Good morning everyone. We're going to call this meeting to order. Today is uh Monday, January 5th. It is 9:00 am. Um three of the council members are present. One is retired and one is in in uh Maui I think Hawaii somewhere. Um if
you please rise for the invocation followed by the pledge of allegiance. >> As we step into 2026, may we be may we be filled with the strength to overcome challenges, the wisdom to make thoughtful choices, and the compassion to uplift those around us. Today we
offer our deepest gratitude to Jim Adterholt for his dedication and service. His contributions have strengthened this community and we wish him every success and fulfillment as he begins his new endeavors. Let us embrace the possibilities that lie ahead with gratitude for the blessings of the past
and a commitment to living with purpose and kindness. Amen. >> Amen. I pledge algiance 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. For all. >> All right. Before we get started, do we have to have a motion uh and a vote for Councelor King to re to attend the meeting virtually? Is there a motion to approve, Councelor King? >> So moved. Got a motion by Vice Mayor Safford. >> Second.
>> Seconded by Councelor Link. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. Hearing none. That motion carries unanimously. Morning John. We can see you now. >> Can't hear you though.
>> Next is the uh approval of the final agenda. >> Let's get his audio going before we do anything. >> John, we still can't hear you. >> He's working on it. looking tan though. >> Mhm. >> I take it you can hear us.
>> Yeah. >> Good. Can't hear you. >> Zoom's not even picking him up. So, it's something on his end. >> Okay. Are you really in Hawaii?
>> So he could >> you want to tell >> something? >> John, Zoom is not picking you up. So we're assuming it's something on your end. >> Can he call in? >> We're going to give you a call, John, so we can have you at least on speaker.
I'll figure it out. >> Well, while we're waiting, how was everybody's new year? >> Thumbs up. >> That's it. Just thumbs up. >> Sure. Had family in town? Did you did did family things? Oh, >> played bucket golf. Have you played >> bucket? I've seen it. I have not played.
>> Fun. >> Yeah. Did you go to I thought you went to Wisconsin. >> I did and then I came home and more family came. >> Wow. >> Well, that's a lot of family. >> Two words. >> A lot of family. Yes. >> Spotted cow. Spotted cow. >> Indeed. I tried to bring some home, but I already had I know. I thought of you.
Sorry. I tried to Yeah. I had too many carryons. They won't allow me in case of beer on the airplane. >> Get at the airport, man. What do you mean? You didn't rent a car and just drive? >> No. >> But I highly recommend bucket golf. It's quite fun.
>> How was your new year? >> Is it? >> Well, we'll take a brief recess >> until until we get this figured out and then we'll come back. >> Um, as soon as Give it 10 minutes. >> Or >> can he can Josh hear me in there?
>> I think Josh is on the phone with him right? >> Oh, is he? Okay. >> And so we're off camera because of the red light. >> No, that's still on. >> Okay. >> Well, we're getting the new year off with a bang. All
right, we're back on. >> We're back on. All right, we'll call this meeting back to order. Is he Can you Josh, can you see me in there? >> Yes. >> Okay, we're good. All right, we'll call the meeting back to order. Next is the approval of the final agenda. Is there a motion to approve the final agenda? So moved.
>> Got a motion by Vice Mayor Safford. I'll second. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Hearing none. That motion carries unanimously. Next is public comment. Amy. >> I have nobody signed up. >> Tom, come on up.
Good morning. >> Good morning. Tom Brady. Uh live at 339 Madison Court. Um, hey, it's not part of my prepared speech, but I I need to give a shout out to the men and women of uh the United States Army and the agency.
Uh, was in the army and worked at the agency and they don't set policy. I'm not saying whether I approve or disapprove of that action from a from a justification standpoint, but when you're in the trenches and you get an order and you follow the order and those things haven't always gone that well in
the past and it's just amazing how well that whole operation went and uh really proud of the men and women of the United States for making that happen. Um I'm here today to be considered for the vacant seat and um I've given you some of my background. Let me give you a
different spin on it. Um my first job was uh selling newspaper subscriptions doortodoor for the Washington Post. I was born in the DC area. Um and then I went on to delivering newspapers. Then I started uh pumping gas at multiple different gas stations and cleaning
bathrooms because I think that's what they hire the kids for. Now those are two jobs that have now gone obsolete. So I guess I'm never going to work as one of those before. When I turned 16, I was able to get a job as a tire changer at a Goodyear store. work through the summer ch winter changeover snow tires. It it
it's a lot of work. I grew up in a family of six children. We had very very little even though my father was a government employee back then. Government employees didn't get paid much. >> Um we had to share bath water. We used to fight over who was the first bath and who got the last bath was low man or
woman on the toilet pole. Toilet bowl toilet bowl. Um and my mother fed us on a pound of hamburger and a can of vegetables. So we I had a very auric beginning. Um and uh I think that is part of who I am. Uh but my parents
instilled really strong values in me that guided my life. I've also managed large organizations uh to the extent that I've flown in the corporate jets for HP, EDS and General Motors and I've worked with executive leadership around the world. My strength
is a working across different levels from entry level employees all the way up to the seauite. I never lost sight of the fact of the values that were instilled in me and my upbringing and um I planned to quietly retire here in Fort
Myers Beach, but I was asked to to step forward and I could not turn down that call. I have been a big fish in a big pond, but I've also cleaned gas station toilets and and latrines and portaotties in the army when we were in the field.
Um uh but I do understand hard work, accountability and service and I understand a trade-off that have to be made. It was stockholders, it was it was employees and it was customers in the past and now it's residents, it's uh
commercial interests, its environment and it's the other stakeholders that contribute here to the town. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Tom. >> Thanks, Tom. >> Anyone else? Bill. Bill Vich for the record, Ster Boulevard, longtime resident of course.
Um, yeah, I just want to say, you know, I'm I'm here to support Tom. There was there was, as you know, an election and the election was um a significant blowout by electoral standards. I think that he's the only candidate that really has the mandate from the ballot box. Um, I will also say I can't attest to his um
his ability to clean toilets. I haven't seen that yet, but I'm sure according to my wife, it's probably better than mine. Um, but also I'll say that I know that this the situation we're in now is fairly unique. Having having Jim resign before there's, you know, the two years
left in his um in his his his term, I think creates some awkwardness, but there's also some awkwardness with the appeal that is still outstanding in John's case. So, I'll just say that um to for simplicity that if Tom is appointed um to just keep things
predictable and understandable that I will drop the um the appeal against John. So, um that's kind of just my two cents, but I you know, I've I I really don't know Tom well, but I I've got to know him lately over um over the last year or so. And he's a he's a stand-up
guy. He stood up when people asked him to. He's uh he's smart. He won't be in over his head in any way because he's been, like he said, he's been a big fish in a big pond. He's been around. So, thank you very much. >> Thanks, Bill. >> Thanks, Bill. >> Jim,
>> round out the trifecta. >> Good morning, everyone. >> Morning. >> Several years ago, I was asked by then president Bowling Green State University, where I'd attended many years before to be that year's commencement speaker at the College of Business graduation ceremony.
You all have my resume outlining my professional history and personal experiences. And with that in mind, it was not uncommon for universities to reach out to former students who had achieved that level of success. But it was important to me when I accepted that assignment to make sure that the message they walked away from that day was not
one of accomplishment in and of itself, but much more personal process that led to and made that success much more authentic and satisfying. So I think in many ways much of that message applies to this moment as well as you're in the context of the decision you're going to have in front of you soon. So I pulled
out my personal notes from that day and I want to share a part of them with you. I began my presentation by sharing with them the concept that I believe there's a process in a particular order that we all go through to make the decisions and ultimately drive the results we achieve whether it's individually or collectively as a team or as a
community. To me, that process is beliefs create behaviors that then drive outcomes. That's the natural order and the only one that doesn't require artificial or outside forces to achieve. For example, outcome only driven results require incentives, money, title,
personal rewards and so on. Companies use this approach very effectively. Behavior only driven results usually require pain, pleasure, punishment to sustain. Governments use this approach by passing laws to keep a functioning and civil society. But it's only the beliefs that come from
a different place such as religious faith or personal values that do not need outside influences to sustain them and get the desired results. So I want to take a moment and share my personal beliefs with you today. The way I see the world and ultimately the framework for any success I've achieved in my life
so far. I believe that everyone can contribute in some way to the betterment of all. I believe that partnerships are more important and certainly more powerful than individual efforts alone. I believe that while what you do is important, how you do it is even more so. And I believe there's a special
responsibility, a personal responsibility that comes with living it and ultimately being a leader in our society. So I wrapped up my presentation to say it great takes great courage to face the unknowns in one's life, to put it all on the line, leave behind our familiar soc.
And yet, in order to grow, that's what we continue to do. I'm proud of what I've accomplished professionally. I'm more proud of how I did what I did, the beliefs that I had that drive my decisions and my outcome, and I'm certainly hopeful to give all of that for my speech. Thank you.
>> Thanks, Jim. >> Thank you. >> There's no one else here, so we'll close public comment. It'll bring us to local achievements and recognitions. Councelor King. >> Yeah, I've got three quick ones. Thank you for the opportunity. Uh I want to start by recognizing the town employees
for their hard work and dedication in 2025. Once again they handled uh numerous transitions uh such as a new town manager and a new town hall to name a couple with their usual. So thank you. Also um recognize Beachtock Radio for
another successful New Year's Eve uh 5K run and one mile walk at Diamond Head Beach Resort. It was a third annual and they raised $12,000 for the Fort Myers Beach Women's Club. So, thank you for that. Last but not least, recognize Jim Adhole for his passion and dedication to Fort Myers Beach. Thank you, Jim. I'm
proud to call you Brenda Friends and wish nothing but the best for you both. And that's it. >> All right. Thank you, sir. Councelor Link. >> Yes. So, John had two of them again, town staff for an awesome awesome year. I cannot imagine how difficult it is. Uh
there's so many things to do and being short-handed is is difficult. So, thank you every day. Um, and as well Jim Adhalt. I hope it wasn't something I said, you know, because I was looking forward to learning so much from Jim.
So, best wishes, Jim. Godspeed, and I'm sure you'll still be a part of this town. That's it for me. Thank you. >> Vice Mayor Sack, >> I I can't even add any more to that. I echo all both of your comments. I mean, happy new year to everybody and Jim,
best of luck. I know you're going to be successful in whatever you do. Even if it's a retirement, you better improve your tennis game, too. >> Yeah, I can't add much more. I think everybody had the same It sounds like everybody had the same uh recognitions
on their sheet. Just wished Brenda and Jim the best in in his retirement. And uh anytime you need a a pickle ball player, let me know. We'll dust them things off and and show the people that we are true athletes. No laughing. All right, moving on.
Advisory committees, items and reports. I don't see anything or anyone here. Next is the approval of the minutes from the town council meeting in December 15th, 2025. Is there a motion to approve the minutes from that meeting? >> So moved. Move. >> Second. >> Okay. Got a motion by Vice Mayor
Safford, seconded by Councelor Link. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? Hearing none, that motion carries unanimously. Next is our consent agenda. There are three items. Uh resolution 26-001 through 26-004 for the
extension of local emergency tropical storm Debbie. Uh resolution 26-005 through 26-8 for the extension of local emergency for Hurricane Helen. And resolution 26-009 through 26-12,
extension of local emergency for Hurricane Milton. Is there a motion to pass the consent agenda? So move. We've got a motion. Got a motion by councelor King. >> Second. It's >> seconded by councelor Link. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify
by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Hearing none. That motion carries unanimously. We do not have anything removed from the uh consent agenda. There are no public hearings. So, we will move on to administrative agenda. The first item is
a resolution of the town council of the town of Fort Myers Beach, Florida, relating to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection State Revolving Fund Loan Program making findings authorizing amendment number five to loan agreement reaffirming pledge revenues, providing assurances,
providing for conflicts, severability, and an effective date. Joe, >> good morning. Joe Wik, finance director. Um this um amendment to the loan, this additional amount to be borrowed um is really been over two years in the
making. Um this stems all the way back to when the Andrews site work contract was first approved back in 2023. Um it was a very large dollar amount and at that time it was not fully funded um with the expectation that over the
period of time in which this contract was supposed the services were to unfold which would all the way to 2028 that there would be additional funding sources identified. Um as it turns out we've not been too successful in finding other grants that could help us with
that. But one way that could be um you um I'm I'm sorry. One one way that could fund it would be an additional loan amount from the SRF revolving loan fund. And so this started the um the contemplation of that started like over
two years ago. We're working with Angie Brewer. um over the past year it was um because you cannot go back and ask for loan amounts. You know often you need to think carefully about the amount that
you are asking for. And so there was um a good amount of planning and thought put into it by those involved in the project side. And so aside from um funding the remaining unfunded portion of the Andrew site contract which was
almost $5 million, there were additional projects that have been identified along the way which amount to over um another $2 million. Um some of those projects that were in addition to the original um tier one project were um See Water and
Storm Water Project, Carlos Circle storm water, Fair View Boulevard storm water, Kurlo Street storm water, um Albatross storm water. So those are additional things that are have been specifically identified. And then there's also a
contingency of amount of about $1.5 million so that in the event other projects are identified, we would have that available to us. And just because we are authorized to borrow this additional amount doesn't necessarily mean we have to spend it
all. If there are no further projects that then have already been identified, then we don't need to obviously draw down the full amount and then the repayment amount would be um adjusted according to the amount we actually borrow. And it was clarified for me that
these repayments do not begin until 2029. Um we already do have sufficient revenue um coming into the storm water fund together with the amount of accumulated excess revenue that has built up in the
storm water fund to fully repay the loan according to the amortization schedule. So this is now before you to um approve. And I think um the one last thing I would just mention is within the packet at the time. We didn't have the um
attorney opinion letter when this was published, but we since um do have that from our town attorney. Um we received that and it's been distributed to you. Um and that is now would be part of the packet. >> John, questions for for Joe?
>> Not necessarily a question, but more of a comment uh and maybe some future thinking. I don't know that it would uh work in this situation, but uh going down the road uh I'd like to see us at least consider using the Florida Municipal Loan Council through the
Florida League of Cities u to uh benefit us because they have a more coste effective way by leveraging benefits because of a large poolled financing. So just something to keep in mind down the road. Um, may I would I also would like
to say that this is a 0% interest loan. So I don't >> Yeah, that's why. >> Thanks, Joe. >> That's a important part. >> That was my question. >> So that's awesome. There there is one scribblers there I found on page 145.
You still have the old town hall address. >> That's great, Joe. Thank you. 0% is it's my kind of money. Anything else, John? >> No, that's it. Thank you, >> Rebecca. >> Yeah, I have a quick question, Joe. I I missed one of them. You said C view
View, Carlos Circle, Kuru, and what was the last place? >> I think Fair View was in there. >> Fair view. >> Oh, Elross. Yes. >> And I don't know if you can answer this or perhaps Will, you can answer it. doing these projects on these four
additional projects, will they help subsequent streets that are nearby or is it really just going to help that street? >> Um, do you know? I'm not sure. >> I'm sorry. I >> I wouldn't think you would know that, Joe. >> All the projects and Jeff, if if you can
maybe comment on this as Jeff is coming up, it it's it is all integrated. I mean, so if we improve one, it does have a positive effect on others as well, but I'll have Jeff further go into detail. >> Yeah. Jeff Hogy, community services director down Fort Myers Beach. Um, yeah, I mean any we're the purpose of
this tier one is to minimize the flooding. I mean, we know as a standard practice if it rains real hard or we get high tides, it's about 24 hours to 40 24 to 48 hours before the the water will subside. That's the way our drainage system will work. So, what we're trying
to do is create swailes and improve our outfalls uh to help that water get out. So once high tides are a little different once you get to the sea the seaw wall it's we could pump it out into the Gulf but it's going to come right back in. So at that point we just kind of have to wait unless we do higher seaw
walls. But um yes all of this drainage should help um you know overflow of other other streets too and help subsid help help um the water drain a little quicker uh as we go. >> Thanks you Jeff. U very important. I had >> don't run off Jeff because I have a question for you but go ahead. Um, thank
you for that and I'll take the other questions I have offline, but I had a meeting with residents who invited me to talk about flooding on their street and so we'll talk about that. I'd love to see it looks like some of this may help some of those folks, but u we want to look to see where they fit into this.
Thank you. Thank you, Joe. That's it. >> Vice Mayor, any questions? >> No, I'm good. Thank you. I was going to bring it up under the council comments, but since we're talking about it, Fairview was brought up. I had a a couple concerned residents call from the Fair View Isles area about the drainage there and the road construction, and
they can't seem to get any answers from anyone about, you know, sometimes it's an outfall that's that's missing. But, you know, it seems like once we get this done, there's a long time between when the storm water is repaired and we actually do the the degrading of the of
the street that's been tore up. So, could you talk a little bit about what the process is or about how long people can expect once the storm water is complete before their roads will be fixed and they don't have to worry about not getting answers? >> Yeah. Um I I'll talk to to um to Tetrate
Tech too to see and Andrew said I work to see what their their timeline actually is. I know they're we've had them do a few extra projects like Fairview Isles. So, that's kind of delayed the project with residents calling in and saying, "Can we can we do this on my street or this isn't draining?" So, we've been trying to
troubleshoot the drainage part first. Um, but I'll get on our website. It does have kind of a a list. It doesn't have dates, but it has a list of of streets that are getting done. By next council meeting, I'll I'll have some dates hopefully for you that we can post on on the website. >> Okay. Will, if if you guys could get out
a specifically because they reached out yesterday about Fair View Isles of where they're at as far as completion of that project so that they can have a better understanding. They said it's been difficult to get responses. >> Yeah, we'll definitely update our projects uh ongoing projects on on the
website, but also put something out through um through proper ch messages with >> Yeah, they they usually go in in groups, too. So they don't just do >> they'll bring down and do like they did with uh around the uh Shamond area >> where they did a bunch of them at once just >> you know so they don't have to bring
down trucks you know every other day >> and they weren't they weren't complaining it's just you they're trying to be as patient as they can. >> Yeah, I've been down there too. I mean, I I drive and take a look, you know, at least once a day, once a week for sure, but I usually drive around and yeah, there they're there pooling areas there
for sure, but they're trying to get the drainage right and then the crowns of the of the roads will go into those drains. So, that'll kind of be step two. >> Okay. Thanks, Jeff. >> May I piggy back on that while we're on the subject? One one quick second, Jeff. Um, so that must have been maybe there
was a full moon or a high tide or something because I I also got got calls. Mine were the Flamingo uh street neighborhood. And one of the questions was asked and I thought it was a good one is if we're expecting flooding, they understand they can't have everything
tomorrow. Could we put our vehicles on town property at night um without any problem because it's higher ground? Apparently, we maybe own some parking area that's a little higher on Flamingo, you know, if they're
worried about getting flooded. >> I don't know about liability with that. U definitely liability. I like your thought process, Jeff. Um, I mean, we could possibly get a a waiver, but under the state of emergency, uh, if there is
flooding, well, maybe it's not to that extent, but, um, I think on a case-byase basis, that could be considered with the the waiver and of course working with Will and what resources the town has. >> Yeah. Yeah, and they're they're currently still working on the the parking lot at Old Town Hall, which is
going to be raised um pretty significantly where that might be an option for those those residents um when there is flooding like that. But yeah, once you sometimes with the king tides and everything, you see it down on Crescent too and and down by Bayside
Park. Um it just, you know, the the the uh duck bills only do so much as far as allowing stuff to come up, but it still is coming up. um which they're they're looking into maybe a different kind of duck bill, but once it gets over that seaw wall, you know, it it it's tough to
control that at that point. But as far as the vehicles go, uh hopefully we'll get that parking lot taken care of or, you know, there are other town parking lots they could probably use, not necessarily property. >> Question. So, some of these most of the people I talked to have already purchased the town parking permits that
they can park anywhere. Their question was, "If it's going to happen in the night, can I leave my car there overnight or would that be, you know, a violation? Would it be towed away if they gave us a heads up?" >> I think I think, yeah, notification would be uh uh beneful definitely to us.
But we definitely work with Tom's team and and if we're notified, we make sure, but they've got if they have the parking passes. >> I like the idea of just, you know, any of our town lots where they think they they would be better to move their vehicle to. And then I I'll I'll work with Nancy offline and we'll we'll work through the legalities of it.
>> Yeah. Just Bay Oaks. Oh, I'm sorry. >> No, >> Bay Oaks would be a good option. The top part of it, not necessarily the bottom because that it's kind of a gully. Um >> we'll help them identify some safe places for their cars for a handful of hours. They bring them back. They know they're waiting. Everything doesn't happen overnight, but we can help them
uh those who know they're going to get water in their garages or their driveways. >> Thanks, Jeff. Thank you, Will. >> Thanks. Any other questions then for staff? If none, is there a motion for resolution 26-014 authorizing amendment five to the SRF
storm water SW 36860? >> So move. >> Second. >> Motion by councelor King, seconded by Vice Mayor Safford. Any further discussion? >> No. >> Councelor King. >> I. >> Vice Mayor Safford, >> I. >> Councelor Link, >> I. And I'm an I as well. That motion
carries unanimously. Next is resolution or next is 25-355 authorizing incorporation of contract a addendum to contract amendment with Tyler Technologies. This is a resolution of
the town council of the town of Fort Myers Beach approving a change to the second addendum to the Tyler Technologies contract to incorporate an attachment to the second addendum into the second addendum to facilitate recording keeping of the contractual terms and conditions between the parties
retroactive to January 1st 2026 authorizing the town manager to execute the revised second addendum as stated herein providing for an effective date. Joe >> um Joe Hansen, finance director. I I know this sounds very complicated, but it's actually turns out to be very
simple. Um when we originally contracted with Tyler about a year ago, we they had their own contract and then we had an addendum to the contract that had our standard required language. Um most of which was required by the state of Florida. So that was an addendum to the
original contract. Now we're coming back about a year later to do another addendum in order to upgrade to um from Tyler um pro to Tyler >> Munis. And at the same time, um, now Tyler is
asking because of the second, um, addendum, they're asking, could we not then take that original contract and combine what was originally added to the contract from that was required by state law so that it's one contract and that
all we have left then is this one addendum. So basically, it's a matter of formatting the contracts um, and combining language. It does not change any language at all according to what was originally approved when you approved this at the last meeting. Is is
that correct? Um >> yes, it is. It's really um as as we stated um to facilitate the recording and the keeping of all the contractual terms in one document as opposed to having them in multiple documents. But I do not think the substance of any of the
terms have changed. So it's really a ministerial recordkeeping request. And Nancy, you don't have any there's no you don't have any pause about this? >> Not at all. >> John, any questions for staff? >> Uh just uh Joe, there is no financial
impact on this. Correct. >> No, not at all. >> Thank you, >> Rebecca. >> None. >> Scott, >> how's the conversion coming? >> Well, it hasn't started yet. It It's due to begin this month as soon as this is approved and we'll be getting going.
>> And we're thinking what, six months? Well, the um the go live date is is planned for October 1st, the beginning of the new fiscal year. >> New fiscal year. Okay, great. >> Thanks, Joe. >> That's all I had. Thank you. >> If there's no other discussion, is there a motion for resolution 25-355
authorizing incorporation of contract addendum into contract amendment with Tyler Technologies? >> Move. >> Second. >> Motion by councelor King, seconded by Vice Mayor Safford. Any further discussion? >> None. Councelor King. >> Hi,
>> Vice Mayor Seafford. >> I, >> Councelor Link, >> I. >> And I'm an I as well. That motion carries unanimously. Next is the special event. This is a approval of a reoccurring special event application for the 14th annual Putt and Pug Crawl hosted by the Fort Myers Beach
Women's Club to take place on Saturday, January 17th, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at at the 11 locations included within the application. the rental of Bayside Veterans Park and the following two conditions. Number one, the open container ordinance is in
effect in participating locations and should post signage appropriately. Alcoholic beverages should be contained in areas designated by individual businesses ABT licensing and participants should stay to the sidewalk and not interfere with vehicular traffic. I don't see anyone here from
the women's club. Do you have anything to add, Will? >> No, no one here from the women's club. Um I don't I Tom anything any concerns other than what the the mayor stated our two conditions? >> No nothing really to add >> as long as we're clear on the open container space and people are acting
appropriately. >> Yeah. So we just want to make sure those two conditions were noted which you did so mayor. >> Okay. >> Uh John, any questions for staff? >> Rebecca? >> None. >> Scott, >> no. It's a great event. >> I have none either. Is there a motion to
approve the special event for the 14th annual put and pub crawl? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Motion by councelor Link, seconded by Vice Mayor Safford. >> Councelor King. >> I. >> Councelor Link >> I.
>> Vice Mayor Safford. >> I. >> And I'm as well. That motion carries unanimously. Last is the vacancy on the town council. Acknowledge receipt of council member Aderhalt's resignation on December 26, 2025. Declare a vacancy on the town
council for seat number four and provide direction to the town manager regarding next steps to fill the vacancy. Will. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yes. So, we have some uh administrative things to take care of here and uh myself and Amy and
Nancy will discuss those with the council. First, from the town staff perspective, I too would like to thank uh councelor uh former counselor Jim Adhalt for his service to the town and I appreciate the opportunity to serve alongside him and learn from him. As I
know, I speak for many members of the staff and it was a pleasure working with with Jim and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Um what we need to discuss here is a few things that I want to recommend to council is uh my recommendation is for a three-week
application window uh ending on January 25th. Uh this would provide, you know, adequate time for applicants to make their application, but uh it would also allow time after those applications are received for the town clerk and her team to assemble those, get them in the
agenda, get all the materials to the the counselors in time to review before the first meeting in the month of February. Um I think uh this is also for me as the town manager addresses I I want to avoid a prolonged vacancy uh just for good
governance and management uh you know that this from my perspective the sooner we can fill that with the best applicant the better allows us to continue on with many of the projects and uh issues that we have in this town with a full counsel uh to be difficult uh without the full
council for quorums and for any decisions that would that might require a uh a majority vote. It would be extra difficult if we didn't have all five. So, I just wanted to make that note. Um and uh Amy there had to make some adjustments to the application form. I
think those have been made and they'll be ready to distribute the application. >> They will and there's some other suggestions that the town attorney had mentioned. >> Okay. Please answer. >> Yes. Um if if I can. >> Um and also a will's three 3-week period. Although 3 weeks might sound
like it's a long period of time, it's really not. when we sat down with Amy and trying to figure out um your uh agenda schedules and meeting times um over the holidays, a couple issues came up and I first wanted to go ahead and
clarify that um I um had misinterpreted your charter and I had told a few folks that um the next election uh the interpretation of that in your charter was the next time for Jim seat when it
would have come up and I I retracted that and I apologize for any confusion that it may have caused. Unfortunately, I read other charters and other communities do things differently and that was my mistake. So, I want to clarify that for everyone. The next
election is the election in November. Um, also another question uh that came up was, well, in November, what would the length of that term be? Would it just be the last two years of Jim's term or not? Or would it be four years? And it is my opinion that it would be a
four-year term. Um, this would put three seats up for uh election in this November, but then the following year where Jim's seat would have been up is only going to be two. So, you're still going to be on a 32
um process. My uh my opinion on that my opinion on that is based on your charter. Your charter has uh language in it on 5.03 that specifically says the term of office is four years. Um two other
issues came up. Uh one was what is the definition of residency? And your charter really does not define residency. However, it also in addition to residency as a qualification, you must be a registered voter. And when you
look at some of the state um factors that come into play for being a registered voter, it does take into uh account a lot of things that you might consider residency to be. for instance, where you physically sleep at night, uh
where you receive your mail, where you get utility bills, that such thing. Um the last question that I have heard uh that has been asked of me is whether or not it is required to have to accept the
salary. The charter provides for the salary, then you have an ordinance that actually implements that. So, if you if council chose um at some point in the future, you could amend your ordinance to allow the option to not um take a
salary uh for whichever council member chooses to go in that direction. Um so, those are a couple things I wanted to clarify. Um just some questions that have been asked of me so for the good of the whole um so we're all on the same page. The one uh question that I would
add to your application is a certification from the applicant that they are qualified to uh to fill the position. >> Nancy, go back to a couple points you made. Understand how it would be the
next election. Understand how it would be four years. Would there anything that would need to be changed because currently it would have been >> um >> what is it? Three people would have been up this November, right? Two. Two. So it was two and then three and like 2028 would be the three.
>> Is there anything that has to be done then? It sounds like that would then flip-flop. So it' be three and then in 2028 there would be two. >> Yes. >> And was there anything that has to be done policy-wise >> based on the charter? It would just automatically flip.
>> Yeah. Um because the the flip is still going to be consistent with your charter. So, >> well, we I'm assuming we would have to notify the supervisor of elections that this would change. Amy, I'm she nodding her head. I was
>> I would assume we would expect but at a qualifying time I think because you would only have qualifications for Well, coming this uh July, we would have to notify the SOE that we're going to have three seats up rather than the two.
>> Okay. John, any questions for for staff on this or comments? >> Um, I I'd like to reserve some comments and hear more discussion first. Thank you. >> Okay, Rebecca.
>> Uh, yeah, I have some comments. Um, I'm not sure I can think through the implications between the 23 to 32 and something anything I may not be considering. Does anybody have >> other than
>> I think she so six in one, half dozen the other. >> Well, that that she's interpreted the charter. I I'm on the charter >> review and that that's the way I think most of the charter review people interpret it. We are actually tomorrow
at 2:00 if people want to come, we're going to talk about section five. And you know, I've I've got some concerns cuz other other municipalities when when this happens that that person takes over the term. Now, I don't think
it's going to happen, but let's say Dan or I or you resign. So then then we'll have four people at this next upcoming election. So, I I think that the charter review needs to take a take a hard look at do do we want want it to be to the next election or do
we want it to be to fulfill the term? But that's that's the charter reviews. They're they're going to review this and give us a recommendation. I >> you know >> what does the charter say? Now, >> the charter says the way the way Nancy interpreted is is exactly the way the
charter is written today. >> So, >> okay. So that seat will be until the next election which would be November. So like myself and this person, >> right? >> Um and whoever else would >> and councelor King's seat for the three.
>> So I I don't have any any questions, but that >> I I that I've been looking at the charter review or charter >> and that's that's exactly how it's stated >> for obvious reasons. Yeah. So, is there any other comment that Scott should bring back to the charter review committ
commission tomorrow? >> So, I'm going to bring that up at at the charter review tomorrow. Um, but if there's anything else you guys would like me to address, let me know. >> Well, I I think for me it would be important if we can you don't want to get into the weeds with the charter, I understand, but it would be nice to
really clarify some of the language that's in the charter that is vague to help eliminate some of that interpretation. >> Yes. Um, you know, to me when you say interpretation, that could lead to legal challenges, right? But if it's spelled out, if it if it's if it's pretty spelled out that this is exactly what it
means, uh, so maybe it's just cl maybe it's just wording that needs to be changed, I don't know that, you know, they'll discuss it and and make the recommendation, but to me clarifying some of the stuff in the charter makes more sense than reinventing the wheel. >> Okay. >> Um, anything else?
No, >> I I I have a little concern with the the 3-week time frame. I I agree with Nancy a little bit and I think that's you know what we have found in the past on this island is you know we know about it and those that pay close attention know about it but u notices things like this
by the time it actually gets out to people that may be still back up north that our residents here um visiting family may not know about it by the time they get back they hear about it now there's only a week to try to get in involved. I to me I think a month makes more sense. 30 days that allows enough
time for people to get the word out. But I'm not going to die on the vine on it either. If if if staff thinks 3 weeks is enough time to be able to get everything in order and and properly notice that there's this vacancy and and how to to go about doing it, I'm fine with it. But I I would prefer to see an extra week.
>> I don't know how my fellow counselors feel about that. >> That it's your it's interesting because I was thinking I'd prefer to take a week off, but I hear what you're saying, you know. No, I understand. >> You know, because I was just looking at the upcoming meeting, so I thought, well, if we had two weeks, if it could
be done. >> When is when is the first meeting in February? >> It's on the second February second. So, the next one >> and if we took a week away, we could do it at the next meeting. >> Two weeks, it's Groundhog Day >> on January 20th day. >> Again, I'm not going to die in the vine.
If everybody thinks three weeks, I mean, I'm really relying on staff on this more than anything. If Amy thinks she could pull this off and and get it back to us, >> I would go to what Amy >> I don't think there's a way we can get on the next meeting on the 20th because the deadline is already passed for that meeting. >> That answers my question.
>> Okay. Um if you added another week that would move the deadline from the 25th of January to the 1st of February and >> it would have get you on the 16th of February meeting. >> Okay. So the when is the deadline for
noticing for the February 2nd meeting and would is that are we still is is that three weeks away? You know the how does the 21 days add up? >> January 25th would be 3 weeks uh for the end that would be the last day to apply.
So the 26 would then be >> uh which is the Monday prior >> 26 is when we would publish the agenda for the second. So, >> so the deadline would to to be submitted then would be the 25th >> and then you would
>> publish Sunday. >> It's Sunday apply >> then it would be >> normally the calendar's coming in. >> That's why the print >> normally we do shoot for that >> Monday prior for the agenda. >> Technically the deadline for the
>> second February 2nd agenda is Friday January 16th. That's the the actual deadline. If we were to if we were to make the application deadline February 2nd, that would give us a week >> to make sure all the paperwork's in order. >> I just don't want to rush this.
>> I I kind of agree with that. >> I have no issues with it. I mean, it's it's it's two more weeks when I factor in everything together. But, uh, my my main concern is I understand I think it's a great point you raised, Mr. Mayor, but my main concern is just acting, you know, judiciously so we don't have the, you know, vacancy any
longer than necessary. But I think that's good process that you recommend. >> Yeah, I just think it would make give staff a little bit more time to be able to vet out, you know, all the documentation that goes into >> I really don't like a Sunday Sunday deadline. I'd like I'd like to see a working day as a deadline. So, I'd feel
more comfortable with February 2nd >> being the deadline to submit end of day the second. >> Yeah. End of business close of business on I think it works well. >> John, you all right with that? >> Fine. and bring that back to the February 16th
meeting. >> Amy, I have February as 17th. >> It's 17th. 16th a holiday because of the holiday. >> Okay. Gotcha. >> I'm just looking at a genetic. Gotcha. Gotcha. >> That would and Amy, that would that to your point that would mean that February 17th meeting would be the first time
that council would vote on >> correct >> applicants. Guess I'm not going to. Okay, >> you could zoom in. >> All right. Is there anything else that the staff needs policy direction on other than the time frame for um and
maybe just for people that are listening and we can get on the record, what is necessary, Amy, >> to be an applicant. Man, I know you covered it a little bit, Nancy, but um >> according to your charter. >> Yes. What the requirements are that way everybody
>> Let me get there. >> Um each member of the council shall be a res. This is section 4.0. 01 C. Each member of the council shall be a resident of the town and a registered voter and shall have resided within the
corporate limits of the municipality for a minimum of one year prior to qualifying for election. >> Okay, that's all I need. >> Okay, >> that raises another question. And um Scott, when you go back to your charter,
Jim, um if if you would consider if that replacement takes on the term of the person who left the seat, let's say it's for three years or however long. Um does
our qualifying applicant, are they required to do a form one? I I know just as I went through to qualify. So once once they once they're elected, then they're required by state law to fill out the
form one. Am I correct in saying that? >> Correct. If they were to be appointed that we would they have I think it's 30 days to file that form one with the commission. >> I had to do the same thing. >> Well, actually I did it because I was on the LPA, but >> So the reason I'm asking is I I had to do the form one as a candidate to be
qualified as a candidate. I know this isn't a candidate, it's an appointment. I was going to say when you go through the supervisor of elections, you have to do the form one to open your campaign file and >> file your what I'm asking is can we add that to our charter if someone is going
to sit for three years and have the same weight of a vote as we do. I think the resident should know where their financial, you know, where their income comes from just at the highest level. >> I think we should I I I will ask the charter review to to look at that to
consider it. >> Sure. I don't know if it's appropriate or not, but >> go ahead, John. >> I wouldn't put the specific form in there because obviously it could change, but that they should meet the qualifications, I guess, would be acceptable to me.
>> Okay. All right. So, to recap, essentially what we said here in the 15 20 minutes we've been talking about it, it seems like, is uh the appointment will be until November election of this year. Correct, Nancy? >> Yes. And then at that time it will be
three members that will be running uh for that the three vacancies. Um the deadline to file was the end of business day on February 2nd uh 2026 for that vacancy and it'll be talked about on the meeting of the 17th
>> file with the town clerk. >> Town clerk. Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. Everything goes through Amy when it comes to council seats. >> Can I ask another question? Um actually two questions. one is uh when the appointment is made on the 17th, when should they be prepared? Should they be
prepared for that meeting? Um following their appointment. I think that's what we did with Miss Link. >> Um >> well, >> so they know >> Well, I I I guess that would fall back. I would throw it back to staff. I mean, if there's four people, then you would have to get the agenda packet out to all
four people to review to be prepared for that meeting on the 17th. No, it's >> they did with me was >> Yeah. >> Um >> the subsequent meeting >> the subsequent meeting. >> Okay. >> Again, now you're talking two months out.
>> Well, they they would take the position, >> but would they would they be involved in the meeting on the 17th? >> I don't think I was. Was I? >> I don't remember. I I I think once you were appointed, you you took the seat for the next the following meeting if I
remember correctly. >> I think that's I think that's how it went. >> We can look into that for you. >> I'm sorry. >> We can look into that for you. I don't remember what >> I think that's important to include in the application packet so that whoever is selected can, you know, uh schedule
their time accordingly. And then also the certification if that's okay with council um that the statements that they are qualified to um fulfill the the uh the seat. >> Yeah. I guess that's the the more I
think about it more I think you were the following me because you had to do the onboarding and all the things. >> Isn't there HR >> stuff you got to do? Wasn't that how much there's on boarding occur? >> You have the orient I mean >> yeah you would do an orientation. I had
to go through orientation and onboarding. Yeah. I I don't >> I don't think you could just take the seat on this. >> No, I think it's the next meeting. >> That's where it's got to be. That's the way it's got to be. >> Is that correct? >> Yes. Okay.
>> Now, I took the seat right away. Swap. Karen left. I sat. I voted and I got onboarded, you know, in the subsequent in that week. >> Right. But you but you you had time before you knew the election had happened and you knew you were going to be taking that seat. So you had time to
on board and prepare. >> That's true. >> So that that was a different that was an actual election versus an appointment. >> You're right. >> So I'm pretty >> I know that's going to be a little bit longer than probably Will and staff would like, but >> I I'll have to accept that. I think it's
a valid it's it's a valid point. I I was prepared to say, well, the agenda is public a week prior to anybody. So, they could prepare themselves as a point. They could all all applicants could prepare themselves to but but there's a difference uh with knowing that you're
>> you know, in when you prepare and knowing, you know, and preparing to vote on things or uh you know, talking with you know, residents about certain issues, there's a difference. So, that's >> Yeah, I think you rais a good point. I think we it would have to be at the the
following the the selection could be happen on the 17th and then they would take the seat the following meeting allow a time to do your onboarding >> March yeah March 16th then >> wow >> can you go to the microphone please
>> I'm I'm leaning on staff here you're the ones that are going to have to do the on boarding and >> hello Tissy Saliva human resources director for the record I mean technically we could do it either way for with that, you know, with Will's point, we don't want to delay it. Um, we could absolutely do it the day of
appointment and we'll just work around what you would like to do. >> I agree with Tisa. I mean, it is discretionary on your part um as to when when how you accomplish it. >> So, there's no there's no state regulations that say you just hired a
new I remember back in Minnesota, you you had to do all the state paperwork before they could even step on the job site to do anything. And I don't know if that's the same here in Florida. No, there is no requirement that you know that's necessary. We send the onboarding paperwork beforehand so that people can do it from their home and then on the day they start we just have a sit down
with them where we orient you know orient them on the yeah the policy. >> Then I'm fine with it if you guys think you can make it. So you can send out the onboarding paperwork to any of the applicants that all the applicants ahead of time. >> We we could I mean I don't recommend that. Um I because it is a lengthy
process. We don't want to put them in our payroll system or anything like that. Once the appointment happens the day of, I mean, we will go ahead and send it out that same day and we can make it happen very quickly. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Well, if you guys think you could do it, I don't I mean, I don't want to wait
another two weeks. To your point, >> I I I don't either, Mr. Mayor. I think it it can be done. I as the town manager, I don't have a problem with them being uh selected and appointed and then taking a seat >> immediately following. >> I agree. I think if they want to run for office, they may waste a little bit of
time preparing for something that they don't have to do. But there's a lot to this job and that is the minimum we can ask of you and I think you both would agree that >> you're already up to speed. You pay attention anyway. Um my biggest concern is split votes. I I want to get on with
the business of the town and if the town can support us, >> I'd like to >> we will. >> All right. So then they the appointment will happen on the 17th and they need to be ready to take the seat on the 17th. Is that you okay with that John? Any >> Yes, sir. >> Okay.
>> And we will be ready to orient orient them on the 17th. >> Can I get some direction from council? Um do you want me to bring back an ordinance that would allow for the waiver of the salary um before the 17th? Because I have two meetings. I can do it if you want to
move forward. >> I would I would like to ask. Can you explain that? >> I may need Tisa a little bit, but basically the they are receiving a salary and um there would be I believe tax ramifications to it. I don't know if
it's it is an employee or as a 1099. Um but it would have individual tax consequences to it. If they waved it, then they're not getting an income. Um and they wouldn't have that additional income. I don't know the benefits how
that would be handled. >> Well, they would still be eligible for benefits because it's based on the class. Um, but yeah, they could wave the income is taxable, but if they wave it, then there's no tax implication. >> So, you wouldn't want to really
discourage someone from applying because of the fact that they're going to have additional income. So, if we put that >> So, you're saying some people because of social security that they may not want the money. >> Yeah. Okay. >> But they're still eligible for benefits. >> They're still eligible for benefits.
Yes. And that is common. We've seen that in other charters where they have that that language of waving. >> I can put Thanks for clarifying. >> I can put it in the ordinance and then we can probably get that adopted before your selection. So that way if the anybody falls into that category, it's
not going to impede them. >> Okay. >> And can we add to that perhaps if this is the timing that that salary as well could be donated? So I don't accept it for my tax benefit, but I give it to the town. So it's still an expense for the town, but it goes into a different
bucket. Is that of any value? >> Well, I think I think how councelor King did it, and he probably could speak better than I did, is he took the salary, but he donated if you know, John, you could you could probably answer that question better than anyone. >> Yes, I could. And uh yeah, I uh it was
just a basic donation as an individual. So, but I did accept the salary and then gave it to three uh nonprofits. >> So, then you take the salary for your tax benefit and then you show it as an expense or as a donation on your tax return.
>> It wasn't a much of a benefit for the tax return. It was >> that's why I'm saying if it could be then then it helps you with >> you can do that now without any change to >> Yeah, you can do that. There's the problem is with the tax rates there's not much of a benefit with even the
deductions I made. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Yeah. I don't know that the policy would need to read that. >> No, I think the only thing we'd need to change in policy is what Nancy is recommending in the ordinance >> from up front. You can choose to not take the salary if you want to. >> Correct. Exactly. Yes.
>> I I I'm fine with bringing it forward, Nancy. Okay. >> Before then, >> it's an easy one. >> Okay. >> Andor the benefits. >> Okay. Okay. Yep. Cuz I I did not take the benefits but took the salary. Yep. >> Okay. >> Anything else? Do you need a motion on
these changes or >> I I think I'm hearing the consensus. >> Okay. >> I I think I've heard a consensus to to move forward with that and then the two little changes that we wanted to make. Um telling them what the dates are, the critical dates as well as the
certification that they are eligible. >> Okay. Then we will move on to final public comment. Any of you three want to speak into final public comment? Bill Beach Sarah Boulevard. A couple things that that are interesting. I know that you talked about some of the vagueness
saying what's a residence. The state has a mechanism which is the homesteading laws where you're basically certifying this is your primary resident. I know in my brief and unsuccessful attempt at being a snowbird in in homesteading here, I actually had to pay more property tax on a condo I had in Utah.
So it is a mechanism where you're saying that this is my primary residence and not maybe now but maybe some of the charter review um commission should consider as making one of the declarations that you're a resident. >> All right. Thanks. Any else? Jim, Tom?
No. Okay. Town manager items. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um I'd like to first start off with again uh congratulations to the staff and uh to to all of our community. um for the uh
our recent uh verification from FEMA and uh the community rating system uh of us of our re-entry into the National Flood Insurance Program as a a class five. Truly a monumental achievement by the staff. Um a lot of a lot of hard work went into that and uh it's it's very
significant for them but also for our community. So I appreciate the community's support through the whole process as well. Um, I would like to note and add that going forward, you know, it it it did say in the letter that it's an, you know, pretty much a
reoccurring. We we stay at a class 5 unless, you know, something happens to trigger a reduction in that there. It's it's not as easy as that. There's there's still quite a bit of work that the team will have to do on a regular basis um to make sure. So, just going forward, my message to the community on that is that just don't be surprised if
you're still being, you know, um if if town staff is still reaching out to you for clarifications on different things when it comes to flood plane management with your properties or projects and stuff like that. It's it's just the reason that we got to that class 5 is because we improved our policies and procedures to get to to demonstrate to
FEMA that we're going to manage that effectively and we have to continue to manage that effectively. It's going to be an ongoing process and so thank you for everybody for their support on that. >> Well, before we move on, could you just let everybody know that maybe doesn't know when that's going to take effect? >> Yes. So, the uh it will take effect with
uh um insureds uh premiums of as far as uh April 1st, 2026 would be the first time that it would take effect on anybody's premiums. >> Right. Thank you. >> Um I'd like to first we I need some uh assistance from the council. Um we need
to appoint a council member uh to chair the selection advisory committee for the financial auditing services. Um RFP re uh recently went out uh for our financial auditing services. Uh when those are when those proposals come back
uh we'll we'll need a counselor to chair the selection advisory committee. Um, so if I could just get uh um my recommendation would be that we keep it with our uh our adviser to the audit committee, which would be councelor Safford, Vice Mayor Safford. I I recommend we continue with that, but
it's council's decision. We just need a >> I'd be honored to. >> So I don't know what Nancy, do we need just >> Scott? You're good at the beans. >> Have at it. >> Thank you very much. Um, you all know
that that I sent a letter to the uh um superintendent of Lee County Schools before the holidays began of a proposal for uh um consideration again in the in the negotiations back and forth for fort Myers Beach Elementary School for the future of Fort Myers Beach Elementary
School. I did receive uh acknowledgement right before the holiday from the deputy superintendent of receipt of that letter um and that uh you know after the holidays uh they would be getting back to me as soon as possible. I so I suspect sometime in the next couple of weeks and I will notify the council uh
urgently when when I do receive that. Um other than that I think most things have been discussed over the last few days. >> Oh yeah. Thank you Tracy. Uh one more thing, sorry. Um we do have uh the strategic plan um will be discussed
again in February 5th M&P meeting. Um so for all counselors to note that uh and uh myself and the leadership team will be having more sessions between now and then. Um but the next time I'll need council to uh be in active discussion
and uh Tracy, do you have anything to add about what counselors can expect in that session? >> Thank you, Will. Um at the next M&P meeting in regards to the strategic plan, we will come forth with some more word smithing and goals that we were given the direction um from council at
our last strategic plan meeting which would include some clarification and definitions of goals and values and potential objectives measurable that um council can weigh in on and give additional input on on direction for the town.
>> So a lot of words myths will come forth. >> All right. >> Okay. Okay. And one final thing, I'm sorry, one final thing is um as briefly discussed before, um over the past few weeks, we've moved uh further along in uh some some contract solutions to
assist uh myself and the town staff and really, you know, the the council as well as the entire community on how we are better able to um answer resident questions, answer counselor questions, uh better process information ourselves as a town staff, and really, you know
move more into the digital age if you will uh with advanced digital tools. Um, so going for we've we've got a few contracts which we uh finalized uh for some virtual assistance um you know whether that be voice or or digital over
the website and uh I know there will be a lot of community questions a lot of counselor questions about what that will look like and how you know it will be an impact to the residents and and and you know what changes there might be to how they receive information uh receive services from town staff. So, rest
assured that uh that every member of town staff will still be available for one-on-one conversations with any of you and any members of the public that that that want that. What we want to do is really improve our processes uh to for you know, really it's getting to the answer as quickly as possible. Whether
you call in, you know, it's just a couple of quick questions and you're getting the answer that you need. Or when you go to the website, it's two clicks and you're getting to the answer that you need. That's that's my goal. >> Uh these tools are going to help us get there. I really do believe that uh over the coming weeks we are going to have a
pretty aggressive strategy of informing um informing the public and informing all of you of what those uh changes might look like. It's going to be some time before we actually implement these because we just finalized the contracts. We have to go through much like you were talking with Joe about Tyler Tech and everything. There's an there's an
implementation process where these these uh companies have to come in, sit down with staff, they have to figure out what it is that we want them to do. we want the tools to do and then what uh and then um working our systems, our current systems tying into those uh advanced
digital tools. So, it's not going to happen next week or the week after, but uh we're definitely going to start the education process for the staff, for all of you, and for our residents um and businesses here in the town. Uh we're going to start the education process of what it might look like and what they
can expect. Uh, so over the coming weeks you'll see myself out talking about this, Abigail out talking about this, and be happy to answer any questions. >> Any questions now about that? >> I just not on that, but I want to go back to the the school part of it. Um,
there's been a recent editorial that was out basically saying that decisions have already been made when it comes to the school and and and that could be farthest from the truth. Um, I guess the public's looking for reassurance. They want input. They want to have input. should we get to a point where we can come to an agreement with the school
board on the land and the building and and how we move forward that we're going to include the public that no decisions have been made regardless if it's a charter school public school that that hasn't been made yet. We're just in the process of trying to work with them to to get to a solution if you will to to
get the school back. But can you just talk on that a little bit about what the process will be if we can get to that point on how the community will be involved to have input because some people feel based on that article that all decisions have been made and and we're not letting the residents weigh in on it.
>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yes, that I I agree with you 100%. Uh no no decisions have been made. Um it's we're in the back and forth negotiations with with uh the school district um what they're willing to offer um versus what we are
seeking. Um and so there's no been no decisions to made as exactly what form uh a future school on Fort Myers Beach uh will look like. Um that's still part of the negotiation, still part of the discussions going back and forth. We have uh on that note I will in full full
transparency albino you know we have started the research process here in the town to position ourselves for success in talking about the different types of forms of schools it could be whether it be a public or a mun or a charter or or
municipal charter something you know in that I think it's just best practice good good for us to start the research on that and start talking to experts that can help us best be prepared for that but no decision has been made whether or not it will be a charter. Um so I think going forward my
recommendations will be that uh we do have these discussions whether it be during the regular town council meetings or uh separate public forums for the public to come forth and we can give our proposal to the public. We can hear public comment on that take all that
that in um before any uh official decision is made by uh the elected body on the fold. Yes. >> All right. Thanks. Didn't mean to catch you off guard by throwing but you brought it up. John, you have anything for Will? >> No, thank you. >> Rebecca,
>> sure. I love that public forum part. Um, I would ask I'm wondering if we might also have a public forum when you're talking about some of the new tools so that we can hear from the public. Um, I'm not sure if there's any uh what
would I call it? maybe a feedback if there's any feedback loops currently in town that you can look at to hear what are the complaints, what are people having problems with the process. You know how usually after you've filled out a form online, something will pop up and say, you know, how would you rate your
experience? I don't know if we do anything like that, but some of um that I would like to see in a public form so we can hear what are your pain points and we know that we're addressing them and they know that we're listening to them. So, just another thought >> we'll do.
>> And that's it. >> Scott. >> Yeah. I actually have uh three things for you. Will um over over the holiday we saw that that traffic light is still a huge issue down on >> the right hand side there.
>> Fifth in St. Carlos. >> Fifth in San Carlos. And you know, we've got a three-week lull now between high season. It usually typically starts uh Martin Luther King weekend. So, wanted to see if we could take a, you know, either get that thing fixed or
have a solution with with Tom staff to help with that with that intersection because it it was I got so many phone calls and texts and sure you did too about the congestion down there. And a
lot people blame the traffic, but a lot of it's just pedestrians just We just need somebody down there to help the pedestrians. >> Crowd control. >> Crowd control. >> Thank you, Vice Mayor Safford. Yes. Um I I too received some some calls and some
feedback from the public uh on that and and uh went and saw it for myself. I am continuing the discussions with with Lee County on the future of uh um fixing that light and tying it in with the others so we can have a working light and pedestrian signals at that
intersection. Uh, in the meantime, obviously, we have to have alternate solutions. And I've been talking with Tom about those solutions. We uh he uh Tom, why don't you come on up and just talk to what we what we've kind of talked about. uh what what we're going
to do is instead of my my guidance to him and right now is instead of a a contract for contracted traffic control or uh or always trying to rely on Lee County Sheriff's uh sending some additional deputies, I really want to move forward with having our staff uh do the traffic control. Tom has been
working very hard over the last year on training his staff and bringing on some more folks to be able to do that and I'm confident. And Tom, why don't you go ahead and talk a little bit more about that? >> Good morning. Thomas Yazo, emergency services director for Myers Beach. So, the plan is uh after talking to the town manager, uh we're going to have some of the rangers in that area to assist. It
takes two people down to an intersection. It's a three-way vehicular intersection, but it's a four-way pedestrian intersection. So, to your point, M uh Vice Mayor, it is a the bigger issue is not the traffic. The bigger issue is pedestrian
blockage. So, our goal is starting here in a couple weeks as I'm bringing more staff on, we're going to have rangers out there and we're going to stop traffic as needed, move the pedestrians, but also more importantly stop the pedestrian traffic as needed. So, it's
just not a constant overflow, keep that organized, and that will allow the traffic to flow more smoothly. We'll clear the bridge for safety reasons. that's going to be our priority. But also, we don't want to shut down the north side of the island either because that'll slow down some of the some of
the businesses up there, too. So, we are working at it. We will start having a plan. We have a plan in place, but we'll start initiating it probably in the next two to three weeks. >> That's great. Thank you. >> I have a question for you, Tom, or town manager. Um, I've had people, and I
think I'm confused, too. It doesn't take much these days. I have learned when I moved to Florida years ago, when you see a crosswalk and there's people standing there, you stop. I think the confusion is if you're in Time Square and you see people standing there and you have the green light, I think that gets people
confused. So that is don't stop. Right. >> So So the statute the statute actually Florida statute says that you stop for people within the crosswalk, not standing on the edge. Okay? So it's it's kind of a confusion that people think they always have to stop when people are waiting. That's that's actually not the
truth. Now, for safety reasons, please don't run anybody over, right? Um, let's make sure we're very clear with that that we want you to be conscious of the fact that your 5,000lb weapon that you're driving can hurt a body. So, make sure we're clear on that. But the fact is people, pedestrians also have to be aware of the fact that they have to be
in a safe situation for themsel as well. Don't just walk into traffic because you believe you're righteous. Please wait. Make sure things are clear. If people stop and let them go, that's great, but be conscious. That's really the statute is for when you're in the crosswalk already. >> That's a tough one.
>> Council Lake, I'm not sure if I could You could also Tom, she may be talking about I don't mean to put words in your mouth, Mr. Link, but like the new intersections, you know, the at the at the base of the bridge and that whole thing where you've got traffic coming onto the island who has a green light and there may be people in the crosswalk
or people who are turning right from uh uh the stereo, you know, onto a stereo uh you know, but they have a green turn light. They should not be waiting for pedestrians that are staying there because they have a green light. >> That's correct. I'm sorry if I misunderstood. Yes. If the the traffic lights that you see there, they coincide
with your pedestrian crosswalk lighting as well. So, please don't stop. Move on your green lights. Keep the traffic moving >> because I think if you were on a stero at other crosswalks, you know, further down the south end, you will witness 90% of the time we stop when someone is
standing there. It's almost as if they have the right of way. that took so long to get ingrained in your head because we've gotten tickets if you go. So, I think that's also happening. I'm not sure. Do they have a walk no walk light up there or >> Oh, a bunch of them >> within the >> on in the crosswalks.
>> There is up for the new intersections. Yes, there's a there's definitely a crosswalk lighting situation that says walk or don't walk. And this actually has a verbal warning as well for most of them now. >> Okay. So, it's just still an education and sometimes a human has to be there to
help move things along. >> Since we're on the subject of that traffic circle light, the thing that bothers me the most about and I know I've been involved in this for many, many years and push back from FDOT and the light is green as you're coming down
on the bridge, but then that dumb crosswalk that's at the bend >> that they push the buttons and then it sends the lights off and then now you're stopping again. And so even though the light's green, you're now stopping at the crosswalk that shouldn't be there in my opinion. Uh which really really stops
traffic. And I think what we're seeing, at least what I'm seeing as you come back over the bridge, there's a lot of is what I expected most people expected would happen. The jocking that took place out before Buttonwood to get from one lane to the other is now happening on the bridge itself. as they come over the top of that bridge. They're holding
up the through traffic on a sterile boulevard trying to merge into the traffic that's been sitting backed up because of that intersection that we're talking about. So hopefully we're we're relaying this and I mean even if we got we got a camera up there, right? I mean we could start sending them video of this. This is what's happening. How are you going to fix it?
>> They do monitor that camera. They have access to it. So yes, we we have brought it up to them already about some of the the issues there and that was part of the discussion the town manager had with the county about getting some type of lighting up at Old San Carlos North
Fifth Fifth Street in that area. But the issue is we want them to work together and that's what the holdup is with the county. Those lights have to ultimately work together with the others so it doesn't create some of the issues you're saying >> without putting up some type of central lane barrier for those that double lane
to keep people from trying to come over. >> Uh that's going to be a hard fix. Honestly, they'd have to put up some type of uh like they do up by Buttonwood >> by Buttonwood. Yes. They put the barriers there so people don't make that that they don't do that. They have to go through. >> Right. Well, I mean, I'm not saying
something everybody doesn't already know, but it'd be nice if we could try to figure something out for that. Um, and we did actually request a a temporary light set up at Fifth in San. I've been asked about that. >> Yes, we did. >> We did make that request and were denied. Correct.
>> That's correct. >> That's true. >> Because we thought that would work, but for some reason, I don't know what the reasoning was or if you want to share it, but >> I can. Their reasoning is is they it has to be tied in to, you know, the the the pedestrian end. Um so just a temporary
light there. They don't feel that they'd be able to get a temporary light that could also be tied into the pedestrian uh crosswalks. Am I correct, Tom? >> Yeah. Well, neither can the dumb stop sign that sits there. So I you know, that to me isn't really an argument, but
I I'll I'll take that challenge. Yeah, I'll take that challenge on. I think that's an engineering argument and part of that comes down to the fact that the hardware that's there uh is got to be repaired totally now. The ingground hardware for that lighting is I think the bigger holdup. It's not so much
putting the mast up and getting the lights in place. >> Yeah. They want to elevate it. >> Yeah. And they also want to get the brain to play nice with the other brain from the other setup. So >> I think that's what it's coming down to. >> Okay. Thanks, Tom. John, anything for Tom? >> Okay. >> He's up here. All right. And was that
with you, Rebecca? Scott, you had three things. >> Oh, yeah. Uh, I don't know. Sorry. I I don't know if you guys saw the the chambers spring break list, but Armageddon is coming March 12th. Lee Lee County Public Schools and every college
in Florida has spring break from the 12th to the >> Yes, sir. I saw that. I've already been in contact with uh from the third. you talk to the commander, maybe look at uh you know, one year we had that Armageddon, they got a bunch of resource
officers from the the high schools to to help out. So, >> I think that's part of their intention. I know they have uh they have an ETF in space now where they're going to an event plan. >> Don't get me wrong, I I I encourage people to come down and spend money on
Fort Myers Beach, but that weekend's going to be >> Yes. Yeah. It's going to be as it used to be before the hurricane. I think we're going to see some of that growth again of some of the same population space that moves in. >> So, yes, we are working on it. We're planning for the safety. Public safety
is always the priority and uh that was part of the conversation with the uh town manager and I've had over the past couple weeks as well. So, um some resources I think are going to be shifted here, but I don't want to speak for LCSO uh yet, but that was kind of what our intent is.
>> Yeah. And from from a policy standpoint, do do we need to authorize extra spending for public safety or that's in the budget or >> uh I don't want to answer that right now. I'll I'll take that as a as I'll
take that down, Vice Mayor, and I'll discuss it with Tom and Joe. >> I just want to be proactive. I don't want to wait till March 8th and go, gee whiz, there's going to be 10 billion people here this weekend. >> I appreciate that. people. Would you say the 12th through the What is it? Two weeks. >> Well, it's it's Friday the 12th is the
start. I think it's the 12th. >> Thursday the 12th. Friday the 13th. >> Friday. Okay. Of course. Yeah. Friday the 13th is the first day of >> My short answer would be we we should have what we need with the exception of staffing which I know HR is working hard with Tom's team to fill those vacancies.
Um but I will come back to you with a more solid answer after I want to lay it out on the table now. And >> thank you. I'll hold off on the third thing. >> Okay. All right. Nancy. >> Um, two things. Um, first of all, on
behalf of the Vos Law Firm, um, Jim, we want to wish you well. Um, we will miss you. Um, we were very, we really enjoyed working with you. We felt so welcomed when we were hired to, um, take on and,
uh, represent the town. Personally, I'm going to miss some of our conversations that we had. As you all know, I drive quite a bit and Jim and I had extended conversations, which I really appreciated, but Jim, I still have your number, so I still may be calling you.
Um, the second item is I do want to shout out to staff as well. Um, they've done a great job over the holidays. Um, specifically, I want to recognize again the clerk's office, um, Jason and Amy for putting on a training regarding the
agenda preparation. I have seen a difference already in some of the materials that are getting posted. I know this agenda was short, but we're already looking ahead at some other agendas, and u I think they're really coming together as a team.
>> Very good. That's it. >> Okay. Wow. I've got one more thing. Um perhaps uh Tom will maybe signage right before the bridge that this lane is right turn only.
>> Definitely uh something we can take to take back to um >> to the appropriate authorities county uh and F >> F dot F dot but we do have our regular our regular meetings with them should be resuming here pretty soon um that we're for the holidays. We'll put that down as
an agenda item to discuss with them. Thank you. Yeah. Is there still a possibility for that at the base of the bridge where that new sign was that was beautiful that was put up before the hurricane took it away? Is there still infrastructure in there to be able to put some sort of signage there that we could control? >> Oh,
>> because we own that we own that part of the I think till the base of the bridge where the sign used to be on the west side. Is that is that infrastructure still there to be able to put signage up? >> I don't I don't know. We'll we'll look we'll have to look into that. Instead of putting up the sign that was red wrecked
twice, maybe it would make more sense to have a signage board there that you know bridge is going to be closed for this or right turn only or expect delays or >> something to look into. >> Yes, we will. I have one more thing too if it's okay, Mr. Mayor. So, um thank you Jeff for for bringing this up. Uh
Jim's uh retirement does also bring up a vacancy on CellCap or for a counselor to uh um to be the adviser to CellCap. Um, so I don't know if that's something uh you want to address now or at the next uh council meeting. Um, >> and also anchorage
>> and anchorage and Anchorage, right? Yeah. For sale cab and Anchorage. >> Why don't we just wait till appointment? >> So yeah, we can >> wait till I think appointment meeting. >> Oh, okay. Yeah. Yeah. >> It might be something would like to >> So just something to think about. >> Okay. >> If there is a meeting and they need a
temporary person to sit there, >> you can call on me for a temporary spot. >> Thank you, council lady. Very good. Anything else? Council member items and reports. John, >> uh, just a couple things. Thank you for this opportunity. Um, it's the only
vacation my wife takes every year, so I I appreciate the opportunity to spend time with her. Thank you for allowing me to zoom in. Uh, secondly, I'd like to uh address uh Mr. Beach's comments from earlier. Uh, I find it very disingenuous that he threatens to drop an appeal if
we vote a certain way. It's almost like blackmail. Uh considering he can drop the appeal at any time and he's never won anything in regards to my case. So just keep that in mind and thanks same for me. >> All right, Councelor Link.
>> Nothing. >> Vice Mayor Safford. >> No, I went over my stuff. >> All right. The only thing I have it's it's been brought up several times. um potentially looking at getting garbage cans down a sterile boulevard >> um as they're starting to obviously rebuild the sidewalks and redo things.
You know, we're seeing people are using these pole stansions that hopefully will be done someday as garbage cans. And I know we probably got to get approval from Lee County to be able to do it. But I think it would be something that would benefit us to, you know, every few blocks or whatever have a garbage can out for people that, you know, we're as
we're coming into season more people are going to be biking and walking and and you're going to start to see more trash and it would just be nice to have a place to put it. >> Huh? Come on up. >> Go ahead, Jeff. I think we >> there was an in the past, I think. So you can talk to
>> uh Jeff Hogy again, community services director. Uh Leit TR had them at the bus stops. So I I'll reach out to them and see if they can >> put them at least at the bus stops on their end. Um but we'll look at extra uh trash cans as well, too. >> Yeah. I mean, as we've seen, traffic is backing up already. It'd be nice to have
some. It don't have to be every block, obviously, but every maybe half mile or something or every few blocks, we could get something out there if the county will allow us to do it, which I don't see that being an issue, but um >> yeah, >> we'll definitely reach out. >> Okay. Do we still have any leftover?
Those FNB garbage cans or they all >> They're all used up. We We've been thinking about buying more. They're just We're looking at a different style cuz the ones we got before were pretty expensive. So, we don't want to spend all that money on the the trash cans and out the rusting, too. So, >> yeah.
>> Um we're looking at other options, especially for Old St. Carlos and those. is just not quite in the budget right now. But we'll uh we're doing >> something that's easy for staff to be able to get in and get out quick and not >> Yeah. >> to worry about holding things up. >> That's all I had.
There's nothing else, John. >> I'll leave you with some words of wisdom from the great former queen Lily Ukalini. Uh aloha oi until we meet again. Thank you. Move to adjourn. >> Got a motion to adjourn. Any objection?
>> Are we adjourned at 10:31? That was pretty short.