We're --------- convening today for the preliminary 26-27 budget workshop. Got a PowerPoint for you. Kind of as we go through today We're going to talk primarily about the general fund.
Kind of go through with you our proposed fund balance, where we're at. The estimated revenue, again that's estimated. It's It's changing. We're still looking for information to come in from the state and the county.
So we don't have everything, but it's kind of our best guess of where we are. And then we'll go through also and look at the expenditures. And and how we balance out. And we can touch on the CRA fund. And kind of give you a narrative of the
other funds, but until we get the rest of the information it it's just doing a line item by line item really doesn't make make sense at this time. So. So where we've been for the proposed fund balance, we've
been cranking on this probably for about the last 3 weeks. Raina and I have been nonstop even up until last night. Things are changing, information's coming in. I apologize about the delay in getting
you the books. But even where our scramble was last night, we had new revenue numbers come in and I'd say it was probably 8:00, 8:30 last night, so we're still trying to get things updated. So. >> [clears throat]
>> You know, nothing's hard yet. We don't We don't have all the information in, but we we're looking um you know, to really try to dig in on the revenues more so than we have in years past. Cuz to me, if you're balancing a budget, we got to have the revenue. We
got to know what we're balancing again. We're not just writing checks because we have more checks in our checkbook. We're actually looking at the ledger as well. So, um the approach we started um the the day after you put me in this role.
Um seems like forever ago, but it was only about 3 months. Um but when we met with staff, we started talking that following morning. And I'm like, [clears throat] "Guys, no new positions." As we're doing budget, cuz we're working budget back then. I said,
"No new positions." We the the at that point, we didn't really know where property tax was going. But we've heard in the meetings, we've heard your comments about holding budgets and tightening. And that was set out as an expectation. And and it's, you
know, I I laid it out, no new positions. Um 25 26, to give you an idea, we added eight positions then. Um that's a lot. That's a lot. And that that's for general fund. So, um I also talked to all the directors
and I said, "Hold the budget." You know, our goal is to hold your budget where you are with the exception of the cost of living increases. So, that can go on top of it. Um but bottom line, if if you need a position, where are your cuts coming
from to be able to hold your budget? So, [clears throat] um it it wasn't just a cart blanche asking, you shall receive type deal. >> What did you cal- what did you calculate cost of living to be? Did you use the >> we did 5%. So, what what we have in the
numbers is the same 5% plus a thousand per employee. Um I don't know that that's for payroll. >> Yes. Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Um, maybe I missed that. Did you say that you asked everybody to to stay with
the same budget plus the cost of living for the their overall [clears throat] budget or just for the payroll part? >> The overall budget with the only basically the the cost of living could exceed the budget from last year. But other than that, hold your budget. >> Thank you.
>> So, if if you wanted a position, you you're going to have to figure your cut somewhere else to be able to offset that position. So, it's going to have to be an efficiency. They that things are going to go differently if you had that in. So, it's a challenge. The general fund is
very very heavy on personnel. You know, versus and not numbers, but dollar-wise and ratio. It's all in personnel for general fund. Um, also a goal for us was to recover the 330,000
from the partial rollback last year. So, we did a a uh fund balance transfer to cover O&M. Um, myself, that that's not a practice I want to to be a part of. Let's cut and make that money back.
Um, it's not sustainable to use fund balance for capital projects is is kind of what how you you handle it. But if we're talking O&M, that is going to be a reoccurring expense. Um,
you know, that over time, that that's not sustainable. So, my goal when we did this was to recoup that 330,000 that we did. And moving forward, it was for everybody to be cognizant of the impending
property tax. Um, we know that that it back at the beginning when we started doing this, um, that was going to impact the general fund if it go through. Well, now we know it's it's closer to going through um pending
November. And I will touch on just kind of just briefly on what those impacts are to us. So. So, asking everybody to look at that, we met, we, you know, just kind of listened, put the budgets in, made the
requests where they were. Um, this is you know, probably a month [cough] or two now. Excuse me. Um, the original budget when it came in and we started looking at it, it was 1.67 million high. So, at that we looked at it, we've got
our work cut out for us. Um, that's a big number. Yeah, big number. Um, so we went through several iterations. Um, pretty hard cuts and uh, not everybody's real happy, but
it's that's not my job. My job is to give you a balanced budget. So, with that, uh, we are balanced at this point. And what we'll go through today and and I'll get into some of the details. Um, >> [clears throat]
>> we did add four new positions. And they're three firefighters. Um, part of the union negotiations, part of the the housing, um, the future [snorts] station three. Uh, we're looking at mid-year hires for them. I don't see that as an October 1
pulling the trigger. Um, so we push that as far as we could. You know, if if somebody is available and and we've got a nice candidate at October, I [clears throat] we'll bring them in and maybe we just delay the others, but we're looking at it overall on the three
is to have them at six months. And then we also have a new position for uh, deputy police chief. We've been talking about that for a while. Um, we see that need to um, help out uh, Chief Capri. And we put that position as well.
Um >> [clears throat] >> three three positions that were vacant um we had pulled they were up for advertising for this year. Um knowing that the property tax adjustments
um could be pretty heavy. Uh we figured at this time don't bring in um don't fill the vacant positions and turn possibly have to fire those people in a year. Um yeah, that's not a good practice.
Make make do with how we can >> [clears throat] >> juggle around a little bit, maybe restructure your departments, but we did not fill those positions. We actually removed those from the budget this year. Um those positions were the assistant aquatics manager
uh finance had an accounting specialist and the events coordinator, which [clears throat] was Carl's position. So, [snorts] they are not included in the budget. >> [clears throat] >> Um brief overview of the property tax and I
don't want to get in the weeds a whole lot. Um you know, we'll we'll be in July I'm sure talking more and giving some game plans. But I want you to know kind of what we're looking at.
Um the the revenue from property tax for us um at at our current millage rate is $13.9 million. dollars. When they do the homestead rollback um of 150,000
that equates to just under $3 million of lost revenue. So, it's 2.97 million. Um that goes into effect January 27 which would not be this budget that we're looking at because the properties are assessed in November of 26 for that
year. When it goes up to 250,000, [snorts] which is January 28, um we're looking at 4.44 million in a reduction on our our property tax revenue. What is even more challenging, I think,
um at least every bit is as challenging as the reduction is the limitations on how you can use that. Um Luckily, they gave a little relief when it went through uh the Senate,
but it's limited to um public safety, education, infrastructure, roads, bridges, and storm, uh natural resources and flood control, bonds [clears throat] and debt service, employee retirement obligations, and
municipal [clears throat] administration costs. So, that out of the administration costs was pretty huge. That helps cover finance, HR, uh city manager, development services, where before they were kind [clears throat] of hanging. Also, as we move forward, there's
there's a bunch of uh you know, partnered bills with that. Uh Senate Bill 4F um has gone through the House and Senate. It is up to the governor to sign now. Um that bill limits what you can set
your millage rate at. >> [snorts] >> And it it would take a supermajority of our commission. The max you could do is 110% of your rollback rate.
So, your future millage rates are going to get tied in to each of the millage rates as we are now. So, what we set this year the rollback for next year when these hit are going to be tied into that.
So, it's it I think it it kind of protects people. They're saying, "Oh, yeah, well, the cities are just going to raise the millage rates." And and that is kind of the protection for it, but it's pretty scary for us, you know, what what we have coming up.
>> Well, now you now you see the importance of having a lot more commercial in the city. >> 100% 100% >> for about 3 years now. >> Yep. And you know, it with that the the efforts we're doing on the downtown master plan and that implementation all
that more urgent for us now because that is going to bring in higher property values, more commercial and and that's that is the timing on that is actually very good that we're doing that. As we get into the the fund balance
sheets and again, these are yeah, they're going to they're going to tweak a little bit as different revenues come in and then any suggestions off of this. Um but we are looking last year at this point, we were 1.3 million down.
Um this year with where we are now, we're right around 100,000. Uh there were some changes last night. Um some things hit, some things came in. I think we're we're about 65 [snorts] or 70 now. But it's yeah, this is kind
of a moving target until we get everything set over this next month when we get the rest of the information then that with the course of the month. Um but I think we've got really good projections. We put a lot more effort into identifying what real numbers for the
revenue are going to be. And versus just kind of saying, "Yeah, it's there was a the this year and we're actually looking fund by fund on what we think we're we're going to be able to see. So, um
and and we'll get into detail on it, but we're looking at a total revenue of 29.9 million and the operating expenditures 29.8 million. Breaking it out by um the the revenue, kind of looking
moving into the the revenue and and these were some projections and again, they're just projections. Um looking at the same millage rate that we're running now. So, not not doing a rollback, but looking at at the 7.3898.
Um property taxes are 46.7% of our our revenue that we have. Um 13.97 million for this year. Uh there's franchise fees, utility taxes and and these other items make up the
rest of it. Uh but we're looking we're we're projecting at this point about 29.9 million in revenue. And this gives you just a little uh uh pie chart kind of helps to to see you know, for me it's easier for my eyes to
get to something like this and see the chunks and and you can see how the property tax is about half of where we are. So, >> What's intergovernmental? >> Um that is is and and Lori can speak to that.
>> Just the dumb version. >> Yeah, well, I mean, I have to be able to see it. >> The big uh the big one is the state revenue sharing that we get and we don't get those figures until later. >> We're talking about the 3 million 35 in the revenue income in our government 10%
where did that 3 million come from? >> It's half cent sales tax is the big one and the state revenue. >> So sales tax is in there. >> And also half a cent sorry. Yeah, I was going to say the >> Go ahead Mary. >> No, it's just a lot of other little ones.
>> Okay, the biggest part is sales tax. >> Yeah, sales tax and the state revenue sharing which is just money the state gives us. >> Sorry Rick, I >> Yeah, no. No, please just I mean that's the big number. That's the point of us doing the ask ask any questions that
come up. I'm I'm kind of going through probably you know a little kind of like capital. We did the capital a little different than we have in the past and and I think it's important to spend some time on the front end and really understand what what we're looking at. So if anything comes up, please
jump in and ask questions. So we got the revenue number. Now we're looking at doing the breakdown of the expenditures. And we kind of classify as as general government, public safety, physical
environment, culture and recreation and then non-departmental. So we looked at each each of the departments. So the general government is city commission, city manager, finance, legal,
development services and human resources. Public safety, police and fire. The physical environment is public works. That's the streets, the cemetery, culture and rec is library, park and
rec, and events and tourism. And the non-departmental are the the fund transfers, contingencies, insurance, Um, the the project costs, grants if we have them. So.
And I'll break out for you and we'll look at each of those and and what's included in those. So, um, you can see the sections by department. Again, about half is public safety.
Um, it's a a large component, large personnel component. Um, this general government is again, uh, 16%. That's city manager. Um, Well, and actually I'll jump into the
next one. So, here is general government in itself. So, it's 5.1 million is the expenditure, the estimated expenditure. 16% of the general fund. And you can see the six departments down
there. Um, the like city commission is 0.5% at the bottom. That's 0.5% of the general fund. So, it's it's of the general fund expenditure. >> And what's in there that makes up that much? I know it ain't our pay.
>> Yeah, and we'll go through when we get a line item. Yeah, that that that big paycheck you get. Yeah. A lot of it is the, uh, the grant money that you've got. If we're going to go over it later, I'm sorry. Go ahead. Yep. >> Uh,
public safety is 30%, 31% fire or police and 17 and 1/2% fire. Culture and rec. Um, park and rec is 2.2 million. Libraries
1.2 million or 1.3 million, excuse me. Events and tourism is 1.2. These three are the hardest hit by the the proposed property taxes right now and the the property tax change. Um they're kind of unfunded the way things
are laid out right now. >> For '27, '28. >> Unfunded for '27, '28, right? >> Pardon? >> Un- You when you say they're unfunded, you mean for '27, '28. >> Yes. Yes. Yeah, not for now. For now we're covered. And the non-departmental
costs are >> [clears throat] >> So, with that I've got um you know, the other funds that we can hit. It's they're the general fund's going to be pretty well set off of the revenue.
Um the CRA, storm water, street improvement. I've got like the fund balances on there, but they're not as as hard and fast until we start getting the rest of the numbers in. Um
so I'll hit the the summary, but I think when we go line item by line item, we'll kind of focus on on the general fund because as of the pretty concrete numbers at this point. So, as far as uh the CRA fund balance, which is a sheet,
um we're at at a positive um budget summary, 538,000. We do have 700,000 in capital. Uh so, overall, counting the the capital
expense, we're we're 161 under. Um and that is, you know, where I was saying earlier about making the transfers from fund balance. Fund balance for the capital is when we when we met last month on the capital, And I I went through the 5-year
projections on our fund balance. That That all comes into play. So, these are the numbers that we had. If [snorts] we go down a year, but we know more revenue's coming in, so we kind of look over the 5 years, and that's how we get the improvement projects done.
So, we may draw out of the fund balance. Next year, we may be coming, you know, and adding back to fund balance. But, we're looking and we're balancing over the 5 years to make sure our numbers are good. Uh street improvement. So, with that, we are 72,000,
um at a loss, and that's in our operating. So, that is before we get get finished with budget. We need to look at that. A big part of that is
um we've raised the the impact fees, the um the the revenue coming back on stormwater. We did increase that um earlier this year. And that is going to help us
significantly in getting this budget turned back around a little bit. Uh stormwater And I think I incorrectly said stormwater. That was streets. Um stormwater, we are looking at 62, 000 to the good.
Um again, we've got some capital projects, so we're we're going to be pulling some out of fund balance, but but we're still positive 424. And again, we're looking year by year on those fund balances to make sure our numbers are good. Building fund,
the net revenue 302,000. Uh we do have 320,000 in capital this year. Um that comes pretty close to balancing between the capital and the and the um operating expenses. And public utilities,
the net revenue is 2.2 million across the board. Uh five-year capital, we're spending 8.9 this year. So, we're we're coming 6.7 million out of fund balance. Um
the fund balance number and and we we went into more detail um last month about the fund balance on that. That's 69 million. There's a lot of that that is restricted. There's a restricted accounts in the >> How How much is restricted?
>> Uh I would have to pull that and get that back to you cuz that was kind of hit that on capital. So, I don't know. I'm I don't have that in my operating budget. >> That's okay. There's That seems seems like a large fund balance. >> It's It [snorts] is a large fund
balance. >> And if we can't if we can't use it on anything else, then why do we need such a large unrestricted reserve? >> So, the unrestricted is I think about eight or nine and they can dig that up. So, it's about eight or nine uh million.
But when you look at the capital component that we're running every year, >> Mhm. >> um when you weigh that out, it's really not that high. There is to keep the utilities up and running with what we have, it is a lot of of repair and maintenance money that goes in and a lot of improvements to keep us
running. >> Okay. >> So, 2627, the unrestricted is 6.5 million. >> And just to clarify if I may, uh the 20
uh 69 million, the majority of that is tied up in the physical assets themselves, all the infrastructure. It's not cash that's available to spend. >> That's a big difference. >> Yeah, that is. >> It's a huge difference. >> Yes, that's why I wanted to clarify that. >> Okay. >> Yeah.
>> Be nice to have that number on there. How how much do we have in that? Do you know that off the top of your head? Or roughly? Okay. >> Uh cash storage. >> In in capital in real property. I guess you're talking about real property, right? Are you talking about personal property, too?
>> Personal personal property. Um As of last year, at the end of the year, it was 60 million was in our assets. >> Okay, so 9 million is in cash, roughly. >> And then we also had um another 3.7
million of CIP in progress. So, >> Yeah, that takes >> 60 million down. >> Yes. Yeah. Okay, that's good to know that. That was exciting for a while, but >> And the next steps for us, um
So, we again, revenue updates are coming. Um they're forthcoming from the county and state. So, we'll get those as we get those numbers in. Um yeah, every everything becomes hard numbers versus our projections. So, we'll update the budgets and we'll
bring them in for the final budget workshop um in July. Um we're planning July 16th, the approval of the CIP. Again, we've done the the first review of that. So, approval of the CIP, the CRA budget,
and um at that point we'll have a proposed millage rate. July 23rd is our final budget workshop. And then September 3rd and September 17th are the the millage and budget hearings. And on the 17th, we adopt the
final millage. So, with that, um that's kind of the overview. Uh now we can start getting into the weeds and and going line item by line item. For the general fund, so in your budget book,
we can go ahead and get started with city commission. If you're ready, if you all have any questions, feel free. >> Do you have a time for that final budget workshop on July 23rd? Did you set a time yet? >> Um I don't know. Yeah, Miranda, I'll
check and see if there's something that was set. >> Was that a date we had already blocked off, or is that a new >> Yeah, I got it. >> Yeah, it was in the the budget calendar. >> 5:30 on Thursday, July 23rd. >> [snorts] >> You said 5:30?
>> Yes, sir. >> [clears throat] >> All right, so starting with city commission, um and I'll hit the changes that that we made and discuss through and and uh see if you all have anything to add or or uh
or correct on these. So, looking at the at the page, these are kind of our our account numbers and what makes up the accounts. Um so it should be at the bottom page one of 88 is where we are getting
started. So the travel and per diem, these are basically the different conferences that um we've requested that you all have requested uh to attend.
>> And of course if there's anything you see in here that you don't like or you want to move around or you just let us know. >> Yep. So we did take um the TEDx out of that. Um it was moved from Eustis over to Mount Dora. So
we pulled that out. If you want it back in, let us know. >> Did he move it out? He's he said he wasn't going to do that. >> That's all right. Yeah, that's fine. >> Yeah, we've got >> So what I understood is that he had to apply for one and then they had to grant him one over there. So if we continued ours in Eustis, he wouldn't have been
able to get that. Are you aware of that? >> Yes. >> And so we chose not to apply for it here. >> The city of Eustis is not applying. >> Why? What's the why is why not? That's an that's an event. >> it's not a a city event. Should be a private event.
Or a partner. >> Yeah, and it wasn't prior either. >> I think it's a good >> Good. Economic. >> It's a great event. Absolutely great. Golden Eagles was also removed from this.
>> Yeah. Mhm. >> I don't quite >> Scouts support? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And we had we had had a um tables and no one attended on there. There was conflicts [clears throat] and so we pulled that out.
>> How how much money are we actually spending on the luncheon? League of Cities. I mean, and how many people actually go? Could we cut that in half? >> Yeah. I would say two or three probably go to. Two or three of you guys go and then if we go, it's in our budget.
>> Mhm. I would think half is probably a >> Mhm. >> pretty good representative of of what's happening. Um I don't want to you know, um you can request that grant. I want to tell you what lunch you can go
to and which one you were going to go to. So, I'll let I'll let that be y'all's call. >> Mhm. >> So. >> You want to cut that in half? Is that what I'm hearing? >> I I don't I think I want to make it where if every >> If all the commissioners want to go, they need to be able to go. >> Yeah. >> So, we don't want to restrict the number
of attendance for commissions. And it's it's it's probably times where it's not so hot, so to say. There's not a big issues and then it gears back up. I think the property tax thing might gear it back up. Um but we sure would How do How do we
decide which commissioner gets to go? >> But it it is is for the whole year. So, so next month we have two and then the next month, you know, if we have five. I don't think we will have five consistently
throughout the year. So, that's that's my thing. >> Probably not, yeah. Probably not five consistently. But I didn't It's a small number for one and two. If it's left over, it's left over, but >> I think what we're looking for is consensus amongst commission. Do we have
consensus to do make that change of half? >> No, I'm a no. >> I'm a yes. >> Okay, so we're saying that >> [clears throat] >> we would pay for half, so two commissioners, two and a half commissioners.
We'd pay about $10 each month. >> I think the easy way is when was the last time anyone went to one? >> I didn't go to last month. I think I went to the one before. I haven't gone to as many as I used to. I used to go to all of them.
>> Exactly. >> Two meetings [clears throat] ago, I believe the mayor and Commissioner Asbody attended. >> [clears throat] >> People are getting stuck on a small number. >> Yeah, I would say yeah, that >> Yeah, and we're >> When when we need to be there, we need to be there. When we don't necessarily have to be there, we don't. I don't
think we restrict our intermingling with other municipalities to help strengthen Lake County's stand and have a seat at the table. >> I'm a half. >> So, when we if we don't attend and we've paid, do they deduct it?
>> No. >> So, you paid if nobody goes? >> So, when Mary asks, yeah, she'll send out who's going. If you say you're going, then we put the check in then then if you don't go, then yeah, we're paying for it, but
if we ask who's going, um and one person says yeah, then we just we cut that check for the one person for commission. And you know, if I'm going and Miranda is going, we cover those fees, but it's not like we're prepaying ahead.
>> In addition to that, do we pay a membership? Or just for the luncheons? >> Just for the luncheons. >> Okay. Then I think that leaves it open then if if we if I two people say they're going, then so you pay for it. And it's on them. They're wasting the
money if they don't show up. >> if >> whatever's left, I mean, it goes back into fund balance. It's not like it's It's not like I'm we're cutting a check to them. >> Yeah, I I say leave it. Just leave it. >> Since we're not paying for everybody and then we don't get the money back, so
yeah. I have a question on um the awards. I I don't know how everybody else feels, but I feel like with the organization No, wait. Wait. Um organizational grants,
the um the commissioner's discretionary donations, if we're tightening the belt, why can't all of that go under uh the Amazing Race and they put some skin in the game and they participate and get money in that manner rather than us
drawing out funding to um as individuals. >> And I personally like having the ability to support the causes that I, you know, I want to support. Actually, I was going to ask for an increase. >> I I think if we're talking about um
tightening the belts and all of that, then um >> [clears throat] >> every 5 minutes and then you got to distinguish this group ask and and there's no response and this other group, similar to it, ask and they get funding. I would like to see people uh
organizations participate in the race and earn money so that they >> What? >> um that they would like to have. >> Yeah, I think Yeah, what's the difference between 10,000 and organizational grants and 35,000 for the Amazing Race?
>> The 10,000 organizational grants, that's when you come as a as a consensus >> Uh-huh. >> that you want to support. Something else has come up that wasn't originally in there. >> But that's $17,500 when you combine the discretionary
donations and the organizational grants. >> So the the discretionary was um as I understand it each of you wanted some money in case an opportunity came up, a cause that you wanted to support personally. And it was some funding that would allow
you to support [clears throat] it. And now um some have reached out, you know, for for different uh the high school has something going on and it it wasn't covered it wasn't planned out, but something's covered up. So somebody may >> Yeah. >> one of the commissioners may say, "Hey, you >> Yeah.
>> I want to give $500." >> Yeah. So the history for the 10,000, have we used that every year the last two or three years? >> Um right now I I think we're and I I would need to pull that number. I think we're only about 2,500 of that is spent. >> And we're using those funds to fund the
commission party on July 3rd. So that's where we're getting the funds for that party. >> Oh, okay. >> We're using it for what was that? For what party? >> July 3rd commission party. >> The 4th of July celebration out at Fair. >> She just said 4th of July party. >> I don't know how I feel about that.
The What is >> thing is sometimes I mean, we we become like the source. Everybody who wants something must ask the commissions and you get all these requests, all these requests. And um and there's really [clears throat] no criteria for
allocating. And and some organizations may ask and we don't even know who they are and it could turn out it might have been a bad investment. So I think we if we're going to do this, we need to
tighten it up or somehow, but I'm I guess I'm thinking in terms of just if we're going to we got to give a little bit, too. If we're going to talk about tightening the belt and departments and everywhere, then we as commissioners have to give a little bit, too. >> Well, you know what? I
I think we give plenty. We give uh how many how many hours of our time to uh to the city for what we're getting paid. I think I think we give plenty, actually. >> I think we knew that when we were running. >> honestly, I was actually going to ask for an increase on the discretionary because
money's not going anywhere uh nowadays, and $1,500 is kind of low. That's why I was asking there's any way we can move money from the organizational grants cuz The Amazing Race, that's been the same same level what, the last 5 years, correct? >> Yeah.
>> All right. [clears throat] So, if we're not using all the organizational grants, why can't we move some of that into the discretionary? >> Absolutely, yeah. Your discretion. >> And discretionary means it's it's it's up it's up to it's it's up it's up to us, so um
how's how's everyone feel about that? >> You know, I uh uh you know, I don't want to to take what we get as our discretionary and and move it. You know, one of the things when when people come to me is I'm like, you know,
you say no skin in the game. You know, this is this is what I want to see, you know, you know, [clears throat] if it's the uh the football team, the cheerleaders, they come out and they help clean up. Softball team. >> Softball team. >> Yeah, they help clean up. So, we don't just give money away. That's the way I
see it, so. >> Uh one thing that two that you had last year that is not in here because we haven't moved for the you know, the 5% cost of living plus a thousand. And at that point, whatever raises
>> Okay. >> um that went through was also sent to you, and and there was a select or a I believe the majority of the commission um opted out to rather than taking their thousand dollar component to put that back in discretion.
So that that is not included here because with us we haven't we haven't set the rates. They're included in here, but we haven't made that decision to set that. So um this year each of you had 2,500. Right now we're showing 1,500 because
that that extra $1,000 per commissioner hasn't been approved yet as far as >> Oh, okay. >> as cost of living. So >> So you're saying that funding could be used to give to organizations that we feel we want to support.
>> And that's that's what it is. That's what it is this year. Yeah, I mean what you have >> I think that's what we should use, but I I guess I'm the lone voice in this, but I really do think that the organizations would appreciate what they get more if they participated in a race, they have
fun, they raise [clears throat] money, they get a check. And they have skin in the game. >> But everyone doesn't get a check. Everyone that participated does not get a check. >> They don't? >> You have to have so many you have to
have so many people. Am I correct, Sherry? >> What I've seen money's come into smaller groups who >> Yeah, well well I know on occasion they've given like $250, you know, for you know, giving out water. But how many did we have last year? How
many organizations >> Everybody participated Every charity received a check. >> Okay. Cuz I cuz I cuz I don't know if that was the case before then. >> It was. >> It was always. >> I thought [snorts] so. >> So yeah, but I >> They did it on a sliding scale based upon
what participation and how much you did. >> Mhm. >> And how many people not necessarily like if you did 10 versus five, but what you did and that was based on what Tim decided. >> Yeah. >> And then um previous management did something similar based upon some criteria.
>> And if you and if you're doing that, we typically do that in April or May. If they come to us in September or November, you know. >> Yeah. >> Applications are live now for Amazing Race. We already have people signing up.
And we have refined the criteria of which is required for them to participate and what their obligations are. >> Mhm. >> We have also um worked very hard on the formula of which they get their their charitable contributions so that it's fair and equitable for all. And um
really proud of the progress we've made with that to make it more municipally appropriate rather than private sector or civic group where which where it came from. Um great event, it's going to be even better. We've got 40 people already signed up to participate, but that we start that
right after it ends, we open that up. We work on opening it up. So, when they do ask, it's available to them to go ahead and get their sign up for it. >> Mhm. >> And I enjoyed um last year all the way from Bates Avenue over to Cardinal, all over the city. And people were enjoying
and having fun and the people the drive people driving by were waving and stopping. I thought it was a great community event and and would encourage >> [clears throat] >> participation by other organizations knowing that they could get the funding that they need. >> We appreciate your support.
>> Yeah. I I'm with Gary. >> Yeah, cuz I mean that's only one time a year. There's other things that come up during the year. That's That's part of what we have the I think the discretionary. And honestly, I still think it should be I think we should take some of the money from
organizational's 500, make it two, and then we get the extra thousand. That'd be That'd be three. >> I don't think the thousand bucks, nothing personal if people don't like this, but the thousand bucks that's supposed to be paid to commissioners for
their time, for their the for their value, for their all in all. To take that and say, "Now go ahead and give it to our community." Uh I think the $1,000 belongs to the commissioner's personal. To try to I I bet you nobody here makes more than
a dollar an hour when they put their time in. With the exception of maybe whatever. Almost everybody up here uh well, not up here. Almost everybody on the commission probably doesn't make a dollar an hour. To put us in a position to say, "Take a
thousand dollars of your money as well." I don't I don't think that's that's that's fair when you're looking at $69 million in in in whatever. Um And I think the benefit of that discretionary money is we each have certain things that are near and dear to
us. And they might not be to another commissioner or to the city. And that gives us an opportunity to to help those that are near and dear to us that might not be equal to the view of the entire area. So, one, I don't think it should be out of our pay. I agree with Gary, it
should be And I think Willie was saying, too, I think it should be more. Um And then I think we should block almost block giving away money to anybody uh charitable unless we it comes out of the Amazing Race or
specific place. Uh unless, of course, there's some exceptions, specific programs or what that we support. But every This is going to be a bad year going ahead, too. You know, everything from gas to whatever. So, charities are going to be hurting. And it's very hard for us and it's not
fair for us as commissioners to sit up here, in my opinion. I don't know how the other four feel three feel about it, but to say no to someone really kind of breaks your heart in a way. You know what? Pick your friends, pick your charity. So, I think it should be done in a blind method. And if it's revenue
from Amazing Race, it is. If it's a portion of the Amazing Race that goes for miscellaneous, when some great person like the library lady came up and said, "Hey, I'm not the library." Whatever that was. That That >> Parton. >> Dolly Parton. Um So, I think we have to take the pressure
away from us and the commission to make decisions as to who we're going to go outside of that 15 or 2500 now. And it shouldn't be our paycheck. Unless everybody in the city wants to take a part of their paycheck and put it uh put it toward charity, which is
remarkably generous, but I don't suggest that. >> I think that everyone, the commissioners that want to opt out, opt out. >> And that's what it was last year. >> Mhm. I mean, that it wasn't >> We didn't go into the budget suggesting that. You all suggested that. So.
>> And I agree with um with [clears throat] George uh about that. And you know, I'm the only one sitting up here who who has one income. And and I agree with you that it is it should be for all the things that we do, remain there.
I do not I do think that if you guys want to continue with the donations, that's up to you. I don't have to receive it. I could do whatever I want to let it go back to whatever I want to. But also, I think that the 10,000 organization of grants should go under amazing race.
That's my proposal. And the the miscellaneous um categories as they named are if someone comes and they really need that that that there's a a um pot [clears throat] of money for that also. >> Or take the organizational grant of
10,000 divided by five commissions, or just add another two to each one's discretionary fund to put where they want. >> Or split it in half between us and the amazing race. >> But why should we be making that decision? I I just I don't I just don't see that as an >> it to just go away and you don't
>> I wanted it to be where it's it's it's in in a uh category. Well, like under the Amazing Race, that there are categories and people can draw from that. We should not have to make all those decisions. >> But Emily, what if there's an
organization that doesn't participate in Amazing Race, but it's a great organization? >> Well, that should encourage them to. The other thing is what if what if we had um an organization that came up and we necessarily didn't agree with it?
Do we have any say in it? Do we No, it goes. >> Well, how about this? Uh if you want your money to go to the Amazing Race, you do it. Uh if I want mine to stay with me as discretionary, it stays with me as
discretionary. Is that too much of a headache for for you all? >> But I'm taking the 10 and splitting it between all of us, and then if you want to give it back to the city, give it back to the city, Emily. >> Yeah. >> I I think I think we need to show some effort to that we are trying to tighten
our belts, that we are trying to not overspend, that we are contributing to what may come ahead of us. >> If we want to tighten our belt, we would take that out completely out. Um I >> Which one? Organization? >> Yeah, but
>> That's what I'm proposing. >> Okay. I'm I'm a Let's keep what we have and add to it. And and if we want to work on the the organization grant and split it in half. >> I don't I don't [clears throat] even want to split it in half. I think it should be divided by five commissioners.
If you want to give it back to the general fund, give it back to the general fund. >> I'm good with that. Did we just get into weeds? >> We did. >> You know what? We over split This is y'all's account. >> But but you know, this has been an issue that's been in on my mind even before I was a commissioner and understanding
some of that getting into it, but uh I I, >> This is commissioner weed that we need to weed out. >> Well, I'm good with what I have. I I like having the ability to work with community-based organizations
and to support them. That's that's me. >> So, to confirm, you want to take the $10,000 in organizational grants, divide that by five, and add that into the 7,500, so you guys have a larger allocation, correct? >> That's what I proposed, but I don't I did we haven't heard from Gary yet.
>> I think you said you wanted it increased, right? >> Yeah, I didn't I wasn't really thinking about that much because I'm I'm assuming >> I mean, it's the same thing. It's either going to go to organizational grants to be determined by either the city or now we get to. >> And I think the city should determine
it, not us. >> But then I ask about the what we use from that 10,000 every year? And it's 2,500 plus. >> this year we came in um and I'd I'd have to uh to poll and see
who >> Yeah, I know. I know. >> We can we can find out. >> But I know like with the with the softball team >> Yeah, that's what I'm saying. That's why I don't want to That's why I don't want it all to go to to all the commissioners because some of that will be your discretion because
there are things that come up during the year that we want to support. >> Yeah, they reached out to me and then I reached out to each of you and you were all on board with it. >> Yeah, that's why I was just trying to do some of it so you could be it could have There'd be something there for your discretion as well. So, um
>> Can I make a suggestion to see if this works for y'all? Let's let's let's keep that keep 5,000 in out of that 10. So, 5,000 takes commission and like if somebody comes in to me or or one of y'all say, "Hey, can we you know >> Right.
>> use this high as as going to play states and all that funding and then I reach out to y'all. So, let's do 5,000 there. Let's take 5,000 of of add each of that to y'all's discretionary. So, we take your discretionary up from 1,500
>> And then And then the the thousand is is is we decide if we want to take it or put it in. >> that comes, that's entirely y'alls decision. >> perfect. I'm totally fine with that. >> Yeah. Okay. So am I. >> We good? >> Yeah. >> Well, we need three. >> All right. >> Oh. >> Yep.
>> We need three. We only got two. What do you What do you two think? >> I know Emily doesn't like it, but I I I I think I I think I I think I I think I I think I I think I do. So. >> Yeah. >> I I see both sides, but this is a pretty good compromise. >> Yeah. You agree? >> I'm almost willing to pay a thousand
bucks just to move on right now. >> [laughter] >> I'll take it. >> Since Emily said she'll take it. >> I'm [laughter] almost willing to pay a grand to move on. So, let's go. >> Okay. >> All right. Thanks, y'all. Um city manager account.
So, with it little unknowns on on where we're going with uh city manager, but I did budget for the top of the pay grade pay band is where um advertising that.
So, I figured that way if it does come in, you know, at at the top, you get this rockstar candidate, and yeah, he's worth every penny. The money's there, and you don't have to worry about that. So, that's there if um you know, that we bring him in under
than that, lower than that value, then all that will still um go back into the into the fund if it's not used. >> Where Where are you? You're in the beginning of of >> page three. >> Page three. >> So, it's in the the regular salary and wages. >> First one of city manager page? >> Yes, sir. >> Yep.
The 453,000 on the top? >> 453 >> Yes, it it has >> Right here? >> Yep, that has city manager, um the deputy city manager, and the uh admin. >> I don't see that. >> All right.
>> Right. >> Oh, okay. >> That's a total of 453. >> older than what mine says. Mine says older than that. >> Well, this is the top. >> Okay. >> 453
And then everything else. >> Right here. >> So, the the professional services line, we we reduced that number by 29,000. That was um from basically 60,000 from 89,000.
That 29,000 was for the city manager consultant. Um that money's already been encumbered. He's working towards that. So, that's why that number is less. >> Is that like levy money? Is that what that is? >> No, the levy's money's somewhere else.
>> And what what cons- what city manager consultant? >> The the search consultant. The the people that are doing the recruiting. >> The recruiting. Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Have we hired someone to replace Alice? Is that in here?
>> It's almost public. >> They're they're [clears throat] in the process of in the process background checks and such. >> Almost public sounds like somebody we might know. >> And the way she smiles, I think there's something going on. >> The repairs and maintenance, um we
brought that down, but we moved the fuel. So, that's just we're trying Everybody's got fuel going to a different account. So, we're trying to get some normal save crossed um as we're cleaning budgets up. So, that's moved back into the 3056
line item. Promotional activities, we dropped down um 1,300. >> Promotional what line number is that? >> Yeah, what are you saying? >> Uh 3048. >> So, did you jump back to the other page again? >> I'm still on page three.
You want me to go faster? I can. >> You skipped a long day. >> Three quarters of the way down. >> Promotional activities. Last group. >> Yeah, look for the number 30-48. At the end. >> Yeah, the last four digits are kind of
what I'm going by. Sorry about that. So, we brought we brought that down some. Um the operating supplies again, that went up. That was a fuel, so the fuel went into that account. All right. Next one moving down to city clerk 001
1210. >> 1210. >> 1012. >> 1012? That's back to the top. >> Uh under the Yeah, okay. Under the city clerk. >> The page four of the majority of page four there. >> Okay. >> So, >> Hey, how
>> I'll get it and then >> How is the How is the scanning of the records going? I heard there's some problems. Of the of the not the clerk, but maybe building somebody was trying to find some records
on one of the buildings and they're having a hard time producing them and it this uh laser fiche records management just reminded me of it. So, is it how's it how's that going? >> Yeah, I I don't know what the request was or who it was.
>> They were they were trying they were trying to find some old permits, but I guess >> old building and it could be that it's just documents we don't have. >> Okay. How long how long do we usually keep those? >> Yeah, plus >> Yeah. >> So, can you come to the mic for me,
please? >> Robert Harper, uh construction services director. So, we did digitize most of our records in the building department. There's some that have not been digitized. When the files were sent back from the vendor, the way that they were organized makes them very difficult to search. >> Okay.
>> Um so, we've been working on it over the past couple months and we are getting some traction in getting the the files indexed and properly labeled. Um IT's helping us out with some of that as well right now. So, it is something that we're working to improve internally and we're trying to do so without incurring
additional costs. >> so how long how long are we going back on those records? >> So, uh state law requires us to keep residential permit records for 10 years and for commercial structures are supposed to be for the lifetime of the building. >> Okay.
>> Um so, I cannot speak to anything that happened prior to >> my hire at the city. >> Yeah, I got you. >> Um the current system does a very good job retaining the records and we are making efforts to improve um locating historical documents that that the department has. >> Thank you. Appreciate
>> Rob, one one thing the plans like I remember I was looking for a set of plans for a building um and they have to go search in some warehouse is what I was told or some place for the plans. Are we going to scan all those plans ever? Is it that many? How many sets of
plans do we have stashed in this room or whatever I hear about? >> So, uh unfortunately we have flat files in our office. We have an entire room dedicated to files in the building department and we store files in one of our bathrooms. So, space is at a little
bit of a of a premium. A portion of those files have already been scanned in. >> Plans though, digital plans have we digitized paper plans? >> A portion of them we have and so what we're doing right now is trying to verify and make sure that we can locate
those records when we need to before we dispose of the paper copies. Um once we have a full grasp on where we're at, we will come to you guys and ask for a contract to digitize the remaining records. The the goal being that everything will be
100% digitized and searchable so that we can, you know, answer those requests in a more timely fashion. >> just like just well well it would be great if you would have had and if you probably already do have a set of plans for everything of the old Wells Fargo and you could work off of that. That
would probably have been great. >> Yeah, and we actually did locate a pretty old almost original set of documents for that building that helped with the design. Um the architectural design was done internally. Um but yes, there is a deficiency there and it's something that we're working to
correct. >> I just think we need to try to scan those eventually someday. >> Yes. >> Yeah, a large portion of priceless when you need them. >> Um they're just they're just hard to search but but there's a large portion that are actually digitized. They're just we're not indexed properly by the vendor.
>> All right, I'm going to not follow that. Thank you. >> Yeah, and I think each department is kind of done that differently. So, engineering and capital projects everything we have is scanned. We've gone through our files. Um we actually hired a high school engineering intern.
Um had a high school kid for a summer. He was amazing. Um went through a lot of our files and and we kind of sat with him a little bit and kind of told him how to file stuff. But, we've gone full digital. We have pretty much no paper in engineering anymore.
Um we don't have the volume that we would get through building department. So, it's kind of more the stuff that that engineering type things or capital projects. But, I think everybody's making that effort now to move in to have digital storage. Um some of the stuff and like even some
of the old engineering files it would be by the name of a building or an owner. And, you know, Star Aluminum or something. And >> Or an LLC. >> then the building sells and the building sells. >> Or an LLC that >> Yeah. >> that that yeah.
>> So, it's like we've we've made an effort to go back as we did them and go more to the property. >> Yeah. >> [clears throat] >> Has to be. >> But, it's it There is a challenge with them trying to find the stuff. Um >> Is this an appropriate time for me to ask a question? On public records, with
everything going up and all of this going on, are we going to be more cognizant of how much we are requesting that people pay for public records requests? >> Yes. >> Okay, good. >> We're also looking at police body cam footage. We're we're getting We're getting
hammered with public records requests. It's a lot of staff time. >> And I think an attorney should review it any any of those. And I think we should be charging an attorney's fee onto there. I mean, I'll be direct in saying I think we're the cheapest in the whole county. And we're getting pounded for
it. >> Good question. >> I wouldn't want any I personally just I wouldn't want any cam released without the attorney going through it. And that stuff should be in the in the projected cost. >> Are you saying for everything or just for the police body cams?
>> Well, police body cam for sure. And >> [clears throat] >> as much as possible we need to protect and make sure that we don't mess up on that side of disclosing stuff versus redacting it. And we need to be thorough in what we're doing and not be worried about
the cost rather worry about doing it right. So, if if we have to have an attorney review it, if you two people have to review it, if both of you have to review it, then it's cost for both of you to do two layers. If you make a procedure that says that two people need to review it at a at a high level, then so be two
people at a high level. Uh but we're we're we're chasing our tail and we're disrupting the whole flow of the city. >> I agree. >> And it's and it's and it ain't I don't see it getting any better until we can do that. >> I may add, we will be coming to you to the city clerk's office with a a a
proposed revision of our public records policy and that will include some of the things that you're asking about. [clears throat] Um just in general, we right now are sitting at about 90 public records so far this month. And that does not go the back and forth
and everything that's involved with contacting each of the departments. So, all of the departments are involved um with a lot of these records requests. So, we will be looking at the policy, looking at best practices for other cities, close, far, just to see what the best ideas we have actually talked about the idea that you're asking about
attorney review. I've been discussing with Capri more recently how can we go about doing that. And so, we will look at that and we do want to protect the city >> Yes. >> but also look for the expenses um that are involved too, but I understand what you're asking for. But it [clears throat] is something that we are
currently talking about and reviewing. >> The new Axon system has increased capability for that that I think is going to be very helpful. >> Mhm. >> [clears throat] >> All right. Um back on page five kind of in the middle. >> Sorry Emily, I ran with it, but that was a great thing you brought up.
>> The the other current charges 3049 are the last four digits. So that went down from 21,000 to 4500. What that is >> Now page five. >> the legal fees are
or the advertisement fees, not the legal fees. Excuse me, the advertising fees. Each of the departments are are budgeting separately. It used to all come under the clerk's office. Um but now each of those departments are budgeting, so you're going to see development services picking up their
portion, financial will pick up their portion, so um that that's getting kind of set more accountable to those departments, so they're going to be responsible for their charges, so um just wanted to explain why that
number has changed. And [snorts] All right, moving towards the bottom now is economic development. So the economic development, we did take and revise the CRA reimbursement for the director.
We moved that up from 20% to 50%. Um especially with the efforts that we're doing now with downtown. >> So this is 50%. >> It'll be 50% of the the director. Yes, sir. >> And how are we doing with hiring a new economic development person?
>> We just extended an offer yesterday, which was accepted. And that's what we're thrilled about. It's a great candidate. >> Almost ready to announce. >> Almost ready to announce. >> Next week. >> Yes, ma'am. >> So, the on uh page six now, 3034, the other contractual services,
so, we had a a fund 68, and Lori can explain more about that. Um it kind of it tracked some of the costs, but there were no revenues. It It showed everything as upside down all the time. Um not a good accounting practice to
just have a fund that wasn't tied into reimbursements. Um and again, I'm probably dummying this down a lot. >> I don't really have a lot to share, and Al may be able to help a little bit more. I think it's a fund that was set up in 2012 or something for some
specific economic revenue funds that we received. But, I'm not really Whatever the original purpose was for, that's long since been defunct. >> Right. So, anyway, we're moving that in So, the incubator, the business
incubator, was covered under that 68 fund. We're We're getting rid of the 68 fund. The Those costs are coming now under economic development, which is where they should. So, the 175,000 line item in 3034,
um that's a a graphic arts um Yeah, basically to help with some promotional renderings, if you would. Um the incubator um donation, all that is brought now into the economic development account. >> Question.
>> Um from that fund 68. So, the fund 68 used to sit there. It would always look negative. Um now, we're bringing it into the economic development under the the uh general fund. Uh printing and binding, we reduced by $1,000 just off of historical costs.
And the subscriptions, um that's the AI placer. Again, that was under the 68 fund as well. It was kind of just this catch-all funds. So, now that went under We have split that
um between economic development events and >> Development services. >> development services. So, it's a third each component on the AI placer. Events and tourism. >> Uh before you you move on. >> Yes, sir. >> Um Did I miss it?
>> Yeah. >> The business incentive and organizational grants >> Mhm. >> for downtown. >> Yes. >> Economic development incentives. >> They are >> Did they move? >> For the downtown? Yes. Yeah, they're in
there um We moved them to the CRA? >> Yes. >> Yeah, we moved those over to the CRA. >> And where's the where's gateway grant? >> Uh it's it's uh the gateway is in there as well. Um there's the new gateway, there is um a new business um
>> Right. >> for downtown incentive. >> So, gateway's where? >> Right in. >> Gateway's where? >> Um we get there, but it's in the CRA. >> be in CRA. The gateway's wider than the CRA, right? Can't be in CRA.
Some of it has to be in CRA and some of it has to be out of it. >> Right, yeah. Yeah, all the gateway's not in the CRA, that's why I was kind of asking. >> Might have to break it back out, but it's in the capital outlay. >> Yeah, there's there's 60 in there.
Um But yeah, >> 60 for gateway? >> 60,000 for the the new Gateway grants. It's on page 56. >> Probably have to break that out for some of the CRA money. >> to break it out. Yeah, probably 50/50 is a good number. I'll take and put 30,000 in CRA and I'll leave 30,000 in the
>> Or look at historically where it's been pulled. >> Yeah. Yeah, good catch. Thank you. >> I'll charge. Give me a sec so I can make these notes and get them in. Okay. >> All right, events and tourism.
Um as I said earlier, we have removed from the budget the events coordinator, which was Carl's position. >> Since this since it just happened this Saturday, how how is the second Saturday summer events?
Has it been something that we want to keep on? Is it has it been helpful? >> Jerry, can you speak to that? >> Yes, sir. Hi, Mayor Lee. This last second Saturday was the second one that I have been involved with since
the last I joined the city last September. And um weather is an issue. Heat. And the band was spectacular and who and those that came out were great, but I'd say it's maybe 100 people. Most of people probably already in the park
um out. Got some ideas on how we can gel some things and I'd like to revisit the event roster. I think right now we're just most concerned about the final number and we're going to look at those itemized expenditures,
massage them a little bit. And I got some ideas to present at a later time, but if we can get those final numbers and we know where we need to land. >> I think it's a marathon. These things never start off right. You know, great. They might start off with a few
and and grow and grow and grow and build. So, I it's a patience, I think. >> Is it better in the fall? >> It's always better when it's not raining or hot 100 and whatever degrees. The weather makes a huge difference even our first Fridays weather. Our first Fridays lately have been
phenomenal. We've We've been so lucky with weather. >> We've been very fortunate. This last one was exceptional. Um in Florida traditionally events tend to scale back in the summer peak season is fall or spring simply because of the the the storms and everything that roll
in. A lot of effort goes into these. I think there's some ways that we can continue to put music on the bandshell without um and maybe just move it to a different timing. >> And just for statistics, June is the the largest time of the year month where local residents leave their hometown.
Everybody's on vacation. Everybody's going away. The kids get off school and they're gone. So, this is a >> And it's hot in July and rainy and unpredictable. >> Yeah, I mean it's a marathon. >> So, I'm wondering So, this is only a summary that, right?
Or have we had it year round? >> I think it just started last summer. I I believe last summer was the first season. Um >> So, it could have been the timing? >> I I would I would recommend moving it to a different time of the year. Yes. Absolutely. And I would also it would
would fantastic to put music on the band shell while the first Friday event's going on. >> That might help with some of the crowds around there keeping them busy, the young ones. Yeah. >> The Sam did a video game trailer at the last First Friday.
>> Oh, you did? I bet that went over good, did it? >> Went really well. >> Was it calming? Real calming? >> It get them off the plank running around. >> I know you're very close to announcing, but you're not ready yet. >> [laughter] >> Sorry, Rick.
>> Yeah, all good. >> I didn't mean to interrupt. Thank you. >> Um all right, page seven towards the top, the professional services. Um this is one for for discussion. So, we went from 81,000 to 5,000.
Um the 5,000's for graphic arts. Um we we need some help doing uh the graphic arts stuff through the events. Um but I deleted SeeClickFix was under there. I took that out. We have had
I think 12 um entries this year, and it is a big nut. >> Yeah. >> Um PD has something with the new um program, so we're looking to do something different, but in the meantime, we just go back to the website
if y'all are good with it. It is a lot of money for something that is not being used. >> What's the event again? >> It's SeeClickFix. It's the program for you know, where residents can identify um potholes and and such in other
municipalities. >> Yeah, how much was that? >> really never when we first introduced it and it got used a little bit, but it has died down a lot. I mean, we're spending a lot >> So, what is that? I'm kidding. >> It was 23,000 a year. >> 23?
>> A year? 22,000. >> Just to have a site out there that pumps out an email. They'll tell you something costs us 23. >> And we get it through the chief. We piggyback on what he has. >> That's my suggestion is that we'll tie into what he has. But again, it's going
to be a matter of the marketing to it so people know it's there. >> I think if you look historically I'm the one that uses it. >> [laughter] [clears throat] >> I think we get more emails in at this point just from our website to let us know of issues, emails and calls.
>> We can create a form on our website for free. >> Yeah. >> So >> So, yeah, so that I wanted to bring that up to y'all that that I took that out. With the the next group down, the other contractual services um
Sherry and taking over, she's getting um some of the charges, some of the budgets a little more in line with what they actually are. It was kind of money thrown in, but >> [snorts] >> the other contractual should be like
your your events folks and um you know, your performers, the there was there was kind of like a crossover where things were going. So, you'll see this number um from 253, it was 375.
Some of the costs and the associated ratio of the cost were split between the other contractual and also the rental and leases. So, the other contractual came down, the rental and leases came up. And it's just to get the the funds allocated so she
can more properly track what's happening there. Um with the other contractual couple of the items went up. We sent um Yeah, the Hometown Celebration is about seven grand more. Um one thing we did remove um so as a
point of discussion for you all um I took out the Salute to Veterans. It was not um very well attended. We needed to make some cuts um to get to balance. So I pulled that across the board. Um [clears throat]
if if it is the will of commission for us to put that back in, we could look at cutting something else out of there. But again, my goal moving forward was to have a balanced budget and we had to make some decisions and we just looked at what
what was attended, what was the feedback we got back and made that decision. Um Miranda and I made that decision late one night this last week or probably this week. >> How much was that? >> Um I'd need to pull through and check
and I can actually have Miranda add it up because it's in a few different accounts. >> Okay. >> But we'll get that figured out. >> Can we do what we we did with the the cemetery? Just have the school.
Do so I mean it doesn't have to be anything grand. But but I think to have something is is probably worth it in our community. >> I don't know. I I I
I think military veterans is a very sensitive, emotional uh near and dear to me. Think about it. People who lost somebody's Life, people gave their life for this. The older I get, the more I appreciate
it. I didn't appreciate it when I was younger. I I don't doubt that, but >> I think we have to got to have some acknowledgement. I don't care how small of a number it is. I don't care if we take it away from a big number up there. Well, Georgefest is the biggest, but um a moment or two of something.
>> You could do the parade and not the event. >> We could do the parade and not the event. What parade? >> You could do a Veterans Day parade. >> Mhm. >> What? >> I I I I personally I don't know enough [clears throat] about it unless Willie does, but I think you ought to have a
line item there that says we do something to support our veterans. >> I'd rather have a an event than a parade. >> I don't care which one it is. >> Yeah, I agree with >> put a line item there and and say something for our vets. They really >> [snorts]
>> not to get all whatever, but it's it's they're important. >> Yeah. And and I mean, I feel that way as well. That's why we >> [clears throat] >> did the Veterans Memorial Park. >> But then move it around, put something there for veterans is what I'm recommending. I'm only one of >> And I think when we've had them, the
sound system was so bad. Destroyed the back. >> Last one, the sound system was bad. >> Yeah. >> Have we fixed the sound system there yet? No? We put money in to redo the sound system at the bandshell? >> Sherry, did that get done? I know it's supposed to be done last year.
>> So, that was you know, back in the days when you had your amplifier the cord starts to go bad and it starts to get staticky. That's what it was when we fixed it. Now, the the Yes, sir. It was it was fixed. And then the sound if you hear if you go and
you hear reverb and a little bit of a delay from the park system compared to the sound system on the stage, um that just happens to be when it's it's going to happen, but it was a little too loud for Georgefest. So, we've already addressed that with our sound people. And to answer your question to go back a little bit if you
don't mind, because I do track all the expenses. Um Salute was not planned when I came on. So, we did we weren't able to put as much into it the last minute. There was a lot of things that you have to plan way ahead of time, which we're already doing now. But, we were just under $8,000 and had a
$2,500 TDC grant. Um my recommendation for that we do First Friday, which actually falls the night before Salute, is to is to make the veterans event the feature of the theme, which is where the direction we're moving on that First Friday and theme it. So, if if I could
weigh if I could weigh in I I'm What we want to have that discussion. Are we good? Yeah. >> Yeah, I think that's brilliant. >> Uh the total for the Veterans Day event is 25,000 and it's in a couple different places. >> Okay.
>> That's how much. That was >> Okay. Probably don't need all that, right? But, >> Well, especially if we bring it into a First >> Bring it into a First Friday and make it a huge thing. Now, it's a promo for our city. Now, it's great. >> I like that. >> Brilliant. >> That's brilliant. Brilliant. >> All right. We'll get some money back in
there for it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. I'm happy you were able to announce that. >> [laughter] >> That's the fun things about this stuff is brainstorming, the strategic part of some stuff like that. >> And that's part of, you know, when
you know, when we first got everybody's input, but then when it came time to cut, you know, we were we were sitting there locked in and and going and it was, you know, by how it was pulled off. So, that's why I'm bringing everything up. Things will, you know, will
>> We just want to be careful we don't do something like cut out that trans That was That didn't That didn't get >> It's not a good look, yeah. >> That's not a good look. Yep. Nor is what we should want to do even if we don't care about luck. All right. Um
so that that covers the the majority of the changes across there. I said to the bottom of page eight, um there is no more costs associated. So the where it says 001-1250,
that was the historic museum what used to be under events. So that now [clears throat] comes over to the library. So hence the request that are all zero because that shows up under the library department.
So the it was 109,000 um that we've revised down to 89.7 under the library and we'll get there when we when we talk on the library. >> Uh hey, sorry. Um
So we have 148,000 for Georgefest for one, then you move down to 3044. There's another 50. And then I just saw it again on the other page. >> It's on this page. >> Yes. So what's
>> What is the cleaning >> Almost would be nice to have it all in one >> Mhm. >> category. >> Yeah, so So and Sherry help me out here. The other contractual that is your performers, correct? >> Yes. So as you'll see with all the
events, which was new to me here and where I came from, it was all in one big pot. [clears throat] They have it divided up by the type of expenditure. So you got contractual services, you have rentals and leases, you have operating supplies, um you have promotional which is your advertising.
So part of speaking to what um Rick had spoke to earlier, my efforts to try to put things in the right area under the right fund, um that's been the challenge since I've been here and and we've identified where things need to move around. Most of your
expended expenditures for events is going to be contractual services and rentals and leases and promotions. And we've worked with finance to make sure things are allocated in appropriately. So, not to create any headaches for them. >> Okay. But And and I And I make sense, but you got
145, then another 50, and then you go to 3048, and there's another 50. >> And 12,000 in programs. >> So, that's a lot. >> For George Fest? >> Are we using all that? >> Is that for Boys II Men? >> George Fest was 323,912.
>> 323? >> [snorts] >> Production alone was close to 50. Happy to happy to share some of the itemized expenditures. >> No, I I just I I never saw it broken up that much. So, it was that it was the total was Yeah. The total was >> Majority goes into the the weekends.
We We We are going to scale it back, but a lot of the things were fillers, community grassroot events that weren't very expensive. So, >> I mean, actually, that's a that's actually a really good. Thanks. I mean, does And this I know this is open for
discussion. Does George Fest need to be all week? >> We We are recommending that it be shortened. >> Oh, okay. >> We're not getting great attendance during the week events. >> It only starts on Thursday. Oh. >> So, we're going to have a long weekend of it instead of a >> If we save money, we can get some bigger
We can get some bigger action here. Boys II Men Boys II Men. >> [laughter] >> I do. I would I would I would I would love to see them come to Yustus. >> I'll get a quote. >> [laughter] >> And can you imagine how packed Yustus
would be if they were here? >> So, one thing we're doing with with accounting now, um they're [clears throat] doing project codes. So, which we haven't been able to track before since they can assign a number for George Fest. So, Sherry can track like she pulled her number up pretty
quick. She can put that number in and check everything and find out. And that that would add in the other contractual the rental leases. Like the rental leases for the stage component that we have to bring in. So, it adds everything in ties in as far as So, what's not in here is
the overtime. Like PD's overtime and public works overtime when they're out there. So, as everybody's putting in we could actually truly capture those costs. Um >> Right. >> And it's big. I mean it's it's a big number. >> Sherry, do we do you do you think we need to add a
little more money to get maybe some more popular and current current acts for our headliner? >> A little bit more variety. >> She requested it and I cut it. >> [laughter] >> Well, 27,000 was cut from contractual on
George Fest. Um to be exact, but the sky's the limit. Really, honestly, the thing is the our infrastructure, our band shell and the size of it. So, we can bring bigger acts in. We're going to have to need a bigger stage. We're going to have to have it like two two stages happening and all
that. So, we can do it if we have the money. We can but we right now we're maximizing what we have. >> That's what I was going to ask if we're going to going to enlarge the stage um as we did once. That was really good. >> It Ye- yes, ma'am. My goal is to continue to put the at least put the
stage extension out there simply because we just don't have the room. Except for Saturday sounds with one band. July 4th we will have the stage extension and we will for the larger events. >> Okay. Okay. So, and I hear you on that and I So, it's not really the the money. It's more just
the facilities. >> It's it's both. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, I would say >> but we have a 100 125th George Fest coming up next Not this year, but the following year. It'd be nice to have a really >> In 2027, yes. >> Yeah. It'd be nice to have a really big
headliner to celebrate the 125th, so. >> Oh, always happy to hear what >> Mhm. >> you boys demand, I can get you a price >> [laughter] >> because a lot of times people are surprised by how much they cost. >> I'm sure that's well out of the budget, but But it would be it would be I mean,
personally I I think it would be nice to [clears throat] have something different besides a country country headliner. Just >> And we did. We had a very diverse lineup for George Fest and we will continue to bring diverse genres in into the events. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Mhm. >> Right. >> And that was really I know that what our biggest Sorry, Emily. Our biggest recent one I could think of was probably Jo Dee Messina right in attendance whether the weather was lined up right and then before that was Michael Ray was a huge one.
Um Which were those Which were those two and they didn't require huge stage today? No, you weren't here for one of them at least, but Jo Dee Messina was huge. >> But they didn't have any music on the on the bandstand all day. The stage is empty. >> up the money. >> No entertainment. That's right. Yes, sir.
>> Because they ate up the money. Yeah. >> And vendors are sitting there. There's no There's nothing happening. So, we eliminated that by adding the extension. >> So, what that what the stage extension does is not necessarily just for the the band, but it allows us to set up for the next group. >> Mhm.
>> I think that's our one big weekend of the year we got to really hit it out of home. We're bringing in people from all over. That's our biggest economic advertising {slash} whatever, but I don't know what that means. Does that mean we want more money in there like Gary saying or or does that mean we need
a bigger stage? It's a little bit of both, she said, but um or pick a band that doesn't need as much room. But >> One man band. >> [laughter] >> I I also think I think we were talking about extending the stage and setting up
barriers where we could charge to come in and do things like that. We've been [clears throat] going to local cities to all of the jazz fests and jazz um um events. It draws tons of people. And um I I think we need to look at how we
might do better with the band shell and extend it and make it so that we can do things like that. >> And we are in the master plan. >> To be continued next week. >> Next week's workshop. >> All right. >> Yep. Jelly Roll's probably going to be
looking for some extra alimony now. [laughter] He might be willing to cut you a price because he's he's a little extra [clears throat] alimony. According to TMZ. >> TMZ is always right. >> Sorry Gary, not nothing against Boys II Men.
All right, ready to move to finance? >> Mhm. >> Yep. >> Mhm. >> All right. Um page 10 of 88. So, under the salaries this we'd spoke um previously the the vacant position. Um they were actually advertising and
running tests for the accounts specialist and we killed that um that being part of the general fund and being vacant. So, that has been removed from the budget. On the next page, page 11, um in the middle the other current
charges that finance I think they have two two advertisements they have to do. Um maybe maybe a little more. >> three readings two ordinances for the CIP and then the final budget. >> So they're putting >> big one.
>> Yeah, they're putting money in. So that's the 3049 where I where I was telling you that we took the money out of the clerk. It's coming in on several different accounts. So we're putting that money back in. It wasn't a cut across the city. It was just more of a real
reallocation to the right funds. Towards the bottom is um IT which also falls under finance, Bryce and his group. Um the very last line item, the other contractual, that's uh 46,000
um the security audit is a new cost that's in there. Um we've the a lot of effort is going in on the security and um firewalls and you know, I will
definitely defer to Bryce to speak if you have any questions cuz it's way over my head. Um but I know there is a a ton of work that's going into that and with that we're we're seeing the budget increase as well, but it's needed.
So if you have any specific questions, he's he's on board. So the on the next page 12 towards the top, the WatchGuard, the three near three-year renewal is hitting. Um that's 60 grand.
>> Does this include uh maybe we haven't gotten there yet. Uh Wasn't there a couple of places we needed extra cameras? >> Yes, sir. We have multiple avenues we're trying to get camera funding. One of them is a grant,
which is an 80/20 split. The other funding source we're trying to get a bill appropriation [snorts] through Mr. Fine's office. So, we have basically two avenues we're trying to get funds and this would provide us cameras throughout the city of about $300,000.
So, that's but we're also getting more and more requests daily from PD asking, "Can we have them here? Can we have them there?" So, they're really wanting them on every every city property, but especially around some of the hot spots we've had some issues with in the last few weeks. >> Mhm.
Okay. Thank you. >> And ideally we'd like for it to come from those sources versus coming from the general fund. You know, if if if we can get these grants. >> And if I can add, we also have some in our 5-year CIP. >> Yeah.
>> And that's a recurring for at least the next 3 years, if not longer. >> Yes, every 3 years we have to pay the license renewal on the cameras. So, it that's just a a small fee, um which is about $30,000 every 3 years to for the licensing. So, we have to pay
that every 3 years. We just have to keep that in our budget. >> All right. >> Yes, sir. >> Now, when we do the licensing, does that does that impact the quality of the cameras that we get? >> Negative. >> keep the same equipment?
>> Correct. These are Motorola cameras with a 10-year warranty and they are, um yeah, they're they're full high definition, so and the PD's been very very happy with them. >> Okay. >> In fact, we do want to replace a lot of the other cameras that that we have existing that are the older, you know, low resolution.
And, um those are, you know, the ones at >> Right. >> different sites around the city. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes, sir. >> In the CIP for next year 2026-2027, there's $250,000 um budgeted for new cameras. >> Okay.
>> 2027-2028 is $150,000 and then $70,000 sequentially after that. >> I saw something. This may be a little bit off, but on this it says four cell phones. So, people who have cell phones in the city, are they using their personal phones or
are these or does everybody have a city cell uh phone cell phone? >> So, um Miss Lee, the way it is right now, um each city department has been purchasing their own phones, which has been creating a lot of issues. What happens is none of these phones are controlled
by IT, which means uh when a an employee leaves, if they don't give the passwords and things like that, we can't control them, we can't get into them. So, it it bricks the phone, making making the phone useless. Going forward, we're going to have a uh mobile device manager software that's going to control the phone, so we can
unlock them after the employee leaves. And so, any new phone purchases need to go through IT, so we can, you know, control these phones, basically. We can, you know, get into them. Cuz we have a an entire box of old phones that we just can't get into. Um because the employee left on, you
know, whatever terms, and we just can't get into these phones. So, and we've looked at things like withholding their last check and things like that, which is, you know, kind of draconian, but if we have this software, we can control the phones after that. So, that's where we're going. We've pulled PD in, we control all the PD
phones now, and we're slowly working our way through the rest of the departments. >> Okay, good. So, so, these are city-provided phones and not their personal phones. Nobody uses personal phones. >> Um some people have an allotment uh for their their personal
phone. Some people do have city phones. >> Wouldn't it be [snorts] better to provide everyone with a >> It would be for records retention and things like that. That would be the way to go. But, you know, it it can get pretty expensive, but but we're we're looking at that. >> Okay. >> Yeah.
>> So, so Bryce, you're saying that that you're working your way through the other departments. With the equipment that you have, can you go to everyone that has a phone now and include that into the equipment that you have? So,
you >> Correct. As long as we can get into the phone, we can add it to our mobile device manager, and then we can track the phone. We also gives us the GPS coordinates, things like that. If you know the phone is stolen. So, there's a lot of lot of benefits to this software. I believe
it's about $4 per phone per month. Um and and that's what this software allows us to do, so. >> How How many phones do we have total? City wide, do you know? >> Oh, boy. Um I can get you that number. >> Okay. >> It'd be nice if we would work towards
that. >> Yes, ma'am. >> What is a Lumen PRI phone? >> A Lumen uh we have two internets here. We have a Comcast as our main internet, and then Lumen is our backup internet. Now, a secondary thing of Lumen is they also provide our long long distance and
local services for our desk phones. So, that's another reason we pay for Lumen. And um we have Comcast throughout most of the city providing internet for the smaller sites like um you know, Carver Park and um you know, some of the
maintenance facilities, things like that. But, most of our internet we're trying to consolidate into into one one bill, so. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Just a quick a quick note. I I didn't really plan to say this, but I didn't even think about the city as much, but
our company private private side we just entered into an agreement with Wire 3. >> Yes. >> Now Wire 3 has been brought through Lake 100 and and through lead lead is work hard to get all that infrastructure and getting going that you see. But
I'm going from Comcast paying at my house $289. I'm going to $99. 1 gig up 1 gig down. >> Yes, sir. >> 5 gigs up and 5 gigs down. I'm sorry.
That's for commercial all my commercial not my house is $120. It's phenomenal difference and then there's the other digital the other fiber optic company that's in town. And they quoted me the same thing for
350 bucks. So it's [snorts] time for you to take a look at at Wire 3. It's >> Now remember these are all contracts because they're commercial. That's where they get you. That's why I'm saying it. If we can once our contracts up for renewal we're looking at all vendors. So
we're not you know, I'm not loyal to one vendor. So we are we will look at that. >> I was just I just blown away and you can get 10 up 10 down in certain offices for 130 bucks. >> Yes, sir. >> And otherwise it would be 400 and something with uh
I forgot the name of the other fiber people. So I was so close to signing a contract that was going to be deadly. >> We have about 2 years left with our contract once that contract's up. >> 2 years left? >> Yes, sir. Yeah, you have to sign a long-term contract with these fiber vendors. So >> I wouldn't sign any contracts with them.
As a matter of fact with Wire 3 no contract commercial people too no contract. Guaranteed price lock for 5 years. >> Okay. >> The market is changing. >> Yeah, it's a 5 year contract. Yeah, the Comcast contract is a 5 year contract. So >> Yeah, they're they're
>> We can move on whenever that comes up, so. Thank you. >> Uh I have a couple of questions for you. The penetration testing, the 10,000. >> Yes, that's required by the CJIS for PD. We have to basically
do simulated attacks into our system to make sure that we're CJIS compliant with PD. And that's part of their their and we do the whole city, not just PD, but it covers the PD. >> Got you. >> Yes, sir. >> And next is and I think that I've asked this
uh in years past, the time clocks. Are we really still doing time clocks? >> Yes, we are. That's the >> [snorts] >> Okay, can someone explain to me again why in this day and time we're still doing time
clocks? >> I I would let I would defer to HR, but we do we do help them get the time clocks online and we replace broken time clocks, but yes, that is something that HR can elaborate on. >> There's various apps out there now that you can use. >> We We do use Some departments use phone
apps, too, to to check in, but time clocks are actually It helps the city and the employee. It's actually beneficial to both. 20 years ago when I started working here, I was offended that I had to clock into a time clock, but I soon realized that if I clocked in
3 minutes early, I got over I got comp time. Um but it also protects the city because if they say they clock in 10 minutes early or they come to work 10 minutes early and they don't clock in, but they don't record it um on their timesheet, they could be
recording it in a notebook and when time builds up, they could come after the city and we would have to pay them. And that's happened in the past two other times that I know of um before time clocks, um we had an an employee who would write down her time in a notebook
and but, you know, they she either didn't write it on her time sheet or it was just recorded by the department secretary or what have you. And the city ended up having to pay this employee thousands of dollars because she had kept track and the city had not.
So, time clocks came into play because of that and I don't think the employees dislike it because it keeps them honest and it also fairly pays them if they work over, you know, work more than 8:00 to 5:00 or
whatever their hours are. So, it's not it's not a bad thing. It just seems kind of degrading. But then when you really see the benefit of it on both sides, it's not a bad thing. >> It seems kind of 1950s to me. Um, but they're not the little cards
anymore. Now it's facial recognition. >> It's facial recognition. So, nobody can nobody can clock in for somebody else. >> It's it's antiquated with like technology upgrades, but yeah. >> Okay. >> and it does tie right into our um >> Software.
>> our our software um for payroll. So, it really helps keep track of payroll easier. People aren't filling out the old-fashioned time sheets or anything like that. It it's it it's hooked into the software and so when, you know, the designated person for each department
does payroll, the numbers come up and then, you know, they would they just adjust if it's vacation or sick time or what have you. >> Okay. Okay. Well, thank you. I'll probably ask again next year. >> That's okay. >> [laughter]
>> All right. Pretty interesting if commissioners clocked in and clocked out when we're doing work. >> Y'all have enough money. >> We're actually We're actually installing a time clock for you next week right up there. >> [clears throat] >> Moving to purchasing at page 13. They pretty much held everything. Travel
and per diem went up a little bit. Um they're putting in more for the NIGP courses. Um I don't know what that is. A purchasing thing. >> National Institute of Governmental Procurement. >> There you have it. As I said, a purchasing thing.
>> I said it. >> [laughter] >> But it's for their CEs. They they have to um have a certain amount of continuing education per year. So. They're bumping that up. Office supplies went down a little bit.
Operating supplies went down a little bit. And it's just kind of we're tracking off of historicals. >> Rick, are we cutting down on You know, all the little giveaway items that we give out to the public and all of that? So, does every department get their own
or do we have like one area that they can draw from? >> Um I think probably everybody's getting their own. I know fire's got their stuff and Yeah, I mean it Engineering didn't have anything or Finance didn't have anything. But the
people that are [clears throat] out at like the First Fridays and then they've got their little chachkies. [snorts] I know Park and Rec has has some stuff. I'm sure Events has to. >> Water Department. >> What? Water Department does. Part of their their They have a public outreach
they have to do. So. >> Parks and Rec question. Parks and Rec. >> Um We're giving away all these little chachkies at at uh at our events.
He has the ability to things like this. Uh the the 3D things. Why don't instead of paying money to other people, we have Parks and Rec do that? Okay, y'all all looking at me like I'm crazy. I know I am, but
>> Well, I think it's a new very new piece of equipment that not everyone knows is there. >> Mhm. >> They haven't announced it yet, Willie. >> Okay. >> It's coming soon, but >> But it it would just make sense. Yeah, instead of paying it out to someone else, we have him do it in house.
>> And teach the kids how to do it. Teach a trade. >> Brilliant. Okay, my work is done. I'll see y'all. >> Is there a limit on how much they spend on the task keys? >> Yeah, it's in the budget. Promotional. >> Okay.
>> Uh what other stuff can you do, Sam? I'm sorry. What other stuff can you do down there? >> Um >> I know you can do this, these. The 3D stuff. >> Yeah, we can
pretty much print anything 3D. >> And the high numbers that's needed? >> Yeah. You know, we have a couple of print machines. As long as we get enough time, um we would need material. And the kids are currently being taught how to do it as
well, so. >> Are you buying drink cups like this and printing on them? >> Uh right now we're just doing in house. We did a employee of the month for our department. Uh we only bought a few cups that we uh
engraved. We used the Parks and Recreation logo onto But we can do a big amount. >> I mean, this is the sorry, Sam. This is the kind of stuff with them cutting our budget. You know, if we can figure out ways to
supplement what we've lost, why wouldn't we? >> I I also think what they can't do, maybe we just should go with Lake Tech. That would still be less costly and combine it. If they can't, then use Lake Tech. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> That's the strategic part of this meeting I like. >> Okay. I'm sorry. >> Can you do business cards? >> We can do anything. We can actually do metallic business cards. >> Really? >> Metallic? >> Yes.
>> But you don't want to get all so wet. >> All right. Anything else on purchasing? City attorney with until we have a new city attorney coming on, I just I left that account the same. Um when we uh and I'll be talking to you tonight about the RFP
um for the attorney get you up up to speed on that. Um but as a new contract comes in, we'll also bring to you the award for that with any budget amendment or adjustment that's necessary. So.
>> So we going to do this pretty quickly and have things moving now? >> Yeah, it's we're um tonight I'm going to be giving each of you all a copy of the RFP for your comment. And ask you to get comments back in a week and then we'll go out and advertise
for it. So. >> Okay. >> But yeah, I'll I'll go into >> And how about the HR part of it? >> Um yeah, and I know Karen is looking at um we're running concurrent with that, so it's running at the same >> How long before you'll be ready to advertise?
>> So the first thing The first thing we need to do is create a job description. And we need to know what it what we want to say in that job description. I have some examples of job descriptions from other places. Um and then we would have to send it off to have it point factored so that it
fits into our pay range. We use a company um that does that specifically for us. They're the ones that did the pay study for us um about 9 years ago. So, they created our pay classifications and they point factor all of our jobs
based on our you know, our standards. So, that's the next step. That's the next thing I would have to do. It costs a couple hundred bucks to have it point factored. Um and then we would have a salary. It's probably going to need a new salary pay grade cuz it's probably not
going to fit in it into any of them that we have. >> Great. Thanks for breaking that out. So, what does that give you time if you had to estimate? When are you going to be ready to advertise? >> Um I would say, I mean depending on what Rick wants me to do, we could probably
advertise by the end of July. Mid end of July. I'm actually getting ready to go on vacation, but I could task somebody else with this to finish it up. >> And as Rick mentioned, the RFP is done. There's some things in there after we get your blessing, we'll use those
things to put in the job description. So, >> Yeah. >> All right. Development Services, page 16. And y'all you good moving forward? You need a break? You want to take a 5-10 minute break? Or >> Yeah.
>> Yeah, I need I need five. >> Take 5 minutes? >> Yeah. >> Um so, come back at 2:15. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Oh god. I don't even >> Mhm. >> So, picking up with uh development services, page 16. Uh
just couple housekeeping things. We're We're looking at getting through general fund and uh CRI. If If we get through that, that's a win. Um and I think that's what we're we're prepared to to kind of go through.
Uh we are slated till 5:00. In an hour, we've got our commission meeting tonight at 6:00. Uh we are bringing in some dinner for you guys. Um so, you know, if you're you're able to to make the time, stay here, we can eat,
get started again. Um so, on that, I'm kind of looking at trying to keep it going. Right now, we're we're doing pretty decent. There's 40 pages all together of of general fund. We're on 16. I might move it a little bit faster.
Um now that we're off the city commission part, um that section took a little bit longer than everything else, you know, but but now we're good. >> Yeah. >> We need to trim the weeds. >> Hey, I got to be me. Yeah. Um so, on that note, development
services, um one thing we we just uh I I was notified that um the line item of putting in the um advertising. Um and there is a lot coming out of development services. I guess I went an
email got lost, did not getting included in this. So, there will be a $20,000 hit on this budget um because we do need to add that in. Those are real costs on the advertising. The majority of the advertisement comes through development services.
So, I will add that through um you know, with the rest of the notes that I've been taking and the corrections uh to let you know that that one's coming as well for this. >> You're saying it cost us $20,000 to advertise for >> Yes. >> Oh.
And we also are looking at revenue options for that and passing some of those costs on to us. >> Yeah, absolutely. That's that's what I was >> revenue opportunity we're exploring. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, we are we are looking
across the board here. >> But does that go to an outside agency to do that? Is that why it's 20 grand? >> Uh no, those are the costs for the uh the newspapers that we run in. >> Nobody reads a newspaper now. Do we do it in Indeed and stuff like that online, digitally?
>> online, newspaper online. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, uh what we are looking at is we're going to pass this back in um to the developers that are that are coming in. We'll put those into the permit fees. So, when they do it.
>> [snorts] >> All right. Um So, just [clears throat] some small cuts. Um small changes on here. The travel and per diem um we brought that down from 1,500 to
500. Um that's lodging for conferences and travel to conferences, but historically um they've not been using that, so we brought that down. Um repairs and maintenance we have brought down.
Again, a lot of that is um it was 5,600. We took it down to 3,000. Again, we're looking at historicals. When we go through and do the budgets, we're looking at all 5-year costs. And you can kind [snorts] of see where they're at, where they're projected this
year, and things that are high um we're we're correcting that. Kind of low-hanging fruit on the budget, if you would. Um, operating supplies. Um, some of the office supplies and operating supplies towards the bottom,
the 3051 and 52. Um, they were kind of commingled. Um, out of the 3500 on office supplies, they've only spent 369 this year. Um, and I think a lot of it was getting charged off to operating. So, the
operating supplies for 5,000 They're at 1,500. I took the 5,000 for the operating down to 350. And we we knocked that little 4,500 plus. And the books and uh subscriptions
the the biggest hit on there, they they cover part of the the um SEP memberships. Um, but the GovWell subscription was under there and that was removed. The $10,000 for the GovWell.
>> It was removed. Did it go somewhere else? >> Um, I don't know their section. Jeff, is is GovWell is gone from your budget? No. >> Why are you saying it's gone? It's right here. >> No, GovWell's still in under the
subscriptions. >> Oh, it turned out it was added in. Excuse me. Excuse me. >> That's how we pay our >> It was added into theirs. >> And we're going to move it from to R&M, which is for all the other subscriptions maintenance costs. >> That's where That's where I >> Oh, that's what >> on my notes. Yeah, so it it's going with
the subscriptions uh the the renewal. >> Okay. [snorts] >> All right, if we're ready, human resources page 18 So, the professional services or the other contractual services, excuse me, 30-34 um
that went up 2,000. The employee training um that was 1,000. Um we bumped that up 2,000. So, they're they're ramping up the training efforts there. Down the NeoGov, it's a fifth year and that is hitting 14,000.
Um NeoGov is the software program that HR uses for all the um the advertising of positions and collecting the um the resumes in and getting those out to
the different reviewing people. So, towards the end, employee study expense, that went up a little bit. They do have a um a tech that is working towards a a a degree in general studies.
And um they've got some money in there for certifications as well. >> So, um this tetanus this tetanus and hepatitis B shots why is there a charge for those if they're city employees? >> Because uh for our police, fire, water,
and wastewater um we offer that. I can tell you that we don't get a lot of requests even though our insurance covers it when it is [clears throat] um part of the job, it is not covered by insurance. So, we do offer it we offer it through the health department, so
it's the cheapest that we can do, and it's a series of three. Um what we are finding though is most of our employees, if they're if they're born after a certain date, like [clears throat] '85, they've already had the vaccines because it's part of public schools. Um but we still
have some that don't, and so we do offer it. >> You do it here? Who does it? Uh the fire department? >> No, we send them to the health department. >> Oh. What the Do they have our insurance already?
>> No, they they can't charge our insurance because it has to do with their employment, so our insurance won't cover it. If they walk into Walgreens on their own, and they say, "I want the hepatitis vaccine," and they don't say it's for work, it's covered by insurance, but we We have to offer it.
>> reading my mind, so okay. >> [laughter] >> Cuz they they get them free at Walgreens, and I can do them. >> And and and we do tell them that if they decide not to go our route, they can do that. So we don't we don't get a lot of requests anymore, not like we used to. >> Okay. I mean, it's
little saving. >> Any other questions for HR? Page 20, police. Um first section is administration. >> [clears throat] >> The the regular salaries, there it that is the line item where we added in the
deputy police chief. And see increase on that one. >> [snorts] >> The professional services um we removed the fit-for-duty evaluations that were in there. Um they haven't been using them if if [snorts]
uh the [clears throat] instance ever comes across chief can cover it with in within his budget, but there was a separate line item that we just never were using. And 17,000 was added in for the accreditation services.
Operating supplies, we excuse [clears throat] me, we cut that down a little bit. Again, that was based on historical costs. Um likewise, books and subscriptions, uh we removed the Metro Dade [clears throat] books.
>> That was a good book. >> The Metro Dade book. >> I got it. It's been around forever. >> Yeah. >> Willie probably even knows it. >> Yeah, it's been around a minute. >> Uh uniform patrol,
um we brought the the part-time employees down just a little bit. Again, that was um off of off of historical. And we took some of the incentive pay down as well on those two line items. >> And detail commander,
and that is Okay, is is reimbursement from overtime details. So, the money comes to us and then we give it to them. >> Yeah, so it goes into right there's also a revenue account. So, in the revenue, there's a line item for that as well. >> Okay.
>> So, that's um and Chief, correct me if I'm if I'm off base on here, but like when uh when somebody needs to to pay for um off-duty police officers or or they want to have a police officers for their events. That's a program that they go through and book this and they make the
payment through that. So, it's it's a lot of money. >> comes through and then Yeah, and then it'll go to the city. >> Okay. Oh, yes, the vendor >> Detail the vendor, bills the vendor, gets the money, collects it, and returns it to the city. And the city puts out the money initially.
So, it's doesn't cost us anything. So, whatever whatever's charged comes back to the city. >> Okay. >> So, there's a corresponding revenue. So, it's a net zero, but we have to show the expense to have a place to be able to charge it while there's that >> Right. >> holding period. >> And to add the couple of the liability, let's say they try to slip us and not
pay us, the still Detail Lemur still has to pay us and they're responsible to collect. >> Okay. [snorts] >> So. >> Got it. Okay. >> It's covered. >> Uh page 21 is the the other contractual line item. It was 65,000,
now it's to zero. That was the old Axon contract. Um we're now carrying that under the capital. Um you all just recently approved that at maybe the last commission meeting time before. Um so, that that shows up as a capital
expense for us this year. Repairs and maintenance, we we we've moved some money around a little bit on there, some up, some down. Um one thing I know the fuel costs um 230,000 is allocated in there for fuel.
Um that is up from what it was and and a big part of that is that's the price of fuel right now. It's kind of an unknown. Um they're the largest fuel user that we have in the city, so we're making sure we're covered on there. It's just so much uncertainty where
we're at. If the prices come down, that's going to be money that's left over. >> been implementing when you're not using the cars, if I catch the car running, there's going to be a problem. Turn the cars off. >> I was thinking of >> When the water's hot, get over it. Um, don't leave the cars running. I mean, the public sees that, they look at that, they see a police car running.
They're paying $4.50 and $5 a gallon, it sends a bad message. Plus, we've got to be fiscally responsible. So, we've really implemented that pretty hard across the board. Uh, turn the cars off when you're when you're not running, you know. If you've got to [snorts] go into some place or go on a call, the car shouldn't be left running. >> When did you start that, boss?
>> I'm sorry? >> When did you put that out? >> A month and a half ago. Right when I saw that the gas was going up, cuz you've got to be fiscally responsible. Gas prices, who I didn't know that this thing was going to go on for They could They were predicting $6 or $7 a gallon. So, I mean, we've got to, [snorts] you
know, every bit helps. You know, if we don't, you know, we try to do a lot of stuff on the phones, computers. You know, every little penny adds up. >> I question >> What's that? >> I'm sorry, Chief. Uh This is for Rick, but go ahead. I'm sorry.
>> Yeah. No, I took a course at Harvard, actually, on um, acting negotiations. When you with a nickel, how much a nickel carries over, so I'm just being being honest. I'm not trying to be funny. It's It adds up, so >> Mhm. Yeah. >> There's no need to have cars running.
You know, it should be a city-wide policy, if you ask me, but I can tell you the police department's doing their >> You know, and this doesn't pertain to the police department, but if we're looking to get um electric chargers, and we have cars that
are not in hot pursuit, hot pursuit, why don't we look at doing solar or [snorts] I mean, electric or hybrid cars? Do we have any? >> Yeah, we haven't to this point. Because I can
my my gas bill or my the bill to power my car, you know, the one that we drive the most is like $112. And that's probably 1,000 miles. So. So, that may be something we want to
look at as we Cuz you know, like I hate to say it, but like with Rob or with code enforcement, you know, they just drive around all day. Why not? >> And especially too, if they're coming back and they're parking at a city facility and we put >> Yeah, I'll I'll look into it.
>> Mhm. >> The exception is the K9 vehicles, of course. We have to leave those. >> Yeah, right. Yeah. >> All right. Um go to the PD. >> Yeah. >> Uh yeah, moving to CID down at the bottom. Uh again, bottom of the 21st, page 21.
Uh we brought the overtime down um from 4,000 to 2,000. Just they haven't been using it as much. >> Is is And we brought it down to that, but you know, like with this past weekend,
yeah, they were crazy. So, if it's there, >> Yeah. >> we figure out a way to pay it. >> absolutely. >> Yeah. >> So, how come they get $100 and I've seen been seeing $500 Christmas bonus? >> Five people, one person? >> There's only one person in CID.
>> Okay. >> And we get total overtime budget down and we're full staffing. >> Mhm. >> So, for the first time in a while. So, that's there's not a need to hire unless we have these anomalies, something crime related or or an event like George Fest of course.
For that for example, we've saved the last 2 years well over 60, 70,000 by not bringing everybody in and and just adjusting and and policing smart. >> Mhm. >> You know, and I think and and traffic enforcement a little bit smarter.
And that saves money right there, so. And it's hard to get people to work overtime. [clears throat] Nobody wants to work overtime, so. Believe me, it's uh that we we can probably save a lot of money because we're full staffing alone. So. >> Chief, is uh the 3049
the thousand dollars is and I'm these are your numbers, but is that enough? The >> The DEA? For confidential? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Well, it depends. >> Yeah, it seems low to me, but I mean
>> You know, a lot of times believe it or not we're using most of our stuff that we're doing is with the DEA. >> Mhm. >> And with the county task force. >> I think I've heard of them, yeah. Uh-huh. >> Yeah, you heard >> Okay. >> Uh you were a great supervisor there by the way. Uh no, uh a lot of stuff we're doing with the county task forces.
>> Mhm. >> Um when we do these type of operations that require that. >> You use their money? >> We're using their money. >> Okay. >> And uh and the DEA's money, so. >> Crime line? >> What's that? >> And crime line. >> The crime line? I mean, yeah, we don't use a Well, partnering with the county has
been huge. Not only do they pay for most of the stuff, we get nice checks. We got a $40,000 check a couple weeks ago from them, so for our participation in the investigation. So, it's it's it's a win-win. >> [clears throat] >> I had asked the chief um in our process of looking for an attorney
um wherever it is, one of the benefits of an in-house attorney is to in some of their spare time, if that that is the case, is I think I feel personally I don't know what the chief thinks, but that there is forfeiture
money out there at a local level that we might miss out on and vehicles and stuff like that that if we have an in-house attorney could fill in that forfeiture. It's a simple form, but just something to keep in the back of your mind that could help support that attorney. >> We're doing that, but we're not seeing that
despite like it was years ago. We're not seeing >> not looking for it as much, but >> Well, we are. You know, we do a lot of traffic. We get a lot Most of our drugs are from traffic stops, but the levels so low to that or the vehicles are over leverage. >> That's a big thing now. >> Yeah, a lot of stuff's done now on on
phones, on the internet, uh meeting at people's houses. It's not like the open-air markets are not existed. Uh so, it's very clandestine now. It's a lot harder and you got to be more strategic in that. But we made a couple seizures. We see If we get a car that's worth money and [clears throat] paid off, we're going to seize it. If we get
money, we're going to seize it. We're going to be We didn't They told me to negotiate back with the drug dealer. We're taking 75%. We'll give you 25%. Let's not go to court. What do you think they're going to say? Okay. So, I mean, we have a situation >> a But we need legal
documents for that and therefore that's what I'm saying. >> Thank god for PRM. So, that's all I'm going to say. We need them to agree. So, uh but we would if we needed like that we would probably have to have someone, you know, specially trained for that. >> 30 44
uh the $5800. >> 30 44? >> Mhm. Is that um >> the dog. >> Under the drug vehicle is >> Yeah, the the drug undercover. It >> Not the lease. That's the uh drug
vehicle. >> Lease dog. >> ours used as CPD or is that one we're doing through one of the the task force? >> It's leased. >> It's leased. Is it >> A lot of it does get reimbursed through HIDTA. >> Okay. All right. That was my my question. Okay. All right.
>> For the DEA. >> Yeah, okay. >> And they pay the overtime, too. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. Um middle of the page, communications. That's uh dispatch. And those are the numbers we got from Lake County during the the process
sitting down with Chief. He got them phoned in and that's the actual numbers. >> For us for the previous year? >> [clears throat] >> That's >> Remember we used to pay about 700,000 for communications. Now we're down about what, 300? >> 324.
>> Yeah. Since we went to the uh Lake County. And everybody else is on Lake County here with the exception of Leesburg, which can't be cuz they're the backup for the county. We're the only department I think maybe Groveland. And Groveland's people have reached out to us cuz they're they're going to switch over, too. >> Yeah. >> I talked to their uh
the uh the the assistant to the city manager. Administrator. And I and I gave all the details and it looks like they're going to go over to the uh to the county, too. It's just cost beneficial. >> Mhm. >> And you're going to save money and >> [clears throat and cough] >> cut a lot of the overhead out. >> All right, towards the bottom of page
22, support services. Um the the other contractual number that got moved in from a different account. Those items um pretty much related to the firewall. Um
So, they came in from the next page. You'll see where those they came out of there. Transportation, postage. Um that we cut that number down. It was 2,000, it's to 1,000. Um [clears throat] it this this whole process going
through, we slashed the postage stuff all over the place. There was one group, I think it was engineering, had $2,000 and they'd spent $0.74. I mean, they bought a stamp. Um so, we're >> Actually, I think that was the city manager's office. >> Was it? I knew I knew [laughter] I knew
it was me somehow. It was I don't mail stuff anymore. We got emails. So, it's all good. Um Yeah, the the repair and maintenance item 3046, that's that used to carry some of the firewall costs. They They got pulled out of that account and
then over into the other one. >> Uh for the fax lines and the ditch dispatch phone lines. Um Do we We have dispatch? We don't have dispatch yet, do we? >> Dispatch? >> Yeah. >> No, that's contracted with the county.
Yeah. What are you looking at? What number? >> Uh 3041. >> 3041? >> Yeah, the second one from the top. On 23 page. >> Page 23. Yes, the cell phones, uh air cards with the cell phones in the the police cars.
>> Yeah, the second one. The phone bill for the fax lines. >> That's it. We don't have that one. >> Okay. >> It was appropriated for the last uh last year, right? >> Okay.
Maybe we can split that between five commissions. >> You guys want to mention that one? >> Yeah, there you go. >> I'm game. >> They actually do maintain fax lines over there uh cuz I do transmit uh back and forth between Lake County. So, we do have maintain active uh fax lines at PD.
>> Hm. >> There's some data that has to go that way. >> Okay. >> And I also have the numbers on the cell phones and the hotspots, if you want to know that, too. So. >> Uh uh uh citywide? >> Yes. I think it's here. It is um
This one is 202. This one >> [snorts] >> I think it just should be >> No, we got to move the dis- this dispatch phone lines cuz they're digging out. We'll take that out. >> Yep. Okay. >> Just for the fax lines. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, can we have 164 cell phones active
and 67 hotspots? Um you got to remember a police officer has a cell phone and a hotspot, so they take up two. We also have five uh SIM cards for uh fire department for their trucks, and they maintain two SIM cards in each um
each truck. So, they have a like an AT&T SIM card and a Are you T-Mobile? Yeah, so they carry two different carriers just in case, you know, they they lose signal. >> It's a lot of phones. Okay. Thanks. Thanks, Chief. Thanks, Bryce.
>> Can't got a price, huh? >> All right. School crossing guard, there is no change on that. Code enforcement, we uh bumped up overtime, brought that up a thousand. Um they've already um hit that that amount of overtime.
So. >> And the money they're bringing in covers all of it. >> Really? >> a lot of money in from fines and stuff like that, so. >> Operating supplies on 3052. Um the fuel was moved up to stay
consistent. Um it was moved from the bottom line vehicle repair and maintenance. [snorts] So, the repair and maintenance is down 4,200. That $4,200 line item got moved up to the office supplies.
>> Good thing the fuel's coming down. >> Yeah. >> So. For now. >> For now. >> Yeah. >> Who knows tomorrow? >> We're really stressing >> But it it's great cuz you I mean you and everybody's living it. You're seeing 50 50 cent swings within a day or two and
then then it goes back. So, it's I mean it's kind of hard to predict. Different departments are doing different levels of aggressiveness All right, done with PD, move to fire. >> That's a hot subject. >> Um
again hitting hitting the changes if you would the >> They got to have fun, man. Can't >> Problem program is down We had 1,000 from 9,000 to 6. >> [clears throat and cough] >> The operating supplies
page 26 towards the bottom, we brought that down. Um it was 21, it's down at 10, 10. Um And again, we're looking at historicals. They're under 4,000 so far this year. We're 3/4 of the way through almost.
>> Chief, we've had what, about six people to go through paramedic school. >> Four? >> Four. >> Four. Three of them are done with the provisional process. Um they've recently received a raise. Uh the fourth one will start provisional process in the near future. >> Okay.
So, that fire suppression, that's um the line item carries the three firefighters per station three. So, it's a half year again. So, we figure we'll bring them in midyear. >> What line item are you >> I'm on Rick. >> Um I am midway
>> Fire suppression. >> Um page 26, fire suppression. >> On the bottom? >> Under S12. >> Okay. >> Got it. >> So, that went up from 2,090,000 to 2,448,000. That's the three firefighters in there.
And the cola for everybody. There's a total of 33 people I think under there. >> It'll be midyear uh next year, which will take us to 11 per shift. Which will give us a chance to uh potentially have three suppression trucks on the road at 24/7. Which is our goal is to have a
third truck now to get us ready for station three to be open. So, those personnel are trained and ready to go into that that station. And we really need to be thinking about station four. Talk about strategic planning. Um station four needs to be on our
our minds. And we're working on a public safety complex uh in that process with station four. >> That's a lot. >> It is. >> When do you see station four in your mind? When are you saying? >> Uh 5 to 7 years. >> Okay.
>> Station three we have it in the budget in the next 2 years to get done. But we'll see. >> All right. >> Really no other changes other than the corresponding loadings of those additional three. >> All right. We're good. We move to public
works. >> Again, this is the general fund section of public works. They're kind of spread between the 13 fund, which is streets, and 49 is storm water. So, page [clears throat] 28
you were looking at now. So, first is uh maintenance garage. Um and public works did a great job across the board as far as holding costs and cutting costs. Um
So, they they have done a exceptional job. The numbers across the board were down quite a bit. So, um this is pretty easy to run through this section. Really no increases. Um
utility services went up a little bit. Um and that's just, you know, a uh a pass-through from the TICO and Duke accounts. Repair and maintenance we brought down a little bit. Um just historic values.
So, public works did a 10% increase on their gas. So, across kind of across the board for there. So, they study they brought down. Again, um not cutting the opportunities, but we're just not using it. I know last year we
cut from where it was. We used to have big numbers in there and we're just not getting the guys through. Uh vehicle repair and maintenance came up a little bit. We're getting some some tired pickup trucks there. So, um in the capital, we've got some new
vehicles and and uh purchases some years. We do under the the general fund trying to keep the budget tight with public works. Um a lot of times that's heavy-duty trucks um from the enterprise funds.
But, if if we can't keep the the vehicles that they need, the four-wheel drives and the crew cabs, um we'll buy used if we can get decent used equipment. Towards the bottom is building maintenance. So, right now our our actual numbers on
building maintenance are low. We have two um vacancies here um under the building maintenance group. The other contractual, the generator maintenance contract, we had a a outsourced generator
maintenance. Um we started doing that in-house with our mechanics and saved a lot of money. And I I programmed through 30,000. This we did years ago. >> Mhm. >> Um put 30,000 in um
for a large supply, not all the generators, but a large supply of the generators, the building generators, in-house. And which was a huge savings just from going from like a Generac or or the folks that had it is a bots I think had it.
Um, so when we went in house we saved a bunch of money. Historically we're still not getting those the parts the replacement [snorts] parts we're not seeing the cost. So I took it from 30 down to 20,000 this year. So Um, yeah to date they spent 5,400 at
this point. So it's it's been it was a good call and with that it's the the maintenance guys we have are Mhm. pretty top notch and they know when they when it's over their head and we got to get something. Um
and they'll reach out. Uh, we've got some guys at lift station. Um, under the wastewater group they come in and help. Mhm. Um, just because of some of the the stuff that they're used to on the control side of it. So
it's it's been a big saving for us. Um the in the middle of the page at 3044 um, operating expenses rentals and leases that was 69,000. Um, that went to zero.
That was um, mostly the temporary air conditioning units that we had running while we were trying to get the the library back up. >> Did we get a new Did we get a new system there? >> Yes.
>> Yeah, we've got it. We've got the system replaced. And we ended up buying the So the the heat came under that lease because we were leasing and I think you had brought it up like man if you're going to lease these forever why don't I just buy them?
>> Yeah. >> And we went there and bought them. It was it was a saving. So we do have those now. Um so if a building does go down, we've got uh the portables that we can >> So any building? >> Apartment? >> [cough] >> Yeah. Yeah, for the most part. Um you
know, it takes a water supply. Um you know, you it's it's like a little portable chiller system. So it takes a a water supply and you got to have the power for it, but um if it's something that's down, like if we lost something here,
um we could definitely we could bring one over and put it in here and it would be I mean, it would cover it for sure. I mean, it can do a pretty large area. I think three total. Four. There was four. >> Got you. >> [snorts]
>> All right. Next page, 30. Um cemetery. So we we have a a new position this year um because of the uh
the Tranquil Gardens. Mhm. So a lot of maintenance with that. So as that's on board, so this is the new cell phone for them. Um so we brought that up $600 to to cover a cell phone for that person.
And the utility services account went up by $1,750. Um we had to put a new um power account and also new water account there. So
>> The the new um the new fees for cemetery, are they are they how are they doing that? >> We need to bring that. So by the time we get it open, we need to bring you and I keep meaning to get with you to kind of help you through that. But we're going to need to bring that through. That'll be a change in ordinance.
>> Uh-huh. >> And the new Tranquil Gardens and the escape plots. >> Mhm. >> Yeah, those are going to be substantially higher than anything we have out there now. And that'll help us not only and and we won't we won't recover the capital expense.
>> No, but we got to recover our maintenance. >> Well, yeah, we'll we'll recover the maintenance and break even on it. >> Yeah, we're doing the legwork now on seeing what other similar pricing's out there and making sure we're falling in the right ballpark. >> And uh
>> Commissioner Holland can help you, too. >> He helped me a lot on the on the last time we did them. So, he can he can get some stuff that you and I aren't privy to. So. Um cut on the employee study. We cut that down again and again we're we're not it's not that we're trying to
cut the the employee study out from people, but it's just we're not using it. It's not there. If if people need it, we'll find the money for them. Um but at this point, it's just I'm I'm tired of carrying the money every year. So.
And yeah, down at the the bottom of that, the the capital buildings. All the capital outlay, that's like a one-time purchase. So, that goes back and forth. It's not really a cut. The 20,000 had them um Yeah, we're we're doing some buildings some some storage components out there
for the um the third-party gravediggers. Um so, that's where that that money is in there. But, yeah, we're we're not looking at it's not that we're cutting the capital out. It's just it's not needed to be there with that. >> [clears throat] >> Um starting park maintenance. So,
page 31 at the top. Um increased the overtime cost 5,000. Um we're saying that to date that it's been 11.5 already and and a lot of those guys um they'll suck up the overtime for the special events and stuff. You know,
we're we're putting um there's you know, requested by commission and by events that we have more people at the events and and make sure we're getting the garbage out quick enough and and uh having electricians out. So, um
that overtime has gotten bumped up. Our maintenance came down just a little bit, about 3 grand. Over on the page 32. Couple of small cuts. Um employee study expense again re- reduced that by 3,000. Um
vehicle repair maintenance um allocated $4,000 from the operating supplies over into the small equipment and tools. Second half of the page, custodians. >> [snorts] >> 10% increase of gas.
Increased the repair maintenance for the vehicles. So, and that completes public works. Um now, over to the library, page 34. Um and and it would have got jumped to in cutting and keeping the keeping the budget
tight. And makes it makes it easy when we go through and do this. So >> Just curious, did you ask every department head to cut by a certain amount or did you just >> to hold. Hold to the Hold to the last year's. >> Or did you just like prioritize what you
really need for right now? >> No, I I had everybody hold and then that way we could adjust. So like when when we needed to do the three fire and the additional deputy police chief we had that's where we looked at it going into to harder cuts.
But it was pretty much run like you're running. >> Okay. >> And and asked everybody to do that. Not everybody did, not everybody was able to. But if somebody went up, somebody else got to come down. >> Okay. >> And that's when it that's when it got into the priorities. So it wasn't just cutting for the sake
of cutting. >> Right. Right. >> But it also wasn't just increase because I'd like to do something different type of deal. We kind of stopped that practice. >> Okay. Um on the bonuses uh
1,700 is typically 100 per person, correct? >> Yes. >> But then we have three library techs and three pages. >> You have under the the regular salaries? >> Mhm.
>> Um there's >> There's 11 full-time and then the six part-time. >> Got it. Okay. >> Do city commissioners get a bonus? >> Mhm. >> $1,000. >> Oh. >> 100. >> This No, a Christmas bonus. >> No, we don't.
>> No, we get the same bonus as employees. We don't get a Christmas bonus. >> No, don't. >> No. >> You don't? >> No. >> 700. >> [laughter] >> He seemed really concerned about that. >> I just take it >> Actually, I I kind of I would argue that you did, but >> No, we don't. >> You say we're getting a Christmas bonus?
>> We do not get We're the only people We're the only people who don't get a Christmas bonus. >> I thought he meant I was excited. Would you like to include that? >> I I would like to include that. >> Okay. >> You should get a You should get the same
thing at every I mean, you're If we're giving part-time people a $100 bonus, you should get the $100 bonus. >> [laughter] >> I agree. That'll get me just over a dollar an hour. >> Um taxes come out of it. It's a $100 gross. So, it's about 80 net.
>> No, we talked about that. >> We're grossing it up. >> We're going to increase it a little bit, so it's really 100 take home. >> All right. There you go. >> Merry Christmas. >> Never mind. [laughter] You're a dollar an hour now. >> You You can keep mine. Sorry. Well, you know where to put mine. >> Oh, come on.
>> All right. Um >> Emily wants to keep hers. >> [laughter] >> No shame in my game. >> Page Page 34. There There were no changes across page 34. 35 at the top.
Um and is now the Uses and Blooms representative and and ring leader, if you would. Um so, we did add add 10,000 into there. It was um It's kind of hidden all over the place
as we started finding it. Um there were a lot of charges that came out of the city manager's office when Ellis was over there. And kind of wanted that captured and caught, so it's not just a spending as it comes. So, we have Scott the account
and she'll manage that account for Uses and Blooms. Um >> Is Is the tour guide just for the museum or is it going to be someone back and forth with the the library? >> The tour guide um those hours came to
the library and then we're sending someone from the library to work over there. We're in the process of setting up tours but also open hours. So, it's not just a tour. We're trying to figure that out with the the little hours we were given by using staff differently at the library.
>> Um I'm concerned as I was when it was under sharing. >> It's a man that goes over there by himself. >> You know what I was talking about. Okay, perfect. Okay, thank you. >> [snorts] >> Um Becca, the the books and subscriptions, I did um
uh we cut some stuff in there um and this was kind of the the the some of the last minute cuts that we had to do. Um so, the books the 43,000 under 30,054, I'm sorry. Um the books we took that down 10,000.
>> I didn't I didn't see that. I don't You took that What did you take out? I mean, it is the first I've heard of it. >> Books. >> [clears throat and cough] >> We took that down to 10,000 down 10,000 to 43,000. >> And there goes our $100 Christmas bonus. >> And and there's [clears throat] there's
telephone and Wi-Fi in the museum? >> Yes. >> This is the library. >> That's in a different that's later in the budget. I had no idea you cut my book budget. I'm sorry. That's distressing because I can't get money >> It was in what I sent you yesterday and we can discuss >> And we can discuss that up from here.
>> Okay. >> Thank you. Um on the historic museum uh Um, again, that was carried under events. Now, that is is under the
library, so those those charges have come over to this account. >> Uh with the holiday lights, is that going to be a reoccurring or is that a purchase? Do we have a company coming in to do those and >> I don't know yet. I left that in the
budget because I'm still learning what's going on with it and if we decide to do holiday lights, I want to keep it in the budget. >> All right, we good? >> Storage unit. >> We have two. >> Oh, that's right cuz they're air conditioned, correct? Okay, then never mind.
>> I'm I'm not sure that that number's correct because the way that Miranda Mirror set up the accounts, there were two and one went to events and one went to me, but both of them ended up in my budget, but as far as I know, I only have one. So, I'm not sure about [snorts] that number. It might be lower.
>> Okay. Okay. All right. Great. I like lower. >> Me, too. >> Okay. All right, we're good? >> Yep. Is there going to be some changes to this still? >> Um, the changes that we discussed today.
So, that we went through and did. So, if you see something, let us know. Right now, we're balancing. >> So, if you have a discussion with with um Anne about the 10,000 and you need to put that in, you would show us that. >> I would bring that back to you, but at
this point, something else is getting cut 10,000. >> True. Meaning [clears throat] if hers comes back, it's got to come out of somewhere else. >> It's coming out of somewhere else. >> Not to get real serious, but could you clarify for me exactly what that 10,000 you cut out was used for?
>> Books. Books. >> Yeah, just for the overall overall purchase of books. So, it's it's reducing the number. >> And we reduced it by 10,000 from That was what line was that? >> It was 53,000 and it went down to 43,000. >> [clears throat]
>> And part of this is we're using >> drop, right? >> Yep. And as we're looking ahead for the property tax, the library budget is going to be hit hard. And if we're looking again, as I said, as we're moving
forward, this this is kind of what we're keeping in mind as we move forward that way. So. >> I tell you that library I I'm learning a lot about that library with grandkids and kids and and and um
it it brings so many benefits outside of what I ever thought. A library is a library. I can find it online. It's not. It's a It's a It's an event. It's a family event. It's It's community. It's It's >> It's a >> Books are education. >> It's a cultural center cuz they do a lot
of They do a lot of those activities. I agree. >> And and books have to be current. >> I don't want to put pressure on you, Rick. I'm sorry. I didn't But >> And I'm sorry for any confusion. I didn't know about it. I just I just was surprised. I'm not trying to
Whatever we have to do for the budget, I support it. I just didn't know and it caught me off guard. I'm sorry. >> This is not about you. And with all due respect, I just >> Sir? >> It's about us. >> It's about the the the It's about the community and the books and everything
like that, but um I'll leave it in your hands. But I I uh That's a difficult situation. You know, that budget and you something. >> I I can tell you this whole process has not been easy. Um But it But at the same time, I'm not
bringing you a $1.4 million upside-down budget like has happened in years in the past. So, I'll I'll make the hard decisions. You all can can override it. They I mean, it's >> this would go to '27 budget? >> Uh this is This is '26/'27. This is
effective October 1. >> Uh-oh. >> Oh, [clears throat] okay. So, there is a telephone and Wi-Fi at the museum? >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> It's for for the camera system. >> Oh, okay. >> Yes. >> Okay.
Um Are there grants out there for new books? Last question on book on the book thing. Are there grants out there, too, for that? >> I I You know what? I don't even want to put you on the spot. Forget about it. Forget about it. We'll look into >> I can We're
Believe me, we're going to have some more conversation about this. So, >> Well, I I'm not interfering in what you guys talk about. I want to >> But yeah, and we'll we'll look into to what it is and talk to uh our grants department to see what's out there. I would imagine there is.
I don't I don't know offhand of any. >> Okay, I'm I I'm going to ask a question and uh >> I don't like the sound of it already. >> And I probably need to move away from the mayor when I ask this question.
Uh Eustis in balloon, uh $10,000. Uh and we have that in several places. How much are we spending on that total? >> Um I have to pull the accounts and >> Uh because >> There's money in the CIP for the
projects, which Rick can speak to with the CIP, which I think he already did. >> Mhm. >> This was a small budget, but it was coming out of little different things. >> Uh-huh. >> And I think I think 10,000 is a little high, but it's because it's my first time I and because it was coming from so many different departments, that was just a number I picked.
Um things that I've purchased already just since I took over from this year's budget, um we we got t-shirts, which was promotional when we had those publics people here. We also um Emily just requested as the America in Bloom people when they came, they had these really cool door hangers
that they went when they were touring people and if someone had a really pretty yard, they would put a door hanger on their yard. So, I just ordered um some of those for Emily. Um things like that that come up. Um the filming and the promotion we're doing for the AIB awards, that sometimes
that costs money to get the stuff done for that. I don't think it's anything grand, but I think it's a little bit and because I didn't know and I didn't know where Ellis was pulling the money from, I just tried to take it all of what I estimated. So, it very well could be more or less, excuse
me, less. I just didn't know. So, that's where that came from. But the the CIP money are for projects and Rick can speak to that. >> Okay, the the reason I asked is can we can we can take part of the >> [laughter]
>> No. >> part of the money for books? >> Nope. I think it's separate thing and again, the book just caught me off guard. I support whatever the cuts they're making. It just I was surprised and I didn't hide that well. I'm sorry. I'm fine with however the budget's written and I think that's a really good number
for the the A Eustis in Bloom because we don't know and that way I'm not usually a person that gives money back at the end of the year if I can help it, but if we don't use it, it'll certainly go somewhere where we need it. >> And if I can say something, staff internally has made that same comment
that it's all over and we actually have a meeting scheduled next week to check this budget everywhere it appears and fine-tune it. And part of it is the travel to the award ceremony. So, that's a good portion of it, but we do know we need to look at that number a little bit
closer. >> Okay. >> There's $100,000 in each year in the next 5 years in the CIP for AIB. >> Just in the CIP for then there's other stuff on top of that. Yeah. It'd be cool to a layman, you [snorts] know, and I think whoever
brought up the other uh the Georgefest, if we saw without having to go do it, maybe you expect us to go back and do it, but to see what does Georgefest really, really cost us? What does American in Bloom really, really cost us? What does the 4th of July
really, really What do First Fridays? Not to create more work for you, Lori, but but maybe that's a report that can be >> That's where the use of those project codes that we've implemented are going to come in. >> But then hopefully we get to see it though. Will we see that report?
>> AIB and events is what I'm hearing. Is that what we're interested in? >> Any of those big numbers that are the so-called discretionary I call them discretionary spending. Georgefest is kind of a that's probably not the right term, but it's a discretionary spending item and
and so is American the mayor wanted to add the the the special party during that. It just gives us a better grasp of spending. When I talk to a constituent and they say, "What do y'all spend for American in Bloom?" Before I was a commissioner, I I'm not American in
Bloom for Georgefest. I thought it was like I was nowhere close. But it would be it you guys are into the sophisticated accounting. I I I what you've done, Rick, since you've come and and and changed a lot of this by giving us top line revenue stuff,
too. That's Man, that's that's day and night. >> I also like the idea of looking across the board rather than picking one or two and then saying, "Let's hit that." I'd like to see it across the board. >> Yeah, whatever. I mean, I'd love to be able to
ask for a query and you pull a query on all George Fest related stuff and it comes to it. >> If I can elaborate just a little bit, all of that is um things that we are putting together in in moving forward with a new RP
system. We're trying to get people used to new concepts and new reporting methods because of where we're at being so archaic. So, this is all part of the process to move us forward to a really good process. >> So, we're not there yet is what you're saying. >> No, we're getting there and we are still
>> said, "Do you now pull us a report on everything for George Fest and tell us what it cost us from beginning to end the overtime to clean up and everything?" >> certain Sherry my answer because we just implemented this a couple months ago. >> So, we're not there yet. >> Sherry's got it. >> Hi. Hello again.
Soon after I started, I asked and they kindly obliged by providing project codes for each event. But, it depends on who's entering the requisition. They have to make sure it's They're still learning and implementing that thing uh that process. If they pulled it now, it wouldn't be completely
accurate. I keep all that. If if push comes to shove and you want to know exactly what we spent, I keep all that. I have a budget tracking sheet. So, moving forward, especially every single event that we work on is going to have every single expenditure on it, okay? And then
hopefully, the goal is when we pull a project code report, that it reconciles with what I have. >> I guess I'd like to see I think I don't know if how the rest of the commissioners feel. I think we all want to see a that project code thing is what I'm what I'm really saying.
>> It It's already in It's already happening. But it didn't start until the fiscal year was already in motion. >> was my point. >> Well, for next year, we should have a product We should have a summary when you give us the budget next year to tell
us we spent last year versus what we budgeted. >> Is that in all departments? Well, >> key thing, discretionary stuff, the big stuff. I guess you guys can tell them what they want. I don't want to tell them >> be more more like project stuff. So, George Russell will get a project code. Um >> 4th of July
>> 4th of July light up, um Christmas stuff, you know, all the Christmas lights and all that. We can tie project codes to it. Um you know, and it started kind of as a the capital projects, you know, cool edges over 10 different accounts. It's all over the place. We got grants, we
got everything. I mean, it Tracking of that is is horrific. Um so, we do the project, so it all pulls in. You pull that, you get one number. So, we can set that up. We can set that up with American Bloom. It's not there yet. As we get the budgets input, I
imagine we'll be tying that into the budget. When we get the new system and Edmunds is gone, it's going to be much easier to be able to pull all that together. >> does that become annualized and we have a good annual data in it a year from now? >> Uh I don't know exactly when, but
Wednesday or Thursday, uh July 16th, the next commission meeting in July, uh the uh consultants will be doing a presentation of their fact-finding meetings, their recommendations, their >> To us or to you guys? >> You guys. >> We have one meeting in July, right?
>> Mhm. Yeah, the one. It's so you guys will be aware of what we're facing as a city with information and those types of records, and then so you can help us make a better decision on where we are going to go with our ERP system. But
it's probably a 12-to-24-month process in total once we actually make a decision who we select. >> In in the meantime, what we're requesting in the budget for the different projects, we can collate that and get that information to you. >> so much better than what we looked at
last year. >> So, we'll we'll get that and and >> Or more lame for us cuz we're really lame and accept >> It's not going to be that big of an of an effort. I mean, we've got it here. We know we know where it is. Yeah, we can pull it out, get it pulled together and kind
of say, "Hey, here's here's what's there, here's what's here." You know, and and hit the big ones because it is you you look at it sometimes it's an eye-opener. >> Yeah, I mean, I would like and I think we all agree up here. I would like next year the next uh up the mid-year update,
I I'd like to see some of that. And then the the uh uh the I know this is off chasing a squirrel, but the um Irish Festival and the Japanese Festival um we haven't got to yet in there, but is that working into some of our
budgeting stuff? >> No, those are in-kind donations. >> Well, the Japanese Festival was our number one >> I'm aware. >> Yeah, uh with businesses. >> Yeah, it was. But, it's not it's not a city event, so we're just we're just
partners and we're just doing in-kind, so >> it's the best bang for our buck. >> But, I mean, but But, yeah, he's right that you know, those those even for those kind of events, you know, the that we should know those numbers as well.
Don't you think? Like in in-kind Okay. >> Yes. >> Yeah, I mean, you you know, I've been bringing this up to to our former manager the data that we have is so important and we just got to find a way to use it.
>> So, I'll me an example. We just got a request from the African American Heritage Committee. We are going to go back and evaluate those and say, "Okay, yes. Here's what we're going to do and here is the value of the in-kind donations that we're giving." >> Right. >> And then that should get us a certain sponsorship level, right? If we're doing in-kind of 50 grand, what's that
sponsorship level equate to? >> No, I mean that that that the data is is really what drives most of the decisions that I mean business leaders do, community leaders do. It's we got to have that data. And I remember last budget season we were talking about the
credit card things. We didn't even know what percentage were rec- credit cards or what percentage were utilities and I bet Lori has that now. No. >> I don't. >> [laughter] >> But I can't tell you that we pick up the fees on utilities and we don't pick it up for everything else. >> Yeah, I know. I know. Well, that's
that's true. It's just um But yeah, the data the data's completely um completely important. And another thing I was trying to get um our other manager to do was find a way for the departments to communicate on one project or another.
Besides, I don't know how y'all do it now, but it must be phone and emails, right? >> What What do you >> Well, kind of kind of like what fire and police and development services do on a project. Like uh project management software or something
like that. >> We have GovPilot. I mean GovPilot is >> Yeah. >> is the system we use internally for tracking permits. >> Well, I'm well, >> You lost me, Gary. What are you trying to say? >> I'm I'm getting there. I'm getting there. I'm >> for me.
>> Well, um say say for just for the sake of argument, the Japanese Festival. You know, there's a lot of departments that have to be involved in that festival. You know, why couldn't there be a why could Yeah, why couldn't there be like a software program, Japanese Festival, and all departments go in to
this just that software. >> That's the special event permit process and that is a manual process. >> Yeah. That's That's happening now. >> What? >> We have IT meetings. >> Sorry, who said that? >> Me. >> Oh, what? >> Uh
police uh fire events Oh. >> Police, fire, and events, we get together regularly and and make sure everything's correlated and and it's and it and it runs >> I know you do it in person, but I'm just talking about like just general communication with uh you know, with
like a like a software. >> Yeah, I wish there were a software path. We use email. >> It's not that hard. >> Yeah. >> Are you saying you want to see that information? You want to see what they're communicating? >> No, maybe maybe I need to explain it better, but um but for sake of argument, we can we can
move on. >> I know when a special event permit comes in, it goes to all of the departments and we all review it what we need and it all goes back to events. >> And Sherry Sherry draws us together. >> May I chime in? >> Yeah. >> Hi. [laughter] Um
I think I know I I think I understand Vice Mayor Ashcraft where you're going with that. Um we after the previous Japan Festival we saw an area that we can improve in with internal communications and we have been working very closely to do that
with city management office, police, fire, and and everyone. Um events has now taken over handling the task list that we do for city events. We're also providing that. So, we are constantly evolving and improving that process. So, improving internal communications, we've been on it and the
experience with the Japan Fet Fest folks is going to be much different, even better next time. >> Well, I mean, I appreciate >> as everyone else. It's the same across the board. >> speaking specifically about that. I was just talking about general communications, you know, over over the entire the the entire city, even if you
get like a a request, you know, there's a pothole over on, you know, over on Bades, you know, uh it goes to two or three different departments, and then did does that department know it got completed? >> Yeah, see it we're on top of that. That's the money we don't We we have no issues with that.
Everybody communicates really well. >> Okay. >> It It really is. >> Okay. But but we >> I've written I've written a I've written an SOP for specifically for for event permitting. >> Mhm. >> For internal and and I'm going to be releasing it. And if you're curious about that stuff, but we're developing a
lot of those standard operating procedures with any department. >> it's uh it sounds like it's, but you know, it's really about just trying to improve, and I'm not I'm not making proven efficiencies so we spend less time and get more things done. So, okay.
>> we're on it. Thank you. >> No, thank you. >> I have a question. Um only because I saw something [clears throat] about the um the LGBTQ festival saying they're going to do it
again next year. If those So, we have different festivals coming in um that are not city um sponsored. And each one of them come and and ask us to join. I mean, are we protecting I'm protecting ourselves or is there a limit? How do we control
that? >> I'm not sure I understand the question. As far as if we give in-kind services or not? >> Yeah. And to And as as we have really good turnout with with the Japanese festival, with the um Irish festival. And so, if each one of them we get big
festivals and they come and they want all these things, can we meet those needs? >> Sometimes. I will tell you there's new legislation, uh some DEI legislation that's going to impact some of the events that you just mentioned that we're watching closely to make sure that we adhere to. As far as the other
events, what do we allow what what do we not allow? We look at the history of the event. How long has it been around? Was it economic development fraud? Does it benefit us? So, like for instance for the Japanese festival, we're probably going to do more this year than we did last year because we see the benefits. Maybe an event that's in its first year, we're probably going to do a little bit
less for those. So, we look at those on a case-by-case basis is the answer. >> That's what I want to know that we are monitoring and okay. >> I would like to see and I'm working on a and I don't mind announcing it now. I was going to announce it later, but I'll announce it now. I am working on a
>> What? >> on [laughter] on an Oktoberfest event. >> Seriously and and I with a good supporter of of that which I'll announce I'm not ready to yet, but soon I will
announce >> [laughter] >> the German restaurant in uh Sanford. Um the Hollerbach's. So, um those are good things that would help us with the Japanese and with with all that. And there's also talk about potentially
incorporating that into a gingerbread German uh October crossover Christmas kind of thing. >> We want an event here every weekend. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. >> Downtown on a serious note and and and I
say this cuz I am involved and invested and invested in downtown. It's not cherry It's not cherry days in these downtown businesses. It is our responsibility, I believe, and and and I want to hear from these guys up here if they don't agree. It's our
responsibility to try to get the best quality of people and businesses downtown, but we can't effectively do that without enough boots on the ground. Somewhere in there we either have to let them all fail and keep turning or somehow step in and for a while and and
give a little boost up and then fade away kind of like bringing up you know a new a child or someone but it people in downtown are hurting. You know I I could I could probably think of one person who isn't but
um they're they're hanging on. I mean I I don't I don't doubt that we'll see two if not three businesses close up um uh in the coming 12 months. One of them a top business. >> Well they were talking also I heard from
most of the merchants a lot of the merchants that when the when the events come if it's a restaurant it might be a cooking um booth right in front of them and they lose money. And so we have to be careful
how we arrange things for the merchants too so that they don't get so left out on certain days when we have big events. >> I think Sherry did really good when she came compared to when Miranda was here where she's letting them have their booth in front. She's embracing that. She's opening that. I think that's calmed down some of my some of the
people I deal with. But uh I just this is a side subject but it's in the line. These people in downtown are not cleaning up. They're not making money. I will tell you I didn't plan on saying this but the
last two businesses that left that were my tenants I cut their rent over 50% to try to keep them here. And for the last year and I don't mind saying it the Mystic Ice Cream's rent went down to nothing just to keep him here.
And he still went to Mount Dora. Uh you know so they're not uh business is tough to survive. 50% of all businesses fail in the first you know two years in the food service so
I could talk about that forever but it it it's real. Um some people will argue that it's not our problem to if a business person doesn't make it. >> Well, >> And and it isn't if you're Winter Garden, maybe.
And you've got that, but we're not that. We're trying to make something out of out of very little. So, >> Yeah, but they you know what? I I agree with you on part on that. They we bring them in the town, but it's their job to get them in the door. >> And keep them. >> They have to have accountability, too.
They can't They can't rely on us all the time. >> Absolutely, 100%. I'm I'm a I'm a business enterprise. Whatever, but when we want them to come here and give it a try and give it a go and work really hard, and they just don't have enough boots on the ground and people coming and and
whatnot. It Is it The question is this, when you come into business in Eustis I hear. And and me and Rick sat with a great company that we want to get in here. And it's not going the way I want it to go, and the answer is do I want to come to Eustis?
Or do I want to go to Mount Dora? Or do I want to go to Sanford? Or do I want to go to Cocoa Beach? Or wherever? We're not competing against ourselves, we're competing against other places. And that's that's our problem. >> Are you talking about it like issuing incentives?
>> I'm I'm talking about the economic development of bringing in things like I was so excited about and and even though he brought it the the Japanese festival, the the um St. Patrick's Day thing. We These people need to have this to survive.
>> Yeah. >> It's not a hey, here's a great idea. We brought you um the the you know, Irish festival, good for you, picked up some extra revenue. No, I'm saying it's a difference between survival and death in downtown. Until we can get downtown going, until we can start building on
those lots >> [cough] >> the smart [clears throat] way, and until that goes and we become a economic guru like like Winter Garden, we're we're turning a lot of businesses and we don't and we're getting some good
people coming in the door and they're not sticking. And I sat with them some you know, he's before I was on the commission, Willie came and sat with us with business people. We tried hard. We went out to restaurant and and and beat on them, tried to get them to come here and it didn't work.
>> Yeah. >> And it wasn't because they didn't like us. It's So. >> You know, to to to to George's point, um at the Japan Fest, you know,
I actually spoke to the uh at the Japan Japan Fest. Um the bee the bee guy. >> Bird? >> J. From From Tallahassee? >> J.T. from Pan's Bun. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And and he told me he made more in that
one day than he had in probably 6 months. Um So, you know, and to Gary's point, uh they have to be willing to get out and get in the middle of all of it. >> They got to work harder than we do, but
>> Yeah. >> They I I mean, Al, I don't know if you agree or not to put you on the spot, but we got to help these guys. We're not where we are >> Mhm. >> where they can survive and we want we We want all this beautiful This is all strategic. I know I'm going off tangent, but
we want a great downtown. We need a great downtown. We need it economically. We need it for taxes now as we're doing what we're doing. >> [snorts] >> Uh but we're in a phase where somewhere maybe I don't know if it it's a budget item, but there is we need to incentivize that until we can get to
where we can turn the tables around and now we can, you know, put the pressure on them. But, um >> I think they could do a better job of working together, also. Um >> [clears throat] >> and coming together to see what the kinds of
things they could offer. Um we are going to have a meeting with all of them if they come and try to jump-start it again, because I think that they need to have some input and kind of help direct this. We can't do it all for
them, but they have to come also to the plate. So, I think all of us working together, not only protect them, but to bring in new things is important. >> I think they'll manage the problems that they're having. How long have we parking on the road? I'm tired of I have three or four different people in the city who, you
know, Pine Smoke being one, Cozy Corner being another, you know, Peddler's Wagon being another, this one. I want parking for 2 hours or less. I want parking all day. Don't restrict parking. That They got to work that stuff out instead of coming in bang beating on us. I was in the last
workshop and all of us were getting text by two different people, but we have to uh we have to help the the bridge the gap between now and the full development Excuse [clears throat] me, of what Rick
plans and what him and and Dr. Levy's plans are for downtown. We we are not We are in a crisis, and it's getting worse now with the cost of some of the other stuff. We are in a crisis. We can't give away somebody to come into that Brick & Barrel.
>> Yeah. >> I can't give that It's not my building or anything to give away, but I can't beat on him anymore. And and that doesn't make sense to me. So, the thing we can do are these are these
events. And we talked about an incentive for for them, but it it's very real. >> I think that the only And and I could be wrong, but the only people that I know of that have used the entertainment incentive, is that just
Pine Smoke, or has it They're the only ones. >> Yeah, that's a that's a good question. How is that program going? [snorts] Is it being well used? >> It is underutilized. The chamber has made a couple of applications.
Pine Smoke But yes, it is underutilized. >> The the What do we call that? The market, the Wednesday market by what Wednesday market? Way under
utilized. I'm watching that thing and unless we can somehow help get boots on the ground in there, I don't know that that will make it. So, we can't live in a under a rock and not realize that.
>> Well, we we all know that. That's why we're doing what we're doing now. That's why we made all this movement for the last year cuz we know the next we know the next step. That's why we have Dr. Levy. So, I I I'm actually proud of what we've done over
over the last year. We have work to do, absolutely. But we've made more progress, I think, this year than we have in many years past. So, I'm I'm I'm proud of what we've done. So, I'm not saying we're not I am too I am too. >> I'm I'm the kind of business guy on the
business side that I'm never happy with that cuz No, cuz we can always bring in more people. We can always get more revenue. We can always do better for our >> do better, exactly. And we're when we will. We definitely will. >> Okay. Moving right along. >> All right.
Park and Rec, page 37. Thanks for hearing that rant, by the way. >> Absolutely. >> Going through again, back on track. Um other contractual the the item 3034
that went up 2,000. That's the reach network system. Um the park and rec rec is going to utilize. >> Where we at? >> 3034 page 37 >> 37 okay. 600
6800 dollars for cell phones for the admins. >> Um also uh >> That's That's not just cell phone. That's >> Comcast internet TV lumen what he was talking about and the phone charge back. All the the the description of the
that's above the cell phone, that's all included in that 6800. >> Oh okay. Um uh RecDesk, are we getting rid of that system?
>> Uh still waiting on the ERP to see where we go from there, but I mean >> Okay. >> I would love to upgrade. >> Yeah. That's That's the worst system. That RecTech, is that what it is? >> Rec Rec Rec
RecDesk is what we use now. Looking at RecTrac or another Rec recreation software that does more. >> Um utility services, we took down um again historical. We've got a 1,024 spent so far.
So we brought that down to 3,000. Um should be We're on track. It should be fine. >> So on the community center 75,000 to renovate the kitchen. >> That well and we're discussing that next week
depending on what happens with community center. >> Yeah, that's what that's what I mean. >> It's in there but that very well may get pushed out. >> And that's actually part of the five-year CIP that we've already discussed. >> Yeah. And that's where you know that
those capital items those are again those are the one-time shots and and we discussed those last month. Those are those are the ones that are still in there. That's where the RecTrac software is. >> So there's cell phone admin staff and
then um 30 30 41 there's more communication is that cell phones too? Yeah, cell maintenance and cell phones. >> Yeah, so this this group now is facility rental.
So different personnel that they have in there. Um you know, all the departments are broken up where they've got you administrative is you know, Sam and and the admins there. Facility rental he's got a different group of people that are in there that
are responsible for that. >> That's my main my maintenance team. >> Uh how many do you have in your maintenance team? >> I have three um outdoor maintenance or repairman and then uh the custodial workers I have two
full-time and then I have a maintenance uh crew chief. >> Uh and what's the job that Jerry does? >> Jerry is a custodian. >> Is is he the only >> So he he cleans and handles the rentals. >> Okay.
Any time I'm there, he's the only one I see. Are we short in that department? >> Yeah, we are short. We We've been trying to hire somebody, but they can't make it past the background. >> Things are only going to get worse, man, when that taxes hits us in '27, '28. >> And what's improvements and repairs
needed for the department? What does that mean? >> Where are you? >> Um 3046. >> 46 >> Repairs and maintenance just damages that are caused by people of that come to our parks and it
it is actually a lot. >> That's across for all parks? >> All the parks. >> We increased that 6200 from what it was. When you look, he's already got 32 32,771 spent this year.
>> That's all repairs. >> And improvements, it says. So there's there actually improvements in there, too? >> Well, public works usually handles majority of it. >> So it's really repairs and maintenance kind of >> Yeah, it's not improvements. Yeah. >> So we bumped that up a little bit to to
try to keep that covered. >> The storage shed is a lot. What is that? 150,000? >> Um that's a We priced that out. It's a uh a metal building, but it's concrete floors, electric, power, water,
everything into it that um where he can store some of his equipment. >> We're We're cramming a lot of our event stuff in there and into small spaces, and that would also allow us to put the parade float inside outside of the out of the weather as well.
>> And that's been in this SAP for a couple years now. It's moving forward. So >> How big is that room? >> Uh 30 by 60 I think. Over by this community. >> 1,800 square foot? >> Sorry? >> 1,800 square foot?
>> Yeah. >> You're not too far after a few years of paying for a building at that at 150 a year. >> I was wondering why would we not have the property and the ability to build something permanent. >> Yeah, that's what we I was just >> At 150,000 a year.
>> So 1,800 uh 150,000 1,800 is $83 a foot per year to rent. That's huge. Where you could probably build that if
it's just a metal closed-in building, you could probably build that for under 200. >> That is that storage shed that is construction cost. >> Oh, that 150? >> Yeah, the 150,000 that is that is below >> I thought someone said rent. Someone
said Okay, then we're good. Next. >> But yeah, it's built out. >> I know somebody said rent or something like that. Okay. >> Then let's see that. >> And $83 is actually very good. Pretty tight. So that means that's a one-time hit. Why isn't that in a
capital and not in >> That is in the capital. >> This is SAP. >> Capital outlay. >> Yeah. Yeah, so it's it's capital outlay. It just shows it's tied to parking right. And that's the stuff we talked about. That was That was in that list that we talked about last month as well.
>> So, if you see that CIP 2620 after it, that means it's in the CIP. >> Okay. >> Okay, yeah. I I missed that. >> I did, too. >> And I'm I'm assuming there was a cuz I wasn't here for the capital, so sorry. So, I'm assuming there was a hold on any expansion of their building out there
with us not knowing what we're doing with the Carver Park plan and school pool and Is that correct? Okay. >> Moving on. >> Page 39.
>> Yeah, page 39. >> So, they only had the one that the one job that was listed that was removed, right? >> I don't want possession. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So, the athletic programs, um, that all stayed pretty pretty much the same.
Operating page 40, that came down a little bit. That was based on historicals. >> First Friday team programs. >> 120 grand. >> Now, that's that whole list of everything above it as well. >> it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
That's a lot of stuff. Yeah. >> Winter Easter Trunk or Treat. >> Is Is this splash pad back open? >> It's operational, but the problem is lifeguards. We're at the lower lower end of our
lifeguard salary, so it's hard to get lifeguards. >> You know, we and we've talked about this for a couple of years. You know, about keeping our pool open. And uh if that is our problem, and I'm sure
Karen's going to say that, you know, we need to look at the points. But if that is our problem, and we want to keep the pool open, why don't we raise this the same Hey, and why can't they be um why can't they be 1099?
>> We We can't do 1099. Our auditors won't allow us to do that. Um >> Okay. >> and we don't have to point factor part-time positions. >> But we are getting ready to hire five. Five? >> Four. >> Four. Oh, yeah. One was disqualified. So, four. Yes.
>> Okay. So, four lifeguards? >> Yeah, but we would we would still need more. Um the problem is we're getting high school kids, and they don't fill out an application until school's out. >> Oh. >> Yeah. I'm quite sure if the salary is a little bit more like
it varies in other locations. >> [clears throat] >> I've also looked at other avenues of contract companies that supplies lifeguards, but uh they they they go quick. They go real quick. >> Are we starting any new programs? I see
the hydroponics garden. That's a new one, right? Any more? >> that's going to take part of the community garden. I wanted to do a hydroponics garden. >> So So, couldn't some of that go and maybe not do that but instead put that money in I I don't know if you can move
funds that way but I look at putting more money into hiring a lifeguard than starting new programs? >> Well, we want to see we they did increase the um the salary a little bit for the lifeguards
but we haven't looked at uh a new 18 what maybe 17 18 dollars as opposed to what it is now. See what it costs to something like that work with personnel then Rachel. >> What >> See how many we can hire. >> What what is
and I think of course in the weeds again but what what is the salary for lifeguards in Umatilla and Mount Dora? Uh >> I'd have to dig into the numbers but I know I I can tell you that it is more than what we're We're at 15 and some change. >> And and you know >> couple of dollars more.
>> A couple of dollars more. >> That is >> Jeez. And we say we have the best you know, the best pool on you know, you know, on the lake and we can't we can't fill it. Uh >> And we get beat I see some social media
stuff beating on us pretty hard that we can fix for a couple bucks. What does that come out to per year? How much more do you need per year to make it happen? And most of it is in the summer, right? >> Correct. >> Well, we have a long summer in Florida but are you talking about a
thousand dollars thousand more into your payroll budget? >> I'd have to run the numbers but I can let you know later at a later time. >> We're here we're here now. If we hit two dollars times 40 hours that's 80 >> 80
>> 80 times five people 400 um um a week >> 1600 a month. >> 1600 a month 1600 times six >> Based on my calculations >> six 96 yep 10 grand?
>> 10,000 dollars yeah. >> We would need about 10 to 12 lifeguards. And that excuse that number even worse then. 10 to 12 cuz there's so many or 10 to 12 because of the hours? Is it one lifeguard? One lifeguard?
Okay, so it's three times in 96. That starts adding up. >> The pay for that currently is 15.75 an hour. And the highest paid part-time position we have, not counting the deputy city clerk part-time, is a bus driver at
18.59 an hour. >> Lifeguard is life. It's almost like life safety. Put them under the fire department. >> It's It's been a bit of a struggle since the >> Mhm. >> I was going to say is there as much of an interest in it on the part of especially young people who used to used
to really go for that now? >> We talked about spending We're talking about spending another three or four million dollars for another pool. That's more lifeguards too that we already don't have enough to keep where we are. We have a lifeguard problem. We got to figure out. >> And I think >> It looks like it's going to come down to
like everything else, money. >> It's money and who's going to get them. So, it it The The lifeguard issue is not just um used as it's all over the place. Um Karen, I'd ask if your group working with Sam,
let's reach out to some of the local cities, find out what they're paying, and also are are they able to staff them? Because that's a big piece, just because that's what their rate is, are they filling them as well? So, let's >> Yeah. >> kind of see what they what their need
is, what we're at, and do a little bit of something and then we'll do a justice for you. >> We are competing with Umatilla, the Elks camp, Lake Yale, Mount Dora, and Leesburg. >> And did I say Umatilla?
>> Offer Hey guys, offer a offer a sign-on sign-on bonus. >> Well, Rachel just finished a class with five of them and she and and she did the class for free to get them hired, I believe, right? >> Well, just Well, just I I I think all
you They're young, all they care about is the money. Just offer some kind of incentive, I bet they'd bite at it. >> At the end of the season, though. >> Yeah. Right. >> Yeah, absolutely. That's why I don't >> [laughter] >> The season bonus. >> Yeah. >> When she's done with the training, I mean Yeah. Basically certified lifeguards, you can go anywhere.
>> Yeah. No, if they He's right, if they you know, they they or get half up front and half at the end. Now, there's plenty of ways you can structure it, but yeah, they don't get it all and get to leave it at that. >> Or they need to sign it when they take the class, they need to sign an agreement that they're going to work for at least X months.
>> I think Rick, at the end of the day, we be nice to have a dollar to say if you want if you want a kick-ass pool program going on, it's another 100 grand. Just I think we just need and then >> Decide. >> Let us let us put a number to it, maybe.
>> Yeah, what it is. >> Maybe before the workshop if we're going to talk about the pool again. >> We can try. >> Yeah, see how see how people are receptive to giving us information. >> Yeah. >> Why does the First Friday team program cost 120,000?
>> It's everything above that stuff. >> All this all all this stuff. >> We just added that on at the request of you guys, the team the last one you just mentioned. >> How much did you pay for the gaming truck? >> It was $500 for 2 hours. >> Did it get used good?
>> Um as far as I know it they they said it did. Yeah, it was just the first day so and I don't think we're doing it till July. >> Were these arcade style machines? >> Yeah. >> Like coin operated except you didn't have to put coin operated in them. They were free.
>> PlayStation and Nintendo and Xbox. They're all on It's a big truck with TVs inside and they have all the games. You can go inside and outside and play all the video games that they have. >> You know, those things are pretty cheap now. Uh some of the even the regular arcade
games. >> All the games going on and then and actual system we have several systems inside the program doing >> I mean a um what do you call it? A throwback a full ar- an arcade game. A stand-up
>> We we have >> Street Fighter, NBA Jam >> Yeah. >> Pac-Man Pac-Man >> 60 games on it was $2300. [snorts] So it's it's pretty >> Do they become obsolete or after update or you
>> update the software. All of the old school games, Galaga, Pac-Man, all of the old Plus they have the newer gaming systems on TVs. >> I guess what I was saying is if you had a big trailer, you could probably put 15
arcade games in there. Stand-up arcade games that you could probably buy for >> systems now. Like I said, it's just a box now that may have over 100 games of the all of the games. >> But how many of those stations do you have? Four of them or so? Five of them in the truck? >> video games go, I have three on TVs and
one actual arcade game. >> So that's four people playing at one time. >> Well, no. >> Multi- multiplayer >> Depending on the game, and can have about eight people playing a one game in there. I encourage you to come by and check it out. You'll see.
>> I suggest we get moving along because we still got a lot to go. Look at the time. It's 4:00. >> Madam Chairman. >> All right. Um Out of the sweetest way you ever took told any of us Out of the sweetest way you ever took
told any of us to shut up. I appreciate that. >> Thank you. Last, I think page 41. Um operating supplies we brought down some from 45,000 to 30. That's for the pool. And again, it's historical cost. That's
what we looked at. So And with that now that she pushed us on we're done with general fund. So that finishes off the general fund. Um >> Rick, do you want to do non-departmental, especially since we
just got our insurance statement? >> Sure, the non-departmental. All right, page 42. But this is um like we were talking at the very beginning, like the fund transfers. Um where we were looking at the very beginning, said transfer to street
improvement. Um to CRA Greenwood Cemetery. Um it's a million dollars going over to the street improvements. Um the CRA, those are numbers based off of
Lake County property appraisers. And those are good numbers now, right? >> Yes, we increased the transfer to street improvement because that fund's been hurting from 845 to a million. And then community development is the city's
portion of the CRA tax incremental tax and that's what it's estimated at this point. >> What do you Will the CRA be affected by uh Tallahassee?
>> Yes. >> How much do we think in the CRA fund? >> I am not sure anybody has looked at that. >> Sorry to ask this. How is the CRA affected by the property I think he's
Was your question property tax, right? How is it affected by that? Okay. Okay. So, yeah. So, when the the taxable amount is reduced, when the taxable amount is reduced, the CRA money is reduced >> Mhm. >> pro rata to that. Okay. Yeah. All right,
I got that part. >> value of the property that's in the CRA will go down. >> And we took into account that on that as well, right? >> Not yet. >> Go ahead. >> Yeah. None of this takes that into account. >> And the increase annually increase for
commercial goes from 10% to 5%. >> Yes. >> Which hurts the city's income because I've been getting hit for 10% every year. So, that's going to cut it in half for increase. >> And and there's one more impact, two more actually. It previously Lake Water
County Authority had given us an incremental tax amount of about 12,000 a year. >> Mhm. >> They fought that and that's no longer. And there's another piece. It's EMS And Al's not here, but there's an EMS portion.
>> Just saying. >> The EMS portion, um, that they are trying to and and Al or Rick or Miranda probably knows more than I do, but I think that hits about 90,000 to the CRA. >> So, the total of those two are about 100,000 we're going to lose.
>> And that's before any property tax changes. >> And there and the worst impact is going to be the cap the commercial property's cap and increases because one commercial properties make up for I don't know what percentage, but I'm going to guess a huge percentage compared to residential
>> Put them in the CRA. >> according to lead. So, that's going from 10% to 5%. You're going to have to account for that in 2 years. And it that's Mhm. great for the property owner, but not good for our
And that's what they're >> going to be thinking about. >> And that leads back to what Gary's been saying for years. We got to we got to promote more business. We got to be more careful in this, um, um, mixed commercial residential. I
don't know if it's a attorney question or or or what, Rick, but we have to try to control better that when someone comes in and takes MCR and then at the end of the day, kind of like what I think they're doing at the Powers Dairy and then they really just go all
residential. They take the density of 12 to one and you it's a fancy way they say, "Give me 12 to one. Give me MCR." I don't want it. Any I learned that trick now. You don't really need it want any. Get one MCR, you got 12 to one density. You don't even have to have any residential if it's under 51%. So,
that's a that's a I never caught on to that trick. So, >> We can't do anything right now, so >> Well, if when you're going to annex it, if you go to annex it and then you you if you're going to annex it and then you do a development agreement
or you just don't give MCR. >> But Senate bill 180 I don't think they'll let us do a lot more than that. >> us change what's existing, but correct me if I'm wrong, if we're annexing something in, what we agree to bring it into is not regulated by Senate bill 180 or by Bird Harris. It's when we bring it in. Am I right,
Rick, or am I off? Or >> Oh, yeah. We have to Okay. They're saying yes in development services. So, no, that's how we have to attack it. Unfortunately, they weren't thinking about that 20 years ago up here. Or yeah, or we just don't annex it. And that yeah, some of the stuff we brought in we just don't annex it. And then
we're trying to do it after the fact we can't. Yeah, that we can't. Yeah, we got to we got to do it on the front end. But the way we look at brand new annexations now and then when they bring up that word MC MCI or MCR, it's a whole different ball game. And you knew that you know that's exactly what they were
doing. You know, they're they're they want the the highest density with the little little commercial. You got to check out a little piece of commercial. Yeah. Yeah, we we we we got to find a better way to do that, too. That was like 101 and everybody I think a lot of people
missed that. I didn't. I I can tell you for a fact I didn't. I knew that's what what was happening. >> [clears throat] >> I'm talking like 10 to 20 years ago. Oh, I wasn't here then. I wasn't even born yet. All right. A lot of the stuff towards
the the bottom of this page 42 is um the capital. We we've talked about the capital components. Yeah, absolutely. Jump in if you see something. Big number on that page the million 30 for liability. We had estimated 10% increase and we
just while we've been sitting here we found out from Phil that it's an 8% increase. So that number something good. It will go down a little bit. >> Is that because we have the risk manager? >> Um
>> If you ask him he would say so. >> [laughter] >> No, I don't think he had had enough impact for his length of time. It was just our losses as a whole compared to the whole pool. >> [snorts] >> Okay. >> And that termination pay that's
what do we typically pay? >> That is your benefit, your accumulated second vacation time up to the maximum. So we try to take a best guess who may be retiring. Um like in 2 years we know Rick and he's going to be a big hit, but
he's not going to hit general fund. So we it's really just a guess to make. But we do have to pay it and it's paid out of there instead of the individual departments cuz like if someone in my department retired it would >> Okay, got you.
>> take my entire salary budget. >> Okay. All right. Um you want to do CRA? Want to do [clears throat] CRA? >> Yeah. >> Yeah? All right. Let's jump over page 55. So I have added in the second line item
down. I programmed some money in for a parking study, downtown parking study. Um and they I I think and we'll we'll bid that out. I I expect that number to be a little high um now cuz it's multi-phase. One we need to
do an analysis of exactly what we have out there. Um and then where we think it's going. So, you know, we've talked a number of times about a parking garage and do we need a parking garage? Is it early? Is it late? So, bringing in a consultant to help us
go go through and do a study, look at the plans that we have. Um I've got a a RFP um that we're looking at. We're tweaking. Actually, Richard is um marking that up uh Dr. Levy
is marking that up for me right now. So, we're looking at at kind of plagiarizing some other cities that have had the same issues that we're looking for. So, we can kind of do an assessment of what we really have and what we really need for downtown parking.
>> Well, um actually speaking of parking, um psst since we have the building across the street, could we have some city employees park over there to make more room for the downtown parking businesses?
>> I would think so. >> I didn't know there was a parking lot right there. >> Yeah, I mean, it's um there's new there's new businesses coming and, you know, parking just as George said, there's always a problem for downtown. So, it was just just a thought.
>> I think we got to utilize that. I hate to I don't know if it's a discomfort. It's a it's a little bit dangerous coming across the street, I'll be honest. Coming to this meeting, I had the chief walking across the street with me and they were almost going to run us over. Well, they that was probably cuz of him. If it was me, they >> [laughter]
>> they probably wouldn't have done that, but Uh sorry, Chief. I had to do that, man. >> You're not >> You're not sorry. >> Okay, good. Okay, I'm not really sorry then. >> Um, somebody had asked before where we had the the downtown master plan.
Um, that is your third line item down. Um, I expect those numbers to um, come down a little bit. Um, I kept it kind of the same rate we were going. Um, we we have money and actually I believe
it was in the the previous section where we look at the non-departmental. Um, to start moving into a strategic plan. So, the as the the strategic plan ramps up, um, Dr. Olivia will be ramping down. I
think we'll Our feeling is he and I is is the next probably two meetings that we have by the time this summer is over early fall, the downtown implementation plan is going to be moving really fast.
Um, you're going to see a lot of things start happening, making the decisions. The the heavy front end work will go down. We're still keeping him involved. Um, but kind of shifting over to a strategic plan. Um,
so that is programmed in there. And that's with the the 20,000 graphic arts. That's that's some of the rendering, some of the stuff that we're going to need to be able to as we start moving into the public input and the public meetings, we're going to need some
renderings created of what we're doing. Um, so that's that's kind of the nut as far as the the implementation work that we're doing there. >> Have we already sent it out sent the uh,
the request out for the parking study? >> Uh, no, we're uh, he and I are writing it now. >> $212,000. >> No, no, no. Parking study is 50, and that's two phases of it. >> Oh, so you're doing like >> two 212 is everything. That's the master
plan, the the uh >> Okay. Okay, that's better. >> All the things that we listed above. >> [clears throat] >> So, the 22,000 is is getting appraisals, property appraisals as we need. >> Okay. I feel better. Okay, good. >> Yeah. >> And the code enforcement 15,000, that's
just the just in case. >> For demolitions, yes. >> Okay. >> If nothing happens, then it >> Okay. Cell phone and hot spot. >> What does that mean? Cell phone and hot spot?
>> Internet hot spot. >> Yeah. Um and the cell phone is for the uh the CRA coordinator. >> Is that going to be a new position? >> Um it is is a position that we have this year. We've been holding on filling that
um to see what happens with the the economic development director, which we have that um being negotiated now. Um so, I expect that with that, we've we've discussed the CRA
and the downtown business um with with everybody during the interviews. But, I think that's kind of integral. That's going to be a position that's integral for that person to have buy-in and and weigh in to what we need. So, so we're kind of holding this position.
It was approved last year. Um we haven't filled it because at the point we were looking at it, we knew we were doing the downtown master plan stuff. Was there a role that that potentially with what we were doing is is
Richard's involvement going to turn us where we were going? Um yes, so we kind of held on that, but I think we're at the point where we look at that. I think we need that, especially for the the work downtown.
Um I had looked if we can't find the right candidate that potentially use lead, like lead. Um where I think they could help us with some of that. So, it's kind of I want to see what we get, the the the caliber of people that we can bring in, and then
make that decision. Do we do we do we outsource that help, or do we get somebody in-house that can be tied to it? Um yeah, right now um uh Officer Starling is is doing a lot of communication with them downtown, but that leaves a void from where we really
need this position to be. We need we need that tied in to help with our economic development. >> And and you know, I I think I've said this to you, but I wanted to say it to to the commissioners. Um the county and and Kathleen Dial and
Meg Brew, they have such good resources, and they are so good people to work with. And and it's like putting in the work. They they they they eat and breathe this economic development and all this stuff. And we've distanced ourselves through the past years from
the county because of differences on on certain other issues, but economic development, we need to embrace them. They're coming actually to the Chamber of Commerce to do a talk, I believe, next month. Uh a big talk on economic development. I just found this out. I probably
shouldn't even say that, but in the interest of being more transparent than some of us in this room, I'll go ahead and announce it early. But, um that was a joke, Randy. >> [laughter] >> So, the the point the point is we need to start using those resources
that we pay the taxpayers pay for in there. The perfect example of that is what the chief's done with the sheriff's office and with all the other agencies. I mean, we it's just phenomenal what we get from the sheriff's office and from other jurisdictions now and everything like
that. And economic development is is is another lead is great lead is great for bringing in new stuff and everything, but uh I Megan Kathleen Dahl, you should be driving them crazy to help us. And the squeaky wheel gets it with them.
Just wanted to say that. >> Excuse me. >> I was wondering on the >> [clears throat] >> conferences, are we still sending people up to the um redevelopment association conference? And >> It was back here, I think.
>> It's on I'm I'm on 55. Um 30 55. Because it's >> Uh 30 40. >> Oh, I have it on 30 55 to 30 40. >> In the past, that money has been available for commissioners who would
like to attend. >> What Florida economic development? The one in Tallahassee you talking about? >> [clears throat and cough] >> Um it moves around. The location moves around, but um after every legislative session, they typically have a uh legislative update session. They also
any changes to the CRA, they communicate those. They have a board orientation session, which is good for new commission members, and they talk about best practices and give examples of for example, development agreements and
what's happening in on a positive basis and CRAs around the state and any challenges that may be on the horizon. >> And what about the other one? I just missed that one.
Where was it? The one you just pointed out. >> What's the other one? >> Florida Redevelopment Association. >> Oh, Florida Economic That's [clears throat] the Florida Economic Development Conference that is put on every year by the Economic Development State Economic
Development Association. Provides a network and education opportunity for the economic development directors, economic development professionals around the state. >> The one The one
issue I had with it is that we [clears throat] have two community representatives and they didn't attend the meetings, but they were we were paid for them to go to those things. So, that was to me not very useful. And we as commissioners, I think we all went at one time and then you know, now
I think only one or two go. But I I kind of have a if we're going to tighten our belts, I kind of have an issue with that. >> Well, commissioners, it's it's up to you. Um I think it's a good idea probably to
have money for the opportunity. Among yourselves, you decide if two or three or none will go, but I think it's probably a good idea to have something in this funding category. >> If we don't use it, it comes back in the pot, so we don't lose it.
I think you said something uh Madam Mayor about losing We don't We don't lose that. If we don't use it, it comes back in the >> No, I mean I mean in terms I feel like we're losing as far as the representatives not attending the meetings >> You You want them to attend is what you're saying.
>> Yeah. No, I'm saying that if they don't attend the meetings they should not be should we should not be paying for them to go on a trip. >> Are you saying they go on a trip to the location and never attend a meeting? >> Yes. >> No, she's >> Yes, I would come to these meetings. >> Yeah, come They don't come to the CRA
meetings. They're our representatives, but when it comes time to go on a trip and they go down on the trip. >> Who And I'm missing some. Who are those people? Are you talking about the two civilians? >> Yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> So, I'm saying if they attend the meetings and they come down to me and you know, make it themselves >> even come anymore. What happened to
those two? >> I don't know. >> One stepped down. Laura stepped down, right? >> Correct. And so, that's we're publicizing that. We did get one application and we're hoping to bring that to you at the next meeting. >> And the East Side rep, who was that? That was Nici, wasn't it? Tanya. Wow. Did she step down, too?
>> She's still on the board. >> She's supposed to be coming to each CRA meeting? >> She's invited to each CRA meeting. >> Willie'll take care of that. >> We need to just find another. >> There you go. >> Cuz I want them to attend, be involved,
and then they could go and and it's good for them to go. But if they're not involved, then they don't get a trip >> So, you're saying they show up they want to go when it's a trip to go? Oh, I didn't know that. Yeah, I know that's a no good. >> So, I want them involved. >> I think the CRA board would
you all sitting at select you want to go and and the meetings and and do that based on >> Or select the >> his replacements for people who'll be here. >> And if they can't be here 80 90% of the time, they can't go on a trip. >> Then then you don't do it and then the money goes back or if somebody's there
and they're active and they're involved, send them. It's it's a game. >> [snorts] >> Is that CRA is that through the application through HR? >> It is on the website through HR, yep. >> So how do we I if someone is not attending how do we
dispose of them in that and and put it out there for someone else? >> Develop a procedure you mean? >> Like that removing someone from the board? >> I can look into that procedure and let you guys know. I don't know that off the top of my head. >> I think she was talking about letting them go on a trip or you want to remove them from >> in terms of if they don't attend and
haven't been attending why are we keeping them on the list? So there should be a removal process. >> Well, we'll look into that and I'm sure there is. >> Yeah, we'll look into that too if there is. >> All right. Um next section down is the fund transfers. Um
So there is transfer to the general fund and again to the administration services that was 50% economic director and the CRA coordinator. Um and also the law enforcement services
the overtime benefits and um the regular salary officer Staley. The transfer to street improvement fund when we went through and did the LED lighting there was a request to do additional lights in the CRA. So that number went heavier
over there and then that that part was paid through there. Um page 56, this is uh what we discussed earlier. I'm going to take the the gateway grant. Um because that's not fully CRA that is um I was remiss in putting that over there and putting that full amount in.
So I'm going to split that. Um put that at 30. Um, we have the downtown business incentives, um, which is the the one we were discussing earlier. >> Isn't that one underutilized? >> Yeah, yeah, it's been underutilized, but
we we've got that in there and it's either we can transfer those funds if another one is is high more highly utilized, or how do we get that pushed, especially with the new person coming in? There may be a different push that he wants, or if we feel that CRDA director can help
that. >> This is going to be really good when we're growing now. >> It absolutely, yes. >> It's crucial. >> Um, I put a a new business incentive. They put 100 grand in there. That's a new program. Again, I'm going to have the new
economic development director. I I've talked to to Al to kind of get it help us get it outlined and he weighed in heavily. Um, but I'll have the new person kind of really get something penned and and do what it will work. But, um,
it's it's about bringing new business in. How do we get new businesses? What can we do to help them out? How do we get some of the the, uh, underutilized vacant space in, um, and try to get get a mechanism for bringing new business into town. So,
again, we'll we'll get that get that drafted and then present that through a commission meeting. >> And you know, and I that >> [clears throat] >> I I I like I like the idea, but doesn't isn't that what LEAD does? I mean, could >> LEAD gets
Can I answer that? >> Yeah, yeah, please. >> Yeah. So, LEAD has got LEAD is going out and getting and and people through their network of developers and of businesses that are out there who reach out to Lake County or to the county and say, "Hey,
what do you have? Uh, we'd like to do X, Y, and Z." They're bringing it and we're bringing them to the table. We then need to somehow lock them in to here versus Tavares versus Leesburg versus Groveland, who's done really good at Groveland and in picking up that stuff.
So, these incentive things help us bridge that gap on a much smaller scale. If we ever develop, for example, the the 70 acres that we have forever up there and do something in it, we want to bring something large in then uh >> Oh, okay. >> real heavy on lead. >> Okay.
>> Lead brings us to the altar, but we have to close the deal. >> Okay. I I I >> Lead Lead gets us to the pursuit. >> Yeah. >> They bring the pursuit in. >> Okay. >> This This helps us dangle the carrots. How can How can we help with them a little bit to get them here? >> Okay. >> We turned George over at the industrial
park that came here and wanted to put a Dollar General in there. >> Mhm. >> So, we turned all that over between myself helping them and lead and um They're in They're now have We've done some conceptual drawings for the industrial park. And we're moving
forward now with architect and design uh with uh um >> Did they do a uh site readiness study? They did that. >> all that. We did We had meetings. Al was there. We started this what? A year and a half ago. Nan was up here when it started that No, that'd be more than that. I've been
here a year and a half now. So, it's been 2 and 1/2 years. >> Speaking Speaking of site readiness readiness, did they ever lead ever complete that one for our land? They They were going to pay for it. >> Um actually, Florida Power & Light was
going to Does Florida Power & Light does the uh site readiness program. >> Mhm. >> The property that we have is in SECO's territory. >> Oh. Look. >> We're currently, in case anybody wants
to know, so uh lead um is doing a great great job of of working now with the uh the federal level that is now looking back over I don't even know I'm sure you know more about it than I did I didn't hear about it from you but
the hub zone and opportunity zone are being reviewed and Pam is working as through lead as a board member to try to get used to this to get as much back into that cuz they're expiring so we're trying to renew that and extend
the opportunity zones and the hub zones which will get us the international and national interest in coming in so that's that's going to be a big thing coming up nothing we can really do about it other than lobby for that and everything fine is going to help us with that
whoever you know gets in on on the other seat over there those are things those federal maps are coming back up for review that's huge >> if I could just one follow up since we're on the subject lead and myself [clears throat]
just this past month has talked to two companies doing exactly what you said you know they're presenting the opportunities and then the company's having an opportunity to inquire about how we can meet their
requirements >> that's great thanks >> a lot of good things happening in the background there >> [clears throat] >> project section not going ahead again on the CIP stuff but a couple couple there's 20,000 in there for the the
settlement on the splash pad so we we done some borings looking at some deep analysis stuff we just want to make sure it's not going to >> you know what the next line item just where's where's the non-CRA housing program >> yeah that's what I was going to ask
I don't see that >> the non-CRA housing program >> when you say which one are you talking about? >> The one have attached home. >> Yeah. Oh, the buildable lots? >> No, no, no. We we have a non-CRA
uh housing rehab housing rehab program now. >> Well, it's 100,000, right? Oh, yeah. It is um Lake Lake Community Action. That's the >> was a different one. >> Mhm. The 130 is a housing rehab.
But that's a that's a >> What's 230s? What is this? >> We We Last year we Last year we we approved of 100 100,000 to use for this fiscal year. I'm just trying to see where it's
going to be for the next year. >> Wasn't the CRA though, wasn't it? >> No, it's a program. >> We specifically asked for it to be >> Yeah. >> in non-CRA >> Now, but we also we also said that >> What about two of those?
>> People outside the CRA could also apply for that program. So But they just >> Not in Not in the budget. >> Okay, well, it needs to be. >> [cough] >> I'm not [clears throat] sure where that actually came under last uh
>> That's yeah, I don't know. I have to get back and look in the last year's budget. >> Yeah. You guys remember where we put it? >> I have last year's budget right here. Give me a second. >> I think we put it in general fund, I thought. I'm pretty sure we did. >> Yeah, we'll have to we'll have to look into that. >> Okay.
Thank you. Let Let me uh Let's Yeah, just make sure we we put it back in there. >> [clears throat] >> Gloria, do you Do you anything to That finishes CRA? Do you have anything to close? >> Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. >> Okay. >> On the on the street rehabilitation
um CRA C and down well, yeah, that one. Um what does that mean? >> That's that's a that's in our our five-year CIP. Um it does the a request is made as we're going through and doing the
resurfacing um the asphalt they wanted the CRA to get that quicker. Um I mean, this has been probably >> [snorts] >> 10 years now. So, it just rather than prioritizing based off of the PCI study
it was to do additional in the CRA so the CRA is funding to get additional work done in that area if it didn't necessarily fall into the the priority matrix to get that bumped up. >> Okay, and that's the same thing with the sidewalks? >> Um the sidewalk is split out. The
sidewalk's different fund. There was CRA, there was historic and and there are three different sidewalk funds. So, that just covers the sidewalks that are in this area area. >> Because I'm wondering when I when I drive by that Palmetto Plaza on Palmetto [clears throat] and Orange Avenue
that was implemented, but there's no care on it. It's just raggedy-looking. So, is there ever any attention given to these areas? You know, if we implement things and put things in, we ought to keep them up better than that. >> I'll I'll get to see if that's if that's
our contractor or >> Yeah, and and while we're on CRA, can >> Frank Scott can >> can CRA pay for the lifeguards? >> The what? >> Lifeguards. >> Lifeguards. >> The pools in the CRA. >> I would probably know that. >> I think the answer to that is no. It has
to be in the redevelopment plan in order for the CRA to pay for it. >> No, we pay for it on a police officer. CRA pays for police officer? >> Yes, because it is in the CRA excuse me the redevelopment plan. This this safety
um uh the CRA is specifically uh has a um goal of public safety which um activates. Yeah, activates the police. >> As far as not public safety. I I think
we need to delve into that one a little more. >> We we can definitely delve into it. >> Because that might be that might be a way to to to solve our problem. >> But also the CRA funds can't be used to replace um general operating uh funds.
>> enhancement not um not something >> Well, we have none and then we get five. >> [laughter] >> We get first couple we get. >> I think I think that's an enhancement, don't you think? >> That's why you're vice mayor. It's the big bucks. Does the vice mayor
get paid more than a regular commissioner? >> No. Nope, I do not. >> [laughter] >> All right. Anything else? >> Just if you want to wrap up on what July 17th is far as tentative knowledge.
>> How about it? >> Okay. So [clears throat] um we went over the budget today and we came with a balanced budget presented on a 7.3 898 I believe. Don't hold me to that. But it's 7. We freeze something mill
rate. >> 7.3898 >> Okay. >> 73898. When we bring the uh tentative mill rate to you on the 17th >> 16th >> 16th, I'm sorry. It will be um there will there will be some changes. Uh first I know for
certain that health insurance we hadn't yet received our rates. And then we are still waiting to get revenues from um some of the state agencies. So we know there are some changes. We made a couple changes today, couple things that we need to research. When we come to you on the 17th with the
3. or 7.3898, that is the millage. It's a tentative millage, and that is what is going to be sent to the property appraiser to appear on your trim bills. You can um then the we'll have the two meetings in
September where we actually adopt the millage and the budget. The number we pick on July is the highest we can possibly go. So, our recommendation is to accept it at 7.3898. Then in September, should you decide to
lower it or somewhere in between that point, you give us that directive, we can lower it. If we go higher than what we adopt on the 17th, we have to send a letter to every single resident within the city that we are intending to do that. So,
voting on it on the 17th doesn't tie you in >> not every resident, right? >> Every household and business, yes. So, what you vote on on the 17th is simply what goes on the trim bills. You are not bound to that by any means other than
the fact that you cannot go higher without excessive cost and labor. >> And that vote requires a super majority? >> Uh that vote, I believe, is just a majority because it's the only purpose is a number to put on the tax bills.
>> And and that's what you're you're proposing is the 7.3? >> Yes. >> And that is a >> That's where we are right now. >> But that's no change? >> That's no change in the millage rate, correct. >> That's not roll back. That's not saying
that we're going to be taking in the same amount that we did. It's using the same millage rate that we had. But again, it's just a number to put on the tax bills. It will never go higher. >> real important one is in Sep- the vote is in September. Is that what you're saying?
>> Yes. That's the one that's binding. >> This one is just a >> This shows you I I used that rate, and that's what we're recommending. Um and that's what I we should vote to get to the balanced budget. >> What else goes on on that date in that
meeting? >> We Are you mean other items? >> Yeah. >> That I'm aware of, I know we have the uh first reading of the CIP ordinance. Um we have the presentation of the uh ERP consultant. And those are just finance
items. I don't know what other items are on it. >> Okay. So, the basically the biggest thing is the the rate going forward there, and then we come back in September and vote for it. >> Correct. It's [clears throat] it's rather important to pick a rate that
you anticipate actually keeping in September because once you vote on that new rate, we prepared the budget based on >> Based on that rate. >> So, if you, you know, September comes and you lower it, we've got to go back and cut a whole bunch of
>> Causes hysteria. I got you. >> Hysteria. But, you you do also have between July and September to give us further direction if you'd like. And and we may know more about what's happening at the state level by then. >> Well, the election won't be till the
November election that we know. And that has to pass That has to pass by 60%, right? >> yes. And we're hearing different things. You know, at first it I >> Each side is going to make their >> And that And that's I think it's whoever's got more of the marketing
right now. >> Whoever's got more money to market. >> But, yeah. >> There's already a lawsuit filed on the wording of the ballot, and uh it's >> It's going to be a mess. >> Yeah. That's a good word. >> Um as we started and I gave you all the dates, I gave you some incorrect
information as far as the tentative millage adoption and and the final millage adoption. I had said September 3rd and September 17th, which that it's in September we do the 2nd and the 4th um Thursday for our meetings because it
conflicts with the school board, I believe. >> No, um per statute we cannot hold our first meeting the first, the second, or the third and our regularly scheduled meeting would be on the third. >> Got you. So, we will be September 10th and September 24th
for the meetings. >> Those are the two meetings? >> Yes, sir. >> And the big vote that last year we ended up voting for the rollback, that's in September. >> Right. You have two two two We do a a proposed budget millage and then a
final budget millage. >> Okay. >> Typically, that's the same number and the same budget. >> Well, I'd like to personally thank everyone in here for what you did. I I'm not going to speak for everyone else, but
this was probably the best budget review I think the city has had in a long time. And it's something that probably should have been done years years ago. It wasn't It wasn't rushed. It was careful. It was diligent.
It kept um you know, expenses where we needed uh to help us, help the residents, and and our long-term, you know, saint sustainability. So, um I mean, I've the best one I've been through in 4 years. So,
>> And and I think we can't look I mean, what you said can never be overstated. I think in in being fair, I don't know how you guys feel about it, but I I'm willing to put my foot on the line. I think Rick has a big part, if not all of all of what that is.
This is a budget now that I can understand as a private sector guy. And the mid the mid uh the mid-year reviews, you know, this is phenomenal. This is phenomenal what what he has put
together as a guy with zero experience as a city manager, coming in and doing that and turning a wheel in 90 days. >> That's something to be proud of for you. >> Yeah, it really >> And also that I gave you a hard time, but that's that's that's >> And also that they've uh >> That's the 1%.
>> The way that they've done it, they've also >> Yeah. >> the department has them working with them, and so it becomes a real team effort, and they've done a awesome job. >> Yeah, well well collaborated, very very much so. Thanks thanks [clears throat] to everyone. >> And got to say, you know, he he's got a
a great right hand. You know, she he's he's on it, so. >> We were many many many hours here the the last 3 weeks sitting there, but it's we got something we're pretty comfortable with, so. >> I don't know who stole all the cookies
out of the >> Yeah, who ate >> Who took all the cookies? >> Somebody took the cookies and >> I wanted one cookie. >> I'd like the chief [clears throat] to work on that, chief. >> [laughter] >> Find the cookie monster. [snorts] >> cameras. All right. >> I think it's the cameras. >> Are we adjourned? >> We got >> Are we adjourned?
>> We got Part: 2
meeting of the Eustis City Commission. It is now 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June the 17th, 19 2020 18. I got my date wrong on here. The 2026. >> [clears throat]
>> Okay, if you would please join us and um I will do the invocation and Commissioner Michael Holland will do the um the Pledge of Allegiance. Father, we thank you for bringing us together for this meeting.
We are grateful for the people present, the opportunities before us, and your guidance in every discussion. Gracious Father, we ask for your peace to fill this room. Calm our hearts, ease tensions, and quiet anxious thoughts.
Help everyone in this chamber speak with gentleness, listen with patience, and engage with understanding. Let your peace guard our conversations, guide our decisions, and prevent conflict. May this meeting reflect your
serenity, and may every participant on the dais and in the audience feel safe, respected, and encouraged to contribute in harmony. Fill us with your spirit and lead us in every discussion. Amen. >> Amen. Please join me in the Pledge.
>> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. >> It seems there's quorum and proper
notice given. >> Yes, Mayor Lee. >> Do we have any agenda updates, Rick? >> Uh no, there's no agenda update, Mayor. >> Okay. >> We'll move to approval of minutes. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. Commissioner Holland. >> Aye.
>> Commissioner Asbody. >> Aye. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Aye. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> Aye. >> Mayor Lee. >> Aye. >> Next, we'll have appointments. And this is a reappointment to the Code Enforcement Board. Who's going to do that? >> Yes, for your consideration, Alan
Paczkowski is term expires on July the 2nd. And he has requested reappointment. Um that term, if reappointed, would run through July 2nd of 2029. And at this time, there are no other
candidates. >> I move for his appointment. >> Second. >> First and a second, roll call, please. Commissioner Holland. >> Aye. >> Commissioner Asbody. >> Aye. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Aye. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> Aye. >> Mayor Lee. >> Aye.
>> Next, we'll move to audience to be heard. I didn't um remind everyone, please, please, please turn your phones off. And please come up to the podium, speak directly into the microphone, and let us know if you're a
resident of Eustis. We have cards. >> Uh yes, we do. Mayor, the first card is Daniel DeVenonza. >> Hello to all. Daniel DeVenonza, local business owner. I am not a resident. Uh but I am a local business owner. So, uh really what I want to talk about
today, um it's probably an irritant to everybody, but is the state of the state's ball bats. Um I don't know if we realize we had the heavy rains, and then we've had dry ground, and I I to tell you a number of the merchants have I actually called and
talked to me about it. Um I I was told that we have that the state actually has outsourced the maintenance of the ball belts. Is that correct, Rick? >> Uh I don't I don't know. There It is their responsibility, but >> Right. >> they can outsource it. >> But I don't I don't think they're going
to do anything unless you do something. Because, you know, I can call and somebody else can call, but uh I almost think we we're going to have to draft a letter because it really is an embarrassment. Um all that work was done and all those plantings were done. They've not taken care of them. There's
weeds coming up. They're not maintaining the clippings. And so and even though I don't like to be the, you know, the bad news bearer up here, if we if we look at our city and the entrances into our city, it's really very important. And so I don't know if collectively uh if you
can do something about it. I mean, we've uh the merchants we've kind of talked about a little bit and business owners downtown. I don't know, do we need a letter to kind of keep this forward so that we can uh get something addressed, but they really have dropped the ball and I think they they think they can
just get away with it. I think they can just like, "Oh, we're not going to worry about that." And if they are paying a subcontractor, they're like, "Well, we've got that covered by our subcontractor." And they're not following up with the inspection on it. Once again, it comes it comes to the visual component of our community. And
so, while, you know, this may seem like very insignificant, but if you drive into town and you want to talk about the viability of our businesses and our downtown community, which by the way is also a source of employment, it's also a source of sales tax revenue, also
property tax revenue, uh these ball belts are actually pretty important because they are the first thing you see. Besides the massive poles. Um So, I I'm going to leave you with that. Uh and then cuz I have 1 minute left. 1
minute left. I had a great call today with Commissioner Michael Holland. And we don't get to talk much, but I want to tell you Do you know what Do you know what we discovered? I actually came here at the invitation of Judy Mary to remodel her father's
store. She said, "My daddy and I got a little jewelry store up in Eustis." She met me in Orlando. So, I drove up here. That was 1992. I have seen everything come and go. And you know what we discovered? Mike and I have been around a long time. A long
time. And so, you know, I Sometimes I I've teased and said I've called him Fairwinds. But you want to know what? Because if the people are blowing east, he's going east. And if the people cuz he listens to the he listens to the constituents. So, I I
just brought that up. You know, I'm I'm hoping that he decides to make another run at it, but we'll see. Have a good night. >> Okay. I kind of agree on that. >> Yeah, I've had I asked Mike last week, our project
manager, to reach out to them. We'll also reach out to >> Like I said, I'm in I'm >> What we're What we're doing >> saying, I'm on and I'm on the NPO. I'm on the NPO, so I'll I'll reach out to to them as well. >> Right. >> Yeah, we're doing all the beautification, then you have that.
So, thank you. >> All right. Next card is Devon Turner. >> [clears throat] >> Devon Turner, lifelong Lake County resident. Do not currently reside in the city. The reason I just want to speak this evening is I want to make sure the commission was well aware of the the five freedoms of
the First Amendment. Number one being religion. Guarantees freedom from a state-established religion and freedom to practice your faith openly. Freedom of speech protect the right to express opinions, ideas, and dissent without government censorship or retaliation. Freedom of the press allows journalists
and media outlets report news of escape power and circulate information freely. Freedom of assembly safeguards the right of people to gather peacefully in public spaces for protest, rallies, and meetings. And the freedom to petition ensures citizens can lobby the government, file lawsuits, and demand
changes or solutions for grievances. Reason I say this this evening is I was here 2 weeks ago and the mayor tried to shush me for saying the word ass. There's no decorum rules. There's no um
This is all freedom of speech as long as I'm not physically attacking someone, demeaning someone, you have no right to do that. So, it kind of bothered me that that the commission felt that they could do that. So, if if you don't know, you may want to go back to more some more schooling. Maybe rein in the people that don't know or educate them.
Uh additionally, I've seen past videos of uh the chief of police demeaning the [clears throat] press openly. The commission has not stopped that. The commission has a responsibility to the citizens, whether we live inside or outside the city, to make sure that this
is done correctly. And if not, you open yourself up to liability, serious liability. The city it's the the city's responsibility. It's the city attorney's responsibility, the city manager, everyone you sitting there. It's your responsibility to make sure the Constitution of the United States, your rules don't matter, the Constitution is
the the basic doctrine for everything in our country. Thank you for your evening. >> Gary Windham. Gary Windham, unincorporated Lake County. I've done several public record requests regarding the chaplain program. The program currently has 11 chaplains. One
is a Eustis police officer. The other 10 chaplains are all Win One Ministry. I asked about the line item budget for the program. There is none. All expenditures from the chaplain program are taken from the general fund and there's no procedure in place to document the amount. What other program does the city have that has no
documentation of how much is spent on it? Lee Chaplain Hill stated chaplains have gone out so many times and she had a list of those at home. I previously requested the number of times a chaplain had responded to a scene and had received no answer from the PD. After Chaplain Hill's comment, I asked specifically for that list. I got a copy of an email she sent Chief Capri as
documentation. Five. Five call outs since the program started in 2023. None in '23, none in '24, four last year, one so far this year. Of those five, only three could be verified as call outs. So many times, but what they were a part of is a list of
appreciation ceremonies, PD hosted events, First Fridays, Christmas parties, and parades. This is a publicly funded PR program, period. Gail Eizenberg Thomas asked this commission how the 96,000 that Win One paid to Lisa City Building was spent. I'd like to know that also. Consider that a public records request.
The connection between Win One, the PD, and the city blurs the establishment clause in the First Amendment. I've asked the city to do an independent financial audit of the PD since the forfeiture fund was or wasn't overspent by nearly 28,000. Nothing's been said about that since Chief Capri got up here and told us there was plenty of money in
the account. What happened to the nearly 28,000 that y'all voted to transfer from general fund to forfeiture? More money for him to give away so he can get people to stand here and tell you how wonderful he is. Regarding the Jordan Ellison case, excuse me, Jordan Ellis case. I've reviewed all of the public records Jordan's mother has received. Carrie
paid the city $587.31 for those public records. Is that serving your community when you have a grieving mother you charge her for the records? I sent Chief Capri an email last Friday because the shotgun that was returned to Carrie loaded was released with the wrong paperwork. According to
Eustis evidence records, they still have possession of the shotgun, which they don't. I never received a response from Chief Capri, but he did call Kerry to tell her that he had now has concerns with how this case is handled, and he should. I don't have enough time here to list the concerns he should have. And to start
with, there needs to be an independent audit of all evidence. People stood here last meeting and said how Chief Capri will own a mistake. "I made a mistake, oh well, I'm going to make more." isn't owning it. Furthermore, there are already policies in place designed to prevent these mistakes. They're just not being
followed. We only have social media 3 minutes every 2 weeks to voice our concerns, and at some point, someone is going to listen and take a hard look at what's going on within your police department. We look forward to that. With documentation in hand. Thank you for your time.
>> Carrie Schroyer >> My name is Carrie Schroyer. I'm not a city resident, but my 21-year-old son Jordan Ellis, who died after being contacted by police on July 5th, 2025 was. Tonight I want to focus on what happened after Jordan was critically injured and died. Sergeant Barnett insisted on keeping Jordan's phone and the gun used,
and wanted Lake County CSI to process the rest. This is a huge chain of custody issue, so they left. Surely with Sergeant Barnett's extensive law enforcement history, he knew exactly what he was doing. The crime scene nor the gun used were ever forensically processed. Neither Eustis Police Department nor Lake County Sheriff's Office can account for who had Jordan's
phone on August 5th, 2025 when he was removed from multiple family group chats. What we do know is the Lake County Sheriff's Office doesn't retain the phone, Eustis does. It was not dropped off before the search warrant in July as Eustis claims. The chain of custody paperwork is magically missing. Why? We believe because that would show us exactly who manipulated Jordan's
phone before it was forensically processed. Sergeant Barnett made multiple attempts to make me believe my son was guilty of soliciting a minor and more. He had said there was a video sent and insinuated on multiple occasions it was Jordan and his girlfriend. Yet, much like other things in this case, those claims quietly went away, too. Well over a month after Jordan's phone
had been forensically analyzed and nothing was found to support any of these accusations, Detective Kenninger and I got into a heated phone conversation where he told me he knew my son solicited a 13-year-old, likely had a long history of this behavior, and probably secretive and deleted things before they arrived. The day after that heated conversation, someone checked
Jordan's phone out of evidence for an hour. What for? Why was evidence being tampered with when forensics were already complete? I think it is fair to ask what else may have been removed from my son's phone. Maybe something that didn't fit the narrative that had to be created. Maybe something that contradicted what we were being told. We will never know the original state of
Jordan's phone because it was tampered with multiple times. When I picked up the Rossi shotgun used in my son's death, I later realized I signed paperwork for the GSK shotgun that my oldest son had already signed for and taken home many months before. Someone might want to audit that evidence room. Crime scene never processed, gun never
processed, phone not locked for 5 weeks, phone altered while in custody, chain of custody missing for a phone for 5 weeks, public records denied and later discovered, public records still missing, family being lied to, evidence discrepancy discrepancies, the list goes on and on. These are not mistakes, they are intentional. This department needed
my son to be guilty to account for Detective Kenninger's ambush that morning, and they didn't expect me to come along and be a problem. >> Eric Schrier. Greetings, Madam Mayor, Commissioners. My name is Eric Schrier. I'm not a resident, but my son, Jordan Ellis, was. For almost a year, my family has tried
to understand what happened on July 5th, 2025. What I have learned is that Jordan was ambushed. Detective Kenninger called Jordan, accused him of talking to minors online. Jordan, of course, denied it. The detective didn't have Jordan's name or address until Jordan provided it. The customer associated with phone
records wasn't Jordan. The subscriber wasn't Jordan. The email tip from Discord was very spam-like, yet instead of Detective Kinninger stopping to verify and investigate what he had, he made a decision to show up at Jordan's home after telling him he would get with him later in the week.
Yes, later in the week it was Jordan was told, then less than an hour later officers were outside his home. Officer Rapp was positioned outside the home for 10 minutes before Kinninger arrived. How do you think a 21-year-old who reacts when he's accused of something
that could destroy his life, denies it, is told they'll talk later in the week, and then sees police outside his house anyway? Call it whatever you want, I call it an ambush. Before those officers ever made contact with my son, my son was suffering from a critical gunshot wound.
Then came everything that followed. Riley, his girlfriend, said it was a normal morning, nothing unusual. Her behavior was described as shocked. Any trained professional should have recognized that something wasn't right with her considering the events that just unfolded. This is not This wasn't shock. She was able to answer questions
clearly. She was able to explain events. Yet, there was a complete lack of emotion that left many of us asking the same question, what was really going on here? Ring audio footage tells a very different story than hers. It was brought to the attention of the department and dismissed multiple times. She admittedly hid her drugs while
Jordan lay on the floor alive and bleeding to death. Outdoor Ring footage indicates someone possibly heard that gunshot 5 minutes past before 911 was called. Despite the Ring camera being mentioned multiple times again, on scene and after, the footage was never preserved
with Ring. They will tell you this was labeled as a suicide, so no need to ask questions. I believe they had already screwed up so much with ambushing Jordan and no forensic scene processing. The last thing they were willing to do was re-question his girlfriend. It would have added more to the mess
they created. There were multiple things on the scene that are not noted in paperwork and pictures weren't taken of of that raised many questions. This is why crime scene professionals should handle a death scene, not road patrol officers and detectives. After all the accusations made about my son, all the torment of his mother and
family, and everything that was said about him, the forensic examination of his show reportedly found no incriminating material. Nothing. All of you sitting up there have been included on most emails sent by my wife, and you stay silent. You aren't here for the people. You are simply here to
protect the city. It's gross, and you should be ashamed. Thank you. >> I have no more cards, ma'am. >> Okay. So, let's move on to the consent agenda. Oh, I'm sorry. Anybody else? Okay. >> I have some
packets for you guys, as well. I think there's enough. >> Are you ready? >> I'm ready. Stephanie Weinheim, unincorporated Lake County. I went ahead and gave you guys packets, and I wanted to let you know since there were some lies told at this
podium um attempting to cover up some of the uh I don't know. What would we call it? Lack of willingness to investigate a legitimate claim back in 2021 from
Capri. It was given to Capri. That is a picture you see of Uncle Mikey who looks exactly like an officer who's no longer now here at Eustis. You have the information that was provided. You also have some information and this was sent
by someone, not me, as you see, and it says, "I later spoke to Amy Harris' niece again and encouraged her report her information to EPD. She did and I followed up with Chief Capri and gave him that information I had. He told me he would investigate the allegations
himself." So, I'm going to let you know, the person lying in this room is your police chief. He continuously lies to you. He covers up further inactions, the incompetent. The Carey Schroyer case is a disaster.
The evidence logs, the lies, they literally did not tell her that they were at that house sitting there for 10 minutes. They were there across the street when Jordan died from a gunshot wound. They left that out. She had to find that
on the ring camera and then question them. "What were you doing at my son's house? Why were you there?" There's 5 weeks of that phone missing. The Lake County Sheriff's Office, we've called and we've spoke to people. They
have phone guys. Detectives typically bring the phone over and they sit there with it for 2 hours. That's all it takes on this green key green key investigation forensic. They take the phone back. Rarely do they leave it there overnight. Sometimes they
come back and pick it up. They sign an evidence log. Eustace has lost that evidence log. The phone was manipulated on August 5th. It was Jordan was taken out of the family chats. Somebody was manipulating the phone, playing with the phone. The chain of custody was
completely ruined in this. I don't know what it's going to take for you guys to open your eyes. I don't know what he's doing for you that you're willing to continue to put the city and your citizens at risk.
He is hurting families. He's running cover-ups. He's killing morale. Why are you letting this police department that was worked for so hard to get it to be to a place where it is to throw away the actual mission, which
is to serve and protect the citizens, not to play PR campaigns and take photo-ops and go to galas and go to parades and parties. What is the main mission and the oath of law enforcement? >> thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Is there anyone else from the public that would like to make comment? I don't see none, Madam Mayor. I'm going to turn it back to you. >> Okay. So, now we're going to the consent agenda. >> I'm I I move for approval. >> Second.
>> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Holland? >> Aye. >> Commissioner Asbury? >> Aye. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft? >> Aye. >> Commissioner Hawkins? >> Aye. >> Mayor Lee? >> Aye. >> Ordinances, public hearings, and quasi-judicial hearings. Is that you, Vic?
>> No, I'll save that for me. >> I'm sorry. >> Yep. First we have resolution number 2026-57, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Eustis, Lake County, Florida, approving a second funding agreement between the city of Eustis and
the University of Central Florida to partner in the operation of a business incubator in the city, authorizing the city manager to execute the agreement, providing for severability, providing for conflicts, and providing for an effective date.
>> Thank you. Um Al Adamar, economic development director, is commissioners. Um if you approve this uh resolution, you are agreeing to um a um uh a agreeing to approve a second round
of funding under a city-county um interlocal agreement to fund UCF the UCF um Eustis incubator for another 3 years. The um uh representatives from University of
Central Florida and the incubator uh are here. If you have any specific questions, um uh so following the um approval of the second funding agreement with the county, uh the city would be entering into a
contract with the University of Central Florida Foundation uh for operation and client service management uh at the incubator. Uh under the agreement with the county, uh the county would provide $127,500
uh a year for 3 years. The city would provide $42,500 for uh 3 years, and out of unspent funds, UCF would contribute $30,000 for the
next 3 years. Uh that total is 200,000 and equals a payment of an effective payment of $50,000, uh which was exactly what they received uh under the first funding agreement.
>> So, the county has already taken action on this? >> They will subsequent to your approval. >> So, $200,000 a year is there >> $200,000 a year is the effective payment. They would pay uh $127,005
every year. The city would pay 42.5, that's 170,000, and then UCF has some unspent funds, and they're going to contribute $30,000 of those unspent funds every year uh to come to a total of 50,000 to keep the payments consistent with what they
were in the past. Okay. >> I mean, it's a it's a great program. They're doing They're doing wonderful things down there. >> Absolutely, they are. And if you haven't sat down with Brian Betrick, uh the uh incubator
uh director, I suggest you do so very strongly. Um the companies that are being helped, the companies that are being recruited with some additional help from um you know, commissioner commissioner support, um it's doing wonderful things. Jobs are
being created, companies are being uh scaled up. Uh Business assistance is being provided. It's a wonderful program. >> Uh Al, could could we have them Yeah, I'd like to hear from them. You know, we
know what they do, but I'd love for the the community to to know what's happening there. >> Absolutely, they are prepared. They are chomping at the bit. Brian. >> Thanks, Brian. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Thank you, Commissioners, uh for the opportunity.
[snorts] Um you know, Al Latimer just described a lot of what program does. I think I can put it maybe in some plainer language. The kinds of things that we do is we help
early stage businesses get that infrastructure and foundational stuff that they need to be successful. And in some cases, you know, make it through those first couple years and and survive and thrive.
We also then help those that are more established get that growth phase and and do some of the, you know, hit that scale up kind of phase of the business. And then the other thing that we do is kind of just support the overall
business community. So, that can be through educational series, um being available, kind of an open door uh availability for people to come into my office and be use me as a sounding board or to run ideas off of me.
Um we we created or we executed a program called Excellence in Entrepreneurship where 12 emerging businesses came through and went through a seven-week course to really kind of hone their skills and and get their businesses up and off the ground.
And so some of the things that have come out of that is that on the on the initial thing that I said, we actually had four of our clients face pretty existential crises over the last year
between the government shutdown, between pivoting. I will say that all four of those are still in business. And so, that's one of the things that we were able to do is kind of help them weather that storm. I think if you look at the growth phase, if you
look at the businesses in the incubator, they did over $950,000 of revenue in the first quarter of this calendar year, uh which is a significant growth from previous years and the
essentially three of those companies that are hit that growth stage are fueling the bulk of that, and then we've got a few others that are hopefully going to follow in their footsteps. And then, lastly, I mentioned a couple things about the community. Um some One of the other things is, in addition
to the education, is we made an intentional um mission to collaborate with other economic development organizations here in the city, as well as throughout the county. Spent a lot of time doing that when I
first arrived last year. We're now expanding that, so we're establishing partnerships with organizations like Orlando Economic Partnership, uh the Florida High Tech Corridor, which now extends from Tampa on through to the Space Coast, and
making sure they're aware of Eustis and of Lake County for um their companies that may need, you know, light manufacturing or other things that they would not get necessarily in downtown Orlando. Um and that's extending even now into an international
approach, where we were at Select USA with number of companies that want us come to the US, establish operations in Florida. We were able to make them aware of what's going on here, what the opportunities are. So, those are kind of
those are three of the things that we do and hope to continue to do over the next 3 years. >> Great. Thank you for that. >> The the programs, like I said, the program's amazing, and I'm I'm every time I go down there, the the building is just just full of activity,
so I'm so happy. Or um who who's reviewed the accounting for for the program for the last 3 years? >> Our internal team. >> But weren't weren't wasn't the county or someone supposed to review that as well?
>> The county has reviewed it. So, we had conversations a couple of months ago about these terms. >> Okay. >> There were representatives from the city, the county, our financial team. >> Okay. >> Went through all those numbers. >> Okay. Thank you. >> This truthfully a small investment for a
city our size to be connected with such um a high-ranking >> Mhm. >> business incubator. UCF's is known throughout country and in parts of the world. And um I think we're very fortunate to be able
to work with them and to have them within our city. >> That's good. >> Uh Brian, I'd like to know 3 years we've been going for 3 years. How do we stack up against some of the others that
at this point in time, 3 years? >> So, just for a little context, it's been 3 years on the calendar. There was some transition periods. I came in January 2025. Um so, I can't speak as much to the
earlier part of that. I think that it Try to answer your question is that it things are really on track, right? You the this path of getting the businesses in, watching some set of them hit that growth phase.
>> Mhm. >> Some out of the set hopefully on their way. That's what we do and I think that's what we are doing and the the numbers are starting to bear it out. >> I think um uh
Commissioner Hawkins, I think another good indicator is if you look at SPDC who's up uh triple digits. They parallel and and they gauge it better or more closer in than UCF probably does.
But what this program has done for people and changed and and supported is beyond anything I could have ever imagined when the conversation first started. I think it was me and my then Mayor Holland where I wanted to
bring in a um I wanted to bring in Florida State and he said, "No, I think you ought to go talk to UCF instead." And and uh like I said initially, we we had hoped that we would have 30 people go through that door and we're sometimes hitting
200 in a month. Um and what this guy does is is he's way too humble. Um I have been called in by him when he had a guy inventing a fishing spooling thing cuz he knew I was a big fishing [snorts] guy.
And uh we spent quite a bit of time with the guy and he spent for a long time and I I only recently found out that guy wasn't even part of the UCF incubator. That was just him at his own time on his own money giving back and helping people. You would never have known the
difference if that person was wasn't in the program. And that guy debuted and he went out with his product and it's selling now online. >> Wow. >> And it all started in Eustis. It all started in that building with him sitting there playing with some some some pieces. So there's a lot of of pride and
interior guts and and and devotion and kindness that's just it's just the whole ecosystem from everybody in there. It it's just something to really us to be proud of. And if you look at the numbers again, you were asking about numbers, more revenue is generated
from the UCF program and SBDC than the entire downtown put together. >> Wow. >> Put together. >> Do they come back and give back or mentor others? >> Well, 70-some percent of the people in
Lake County um take their business and and leave. And I think our downtown redevelopment for me personally is going to be an opportunity to get some space for them uh with whoever whatever does to to try to keep them here. And as you know, we have the right
pricing for housing, we have some of the other good indicators. But um we're building we're building a the Eustis nation. So, it's pretty it's pretty exciting. Thank you Brian for all your personal time outside of giving. I've seen him there at 8:00 9:00 at night. He's
tripped security cameras cuz he's there when he's not supposed to. So, he he uh he is important. And Rafael behind him who came in and took uh took over the helms uh is is phenomenal. Uh we've watched him take companies that are now selling coffee on every airline that wants to
use it. There's there's a lot. There's a lot and and I think this Eustis one will probably be the most successful one they've ever had if you ask me. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> Thank you Brian and thank you Rafael. >> So, commissioners, as a reminder,
uh approving this resolution, you are approving two actions. Uh number one, you are approving the agreement interlocal agreement with the county to continue funding for the uh incubator, and you are authorizing the city manager
to execute a contract with uh UCF uh to manage that facility. >> Any further questions? >> Are there any members of the public that would like to be heard on this item? Seeing none, Madam Mayor, bring it back to the motion. >> Madam Mayor, I move approval of
resolution 2026-57. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. Commissioner Holland? >> Aye. >> Commissioner Esbady? >> Aye. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft? >> Aye. >> Commissioner Hawkins? >> Mayor Lee? >> Aye. >> Next, Madam Mayor, we have Resolution
number 2026-58, a resolution of the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Florida, authorizing the City Manager to execute a commercial lease agreement with R L Marie Pizzeria and Sub Shop LLC, a Florida limited liability company, for city-owned
property at 200 North Bay Street. >> Okay, Commissioners, uh Mark Roldan, who I have not met, we've only talked on the phone. You can stay there until you're called. Um uh he is here to uh speak on behalf of
uh El Marie. Uh but um the um contract with uh El Marie was first uh agreed to and um uh 2023 uh or 2020, it ran through 2023, and
then it was renewed from '23 to or extended from '23 to '26. Um and what is before you is a renewal of that agreement uh that would take it through 2029, uh an additional 3 years. Uh the
original rent was $1,300 a month. Uh the extended rent was uh $1,500 a month, uh and that's what the uh rate is being continued forward. Uh as I say that, um
um I just want to let you know that uh you know, um uh this is is your facility. Um you have some sense, I think, of what rental rates are. Uh you have some sense of, you know, how uh lease agreements uh
um are in the marketplace, and if you've got any thoughts, um would encourage you to um um you know, uh take a little time and deliberate, you know, so you you you're certain you're you're giving what you feel is a
fair deal, uh, to the uh, to to the organization. But, a couple of things I will uh, say is that in the at the very beginning of the lease, uh, El Marie was, um, um, asked to invest $40,000 in the
building to improve it and make it, uh, ready for a restaurant. Uh, however, those, uh, those, um, improvements um, make the building a much better uh, value beyond its use as restaurant. Uh,
we will under this lease the security deposit of 1,300 is being continued. Um, and, um, the um, uh, the, uh, building is going to be, again,
continued at $1,500 a month. So, um, unless you've got any questions for Mr. Roldan, uh, >> They were >> I'm sorry. >> They've made their own improvements to some of the buildings, correct? >> Yes. >> Yeah, okay. >> Yes.
>> I I, um, have two thoughts. One, I feel like we're going to be moving fast with the redevelopment and also, if in three, if in two years we need it, can we get it back? >> Uh, yes. >> Oh, is it a concrete three-year deal? >> No, we we we have,
uh, 100, I think it's 120-day out. Let me make sure here. Okay. Upon receipt of note, well, oops. That's >> I know I >> Yeah.
>> I'm sorry. Give me just a second. >> I think we'll be probably, correct me if I'm wrong, but probably be 3 years down the line at least before >> We need that. >> that becomes a factor. >> Yeah, I
I think with the with the timeline that we're looking at, it's 3 years. >> We're we're safe. >> Yeah. >> And I would feel a little bit more comfortable if we raised the rent. >> What What is the Do we have any idea what the
square footage rental rate is for commercial? >> Um I am not sure. Can Can we ask the the the expert? >> Yes. >> Yeah, I did a left hook. It's usually It's usually a dollar per square foot
for commercial. >> Per month he's talking, yeah. >> Yeah, it's one Yeah, per square foot per month. >> So, how many square feet is this? >> 1,500 or maybe? >> I don't know if I don't have the paperwork. >> The resolution says 1,500 square foot. >> Yeah.
>> I think when you're planning a business and uh you know something's going to happen in 3 years. I think uh there's a uh a value to know a disadvantage value to the to the
occupant knowing that the responsibility of moving rebuilding, restarting, rebuilding out sits there, too. And I'd love [clears throat] to see that building stay occupied at least till we're uh ready to redevelop something. Um
and you know, you got you got to admit when you look online, there's a lot of people who come to El Marie and uh and really enjoy it during the Georgefest. It's a good uh it's a good welcoming place for everybody, too. Um so, I think if we were doing a really
long-term lease for a long time, I'd I'd probably have a couple recommendations. But otherwise, I think uh the rent that we're charging for the circumstances that we're charging for the limited parking and and some of the things that are there and the build-out and the contribution,
if you factor that into the square footage as a as part of a their contribution to the building, I think we're I think we're in in in a fair market range. >> I I agree. And then when >> [clears throat] >> when you know, Aaron Aaron Belliston owned it, you know, they they were
taking um above and beyond care of the building, too. So, um there's value in that as well. So. >> And how is it now? Cuz I I just go there to eat, so I don't really pay much attention. How is it now? >> Oh, it's still
>> Yeah, no, it's in great shape. They they added a sign to the south side of the building. Um no, they're they've made it nice in there. >> It's it's not it's it's really nicer in that building than it's been in a long time. >> Yeah, ever. >> Even when it was built, it was not that nice. And I I agree with George, you know, if
we were looking at a longer lease, I could see upping it. And with the crop cost of food today, I I know that their profit is not what it was at one time. So, um I want to keep a good tenant in our downtown corridor, so I'm in favor
of leaving it at the 1,500 at this time. >> Would you be comfortable with 1,600? >> Not right now. I'm really That's you know >> It's not It's not enough to worry about 100 bucks. Yeah, I think it's safe to say that way.
>> not Let's not uh forget the fact that you know Aaron Aaron Bellaire he he was well involved in our community and he He gave back more than he probably ever would as a business owner. So, you know, let's uh let's remember let's remember
his legacy as well. >> Okay, that discussion is done. >> [laughter] >> Get out of here. >> The only other thing I would have liked to put in there was that they are required to stay when their lease is over and find another place in the city, but I I won't put that on there.
I hope they I hope they do. I don't want to see them going anywhere outside of our city, >> If anyone from the public would like to comment on this item. I know He's a He's a business owner. >> Um first and foremost, thank you Madam Mayor and the city council for allowing
us to continue with Aaron's legacy. I I don't want to choke up again. He was a very close friend of mine. He was like my brother. Um I'm doing this on behalf of his mom and continuing on with this legacy as she would want. And uh we are going to continue on as long as the city supports
us and and lets us go uh you know, lets us do that. Um I really thank all of you who just came out and supported Aaron in such a great It It really touched my heart. And um we're here because you guys allow us to be here. So, we thank you very much for
that. And on behalf of Renee Bellaire, uh once again, I just wanted to say thank you so much and it does touch my heart and hers as well. Along with the 10 employees that we have there and they really appreciate that as well. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right.
>> Anyone else from the public in addition to the applicant owner? Seeing none, Madam Mayor. >> Madam Mayor, move approval of resolution 2026-58. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. Commissioner Holland? >> Hi. >> Commissioner Asbody?
>> Hi. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft? >> Hi. >> Commissioner Hawkins? >> Hi. >> Mayor Lee? >> Hi. >> It's somewhat >> [clears throat] >> other business. >> Um yes, discussion of the meeting minutes. Um
we we had um special couple meetings ago just with some corrections made to the meeting minutes. Um we we worked through that. We reissued those. But at that point some communication came up. Um just what do we want to see within the
meeting um minutes. So, per our the city commission rules of order, um which was adopted via resolution, minutes of all the regular and special meetings shall be electronically recorded. Such meetings shall be
maintained in the office of the city clerk. The meeting shall reflect one, the date, time, and place of the meeting. Two, the members recorded as either present or absent. Three, a general description of all matters discussed or
decided. And four, record of any votes taken. So, that's pretty much the detail of of what just a broad brush note of what's in there. Um it does come through and and adds in
another statement that's pertinent for our discussion. Um the city clerk's office is not required to prepare verbatim transcripts or parts of any minutes of the city commission meetings unless the city commission by majority vote directs verbatim transcripts for any
parts of the meetings it deems necessary and proper for the conduct of internal affairs of the city when required. So, what we're asking is I'd like to describe there's there's kind of four different options of doing
minute minutes. Um and then you package it it has the advantages and disadvantages and we make a recommendation but I'd like to get your consensus on where we're at. So, um the first option is is just taking action minutes. Um only the essential
procedural information um the date and time, the motions and the seconds, ordinance considered, final actions, and adjournment times. Um so, kind of the bare bones of the meeting minutes.
Um the advantages um include limits the risk and disputes of the wording and interpretation. Um the disadvantage provides minimal historical context and limited transparency of commission discussions
and also a greater reliance on the audio and video recordings. Um option two is a brief summary minutes and this is what we're recommending. Um the brief summary minutes include the official actions plus concise but not
comprehensive summaries of the major discussion points and directives. The minutes typically include the speaker identification, the main topics, key concerns raised important staff direction vote result results
and the major public comments um summarized. So, the advantages provides a meaningful context while remaining manageable. Um also less risk of appearing verbatim or creating transcript
disputes, which creates less risk for us in the city. Um disadvantages, some discussion nuance may still be omitted. Um requires judgement regarding what should be summarized and potential disagreements regarding
the adequacy of the summaries. As we get further in, option three, a detailed summary. Um that is a comprehensive summary of the discussion um but remaining short of a verbatim transcript uh creating a a
robust historical record while avoiding the exact transcription. Um they you generally include the the names, summaries, and comments, staff presentations, and the public comments summarized, specific directions to staff, and the motions and the vote
breakdowns. Um the advantages, it clearly captures the commission's intent and directives, and it reduces the need to review the video and auto audio recordings. Um disadvantage, uh more labor intensive
to create, increased risk of dispute over the wording or characterization, and can unintentionally resemble a transcript creating greater legal exposure if summaries are perceived as inaccurate or out of context. Um option four and the last is a full
transcript style. Um this can be prepared through court reporter, transcription software, or a detailed manuscript. Um nearly all the statements made are extensive public comment, detailed debate, and exact
wording of discussions. Um most com- the advantage and most complete record possible. Um, useful in litigation, sensitive matters. Um, minimal ambiguity. The disadvantage, again, the most labor-intensive,
difficult to review and approve. Um, increased legal risk and minor comments can be scrutinized out of context. So, those are those are the different options, um, ranging from the, you know,
the bare bones who voted what versus a full-blown transcript. Um, so, what what we're asking is is staff has recommended the brief summary of the minutes, um, as our preferred format. Um, it focuses on the purpose of the
minutes. What issues are discussed? What are the major concerns raised? What directions are provided? What actions taken? If there is something in your discussion that you want to ensure is noted
verbatim, um, as you're talking, it can be, you know, for the record. And at that point, it'll be a word-for-word verbatim, um, description in there. So. >> And what are we doing now? >> Um,
I would say kind of a transcript. It's >> Four? >> Yeah. >> four? >> It's more of transcript style minutes at the present moment. The fifth option, which I neglected to add when I was going through this, is the actual verbatim minutes, which would be the >> Every word said. >> very specific word-for-word. Yes. So,
we're really doing more transcript style. If you go through and read, the minutes are typically averaging 11 to 15 pages. >> Mhm. >> Um, and it's just very labor-intensive. Um, >> How long does it take to do what You want to say something here? >> I was, but go ahead. >> No, okay, good. Uh, how long, um,
does it take to do Did it take to do the last one? >> Um, what I can say is that a 90-minute meeting takes approximately 6 to 9 hours to go more towards the verbatim. Just to give you an idea. Um, 30 minutes of a meeting is typically
1 and 1/2 to 3 hours for a human to go through and do that. Um, I will say that the meeting on June the 4th right now with just preliminary doing it is 24 pages long. The meeting for the workshop for the
CIP, which granted that was a full-day workshop for you, 54 pages that our Deputy City Clerk has spent doing those minutes, and I haven't reviewed them yet. So, that just gives you just an idea of just illustrating how the current
format is just inefficient and time sensitive to prepare and review in addition to the fact that we are averaging well over 100 public records requests per month. Right now, we are hitting the 80 or 90 mark, 93 I think as of this
afternoon for public records this month alone. >> I think one other thing Yeah, I mean, I I I hear what you're what [clears throat] you're saying, Madam Clerk, but I think the good news is I don't know how much time we've really
put into looking, but technology now should be able to take all this and knock it out for you and make make your job so much easier. So, I really think we need to look at that on one hand. I think accuracy is important. I think
the the thing that brought all this up in particular had to do with specific words that one word can change everything. >> [clears throat] >> I'm for as much information as I can, but I'm sympathetic to what you're saying, but I think the answer is in common. I think the answer is in the
software. Uh, I mean, I could put it on my phone. We could test it. Uh, there there's some really good stuff out there, and and and it can identify each one of our voices and name us in there. I would like to see you My personal thought is I would like to
continue the the style we're using. I don't want to back down on it and then try some software that would pick up everything and transcribe it. >> If I may, we have tried that. >> Yeah. How'd that >> And the I am mistaken for Mayor Lee.
You all are mistaken for one another. The speaker identification has not been perfected to a level that I think would be acceptable to you and still is requiring intensive review. Um, on average to go and look for a company, I think it was Orlando Transcription,
um, the quote was between $3.50 a minute to $5.50 a minute depending upon what type of service how fast you wanted it, how accurate you wanted it basically. So the the number we're looking at when we tighten our strings here is 22 to 25,000.
>> Yeah, I I I don't I don't want to sub it out to somebody to do that. I'm I'm looking for >> But that is also very expensive and the accuracy is not there. And the accuracy is not there. >> to to come >> And the the meetings are and the accuracy is not there. >> The meetings are recorded. Yeah. >> Correct. >> Yeah, exactly. We can go back and and
and and and listen to any time to Is is there a way that we can we can if we This is what I'm thinking. If there's a if there's a way we can like do this, but if for some reason if the
audio's not working or the video's not working, then we go to full transcript that that meeting. Can we >> Currently, we retain audio. We also have the streaming that Marissa controls over there. And we have the full agenda packets that we are keeping permanently even though
the retention on those does not need to be permanent, but we are choosing to keep them permanent because it provides supporting documentation for what was discussed at the meeting or was intended to be discussed. >> Right. >> Um So >> So Kimi can maybe like a hybrid of hybrid of the two, especially if the
audio and video is not working. And and I would like to see the verbatim thing if one of us wants to have verbatim, then it's not up for debate. It is it's automatically done. There's not a consensus on that.
>> We So far the staff has really been working hard with IT to make sure that we have the audio and the video working well for us. We've really worked as a team to test the system before the meetings and to make sure that we're good. >> Mhm. >> The the YouTube streaming is the backup of the audio.
Um and it is in the budget to continue the audio with BIS Digital. You all had talked about that earlier today. It was in the city clerk budget. Um but if we weren't to have that, that is something we could definitely outsource. We don't have the bandwidth to do something like that. And we're
just winding with more and more meetings with over 50, 60 meetings a year, we're just having a hard time getting these back to you in a timely manner so that you can review them and they're fresh in your minds and approve them or make any changes to them. >> The issue I have with it is that
who [clears throat] will be um summarizing it? Who whose judgment is going to be used um to summarize in in their words? And I had an experience and um and then I went back to the um video.
And I actually took my phone and recorded it in order to prove my point that it needed to be redone. Um I I don't have much of a problem with the way we're doing it now. Um perhaps
cutting down some of the um the other comments, but I think when it comes to the city business, I think it's important that we have it here rather than someone deciding, "Oh, I I'll put this in today or I'll cut it down to this." And that may not be what
we want. >> What? Subject to human error is what it is and that's What did we do because we haven't always had this issue, correct? >> No. >> So >> We've relied on transcript style minutes where Mary, for the time that I've been
here, Mary would spend hours upon hours listening over again to all of the meetings. >> You know, I don't and and this is me. I don't think it's a it's a a good use of
you know, personnel uh to spend you know, six six to 10 hours uh going verbatim on something that we have uh we have audio uh
and we have the the YouTube back up, correct? >> Correct. >> So if there's an issue we look at it and and you prove the point. If there's an issue that we find, we look at it, we have it corrected. >> But it takes a while to it took a while to get it corrected. I I don't have an
issue with the way things are now. Um I think there are some areas that we can tweak and lessen the amount of time spent on it, but the the business, the things that we have determined to be business, I think we need to have the information on it.
>> Yeah, I I I think you have the information. Uh you know, it's been memorialized. Uh we have it. Uh I just don't think again, I don't think it's a good use of of you know,
you know, personnel to to spend this much time. And I and I understand what you all say what what you're saying, but that's because we're not doing it. Uh uh I've had to transcribe things in my past
life and it ain't easy. >> Well, considering >> [clears throat] >> all the things we do and everything we have to look at, I want to be able to see what was said without me having to go do an investigation. >> How about being able to hear what was
said? >> I think what happens is it gets I think William is right. It gets recorded, it gets videoed, it gets everything and then when the human element comes to it and then when we look back to to look for something, I I I remember Sasha looking back and said, "Well, according
to the minutes of where I read, this is what it was." And it wasn't. So, I think that's where the problem comes in and the reality is none of us are going to go back and listen to 3 hours worth of videos on certain things already. So,
all that being said, I think the the accuracy is important, but I think the answer is in AI still. And I don't want to sound like a millennial or something, but the technology I think is out there to make everybody up here happy. I I understand
what Christine is saying and that's a good point. If it's not getting but I I think there's there's facial and voice recognition stuff out there now. So, >> Is Bryce Bryce still in here? I bet you Bryce can give us some >> Yeah, I know.
>> I think he's here. >> We have discussed with Bryce options and we have looked at different AI resources. It still does come down to the human element of us going and looking at the summary and yes, determining whether it matches what the
AI comes out with. AI has been helpful and I know you I believe it was Commissioner Asbody and Vice Mayor Ashcraft that about a year ago had commented on our just in general lack of efficiency and needing to utilize those resources which we have tried to do. But
as I've said AI still in doing a summary is still going to provide AI's version and not knowing you all are knowing the voices and the speaker identification as Bryce would say as well is not where we'd hope it would be by now with technology. Um >> I agree with you. AI shouldn't do it
all. I I'm thinking that a verbatim transcripts gives us the the concrete info and then a summary allows us to look back at it but um I think there's more to be looked for over here. I I I don't I would like to even if we all want independently to
look up some technology or or in in what it is. Um but I wouldn't want to go down Christine from where we are. I know it's taking a lot of you guys' time but I this is important stuff. You know what I know is that when I would
come in and talk to a city manager not so much with Rick but before uh they pull out the minutes, they look at the minutes and that's it. And as things become more as we become going through more growth and more specific items, one word
changes everything and if a clerk uh is is transitioning that transcribing that in good faith which they are, I believe they are, one small little mistake could could make a big difference but the answer I think it's in technology. I'm not completely
ready to surrender to technology can't do that and I and personally I don't want to see us go down in what we're doing. Um at least not without a more of a fight or a try. Um Not sure where that ans- where what that answer is. We may we may need to
continue this discussion again but um I'll be I'm willing to look up some stuff and and maybe talk to Bryce and try to figure out how to prescribe prescribe transcript some of this stuff, but um >> Well, I look at audience to be heard,
like what we have here, and I mean, the long paragraphs that need to one, that could be summarized. That would be less. Um but I think [clears throat] anything that refers to business that we've done, our our resolutions, things like that. I I want
to see >> But those those things are easy to locate on your audio. >> We do timestamp. Um CivicPlus, our provider for agenda management, does timestamp every month. We send the
request to them with the video, and they are all timestamped um by month. So you can go to a specific part of the video and watch it at that section that um by the agenda items. >> Are you able to do word search through that? >> You know, I haven't tried that. I'm
happy to take a look at that. >> When I when I did it, when I watched the video, I had to watch everything to get to that point. It didn't allow me to be able to like go to the specific section that I was working on. >> It may We try We try to do it every
month. >> Unless that can happen and I don't know. >> We do that every month, but if you'd like, I'm more than happy to, the day after the meeting, send the request out. Um CivicPlus is very good at getting back to us to us very quickly and getting them timestamped. So I'm happy to do that after each meeting instead of waiting till the end of the month to
make that easier for you. >> So I I see where we can shorten the length of the conversations about um audience to be heard. A future agenda items could be narrowed down. I could see where a lot of this
could be brought down, but keep what the things that we that's important to us in it. >> But then you then then you you put it on staff to say what's important to you. >> Yeah, but it's also staff putting it on us.
>> I think she says put more detail into it and hopefully the detail will give us the answers. >> And I'm not I'm saying that those those particular areas, they do not There's paragraph after paragraph. They don't have to do that. That could be paraphrased. But when it comes to the
business decisions, I mean anything we we decide, that should be more detailed. >> How long? It's 30 minutes. >> Of your time. >> time. >> Of your time. >> 30 minutes, uh 1 and 1/2 to 3 hours.
>> Okay, 1 and 1/2 to 3 hours with typically 3 hours on a a uh a commission night. Uh so that's 6 hours uh plus any other meetings that we have during the month. And the way it's
going, we're having a a workshop like every other week. So that's included. So does that include workshops as well? I mean, we We're going to be up to like a week and a half of someone that we're paying $80,000 to. Is that worth it for us to
be able to >> It may be $80,000. >> Does Does Does I mean, all we have to do is they they do it in the uh Which one was it? The number two option and we just take our time and go back
and look at and listen. >> Well, could we Could we go through the agenda and say this is summary, this is verbatim, this is summary? Would that work Would that help? Like parts of the parts of the agenda
would not be would just be a summary and then other parts would be more detailed. >> minutes that we have today, it would give you a good idea. >> And then And And do you do you do verbatim for the workshops? >> No, we do not. >> Okay. So >> For There's a different level of
verbatim. There's transcript style and there's verbatim. Verbatim is really court reporter. Transcript style is really giving a lot extensive detail. >> Okay, sorry. I got So, you do transcripts transcripts >> has been in the past recent past it's been more transcript style from what I can from my understanding.
>> I mean, yeah, could we like once again, could we do a hybrid? Parts of it that we don't really need a transcript. We don't but then parts of the agenda we we we we do unless one of us calls for the
transcript for a particular item. Um And then once again, if the audio and video's not working, then we then we do the transcript for the whole meeting. >> And that means that when we get >> Doesn't that seem like a good good resolution for it all?
>> Go ahead. I'm sorry. When we get the agenda on Thursday, we look at the minutes. That's when we between Thursday that week and the next Thursday. So, we have That's when we have to go into not only looking at everything but then go and listen to the video if we see something
in the minutes that needs it. >> I agree. I agree. >> But I like your suggestion. >> Yeah. >> You know, I'm I'm only comfortable you know, with the the verbatim if there's you know, any issue with the audio or the
or the video. >> And that's your time. >> Do we even have a meeting? I know in code enforcement we canceled it when we weren't having recordings. If we're not videoing, we still have the meeting and if we're not but if we have no voice, then we cancel the meeting. >> There's no requirement for as I
understand no requirement for recording or audio to be done. >> The The biggest time when code enforcement is coming into play is when there's an applicant, then it's on it's their duty to have a court reporter come in and make that transcription. If something were to occur where there
was some sort of litigation, we could take that recording that we have and send it out to be transcribed. >> I'm saying if there is no recording. We're saying if there is no recording and no video going on, do we cancel the meeting? >> No, there's no obligation to >> There's no obligation to, but it's
probably not a good idea. >> Actually, well, from a litigation >> you are on the litigation, I guess. >> defending the city's interest, uh it's it's in the applicant or the one the person who's trying to appeal this, it's in their interest to create that record, and there's a presumption of
correctness when you don't have it. >> Okay. And it is the actions and the votes that are I mean, that's what the action minutes are. Um but the record of those votes that you all take, I understand there's a means to how you get to your vote, and I understand that that's important to
you, but it's those records of votes that must be 100% accurate. >> If I think of the where the some questions came up, they weren't in the vote, cuz that's always been clear. I don't think we've ever even come close to assuming that a vote wasn't recorded right. I think it comes in direction uh
when the staff uh asks for direction from the commission, we give direction, and then it's heard by our attorney one way, and it's heard by the recording a different way, and and we said it a third way. But I yeah, I I think >> I I'm going to say one more one more word >> one more sentence. There's there's a
term Go ahead, Mayor. >> Right. Um I'm sorry, Commissioner Holland has been trying to say something. >> The devil's in the Devil's in the details. >> Truthfully, I uh with all the years doing this, the brief
summary is truthfully where I would like to see us eventually get to. I understand when it comes to the true business of the city, consent agenda can I mean, you've got it listed. I mean, we vote, okay? But when it comes down to the ordinance, public
hearings, and quasi-judicial hearings, those need to be a little bit more detailed. Um and the votes, [clears throat] of course, have to be properly done. Audience to be heard, we just need a summary because most of the time we're sending it right to staff to do anyway. So, there needs to be a hybrid between
the two. AI is not where it needs to be to be able to take our minutes yet. I It will be someday, but it's just not there yet. We're trying to use it in funeral service, and it is not where we need it to be for
that yet. So, I don't want to trust it for something as important as government at this point. So, that's just That's my case on something. >> Hey, and I'm going to address the elephant in the room. Sometimes we talk too much. >> Like now? >> Yes, [laughter]
exactly. >> I was going to suggest either we are going to come to an agreement on this or table it or something, but we can't keep Every time we we start something, we get into one of these little one little thing that we just go on and on and about. So, let's decide what we're going
to do and move on, please. >> I'd like I'd like >> to bring us back something that's a hybrid of of the what we're doing now and a brief summary. >> Can we do that for next meeting? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, this this meeting and let's get it done. >> Sure, I can do that. >> Okay.
>> Okay. >> Wow. >> [sighs] >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. I just wanted to say something. >> your statement. >> No, I was just going to say for that, my word my real word is there's so much truth to the word devil's in the detail. And this this is a case where one word can change things,
especially when it's something that's that's uh created some controversial opinions among among the commissioners, but um I'm I'm still holding on When I say AI, I I'm actually speaking wrong. You're right, Mike. Uh I don't mean AI. I mean
technology. So, technology, I think, can take us in the and do the verbatim minutes. I'd like to take some time to research some of that. I've already been text by by uh somebody that that's referring to one of one of the great
uh apps and stuff that does that. But, uh I think everyday the world is changing on on that. And I kept using AI, but what I mean is technology. So, um I do
kind of agree with Mike and and uh the mayor and on on some things when we're having our discussions, it's the most important because we're giving direction. And that can be skewed, especially when we're all not in agreement on it and it's a 3-2 one or another way. I think that needs
as much detail as possible. Uh but, resolutions, voting, uh isn't an issue, but resolutions and ordinances maybe need need to be paid closer attention to, but >> Yeah. I even today I read through the minutes. If I've got a question, I go
back and then I watch it and listen to it if I think there's a challenge. So, time stamping some of this stuff, if we can do that, I'm I'm great with that, too. Because I do go back to both. >> Well, I think um
when you're looking at it, um Vice Mayor Ashcraft's suggestion was a really good one. And see if you you could do how that might work out, too. Okay. So, >> That's what we'll do. Let's go >> Can you can you restate that for the for the so-called record if we want to use that term now? [laughter] Gary, what
exactly are you saying that we're and are we agreeing by majority to what? >> I mean, we can approach it two ways. We can >> Or can we discuss this again in a month? >> Possibly. >> So, let's give her more than 2 weeks.
Let's give her a month and maybe the beginning of August. >> Our next meeting is in a month. >> Yeah. My suggestion would be that I come back to you with some sample of some of what you're what I believe you're talking about in terms of hybrid, and you are welcome to come back and pull those minutes and say we want more
detail, and then we can we can do that. >> So, a month would be mid-July. I'm asking you to do it in July. >> Second meeting in July. >> the first meeting in >> We don't have one in the first meeting in July. >> In August, I'm saying. Let's bring it back in August. >> Let's do it July 1st Let's get this done.
>> And and you'll do it for this meeting? >> I can do that. >> We have a few back meetings that we've had, but we can do it for this meeting. >> Okay. >> Or even that long one we had today, so how you can condense it. >> It would be helpful if one person spoke
at a time. Just to let you know. >> Okay. >> Oh, good luck. >> I I I think >> Let's move on with the other items and comments. Um, City Attorney. >> Madam Mayor, just a few updates for you. I have reached out to the Spring Ridge Association lawyer. He's been out on
vacation for 2 weeks. We have a meeting scheduled next week to go over with some of his comments. He has discussed the agreement with his client, and I'm eager to see what his thoughts are on the agreement that was sent.
I've redrafted the MMTC ordinance. Provided that draft to staff based off of commission's consensus. I wanted to review that with them. They were dealing with budget and prep for this meeting, but I'd like to review that to them, and then they can
go over it with you as well. There's a couple two places where I need um, some direction from you on the options to go, but I think it's in the direction that everybody wanted to go from the last meeting. Those are the main items that I wanted
to brief you on. >> It's taking a long time. >> I think the as far as it relates to the MMTC, it was really in part of that transition period where I took over and I did speak with Ms. Sutphin
and within speaking with her, I made those changes in in a week or less. Um the Spring Ridge, the hold up I think was just the attorney being out of town. >> Okay. Anything else? >> No, but I'm happy to answer any questions or anything else
that's specific. >> Questions? You, George? >> On on that subject or any on any >> On this on what he just discussed with us. >> No. >> Okay. City Manager? >> I yeah, I've got a couple of things. Um
for one, I think most everyone has reached out to Mary um about the Florida League of Cities conference in Hollywood. Uh August 13th to 15th. Um please let Mary know, preferably by tomorrow if you can so she can get everything booked for us.
Um again, appreciate everybody's time with the budget review and thanks to staff and especially Miranda who we have been joined at the hip for better part of 3 weeks. So, um
it was good, it was tough. Um we made some hard cuts. We got some people upset with us, but it's kind of what we have to do. I think feel really good about the budget that we brought to y'all today. So, thank you for the time reviewing that. Um
an update on the city manager search. Uh SGR is the um the consultant that we have that is is running the search. We spoke to him earlier this week. Um he had 53 applications. Um he's expecting
about 70 by the time they close. It is uh scheduled to close June 28th. Um when they after they close it, they will take and go through the let's call it 70
they'll go through the 70 submitters and they'll vet it. So, they'll kick out the people that just don't meet the qualifications qualifications based on what went out in the package which was created from their meetings with you.
Um so, they'll go ahead and and cut it down to what they're calling the semi-finalists. Um it'll probably be there's not really a hard number because you don't want to leave somebody out that's potentially qualified. But you're probably looking about 15 or 20 people that out of that
70 that'll come in. So, that's the second phase of it um is to review the semi-finalists. And they'll do that through a committee. Um we talked a little bit.
I feel that that selection committee should be made up of commission. Um it's really not a staff thing. What what staff may want as a city manager is not necessarily what you as commission want for the city manager. So,
um to give you a feeling of the commitment, I asked um Kevin Knutson, our consultant, I asked him what is the time commitment you think for this phase two? What are we looking at? He said they'll they'll take and do a a very brief
interview with the each applicant. They'll combine those all into one video. Um asking the same questions and how they respond. That video's probably going to be about 90 minutes long to look at that. Um then there will also be a paper package for each one of them.
Combined, he's expecting between 75 to 100 pages on that package. Um at that point, he says it's probably about 10 hours time commitment to to review the video and the package.
And there each person would rank like a a one if you think that is a qualified person you could see sitting in this chair. You give them a one. And you may have 10 ones. Um if if you're unsure, but you see some potential, but maybe they just didn't
interview well, give them a two. And if they're out, give them a three and throw them out. And then he he will reach out to each one of you. You give the rankings for each of them. Um and it that would just be a little fun.
They in turn would go back. Um do accumulation of all those rankings, and then they're going to shortlist. And at that shortlist, um they'll probably cut again. You don't want to do a hard number cuz you don't want to leave somebody out. But probably about four or five is what we've seen in
the past. They'll bring those in. Everybody will have a one-on-one interview. And then we will meet in a a meeting, either a workshop or prior to a commission meeting. And at that point you would discuss with them
and discuss amongst yourselves. And if you can come to a consensus, you would select the next the next person. So, that's the process as it stands. Um what I am asking is
um and you don't have to tell me now, but think think about the time commitment on being this phase two, this shortlist. Um and if I would say if we can get at least three of the five that will
commit, that's a good number. Um three, four, or five is a good number for that that committee. If you're under three, I think we need to figure out something else at that point. Um either a a member of the public or a member of
staff. But I really feel like this is this is commission. This is you guys. Um So, what I would ask is is think about it this weekend cuz it is a it is a commitment for you. Um and if you if if you could let me know by
Monday. Um give me a yay or nay. I may send you just a text out um if I haven't heard from you. And from there we'll see where it is and I'll get that information back to Kevin and we can move >> So, so I understand so that you're asking are we willing to commit 10 hours
to do that process, the the second level, and then we'll come back and do a final interview in person, which is >> Yeah, to to the short to the short listed. So, whatever gets short listed out of that second phase. Um and then that that's all a one-on-one and
and kind of how you know, I'm always so eloquent with my wording. Um I I kind of say like a speed dating thing or we'll put each candidate in a um in a conference room and you know, George will get started here
and then you'll go, you know, if it's a half hour 45 minutes, you'll go to the next one. Commissioner Hawkins, you'll follow up. Um you know, so we're going just kind of round robin. You're hitting them all. And then we can reconvene and and move on to the next and and I think each one of you during that process, this is the
third phase. You would rank out and then discuss that amongst yourselves in a in open meeting. >> Okay. I would hope I I think this is probably will I don't know about um Commissioner Hawkins has been here, but
I think this will be the most important single task that we'll do as a commission in our time. Uh I I I hope. And all of us are busy or but I I'm willing to give the 10 hours for such an important cause. >> [clears throat]
>> Uh and I really would love to see all of us participate in that. That's our That's the the scope, especially with all the development that we're planning to do or all the revitalization. Some of it might not have any development in it. I think we all have to we all have to be there to to to
put our uh >> And if we ever have unanimous, it should be now for this. >> unanimous to review. And the charter says that the city commission >> a choice and me >> The charter says that the commission will select the city manager. I think
so. Instead of us going to a crazy voting and and and and off and off, I think we all need to interview, be involved in the process, be invested, and will understand. You know, so many so many things I've learned since Rick
has been here when he's communicated so well and information has been so plentiful. It's made everything flow so smooth. I couldn't imagine not being involved in the second tier and then the final tier, but I don't I don't know. That's That's how I feel. I'm I'm really
willing to give the 10 hours. >> Okay. Um >> I will. >> Yeah. Yeah. And And like I said, I'll I'll reach out to everybody. I'll make sure >> Oh, okay. Then I'm I'm not going to tell you my answer. >> [laughter] >> Take it back. >> I'll take it back.
>> I'll I'll reach out to you anyway. Um Also, the uh at your desk um when you sat down is a a draft of the RFP for the city attorney. Um I'd like if you could, please, take a
look at that. Provide any comment that you see. Um We kind of captured one from another city that that's gone out. We tweaked it to fit us. Um so, we've we've laid some criteria out. And
um again, this is this is a position that that works at the will of commission. Um, so there's definitely a level of involvement, um, that that we need to get from commission. Um, again,
we could I I have no idea really what we'll get, the number of people that will submit on this. Um, but get your comments to me. I'd I'd ask if you could have them in a week, and then
we'll get them collated, and we'll go out and advertise. Um, and once once we get advertised, we should be able to advertise, um, the end of June, like June 29th. We'll probably leave it out for a month,
open them up on the 28th, yeah, the end of July. And at that point, again, we'll need to shortlist. And you shortlist by qualification, which with SGR, they're they're the
consultants that's on board. For this shortlist, um, it is it is your will. I would suggest I have done a lot of selection committee stuff. If you're confident, Tracy James at purchasing, she would oversee, um, to make sure it
goes. And with me and potentially one member of commission as ranking, I would select Mayor Lee. Um, but at that point, you all discuss, um,
and we could shortlist, which is is basically vetting them, throw them out if they don't meet the qualifications, and go through and look at it. And then from there, bring in for your interviews, and do that same process where we're going around, you get the one-on-ones, and
then we would come back together and and you make the selection. >> Who do you Who are you envisioning? So, yourself, the mayor, who else? >> I think that I think that would be it for the short list, yeah. Because it's more it's more of a vetting. It's like the process with SGR.
Um but again, I I am open to whatever. If you want to set it to where you meet and talk to every single one of them, fine. But I think you're going to end up getting if it's usually the the process we're kicking some out just looking at
cuz they don't they don't fit. >> Okay. >> So, you want us to get back to you on our comments in 1 week? >> Yeah, if you could get back to the comments and the comments kind of lay out this. Um if you don't like the process, uh we don't need to worry about the the next part, but give me those comments so
we know how to move forward. And then I'll I'll take a consensus of the comments back, revise as, send y'all out the final with that, and then we'll move forward. But I know there's there's a uh you want this moving.
And yeah, so uh Tracy James has been working on it. And if any hold up, it it's been on my end trying to get it reviewed and commented back and and get that while we've been focused on budget and everything, but um I I think it's
pretty close and I think it it should be a pretty good document for y'all. So. >> Great. Thank you. That's all I have. >> Okay. Um >> [clears throat] >> now we'll go over to the commissioners. You want to? >> I'm good. >> Okay. >> I'm good.
>> I'm looking forward to our hometown celebration on July 3rd. I know Sherry and her team have worked hard to put that together for us and um I'm sure it'll be a great evening for us as a city. Also, um June the 23rd
through the 27th is the Miss Florida pageant. Looking forward to seeing how Bailey Martin does, our Miss Eustis, that will be competing in the Miss Florida pageant. I will be going down at least on the 27th for the actual
final that night. So, looking forward to attending that on behalf of the city. So. >> Does she need anything or >> What's that? >> Does she need anything, Bailey? >> Uh we need to reach out to her and see. Sherry, you need You got anything on her? >> We have Miss Eustis, Bailey, as Miss
Eustis and we have Sydney Salis as Miss Teen. >> Miss Teen, and she's going out for Miss Teen. Do they need anything at this point, Sherry, from us? >> I do not believe so. The pageant director has everything under control, but >> Would you find out and ask the director to reach out to us if if there's
anything we need to do provide as a city. Um and I'll personally take care of making sure that that's run. Okay? Thank you. That's all I've got, Mayor. >> Okay. Mr. Espy. >> Um
I I I'm just going to say again on the one thing I really would like us to see um some type of ordinance um in August maybe we can have a discussion in the on the August calendar about um our city's
guidelines or we can follow a couple ordinances. There's one in Winter Garden and everything that that I like uh following uh outlining the requirements for uh transmission lines power lines, anything having to be
underground and new going forward. Um We really should have done this before, but We we've got to get We've got to get pen to pencil. >> I agree, but >> Go ahead. >> I can say I agree with you wholeheartedly, but
is Senate Bill 180 going to allow us to do that? >> I don't know that Senate Bill 180, of course I'm not an attorney, but I I don't know that that is restrict I think that's for I don't I don't know that it I don't know I don't have the
qualifications to say if it does or it doesn't. >> I need to look at the the LDRs on those issues to see what we're changing. And the draft ordinance from Winter Garden, but if they if they passed it, there's a good chance that there's a way to address it without
>> They probably but they probably passed it before 180 came into effect, though, right? >> Probably. I don't remember the dates. I have the ordinance at home. Um but with basically we learned a lesson. >> Mhm. >> And we'll see that lesson till the day we die cuz those those poles will be up
longer than any of us up here will live. And uh we got to do something about it. >> I agree. >> So maybe in August >> Yeah, I'll I'll work I'll work with the attorney. >> Yeah. Um get you Winter Gardens and and and uh
and We already have it, I believe, for new construction residential. That's kind of taken care of. Um but uh we've we've got to We've got to show that we did something for for this disaster that's out there
other than uh sit still. I don't know what's going on with the Umatilla extension, but I got a feeling that uh I'm going to go off the deep end when I when I see it, but that matter. >> Any other comments? >> Um
I know I think the last meeting or a couple of meetings ago, we talked about the uh the e-bikes and the kids >> Yeah. >> uh of a certain age. Uh is there anything that we can do? Is there any way the city can do to move
something forward to require them to uh to to wear helmets? >> Orange County just adopted a pretty cool one you should take a look at. >> Mhm. >> Um I think uh um Mayor um Dimmitt's put it
>> Yeah, that was pretty good. But >> And and and once again, I agree that something should be done. But Tallahassee, I think is already looking into at this as well. >> Yeah, I heard that, too. >> Shouldn't we Shouldn't we see what they're going to do? >> And not only even not only that, even how they can't ride through on the
sidewalks and how, you know, they deal with people in the >> But that will be next session, right, Gary? >> Correct. >> Correct. Yes. >> So, that would be That's a long time away. We ought to at least look at what what uh Dimmitt's did out there and see if
that's something we can stamp on. >> Can you get that footage? Okay. Thanks. >> Um I I think that's it for me. Oh, uh uh good job uh chief and and
the men and women at the PD. The shootings last week, uh You know, uh we had an event a few days before that. And you know, just when you think you're you know, you're taking two steps forward, you
know, something happens and you end up taking three steps backwards. Uh there's a problem that we're addressing. Um there's a lot of things that we have planned, but it's going to take more than a few of us. It's going to take our
whole community to be a part of trying to fix our kids. a good thing >> building that relationship. >> Yeah. Yeah. You know, we think we we think that we have problems. Uh just imagine what they're going through. So,
um but kudos uh to you and and the department for doing what I know there's still more work to do. But I just think the community needs to uh get behind our kids and
you know, be more than just uh um you know, a group of people that um you know, is negative. Uh more than a group of people that [snorts] um you know, always blaming our kids. We need to do something about it. So,
now it's time to put the the metal to the uh >> Hammer to the metal. >> the pedal to the >> Hammer hit the asphalt. >> Yep, exactly. >> Walk and chew gum. >> That's right. We can do that. So, >> You know, there was one thing I didn't say that was a really a happy happy moment. I'm going to make it brief and short. I for the first time since I've
been around here, I attended the uh employees appreciation employees uh and employee Let me tell you, that was that was pretty cool to watch these people who have put 15, 20, 25 years into the city, 30 years, and the energy
from the staff, the heart and soul of us, the people even below the directors who who really grind in and uh it was pretty cool to sit back in the corner and watch that. And until you experience that, do you really connect
with the What do we have? Just under 300 people? Employees in the city? I was looking for our HR lady. What do we have? 300? >> About 250. >> About 250. It was a It was really something great. And [clears throat] and uh we've got a lot of really good,
passionate people, especially people who are having fun at their job. And and and whenever I can hear people laughing while they're working, uh enjoy and happy, I think it's just such a great thing. So, I just wanted to share it. Thanks for allowing us to come to that and to see
that and it was some really good good feel good stuff. It was really great. >> And that's one of the things that that I agree is and I didn't get to make this one but but one of the things that I can and say about about our city. I don't know if any other city does that.
But I think that's a great way of us keeping this >> Feels good to them and to us. >> Yeah, exactly. They're more than just a number. >> Mhm. >> Sorry, but that was I just wanted >> I just want to say thank you, Miranda. Thank you, Rick. Thank you, department heads and everybody who worked on this
amazing budget process because it made a big difference this year for me and I probably know the least of about budgets and numbers and all of that, but it became very clear and we could talk about it in a good organized way and I appreciate
everything that you guys did. And I'm glad you put in 3 weeks and you lived to tell about it and you still like each other. Thank you. And um then the other thing would be we're getting a lot people are really enjoying the butterflies and comments
about the flowers in the city and so I'm very appreciative of it. I think there's more to come and I'm really really enjoying it. Um also on the 23rd I have to give uh Daniel kudos because we're going to
bring the downtown merchants together. That's been a long time coming and they haven't been working well together. Get them together so that we can maybe put in another aspect to making our city better. >> That's it. >> All right. We all done? This is now a
>> Hey.