are very appreciative and very excited about the
investment. >> We uh there's a lot of stuff that Dr. Granny does for Foundation. >> A side note in my ear that I get this done because he wants free McDonald's everywhere.
>> All right. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, let's do one. >> All right, next is our approval for the 202526 annual trees garden plan. This was something that we had been through last time. There was red lines and sent everybody a copy of what the
modifications. >> Okay, I've got some um anybody questions as we go through this comments. Yes, >> that was a typo. Yeah, that's fixed.
That was >> that anytime you refer to the actual issue, it needs to be another my in the sentences when you refer to the city. A lot of people like to capitalize the C, but really the proper way is the
lower case. But so he just did a switch and replace and that changed all the cresant cities into lower cases as well. >> But actually actually and I did look this up. I did look this up because I used to do this in um if I can find it.
>> There was a lot of cities city >> and it talks about capitalizing a city when it's part of a proper name like New York City or refers to a specific governing body, the city of Boston, the city council, but keep it lowercase when
it's general noun, a big city. She lives in the city. Capitalize it as a formal title when referring to specific municipality government. The city has a new policy but not as a modifier. >> Well, my my notion was that it was in both formats and we needed to
standardize it. So the smallist and and before you go any further, I don't want to discuss anything because I just want to make a motion to move ahead and approve the uh 2025 2026 annual tree
and curtain plan. >> I'll second that. >> Great. Have a motion in a second. Um >> now we can discuss it. Um I just mayor um my first inclination about the cities is um the rule that you
read is that this has been done pretty much backwards because >> right so it should be swapped >> because the only time we use city in here is when we are using shorthand for the proper name. Sorry. Okay. So, we're
all >> Okay. So, another one of my comments is it says the city of Crescent City has been designated as a monarch butterfly city. I believe that was through the Rotary. Is that correct? >> USA, but that's in conjunction with the
Rotary. Um no I just want to make sure I wanted clarification in this that if we need to include because um we adopted the resolution that was the key that we adopted the
resolution but it's not cont let's put it this way regardless of who paid for what um I mean it wouldn't hurt to say partnership right but the the key factor term is for us to become a Monarch City
USA is that we adopted that resolution. >> Okay. I just wanted it to be that it was a partnership that it was in partnership. So if everyone is okay with that that we added partnership. >> Um >> I went over where it says the heritage
tree. >> Yes. Um any trees with a diameter is that by stat is that established by statute >> and do we need to state in there as established by Florida statute by >> by our land development but not our statute but not Florida statute we put
in our land development. >> So we need to put that in our land development code. So we need to have that >> and then we come in here. >> I mean it is in our land. >> Yeah, that's what I said. We need to refer to that as our land development code. Another thing I had some concern
with is um you have in here however special should be given for older camper trees due to their age and historic value and I did some research on this and a camper tree as we all know is a non it's an invasive species and
according to IAS and the um uh that the pest of Florida Exotic Pest Council um and say that it significantly alters your native plant communities and should not be planted
that the seeds the birds gather the seeds they disperse those seeds and that we should not have that. So I don't know that we really need to encourage that we need to encourage that.
>> I I can address this issue. It was discussed at the tree and garden board and it made a lot of sense. Um this language says special consideration for the older camper trees. We are talking about the really really large
ones. Um they it's I don't think they have historic value but um it's been pointed out at one time camper trees were sold commercially and they may or may not have been planted here. But anyway, we
cannot possibly eliminate camper trees from the city because there are many, many camper trees on private property. If you look around, there's more on private property than there are on city property. They do for they are very strong trees. We have never had a camper
tree come down in a hurricane. I don't think you can say that about other trees. They provide shade. Um, and this is only talking about um actually instead of older, it should probably say larger larger camper trees. Um,
this was raised initially by Mr. Jim Spicer many years ago. He was on the train and garden board. Um, there's I mean the city could not even afford to remove >> I don't think that's I'm not talking
about that. I don't I don't think we should go in there. I just don't think that we should say that basically to me as I read this it looks as if there's an older camper tree we need to protect it and but if it's >> but it's increasing >> but it is based on recommendations okay
but what I is saying and I've mentioned this before they don't want people planting them >> we we have many more camper trees on private property in the city than we do on public property And what I have
something very specific. >> It says in here that has identified this tree as invasive in North and Central Florida does not recommend planting. And as a caution, >> species for South meaning that existing camper trees in the landscape should be
managed in order to prevent escape. >> And let me just give you another example of an invasive species. Uh the Burmese python. You know, now if we had those, if they were a certain size, would you want to keep them? >> No, it's apples. Okay. It's apples and oranges. >> I'm just saying though, I mean, an
invasive species that they all have. >> Okay, they're not good. >> Let me share this with you. Um, there are many, many more camper trees on private property in the city of Crescent City than there are on public property.
and you could remove every single camper tree on public property and you would not be able to eliminate those berries or all the trees. However, uh obviously we should not plant camper trees on city
property and as well um I mentioned this and I just took a picture the other day. One thing that would be very helpful would be if and this would address the problem of the berries and camper trees grow very quickly. Um, city staff need
to be trained to remove the popup camper trees just like the cherry laurel trees. There's a camper tree right now on um, Lemon on the corner of Matthysse Park. There's
one on South Prospect and there's one that I identified two years ago and showed to the tree and garden board chair and she transmitted that to city staff and they took care of the one on South Prospect. But the most effective thing would be for city staff to be
trained to eliminate those popup young camper trees immediately. And that would because once they get established um they are very difficult to take out and it's almost impossible to remove the root system. Um so that would be my
greatest recommendation is to be watchful and to take out the pop-ups, the small ones, the what do you call them? The saplings before they get started because they are they are started and >> I will flag them. I mean I I I do know
here talks about species designated as invasive by the Florida Invasive Species Council which is what you have to pay out from and you refer to as the authority on all things plant like I don't know why we're not listening to them and why we have something about camper trees.
>> I just don't know why >> special about camper trees than any other tree that's invasive. I mean, we can make a argument for Maluca or Australian pine or something, but not in South Florida. >> Um, I don't know. I just I don't know why we're talking about trees. I
remember giving them a special dispensation. >> Okay. I just told you they make shade and those Australian vines >> and they're okay. >> But they're invasive. >> Okay. But you're missing the point. Australian.
>> I'm sorry. I finish. Australian pines blow down easily. The wind camp for trees do not. Well, I'm not really sure why we're emphasizing this because we we really put it in here. It hasn't been in the plan.
>> Actually, it probably was, but anyway, uh I think we should take the recommendation of the tree and garden board. Um they're not suggesting that we plant them. Well, doesn't it say that? >> Um, it it doesn't say that, but if I can, mayor, for the record, in the
tree and garden board, I recommended that the larger trees that are damaging infrastructure be removed immediately. >> I had push back. Um, but that was my recommendation >> because the hamper trees root system is also very damaging. >> It's damaging not just to the streets,
but it's damaging to the underground utilities that could be in the area as well. We've already seen that a long time. >> But just if I could back to cost benefit analysis, >> the larger trees, if you would talk to an arborist or to one of the tree and garden board members who are very
familiar with these trees, for the larger ones, the damage has already been done. It's the smaller ones. >> They keep growing. This one in front of my house just keeps growing and keeps wrecking the street. >> Yeah. Right. It keeps wrecking the
driveway. sidewalk and the driveway was new 2 years ago and they're almost >> they're you know >> I'm just like that I don't know who's having issues with these birds and these
berries I am >> these berries are my whole driveway is covered and they swarm >> notice the other ones around but they swarm and it's just it's they make a mess. Okay, I'm going to continue. um
over when you go to uh page 10 where it says apply a six to eight six to eight inches of wood chips. They've added this the mulch in there. I said if approved I think we should start that. >> It says may doesn't it?
>> It's well it says may be provided but I'm just saying and then it comes down here and it says apply. I would say if approved apply 6 to8 that would be my recommendation. I can't make a motion. Um when you come down to um it says on F
there for heritage or other mature trees pruning should be done. It says barring an emergency down at the end. I would recommend language that for heritage and other mature trees unless the overgrowth is creating public safety issues.
>> Pruning should be done only after evalu I mean because I know that >> that's been a big issue. >> Would that be considered an emergency? But yeah, >> but I think barring an emergency um somebody >> Yeah, because an emergency I think if
you say public safety and not necessarily to me an emergency I know our mail truck right now, our new mail truck is having some major issues. >> Um and the buses have complained and our fire truck has areas they can't go
through right now. >> Okay. So, mayor, um, trees are an asset of our city. We take care of our assets, of our buildings. We paint them. We painted the light poles. We take care of
our sidewalks. We take care of our curbing. Trees are an asset of the city. And I will just call your attention. We just for the nth year in a row adopted the Arbor Day proclamation. Trees reduce erosion.
They reduce heating and cooling costs. They moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, provide habitat for wildlife. They increase property values. This is part of the resolution. And enhance the economic
getting there. >> Enhance the economic vitality of business areas. When it comes to a heritage tree, the reason you want the supervision of a certified arborist is because you need
to have qualifications to properly trim a tree. If you do not, and I think that there's one on my street that we are going to lose and the city is going, you have to pay to cut it down because someone was allowed to trim it.
It takes expertise to know how to trim a heritage tree. And I think it makes more sense, unless it's a real emergency, to use our money for tree care and
removal to use it for tree care. Mr. Edler came up with a wonderful idea to economically have an arborist trim our heritage trees so that they're not damaged. They can still provide a lovely
canopy and the traffic can get through. So there's a cost benefit here. And the benefit is if we know that we need to have our trees trimmed, then we should make an arrangement and use our treatment to have a certified arborist
supervise it. And I think that that's very doable. There's there's no reason why not. And if we've known for weeks and months that we need to have the canopy um adjusted just like other cities do, then we can get a certified arborist in to supervise how it's done
and make sure that we don't create a danger by doing it improperly and our staff is not trained. So I I don't >> I was offering you a compromise to >> in in that area because that was an area of concern at the last meeting. So, I
was trying to offer a compromise there. >> What's the compromise? >> Well, is that if it's if it has to do with public safety um with dealing with public safety. >> Okay. But you're creating a public safety problem by having someone who is
not certified do what they think is best. I'm not really sure what the problem is. We hire expertise. We hire certified roofers when we put on the roof >> because we have limbs out there that just need to be that just need to be taken down.
>> They just need to be taken down. >> I don't know about that. You're not a certified arborist. >> Am I absolutely right? I am not. In case y'all don't know that, I am not. But now my understanding is how much input did you have in this plan? Did you have a lot of input in this current plan? Well,
I served on the train guard board >> on 2018. >> Well, I'm asking in this current plan. Did you have a lot of input in this? >> Um, no, >> you didn't. >> Well, not. >> You didn't attend the meetings and and speak and and have input in this plan? >> I did, but I did not speak to that. What
I did for this plan was I added factual information that was missing about the work that was done in the last two years. And I'm not really sure. No, I did not speak to that provision. I did not take
part in that discussion. No. >> Okay. So, I would like to resend my motion. >> Okay. >> Okay. And that's all I have. There's only comments I have.
>> So, I need a new motion. Sorry, we had talked I think I was on last at the last meeting when we discussed this. I asked if we could get a list together of the places that we know there needs to be training done so that we could schedule
and have someone come and do this or have you know because if we can get it all done one shot it seems like that would be the easiest way to do it. You know, Cherry Street is over. I mean, this is something that I'm sure Keith can tell us off the back of his head where things need to be.
>> Okay. Um, and I just think that that's what we need to do. I'll make a motion that we >> make a motion. I got a question. Um, so how far have you all actually
um looked at the trees in the city? Because I how how far I mean how much have you actually done? Because there's a street that I've been seeing a whole a long time talking about this street now. I don't think anybody go down this street and that's right across the
street from Park. >> Yes. And you can if you just just ride by and look at that big tree that sits in front of the um the stop sign >> from the abandoned home. >> Yes, in front of that home. Okay. So,
look, I'm just saying I travel that road two or three times a day. >> Okay. Cuz my mother lives on that street. >> But um every time I go across um where the tree is, it's coming up on the road. Okay. And and that tree,
I'm afraid, is going it's going to fall on someone. But not only that, you need to take a ride down that street and look at all the trees that city owns. >> It's two water oaks going over a power line. >> It's horrible. >> Yeah, they're not taken care of.
>> No, not at all. Because it's it's been last year. Um well before I became a commission um there was this big tree that fell over on the line and it knock it knocked all of the power out to my
mother's house and even broke the power line on the end so it had to be replaced. It is hard it's still bad. Just take just take a little ride down there and look and how it's even cared for on and I know it's part of the city.
So just just ride down there. >> Take a look. Take a ride down Cherry Street. >> Yeah, Cherry Street is pretty bad, too on the other side. >> But um the trees, you you all got to see those trees now. >> We're not talking about trimming, but
those trees need to actually go down >> because they're going to fall on some. >> I've talked to Keith about it. We've had discussions on it. >> It's bad. It's bad. So, I don't know why are we looking at certain areas. Um, when we made this report, I thought we probably should have went through the
whole city to see if it's a part of the city. We should have looked at all the states. >> I can't speak for the process. I do know that the list of places where the parks is relative. >> Yeah. But I mean, there's three oak trees on my street. I'm not going to
street trees. So I mean there's there's quite a few trees we want to go house you all need just right now I don't think you >> but I think it's that too on the rightway and that's why you're talking because the rideways are listed >> not only that because the city owns the
city owns that rightway all the way down that's in behind SW Thomas >> okay >> okay with all those trees I mean you all got to see they're Yes, >> it's um it's horrible. But anyway, >> Commissioner Lori, >> yes.
>> I just that we approve the the 2020 six 2026 tree garden plan with the changes that the mayor had pointed out. and fixing the seas. >> And fixing the seats.
>> Yeah. Why would you close that? >> Okay. Do we have a second? >> Okay. So, so um I apologize. You want your motion is to >> approve the plan with the changes that were made previously, the ones that the
mayor had pointed out. >> And so what exactly were the ones that the mayor pointed out? One was to eliminate the camper tree language in there. And then also over here where it said not an emergency, not an emergency, but
if it says unless the unless Yeah. >> the overgrowth is is creating public safety issues. >> Okay. Right here. >> Yes. >> If it's creating a public safety issue, >> why don't you want a certified expert to
correct it? you are running the risk of creating more of a public safety issue, including making trees susceptible to coming down in storms. It is not a good idea to have someone who is not a
certified arborist decide which limb should come off the tree because it can destabilize the tree. It is not a good idea. You are creating more problems than you are solving. >> The the issue isn't an emergency. Same
as public work. >> But she didn't say an emergency. >> But that's what the whole thing is over. It's an emergency. But finish. >> Let me finish. >> Let him finish please. >> I just want to answer your question because I I I think just to be rounded,
let you understand what we're talking about are when the school bus comes in and the window gets whacked. We're not going to have another school bus get by. We're going to cut that small limb out. We're not talking large limbs. We're talking two and three inch limbs that are going down below the 14 foot
threshold that can be hit by the fire truck and that can be hit by a school bus. And there's not a lot. I mean, we've already trimmed some of those up, but we're talking about in the future some of these and most of our trees of course have a lot of moss. When we have heavy rains, that moss weighs it down and it goes into the lane area to
travel. It has to be trimmed up. Um, >> okay, Mr. city manager, you are missing the point and you are not understanding. And I think Commissioner Lori had a better solution. It's not an emergency if you know that
the area needs to be trimmed. You can we could plan for that 6 months ago. And I think Commissioner Lor's solution is much better to have Mr. Harris and anyone else identify the areas where the
trees are needing to be trimmed over our roadways and have it done properly because when it is not done properly, it introduces disease and it creates instability and the next time there is a high wind or a storm, you will have more
trees coming down than you would otherwise. You need to have a certified arborist do it. Otherwise, you are jeopardizing our city asset of these beautiful trees and our shade county. We've already lost
um scores of trees and part of that I think was probably due to improper care over the years. So, I just don't think we should create more danger under the guise of alleviating danger. It's not
that hard to find an arborist. You can get someone here in a week or less. >> And I agree. It should be planned and we will be planning this. This is for oneoffs. This is literally just for emergencies. >> But it does. >> Let me I just want to say this that I
believe the language as it's currently written, it's not terrible. As it's currently written, it it really um restricts us. I I I do believe it restricts us. Well, it should. >> It's a tricky thing, >> ma'am. On my street that I drive down, I
don't want to lose those trees and I don't want to see people who are not expert and are not going to take care of those trees. And by the way, when we lose a tree, it costs us thousands of
dollars to have it cut up and I mean to have it taken down the rest of the way. if the tree splits, whatever. I just I think this current language, it says barring an emergency. Um, >> well, come up with some different
language than barring an emergency because to me, an emergency means there is a limb that is hanging and is about to fall on somebody's head, not that a bus can't go through. >> Okay, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. >> I'm sorry. Why is it that if a bus can't
go through, it is an emergency? We've been in this situation for weeks. We could have done something about it. >> Okay. I don't I'm not going to I don't want to discuss it any further. >> Um we've got Do we get a second on this? >> Nobody seconded the the motion.
>> Well, I I just wanted to understand one more time, please. >> Um I wanted to make the changes that we've received from the city manager. Um and then the ones that the mayor had pointed out. Um,
>> again the camp language. >> Yes, we're moving the camper tree language. Um, and I really do think that we can make this change about the um, you know, the pruning done. But if we right now get a list together and have certified Roberts come out and do this,
then we can take care of all this for the next year because we're going to know where we know the problem. >> A separate proposal. That's that's why I was bringing it up just so that we can move forward with this because I don't really want to fight anymore about this. >> But I think her her idea of of saying
take emergency out and say safety is good. And then maybe we can make a a second motion to have someone come out and and pick up you know what what trees that we did. How's that sound? >> Sounds great.
>> Okay. So I'll second your motion DJ. >> Okay. Okay. We have any further discussion? Do we have any comments on this? Can I open it up for public comment? >> You're too short. >> Elizabeth Gomez, 193 Street. Um, thank you. It's been very informative to today
you guys discussing the same points that we discussed. Um, I come to the city and Commissioner Moore, I'll make sure that when I go back to my board, your area is checked because we should not neglect
your neighborhood over there. Commissioner um, Lisa Deo, you are right. I went and visited a friend and she told me, "I have a lot of descendants. Take them to the board and I have more to give away."
When I brought that baby tree, nobody looked at it. It was a comfort tree and I said, "What should I do with it?" And they said, "Chop it and give it to the chickens." I could not do that to a tree, but she has 20 more in her backyard. So, it's true what
Commissioner Deo is saying. Private owners love these trees. So, she told me we had our information incorrectly. So, I think Commissioner De has a great idea. maintenance and start young. You
know, that's why we need our boots on on the ground so we can take care of this. But like city manager Derek said, uh, I view it, our board, our tree and garden board
is die hard tree and garden protectors of the city and I appreciate that. And sometimes I clash with them too with the wording like we try to explain an emergency is an emergency. We're not going to wait for nobody. >> We are the city. We have the right. But
commissioner has commissioner Deito has you know a great idea. Start now and we'll take care of the trees of the future. Uh some of these trees like at Walmart and grandfather in with many things. So that's something we need to, you know, like look and and take care of
it instead of arguing. To me, a life is more important than a tree. And I'm sorry about that, but that's how I feel. Thank you. >> Just I just want to say one thing. Most people, if you give them a little tree, okay, with five leaves on it or whatever, they don't know what the heck
it is. And they plant it. And these uh camper trees grow like like crazy. And I wouldn't feed them to my chickens, by the way. But but my point is is people don't know what saplings necessarily are
of different trees. So just keep that in mind when you're thinking about that. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Do we have any further comments? >> Public comment. Thank you, Miss Gomez. I'm just I don't want to feel I don't
want to this to be a tree versus anti-tree person. I'm not an anti-ree person. I love my trees. I'm very much miss my life. That was a part of my house that fell down. Um and you know, one of the problems is some of these trees are old. >> They don't live forever. Um they live
150 to 250 years. A lot of them were planted when we when this city was founded 150 years ago or 146 years ago. So, they're nearing the end of their life. It's going to happen. Um, you know, we we can take good care of them and we can protect them. Um, and
probably a little better than we have in the past. And that's why I kind of like the idea of let's get our first out here. Let's do this. That's besides this motion. So, I just want to move forward with this. I don't know. I know two years ago I sat here when you this commission kind of fought with the train burden. Everybody quit and I don't want
that to happen. this is not we appreciate their work and we appreciate what they do and they actually bring us keep our minds on these things um which is important they remind us of all this stuff so I think this is a great you know plan and it gives us some
guidelines I think we need to move forward please vote on this and let's get done um and then I can make a motion about the trees >> okay um and the only other thing was in I talked about in partnership with Yes.
Fireflies. >> Okay. >> Mhm. >> Do you want to do a roll call? >> Mhm. >> Please. >> Okay. >> Commissioner. >> Hi. >> Commissioner. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Ward. >> Hi.
>> Commissioner Burton. >> Hi. >> Mayor Myers. >> Hi. >> Okay. So, if I would like to just bring up one historical fact on the age of trees. Um, actually I think a lot of our trees are younger than we think because
I have a picture of our house. It was built in 1926. >> There is not an oak tree in front that is 100 years ago or less. The two trees that we lost in the 2004 storms were
huge. You would think they were 200 years old, but they were maybe 80. So takes a long time to grow an 80y old and the trees grow very slowly. >> So anyway that was very interesting to me when I saw the house there was
nothing in the right away. So anyway, >> um I I move that we um put together that we instruct city manager put together a list um in conjunction with public works about trees that need to be trimmed and
we have a certified artist come and do them all at once and try and cover everything we can and get the most pain rock >> I'm giving it to him to do. I have I have a list or I have I have it written down already to do that. >> Well, let's try and make sure we get
everyone so that we're not going to be >> having problems to three months from now. Right. >> Do we have a second? >> Yes, I'll second. >> We have a proper motion in a second. As far as discussion, I would hope that when you do that >> that you're going to talk to the bus the school district and please talk to the
post office. They're having some issues and the fire trucks. post office has just got a new vehicle that's having issues and Anna's having some difficulty because you cannot unlike other trucks other companies they will not allow you to back up a postal vehicle
>> so if she gets in a situation yeah so so she's having some issues so if you would get with them as as a master >> she had she okay we have a proper motion in the second do we have any further discussion >> no on um Pam do call
Commissioner Vita >> I. >> Commissioner Lori. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Moore. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Burton. >> Hi. >> Mayor Myers. >> Hi. Okay. So approved. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I also want to talk to the train board as far as the location.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So you want to go on to the next one? >> Yes ma'am. I will. Thank you so much. Uh the next is a planned u workshop request from our CCDP. Um, as executive director, I have asked Tim to come here um to formalize his request to the
commission. If you could come out, Tim, please. Thank you. >> Stiffy with co everything. >> Good evening. Tim Jefferson, Black, Florida. After we went, some of us went to the um
July Palm, which is the Main Street annual um conference. After that, we had a little recap meeting at the partnership, and we had talked about having another workshop to kind of get on the same page about
certain things. And so, that's what I'd like to do. We're starting a new year. Um, my monitor in mine has uh clearer communication. So, I'd like to see if we could schedule something the commissioners and part of
our board. >> All right. >> Okay. So, you have do you have some dates that you >> It's whatever is available in your schedule. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, I do have one question for you. >> All right. But you are you signed up?
Are you going to the national are you going to the national main street? >> Yeah. >> So you are okay. >> Yeah. In Tulsa. >> That would be that would be very beneficial. >> Yeah. At the end of this month is the first quarter one in Crestfield. So I'm
going to that one. >> Okay. >> Anybody's welcome to come. >> We're going to be in Tallahassee. >> Yeah. >> We're in Tallahassee. >> But it's only two hours. >> Yeah. It's only about two hours from Tallahassee. >> Hour and a half maybe. Yeah.
So it's what 5 hours from here or >> something almost Sunday night um welcome and then it's Monday and Tuesday half day. >> Thank you. >> If I can work with you all on your
schedules, we can come up with a date. I'll get back with 10 and then we can set it and stuff. Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. Next item on the agenda, this was asked by Commissioner Devito to um talk about workshop planning, setting dates for
some things that have already been discussed in the past um for this year. So, I'll actually give the mic to her if she'd like to discuss some of these items. >> That's right. >> She has well actually mayor has to >> Thank you.
>> Okay. But pass it over. Um well actually I think these were just all I could think we have suggested several workshops. Um and the one the mayor
mentioned goals and objectives. Um I think the most important thing for this commission to do is really talk about visioning and priorities for 2026 and maybe particularly problems that we
want to solve. Um we really we need to give the city manager some direction. I think even before maybe we meet with downtown partnership um I think we need to focus our
priorities and our vision. That would be my number one um because I I don't think we've >> we haven't updated our strategic plan in three years, >> right? But that's almost a diff that's a
different even exercise than just visioning and and priorities. Um and we're reviewing where we are with the budget and in uh the special meeting on was it Tuesday. Um Commissioner Burton brought up an issue. We've talked about
a particular traffic location that's very difficult um that we talk about and we never solve the problem. Um we might we might want to hit the highlights and come up. Most most cities set priorities
for the year. Um priorities to guide the projects. We want to do the budget. Um so that when the staff is formulating the budget um did I see something about zerobased budgeting in the draft document that you handed out when I saw
that not whatever it was or well I understand that part but just looking Okay. So, we have workshops that we've talked about. These are the ones that I identified. Other people may have other
topics. >> Um, well, my number one would be vision and priorities for 2026. Um, and we've talked about golf cart accessibility for the city, but visioning and priorities would would be
number one. And then second would be um golf carts. Then of course the downtown partnership wants to talk to us too. >> And also need to do something in regards to start preservation and adopting ordinance and that kind of
thing. Um we can wait till after he wants he should come back and do that with us. I think um as in the essence of you know everyone being efficient with this I think we need to go back and you need to look at those things that that we have talked about that we need to
workshop and make sure that we have actually addressed those issues. Um there's some things that I know golf cart being one of them >> that we've kind of kicked down the road. Um the animal animal control issue that continues to be um something that we've
kicked down the road. And so these are some things that I would like to get a recommendation from the city manager on that we need to give him some direction and we need to finalize um this. I saw as going through the old old ordinances
earlier, I saw where we haven't we that golf cart ordinance I guess when we first created a golf cart ordinance >> the state law has changed >> and the state law has changed and so you know these are some things that I would like for you to look back if you would and and say these are these are things
that we just have not accomplished um and how we go about it. We also need to have a security um and that's something that is that we, you know, >> yes, >> we keep putting some of this stuff, we we put that down the road, continue to put that down the road, and then all of
a sudden something happens and we don't have a a plan in place, right? >> That's on us. And I know we asked for that. I think we started that back in September. Yes. Um, so but also in in respect for everyone's time.
Um, if you could give some dates where we can kind of stack these and and commissioner so that we can get it done and you not have to come three days a week. um that we can do it, you know, and even if we have to put in even if we have to put in any hour a day, whatever
we have to put in to get something, you know, I mean, I we would elaborate, of course, >> so >> but I think let's just get some things done. Um I think that's most important. We just need to get some things done. >> We are ready for the emergency plan. I was ready to bring out this week, but we
didn't have enough time to to um so we are ready. We have a plan. I've talked to sheriff's office as well and and uh >> we need to get with with Don as to how we how we handle that meeting because that's not a meeting. They need to be >> Yes. >> Yes. So Don needs to
>> Yeah. I had already sent you an email about what's allowed by the statute and case law. So it's not a problem. If you have a plan that you're going to discuss that is a closed meeting >> a security plan that you're going to discuss. Does that have to be over there
that does the >> Yes. >> Is that >> Yes. >> And it's just not open. >> I've got to look back at that because this is a special type of executive session. >> And so I've got to look back at it to see because there's normally you have an executive session, you have a court
reporter, but the court reporter's transcript is public when the litigation is concluded or the issue has been resolved. >> This is not going to be something that's resolved. this is an ongoing security plan that you don't want to have it available to the public. So, I'm going to have to go back and look at that, but
I don't think that you have a transcript that is then public record because it's an ongoing security plan. The whole idea is that it not be public. >> I thought I read something about the I know I read something about the court reporter, but maybe that when you have an executive session to discuss
litigation or something like that, then you have a court reporter. when the litigation is over, then you have to make that public. But, you know, like I said, this is security plan that theoretically it's not going to
expire. If it if it does, I guess it would just be something that you modify. So, >> yeah. >> Um, so I think that if everyone is everyone in agreement that Derek, if you would kind of give us a list, >> um, send us out a list and then send us
out some some dates. in agreement with that. >> Sure. But um should we I don't know. Um when Karen Hayes was here, she would send out a calendar and we would put >> she would but we don't have a clerk right now.
>> No, no. Say yes. But so should we put down dates that we are are not available and send those to the city manager? That would be if you could do that. I'm going to compile a list and I'll I'll put our dates. I'll be working to to get that to
>> you. I'm going to at this time I'm going to take just a couple minute recess. I know Commissioner wants everybody they brought chocolate You'll get you a copy of that. >> You'll get you a copy of the resolution.
If it's on the last weekend, I'm there. It looks like it's rough. Anyway, >> because Sarah finds the absolute worst part, you need to complain of her. I have complained to her. I complained
to her about the picture she uses. And the next time I complain to her, she uses back my head. >> She did. >> The mics are complaining. I said, "Come on. You can get a better picture." And the next time she put me in the paper, she literally
was the back only the back of my head. She might be trying to do something. >> Okay, back in session. >> Here we go. >> So, let's move on. Um, I guess we've got city manager report. Does anybody um
have any questions? Anything on the city manager report? >> Um, yes, I do have a couple questions. Um just to touch base um I noticed in the city manager's report it said that the city manager met with FGU
um Florida Gas utilities um about moving forward. What is the status of the staffing of our gas department? In other words, the timing of um Mr. Frank leaving the employees that might be leaving. I mean how how are we doing for
our staffing? >> I I talked to Mr. Frank, when we got back uh after the holidays to discuss this, he's he is working um of course um with FGU on we're going to be getting some new employees in some advertisement out. We recently uh just lost Brandon
and I believe he's in for probably about another week and then he's going to be moving on. He he actually found another job and uh so he's moving on from us. Um, as far as our director, he's solidly in at least uh through the end of spring
and we are still talking about that and working a couple things out. He plans on not going anywhere in regard to the city. So, he's going to be available to us and he's not going to leave it alone. He'll be here to help out, but he's looking to reduce his hours after late spring.
>> Okay. But we will need another director. >> Correct. >> That's gas department. >> We will. Okay. >> We will. And that's ongoing conversations with MGU. Okay. So they >> you do have something you've got it out there, right? >> As far as Dave, we have talked about
that position and yes, it will be going out. They are >> going out like in March and we'll be we'll be having that discussion and it should be going out soon if it's not already out. Dave has been handling that with that GD and I'll get with him. I don't have the answer if it's already out there or not, but I'll make sure
that it is. and Commissioner Devito I believe and correct me if I'm wrong um Derek is that conducted that was with the commission correct that wasn't you >> correct >> okay I thought she she thought that maybe you conducted it I just wanted for
clarification >> okay you're talking in your scenario report you were talking about the meeting that we all had with gas utilities >> yes >> oh well okay correct I didn't have any meeting directly with them no >> okay no the only There's not really been
any further communication since that meeting >> from that meeting now. Only between Dave and myself. >> Okay, good. Because we I mean we have to stack the gas department. >> Yes, we >> we're fully aware and Dave is working on that. >> Okay, good to know.
>> I will add one thing. Dave Dave is very passionate. Um our director for Dutertility is is very passionate. He will not leave us in a in a problem. He's he's at the helm. He's making sure that everything's covered and we're working every way. We actually discussed what the pay rate would be for the new
person coming in. He's putting that out. Uh if it's not already out, it'll be out by the end of this week. So, we we have that discussion on Monday. >> Okay. And then, um I did have a question. Um the gentleman who owns the gray building across the street who came and
spoke to us Langden, >> right? Mr. Langden, I think. Um, he I think we he had a question about the status of >> your type to take off.
>> Yeah, it's not red. >> It just turned off. >> I turned it back on. >> Is it supposed to be red? >> Yeah. So, it's not recording. >> You might need to come look at
>> might need to charge. Yeah, >> because >> it's not flashing battery or anything. >> Okay. >> Okay. Well, sorry. >> While we no while we still have a battery just um Mr. Langdon, he wanted
to know what the status was for second floor residential occupancy or whatever. And I think we said that he we wanted him to be connected with our planner, Mark Carrot. Do you know if um Todd ever
got help he needed? I I've had a couple discussions with Mr. Todd that wasn't specifically on that. We've had uh very good discussions and if I need to get in touch with our planning director, we can. He is aware that we have a meeting coming up to discuss and there's going to be a workshop to discuss uh the
change over from GC1 to uh to central business district. Um the issue that he has right now is that he's being built utility wise as as commercial and his trash is residential. Um that's because his property is a commercial building and we've had that discussion. He is
aware and and we have a >> good So he's been take whatever he needed he's been taken care of. >> Yes. >> Okay. Mayor, my my third and final issue is um
I still don't understand what this um I don't know the whole issue of GC1 to central business and they're having these meetings and I asked long ago, how much is all this going to cost us? And
Mr. Karat said, well, not very much. Um, but I'm just very unclear about what all this is supposed to achieve for us and why we're doing it. Um, I I will I will take some emails and some information. I'll forward it over to you and put
together a summary um for for you with some of those answers. >> Okay. Thank you. >> We did establish one. We established the central business district zoning and we just haven't assigned any properties to it. Correct.
That's basically what we need to do >> and we have a mapping for that. Correct. And that's what they're looking to do. Right. >> I think what you need to provide for us if you can the benefit and the cost, >> right? Because I guess um >> is that correct? >> Yes. You're asking >> the benefit and the cost because I'm not
sure how clear we were on all that when it was highly recommended to us. So, thank you, mayor. That summed it up. Thank you so much. Okay. >> Um I don't think I the you haven't in the
city manager report about the legal cities legislative agenda. You might have had a conversation about this. Um and I believe I sent you the resolution from last year it commissioner Burton, Commissioner Dino and I um put a lot of work into part of
our policy committees. Um, and this is a very important year desperate some of the changes going on or talked about in Tallahassee. Um, and it's just something that it would be nice if we did a conversation to adopt that. Um, and uh,
I just wanted to to pass that on to you and because I saw it in here and I did find the one the resolution from last year. It was I think it was in February or something when we did that. that you'll go ahead and bring it forward at the February meeting. >> Well, you know, I I have I have some concerns about it
>> about >> Yeah. I mean, there we're five people and and we actually represent all of Crescent City and the one uh part and believe me, I don't I don't want them to have no taxes, okay? But but a lot of
people are going to be voting probably yes for that. And um I just don't want to be I just don't want us sticking out on the tree. You know the wind that's five people 1800 let's say. That's all I would say.
There's probably a couple other ones in there too that I think you just have to be you have to kind of >> weigh the pros and cons of supporting this as how it's how it's >> it is very general right now. And and I
mean we won't know the pros and cons of any uh ballot issue until that that's agreed upon. And then we also can't we're not supposed to be you know we're not supposed to do any sort of spending or anything like that on any um after a violent issue is brought forward. I
didn't realize that until we can talk about it personally and we can talk about it and get the information out and how it's going to affect the city but we can't spend any money on it. But but you know the seven different proposals that are currently being discussed by the house are seven very different proposals and I think that what the league of
cities and that to the taxation policy committee put together was a very general um you know support statement saying that you know we the league of cities does you know kind of I imagine well you have it's right here. >> Yeah it's very general. I don't think
it's really saying anything that um I don't know >> okay it's if I can so so basically each of these priorities of the week of cities in the different one two three four five subject areas >> they really all
um primarily talk about the importance of home rule local decision making in each of these five areas property taxes enterprise fund transfers housing um the um
the Senate Bill 280, the the emergency planning bill and sovereign immunity, >> um they're very general. um if they don't say anything about taxing people more and what they're really geared toward is making sure that
local governments, cities, um that we have sufficient input in whatever goes on the ballot so that it will ultimately be of benefit to our residents and not boomerang in any way. um it says reducing or limiting a revenue source without a reasonable
replacement um would destabilize city budgets etc etc. So they're not talking about um necessarily opposing anything but supporting um local government input and making sure that local governments have
the revenue to provide the services that we that we need. Additionally, >> I agree. I actually agree with we are we are the closest level of government to people. We are the most answerable to the residents. Um you can look at all 411 cities in the state of
Florida or municipalities and every single one of them has a different middle trait and that is voted on by the commission or council but that is they answer to the people. I mean you just have to walk down the street to come to my house or to mayor's house or Lisa's or anyone. So if you know we are the
closest to the people, I don't think people in Tallahassee um really understand how that would affect each one of us and how that would affect the city as a whole or our residents because that's not about us. It's about the residents that live in the city. >> Um and I just think that local control
and home rule is very important. The Constitution of Florida says it and every year unfortunately our state legislators take a little bit piece bigger piece out of it. Um, and I'm, you know, I I'm not bitter at all because my my house isn't homesteaded. Um, but the
uh the fact is that these are serious proposals that will have serious, you know, ramifications. And I like, you know, home rule is a is a is is a is a big idea and a big thing that um I think we should protect and like commissioner
said, these are all of these are responding that and that's really what the League of Cities is about is keeping control local and keeping the decisions local because we're here. >> Okay. Right. But but may I may problem is um I actually sent this to the city
manager and he did not understand that I want was hoping that it would be on the agenda because legislative session is only 60 days or it's scheduled to be 60 days unless they extend it. um it starts next week and um if if we have to adopt
it by resolution and we don't do so until February, that's not so ideal. And so if we support this, do we have to adopt it by resolution? >> I mean, we can make a motion to support it, but I don't know. I mean, please do a resolution just to
>> we can even do I mean I think that and and I I see both sides and I'm also and and those of you that have been in Tallahassee um you also understand the the outfall from this too because we know the agendas that are being set. um we can
write a letter that you know that we that we do support the um you know the Florida League of Cities and the importance of home rule. Um I'm I'm very much in favor of of if somebody wants to draft that letter and you know and sign
in on behalf of the commission. Um, I just I think that if that's how we need to accomplish this at this point, then we can have that and they would have they could have a letter and then we can show the importance because we all feel that
way and I think that um that we want to protect that home role. >> Yes. >> And and that's that's very important. um you know I so if everybody's in favor of us doing it that way then we can get that taken care of and get it done.
>> And um with the crux of the letter is basically you know what the Florida League of Cities does for us in protecting us and the importance of home rule and that we support the initiative that they take in that. Is everyone is everyone in favor of that?
>> Yes. >> Okay. So we can get that out at the, you know, at the beginning. So >> I'm fine with that. >> That's probably a safer. >> Are we are we probably need a motion just so there's
something goes out. >> She says she'll move second. >> Okay. Okay. So all in favor, please say I. >> I approved. Okay. Um, are you done with what you had for the record? >> Okay. Commissioner Moore, do you have
anything? >> Okay, Commissioner Burton. >> Uh, Mr. Martin, when you said in here that you had you had given um Shorty um the you know, our priority our priority
list, you didn't. It's not listed as you have here as 1, two, three, four, five. Correct. How did you give her our priorities? What did you give her our priorities? >> No, it is not. And I apologize that that was a copy and paste. Um, >> no, that's okay. I mean, you listed on those are those are legislative.
>> Yes. If I can if I can recall right, it's going to be the North Tower being number one, Cherry Street being number two, the Lake Street being number three, the wastewater treatment. Yeah. Treatment facility being four, and the waste the water treatment land being number five. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah, because we already got the
money basically for that. Yeah, I just wanted to make sure he has too much to do. So, um I had asked the city manager if he could give us those in writing the priorities and as well I think when we adopted our
priorities there were a couple of general items and I forget the month that we did that but I'm pretty sure that we expressed our support for historic preservation funding because
there's a grant out there that we want, right? Um, so if we can find that it would be I'll look for him. It would be >> You're talking about the large grant that was eliminated last year. Is that what you're talking? I'm >> just saying we expressed the four small
matching. >> I didn't know which one you were the special. Um so anyway, so we have we have at least one um general item that we uh identified as something we wanted to
support and when we go to Tallahassee we probably would be helpful to take it with us. >> Okay. How many of you are going to Tallahassee on that? >> It would it would be helpful so we can speak to it but I have a I have an item
for Commissioner Moore. So, um we talked about training. Um the first the institute one for elected municipal officials is I don't know if you saw it in February >> and it's in Jacksonville.
>> Okay. So um that was then one of the latest for what now >> the institute for the first >> the first part
>> what when are the dates I think I've got my dates mixed up. When are the dates for the >> Tallahassee? >> It is the 26th 27th 28th. >> Okay. Yes I am. Okay. I am going. I am going. I'm on that, you know, I'm on that final committee now. So, for some
reason, I was mixing it up on my February date for the >> Putin. Yeah, because that's my I I can't date. >> Yeah, because the 19th we all got. >> Yes. >> How we all getting there? >> Rent a van. >> Yeah.
>> Well, I have a van. So I I just Is everybody Is everybody good? I want to bring something else up. >> Okay. >> Um this situation where we are right now um with the insurance and and you and thank
you for finding this very it's could be very beneficial for all of us. >> Um I've done some research on it. She was done some research on it. By all means, our um our insurance company has said that we by all means are covered.
And now um based on some legislation and there was also um excuse me, you know that we are that we are considered that we would be considered as as employees and be eligible for that. Um the problem
we have is is there was this ordinance done in 1999 >> and um they set a salary there and it said for the mayor and commissioners and my
understanding is at that time they hadn't had an increase. They did an increase and then there hadn't been another increase. And so it says that shall in addition to the amount received as salary be entitled to individual health insurance coverage under the term city's group health insurance. I've
spoken to um two of the former um city commissioners at the time and both of them said that neither one of them needed the insurance >> and so nobody nobody needed it when they
implemented this. So they did not take this. Um the city manager at the time to my understanding from one of them who had a very good recollection of this said that he said well because we all
know how difficult it is to increase our salaries. um let's go ahead and um we're going to do stipens and give an additional stipen to each commissioner as a way to increase the salary without having to go through the full process and the means of doing that. However, we
cannot find communication. We tried to find minutes. I've gone through >> files of minutes. I've gone through books. Um there's nothing that I can find. We've talked to um Debbie Peacock. We've talked to um I think they reached
out to Patrick Kennedy and trying to find how we ever came to the amount that we are currently at because there's not an ordinance since then >> that increased our salary that that we can find >> there. Yes, I have a piece of paper that
might help you. Um, I was going through papers the uh other day and organizing things and in 2017 there was a budget memo from Patrick Kennedy. Um, it did not give the exact amount but it gave
some overall figures and said when a change was going to be made. That was before I was on the commission. I must have received that when I attended a commission meeting. So I need to share that.
But is that the 1999 ordinance? >> That's 199. So what does it say our the commissioner's salary was at that time? >> At that time the the mayor was 500. The other commissioners were 400. The mayor, commissioner, and other city commissioner shall in addition to the amount received as salary be entitled to
individual health insurance coverage under the term of the city's group health insurance policy or an amount of compensation equal to the cost coverage for said individual mayor, commissioner, or other individual commissioners under the terms of the city's group health insurance. This pro provision shall not
be construed to require the cities provide coverage for for family um and dependence. >> Okay. So, so that is what on the books and the codification except with the adjusted but I have a question. So, what what
exactly would be what what exactly would be the scenario here that this >> what would we be asking the city to do regarding insurance? So what they as as the way this reads um and I did I did
there is a attorney general's opinion on this as far as being able to supplement in lie of insurance and that is allowable um based on the attorney general's opinion >> um but so what we would do is >> 2008
>> 2008 but it's currently standing >> okay so what would we be saying we're going to do here >> finish >> I'm sorry >> she was So, what would happen is um we've got to make a determination um how we want to go forward with this because
by this ordinance we're entitled to insurance and if we're not we're entitled to um if we don't want the insurance you're entitled to the >> compensation um and like they do here with the employees is if they go on Medicare I
don't know how many of you I don't want to get into how many of you are on Medicare or or Medicaid whatever, but whatever that amount that you have to pay for that, >> they reimburse they reimburse the employees back who have gone on Medicare. So, I think it would be
probably that same it would be that same um same situation. The only problem we have is this that has gone on for as long as I guess everybody can remember and we can't find any documentation
>> is that the amount when the amount actually changed unless with that document that you have commission well it doesn't um when you look at it you'll see it just refers to a change and the budget impact of a change. It doesn't
give specific figures like when the ordinance go. What I'm trying to figure out here is when this was first brought up, the city manager pointed out that we have not budgeted funds for this. Where would this money come from?
>> Well, my understanding, do you want to speak to that because from Steve and Sheila? Well, yeah, we'd have to um yeah, we did not budget for that, but we'd have to take a look and just see what the
amounts are going to be every month. I um you know, I think when we budgeted, we I think we budgeted like 10%. We you know, we just as a a general rule, there may be a little bit extra in there. >> And my understanding is also according to Sheila is that since that time,
you've also had some employees that have switched over to the Medicare. >> Correct. Um, so that's been that's also been a savings in in that >> budget for my issue is >> I'm on Medicaid and Medicare pays.
>> So you don't have to pay anything for that. >> That's also so you would have to find out what your rate what you would pay and then we would reimburse we reimburse for that. Yeah.
>> Um and and I think >> I'm I'm insurance. I have a problem with going forward with this because particularly with the way the change was made for codification because it's my understanding that the
amount of pay we're receiving was meant to take into account that stipen for health insurance at that time. Yeah. All right. But since 1999 I just know 2003 that's where we were.
>> Okay. So it it has not been addressed um in a straightforward manner. The way codification was done um there was just
you know a handwriting in of something that had not been authorized by the commission that should have brought to our attention. I'm I'm gonna I do I I am having some I know I'm having some >> You keep going back that Charles did
something. I don't think because there is nothing he would not have known. Nobody here knew. Nobody here knew. Probably the before you they did not know that in fact that's how we arrived at that. But even Sheila didn't know and
that that's been our salary. That's been our salary. So he nobody did anything that I think he felt that um I mean I honestly I probably would have done the same thing. I would have made that same mistake because I think we all thought that and we're all tax accordingly on
that. >> Okay. >> This is an ordinance on the charter. Correct. >> Right. This is the ordinance. >> So of course you have the option of passing an ordinance. >> Yeah. >> And clarifying it to be whatever you think it should be. >> Yes sir. >> Right. that doesn't address the issue of
back pay or anything of that. >> So, so wait a minute. So, don't we contribute? How much do we contribute to the staff and what is the staff insurance benefit? >> I believe it's $1,140. >> $1,140 for the lowest
>> for the lowest tier. How often is that? Steve, >> I think that's what that's I think every pay period >> is that every once a month maybe every other pay >> I don't know how that breakdown is >> so but my understand my understanding
is and how we've done that. How we've done that is that >> and and Don I you would have to give us some some direction some direction on this is that we can take care of if they are paying
something that we can take care of that if they're paying something outside of and that's what they said they were doing like Commissioner West she had her she had to pay for her insurance through the school and So that's what she was being compensated for. Um,
>> but we were all we would all be getting we should all get paid the same amount >> and they were all and somehow or another all ended up being the same amount for whatever. >> So it wasn't based on what we were paying. It was based on the amount that it cost the city if we had on insurance. >> So that's what it should be based on.
>> I believe that's what it >> that's what the reading is and that's how it reads. >> Okay. Then >> but obviously we can >> we can pass a resolution to make that to set that amount >> after we agree on it because that's not changing our compensation according to
the chart. >> No. >> And so again that's what your your attorney general's opinion says, right? Is that that what that that does count as compensation? >> No. Well, it's compensation in group insurance. So it's a subsidy. That's a
sip just like they said. That's how they set it out. charotes us for making changes >> to our our actual salary. >> Right. So that's that's just what I you know we need you know clarity on if that counts or if it doesn't. >> Um and and you know I'll be honest I'll
be honest with you. I um it was interesting when this came up because um I I am I am looking I am looking for health insurance. I am going to I've always had health insurance. Hasn't been an issue for me. Um, I've also talked
about having to go back to a full-time position, and Derek and I talked about this, that if I go back to a full-time position somewhere to get my health insurance, um, then he can't call me during the day or I can't be interactive, um, at all during the day.
And that's a concern that I' I've had all along. Um, so I mean I'm very interested in this and and would like to see how we could resolve this >> and we will, >> you know, but at the same time I'm also not asking for the city to um, you know,
I I've worked really hard to try to >> to to to do that and I don't even spend my my training money or my gas or any of that. Um, but I am in a in a little bit of a a quandry as to how I go forward
with this and and some of you might be too. >> You're actually going to be paying back. >> No. >> Okay. No. Right. Moving forward. >> Moving forward. >> Okay. >> Moving forward. >> That makes more sense. >> Yeah. Because if we did it,
>> it'd be a time it would be a lot. Um, so I don't Right. I mean you you've done the research and I mean that is that is what the codification that's the what does that points towards? >> That's the only one I can and that's the only thing I can find
>> and it doesn't I mean just speaking from my experience it doesn't really make sense that our payment in lie of insurance 2003 is the same as now obviously. >> Yeah. >> Um I was kind of surprised when I got my first paycheck and that was the same amount that I got paid 20 years ago.
>> Yeah. Um, so I found the ordinance. I think it was researching how to correct this, but for me to do something, I guess. >> Yeah. >> Can I move? >> I I have one one thing to add. I'm so
sorry. Um, it just came up today. Um, actually last night, uh, our ice machine is has totally failed at the fire station. Um, I had Chief Razer uh make a couple phone calls and get some quotes. His quote that came in very high. I went
on the internet and looked for a 250 to 350 pound of ice uh creating machine top and bottom and we're talking around $1,700 to $3500. So, I'm asking the commission to allow me to purchase up to
$3,500 a new ice machine for the fire truck or fire station. And um and we do have it in the budget below. Steve and I look, we have uh repair and maintenance monies around $4,500 in the general fund. So we don't have to try to pull from somewhere else. We can take it from
there. >> So what's the are you asking for? >> I move $3,500. >> I move that we max we find this to be an emergency and so that we can discuss this right now. >> Second up. >> Do I get a second?
>> Second. I'll send this back. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. Nay. >> Okay. >> I move that we authorize the city manager to make an emergency purchase of the ice machine for the fire department
>> um using the money that he has and Steve has found in the budget items >> using the insurance money that you owe us. >> So, do I get a second? Do we have a second?
>> There was a second. Do we get second? Okay. So, we have a proper motion in a second. >> Um, Pam, would you do a roll call for us, please? >> Commissioner, >> I commissioner Lori, >> hi. >> Commissioner Moore, >> hi. >> Commissioner Burton, >> I
think approved. Um, >> thank you. >> Fix this for my district here. Yeah, this >> motion that we >> I move we adjourn. >> Okay, we have a proper motion in the
second. All in favor please say I sojourned. >> Thank you. >> The time is And here's