Hello. >> Hello. >> There you go. >> Now it's quiet. >> Good evening and thank you for attending. I think um Marne, would you call the role, please?
>> Council member Steve Freriedman >> here. >> Council member Deb Gillis here. Council member Anna Richards >> here. Vice Mayor Don Horton. >> I'm here. >> And Mayor Sharon Mahoney >> here. >> We have a quorum. >> Okay. And Mr. Russell, since you're dressed so nicely, would you lead us in
the pledge? >> You didn't recognize me in your >> If you would please put your hand over your heart and join with me. I aliance 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 very much. And Pastor Hammond, I had asked Tony to come up for Veterans Day to say a little something uh for the community. Thank you. >> Absolutely. I first I would like to ask
all of our veterans to stand if you would just so we can honor you. And uh we're going to recognize this is the 250th. Thank you veterans. And it's also 250th year birthday for the Marine Corps. So uh just want to recognize that and we're
just grateful for them. So, uh, let me just say a quick word of prayer and we'll be done. Father, thank you so much for our veterans and for, um, everything that they have done and will continue to do. Thank you their part and their in protecting our freedoms. We pray your blessing over them and and, uh, for the celebrations tomorrow that will be
taking place here in the Keys and uh, pray that you'll bless those. Bless this meeting tonight in your precious name. Amen. Tomorrow at 11:00, there will be uh, Veterans Day remembrance at the fire station celebration at uh, fire station 20. Is that right, Terry? >> Yes, sir.
>> At Fire Station 20 and Alamana and all the other places as well. So, thank you. >> Thank you very much. I appreciate it greatly. I also want to say how um sad Friday night was for the police officer in Miami who lost his life. And just to
tell tell our police officers, our fire rescue and our highway patrol how much we are love you guys. Blessed to have you with us. and I thank you for everything and to keep that poor family in your prayers. So, I wanted to point
that out. On two other notes, um Terry, fire chief Terry Abel and I are doing toys for tots and the keys this year. Um we will be having a list of places you can drop off unwrapped toys for kids whose Christmases aren't as great as
they should be and we're going to help make them that way. So, um there'll be uh information in newspapers and on flyers where you can drop off and if you want to write a check, which we will take, uh Terry, who do they make the check out to? Where is he?
>> Firefighters benevolent association. >> Okay. Appreciate that. And then finally, the dog park grand opening in memory of Mangrove Mike is January the 18th, which is here. It's a Sunday from 3:30 to
5:30. We have got a a bench in the shape of a dog bone with Mangroves Mike's name on it. A big piece of granite with a bronze plaque on it from Mangrove Mike. Pastor Hammond will be there to say a few words and we're hoping the community
comes out and supports someone who did so much for this community and I hope everybody can make it. So those are the little up toates I have. So, moving on. Uh, council emergency deletions, addition. Steve,
>> Anna, >> Deb, >> Don, >> done. >> Okay, we're we're good. Um, I will tell you that um um we've asked to switch for reports, presentations for Jamie to come
up and she wants to do the village staff service awards first. So, Jamie, if you please come up. Thank you. I appreciate that. Um, thank you council and staff and residents. Tonight we're doing uh employee service
awards. So five years of service we have Evelyn Freilley, Paul Mining. 10 years of service we have Carla Vasquez, Alexander Estrada, Adrien Castellanos. And for 20 years of service, we have
Annie Onsgard, Ronald Jacobs, and for 25 years of service, we have Maria Basiotti. And I think Annie and Maria are here. >> I don't think anybody else is here, but they are. >> 25 years.
>> Wow. That's awesome. >> Did you have it upside down? What was it? >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. Thank you guys so much. Yeah. Okay, moving along. Where's Aaron from
uh Florida Keys Aqueduct with our latest inching down the road? >> Yes. Good evening, village council and residents. I am happy to give you guys an update tonight. Um let me just see if that's presentation is queued up.
>> All right. So, I'm going to give my normal update, but I definitely want to just pass along that um of all the updates that I've been giving up here, this current uh past two weeks has probably been, you know, some of the most challenging part of the project. So, we really continue to just
appreciate all the support that we get from the community, from law enforcement, um FDOT, but especially, you know, the village. Um so, I'll I'll go over some of those updates now. Let's see. There we go. So, you guys know who we are. I'm going to go past
that one. So, if you look at the map that's on the screen, you'll see where we currently are working, which is in the most difficult part of the project, which we call the um it's the school zone where we're doing our rollingote.
And really small there, you can see a red dot. And that basically shows that we're right probably about 100 ft as of last night north of Royal Poniana. Um you know we've got through I think we're in the second week of working in that
school zone area. Um we've been able to um get approval from FDOT to work through the boat races which wasn't in the original contract. Um, we've also gotten approval to these next two days where school is out that we can hopefully get through um, one of the
most difficult parts of this current zone because there's a portion where we're going to have to block both Royal Poniana and Palm Avenue at the same time. Now, as you know, the colony there, all the school buses come from Plantation Keys School, and that whole
area is um, really a thoroughare for the buses and and picking up the kids. So, we've been working diligently um with the local schools and with law enforcement to come up with a plan. Um FDOT gave us approval so that we could work the next 3 days and it looks like
everything is 100% on track so that when we get back to school gets back on Wednesday um that we won't have one of those intersections closed. So, we we're hoping to be at Palm Avenue on Wednesday. Um, but we're going to be far enough up to be able to open Royal
Poniana back up. So, that's giving you guys a little bit of information. I think I have some more on the slides, but just globally, that's kind of where we're at. We're still targeting the first or second week of December to be connected at the south side of Tavern
Creek Bridge and be hopefully being out of this school zone. Um, the will be down for Thanksgiving. I I it's going to be sometime Wednesday, Thursday, Friday of that week. So, um right now, and this number is even a little bit shy, as of last night,
we have 24,757 ft of water mane pipe in the ground. Um we've got the project included about 34,000. So, we've got about 70% of our pipe installed um to date.
Over the last week, um, one of the challenges that we faced, you know, we had a plan since May to implement this school zone, uh, traffic control plan, which included changing design, bringing a northbound lane so that we would have an additional lane to bring traffic
through. And it it all culminated to happen, you know, during this month. Well, one of the things that, you know, mother nature has presented is king tides. So, um whereas all of this pipe has to be laid in dry trenches, all of the pipe is welded, um dealing with king
tide has been a a significant challenge for us. Um we still have made production every night though and we're still um looks like we're going to hit our goals and our targets. Um, I know right around Fontaine it was really difficult um with the groundwater, but we were able to
make some changes with our trench, the amount of trench we leave open so that we can isolate how much groundwater to get rid of. Um, that has been a challenge that you guys may have seen out there. Um, but we've persevered persevered through it so far and um we're still meeting every week with uh
law enforcement and with the schools. Um I I can't say enough how much support we've gotten from Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Um their offers their officers have been amazing. They learned a lot from the first time around too on some of the key intersections that they need to be at. So they've had up to four
officers at a time out there when it's needed and we basically gave them cart blanch approval to make changes to keep everybody everything flowing. Um the schools offered an additional outlet from their um bus loop if we need it and
just the amount of um traffic control with the uh law enforcement has made it so that hasn't that we haven't even needed that option yet and we're hoping that'll be the the the rest of this week. Once we get through this week, the most difficult intersection is probably
going to be the Bessie, you know, um Sunshine intersection there. Um, but we get through that and in a couple weeks after we're going to be hopefully at the, you know, at the at the light at the end here. Um, so this is we've worked with
Plantation Key Colony and the Sheriff's Office to make sure Halloween was a fun and safe event for everyone. Um, we actually did specific on-site meetings with law enforcement, with the village to making sure we had a plan. We provided additional lighting so that everybody could see the construction
equipment. and we got a lot of thank yous from the Monroe County Sheriff's because it sounds like that event went off without without any issues. Um we continue to call businesses, HOAs. We're actually meeting with um HOAs this week and um we have a special transportation
meeting with FDOT to talk about some of the things we implemented on this project and they want to move that forward throughout the Keys. So that's going to be this Thursday down in Marathon. Uh that I probably went one too many. Yep.
Okay. So, this shows kind of what our plan is on Palm Avenue and Royal when those intersections are closed. And basically, it's you can kind of see a similar situation on on both, but you can like southbound traffic can turn
into Royal, but people when it's closed, people can't come out of it and go on north or south onto overseas. Same thing on Palm. Now, our plan currently shows that we'll be able to get through this without both of these being closed at the same time, which is going to be key.
And the law enforcement knows their officer when Woods Avenue backs up, they know which one of these is open and which way we can send them. So, that's been working really good so far. Uh, uh, I'm just want to make sure there's nothing I hit on, didn't hit on
here. We move in about a,000 foot increments. We're continuing. One of the things that we're doing that's helping us in this current segment is whereas we would probably leave about 500 ft of of unpaved area, we're bringing our pavement up to 20 ft behind our pipeline
work just so we can open up more of the intersections, keep the neighborhood flowing and the buses as well. Um, as I mentioned, Thanksgiving we will have a pause um sometime that Wednesday and then there will be no from Thursday until coming back late Sunday night. So
that'll hopefully give the community a little bit of relief. And with that, this is just showing the work zone through December. Um just where we're planning to be is where we're making our connection at that last box
there. So once we do that, then um the will be taken down and then we'll be north of Tavern Bridge for the duration of the project and the north limits are past Ocean onto to um Jessup. And this is just a reminder that if you
do like the intersection of um Sunrise Bessie, there's going to be a portion of that closed. A lot of people are asking questions. If they're coming out of Sunrise, for instance, and have to head north, how do they do that? And you got to run all the way through the construction zone. You can turn down a
side street on the old highway or a neighborhood and then come back and head north, but you have to continue through the construction zone in order to keep the workers and everybody safe. And this just shows our our work activity. I'm not going to go through that again. I want to take this time now
and open it up for any questions from the from the council. >> Did you want to say something, Don? >> Aaron, you keep saying sunrise. You mean Sun uh Sunshine Boulevard. >> Sunshine, excuse me. >> At the stop, right? Okay. >> Yes, sir. Sorry about that. >> Council, does anybody have anything for Aaron? No, no, no. You're doing a great
job. I mean, we appreciate it. >> Thanks for everybody's support. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Thanks for coming in. Okay, Marne, public comment. And this is general public comment, not anything to do with any of the tabs. So, Marne,
>> is that including the ball field? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, then first up, we have Ken Thomas. >> Just just a reminder, just so it was clear, the the ball field is not an action item as it currently stands. So, uh, if there's anybody here to speak on the ball field, that general public
comment would be the time for that. >> Thank you. My name is Ken Thomas. I'm a 20-year Alamarada resident enjoying our beautiful Keys since the 1950s. After 40 years of teaching economics at the University of Miami in Wharton, please
allow me to put on my professor hat to emphasize the importance of capitalism over socialism regarding the proposed leasing of public space for Angller's Reef on Windley Key. This gated waterfront community at 52 homes is
worth over $100 million. It was overbuilt with only two parking spaces per home. A design choice made by developers but accepted by homeowners, many of whom are absentee landlords from around the country. They've done well,
each realizing hundreds of thousands of appreciation, some over a million dollars. Those of you who are business people understand that capitalism, which has made our country great, means finding a private solution for a private problem. like Hog Heaven did when they
needed overflow parking. They bought the adjacent lot. The wealthy residents of Angller's Reef have many private options. Buying or leasing nearby private land, buying and paving over one of their forale homes, or finding a private valet solution.
Rather, they turn to us for help. First asking us to build parking on our green public rightway and now to lease space on it for their private benefit. That right ofway is public land belonging to all of our residents. Leasing it for the
private convenience of the wealthiest 1% is sets a dangerous precedent. That's not capitalism. Rather, it's using government resources to solve a private problem. We economists call that socializing costs while privatizing
benefits. In other words, socialism for the rich. I recently saw a truck with a bumper sticker saying, "Don't New York my Florida." New York City and its new mayor may embrace socialism, but that's the last thing we need here in Florida
or Island Marada. Please understand, I'm speaking from an economist point of view, not a political one. This isn't about left or right, blue or red, but fairness and fiscal responsibility. So I respectfully ask you again to say no to
the leasing of any public land or use of any more of our government resources for the benefit of Angller's Reef. Please don't New York my Isa Marada. Thank you and a special thank you to our veterans. >> Thank you very much Mary. Who's next please?
>> Next up is Jamie Engel. >> Hi. Good evening Mayor and council members. My name is Jamie Angel. I was asked by village manager Ron Saunders back in June to serve on the baseball ta field task force and I agreed because I care deeply about this community and the
student athletes at Coral Shores. Over the past several months, I've attended and spoken at schoolboard meetings, village council meetings, parks and recreation committee meetings, and I've and two televised task force meetings, the last one lasting nearly four hours. I've made phone calls to gather
information and get questions answered and sent emails and text messages not only to the village council members and the schoolboard members, but also to professionals and community members. I've read and reviewed many contracts, agreements, and addendums, and I've learned more about artificial turf and
natural grass baseball fields than I ever expected to know, and quite frankly, ever really wanted to know. I say this to point out that I along with the four other members of the baseball field task force have taken time away from our businesses and our families to research and participate because we
believe our work would truly make a difference. At the parks and recreation committee meeting, they voted 7 to1 in favor of artificial turf. But after that, the chair came to the council and stated that she didn't have enough information and would defer to the
baseball field task force for further review. During our most recent meeting, the village manager invited a salesman from AstroTurf and a professor of environmental studies who specializes in turf research. After nearly four hours of discussion, three of the four task
force members presented and present recommended that a new community survey be conducted before the final decision is made. When I inquired as to when the survey would be done, I was told that by the village manager that the majority of the council members didn't want another survey and intended to move forward with
a vote tonight. Because of that, I conducted one myself within my Venetian Shores uh neighborhood Facebook committee or neighborhood Facebook uh page. The question asked was very simple. Which field surface would you prefer at Founders Park baseball field?
Natural grass, synthetic turf, or no preference? There were 25 responses, which may not sound like a lot, but it's something. The results were clear. 22 people, 88% voted for natural grass, two 8% for synthetic turf, and one had no
preference. At the October 7th schoolboard meeting, the district approved a schematic plan that included artificial turf without a signed baseball field license agreement with the village. The village owns the property, but the school district is paying for the construction. Under the
Florida Interlocal Cooperation Act, two government bodies must have a signed written agreement before moving forward on a joint project. That agreement defines who pays for what, who maintains it, and who is responsible if something goes wrong. Florida Constitution says
taxpayers money has to be spent in a way that helps the people who paid those taxes. That means the school district, and I'm almost done, the school district can't use school money to build something on village property unless there's a written agreement showing exactly how it benefits students. And
the village shouldn't agree to take care of or pay for something the school district builds unless both sides sign an agreement that clearly explains who is responsible for what. There's no such agreement signed by both the school board and the village of Isamra at this
time. The last version I received from the village manager over the weekend included an email from school district representative Mr. Pat Leafir noting that he has some quote initial concerns about several provisions. Jamie okay if
those are the only initial concerns how many more are coming. So I would ask you to please reconsider any vote or discussion outside of discussing the baseball field license agreement because we put a lot of time and effort into this. >> Got it. Thank you very much and we
appreciated you. Um, Marne, >> next is Alina Davis. >> And there's quite a few of you guys. So, please try to stay to the three minutes. >> Alina Davis, Plantation Key. I too am a member of the task force and I do agree
with everything that Jamie has just stated. She is very articulate and she writes incredibly well so that we can all understand it. I would like to also
um ask that a survey be conducted. Sharon uh Mayor Mahoney survey was said to not to be one-sided, but the Miller Leg survey, which we paid over $100,000
for, did state that the majority of the residents wanted real grass, not artificial turf on the baseball field and on the other fields. the Miller Leg response or
recommendation did not include that baseball field um recommendation because somehow it was taken out. But anyway, I would recommend that this be a continued
conversation because the devil is in the details and a lot of details still need to be figured out and agreed upon or not agreed upon and then everybody can go their own way if that if that's what it
takes. But it has to be agreed upon. It cannot be just the way the school board wants it or the way the village wants it. If we want to work together, it has to be mutual agreement. Now, another thing that we I mentioned the last time
we I was here was we need to think about freebie because Richard Clark is not here to save our butt next this coming year. And the other one is what happened to the marina and trying to find
five maybe five um backcountry guides that can do a a project, you know, just to try to use the existing boat ramp. We don't need to build another boat ramp. Just try to do maybe five guys and see
how it works. We have the technology. We can, you know, we have video cameras or you can do face recognition. All kinds of different ways that you can know who is going to that boat ramp when it's uh before or after the boat ramp is
officially closed. So, we have a lot on our plates and I hope that you continue to listen to the community and remember, yes, it is for the baseball, the high school baseball team that we
are trying to do these improvements to the baseball field. However, it still belongs to the village of Alam Marada and the residents who elected you to represent us. Thank you. Thank you, Alina. Marty,
>> next up is Joseph Molinaro. >> Good evening. How is everybody doing? So, I'm Joe Molina. I'm a local business owner. I was the coach of the Coral Shores baseball team for a few years. I'm also a coach and founder of the steady bats program that actually services over 125 kids from the upper
keys to develop them in baseball. So, it's not just Coral Shores baseball that would benefit from the field, but it's that organization. And I do strongly recommend uh the baseball field being turf. Um what hasn't come up is the uh amount of um maintenance that goes on
with the grass and the and the actual dirt itself. So just saying that you want grass but never playing on it, coaching on it, or being on the field is really meaningless. I believe it's just maybe aesthetically pleasing to you. So until you really understand what you're doing on that field, I just support the
turf. So thank you. >> Thank you very much, Marne. >> Next is Captain Ed Davidson. >> Are you speaking on behalf of a group? Okay, so he gets five minutes. Marne, I mean Ed.
>> Okay, for the record, I am still Captain Ed Davidson, chairman IRS 501c3, Florida Key Citizens Coalition. I was also elected to the school board for four years. I've lived among them. Here are some important excerpts from
the proposed baseball field license agreement, which I think you're going to be discussing in some fashion. Uh, page 12, paragraph A. Quote, "Licences shall comply with all applicable federal, state, county, and municipal laws, ordinances, resolutions,
and governmental rules, regulations, and orders." Dot dot dot. A violation of any such shall constitute a material breach of this agreement. Lawyers in the room, a material breach. schoolboard facilities director, who's
with us this evening, uh repeatedly stated at public meetings that he's been working on this project for five years. But when the uh Alamrada Citizens Alliance requested minutes of his Founders Park baseball field design team
meetings, all they got was minutes dated uh the 4th of March, the 29th of May, and the 12th of June. There was no indication that required legal public notice had ever been posted. And indeed, the new village manager has related that
when he found out as a happenstance about the occurrence of one such meeting that he had not been officially notified of and went to attend, he found the doors were locked and had some difficulty gaining attendance. The minutes of those three meetings, which I
have, um, make it clear that plans were proceeding on the presumption stated by meeting attendee Richie Russell. Um, that former leases, entitlements, use licenses, and expanded activities
options were still in effect when it is officially acknowledged. The reason you have that new agreement um, is that they had all expired roughly four years ago. And the new interlocal agreement was not registered with the county clerk and therefore not effective until the 20th
of June, leaving a multi-year gap when all schoolboard Founders Park planning was not based on an Isa Marada approved contract, but that the school board has instead issued two single authorized design build contracts without village
consultation or approval despite all the promises. Uh, one of those is dated 14 November 23 and one 11 February 25. Uh, the March design team meetings meetings minutes hello state. Uh, Mr.
Russell quote presented plans drawn up in September 2021 and acknowledged the preference for an artificial turf field unquote. But once a copy of that document was obtained, and I have it if you'd like to see it,
um, under Freedom of Information Act, it was found to contain no official identification, no name, nor signature or letterhead, and therefore should have had no standing as a foundational planning document, but the minutes indicate that it was. The rest of the three detailed sets of minutes contain
many references to significant issues having been discussed and ruled upon with no public participation by the citizen owners of the park. Several years worth of prior such meetings also appear to have occurred in violation of the Florida sunshine law.
Uh and the question arises whether the village council should be discussing and approving plans derived by a design team um making detailed recommendations on the expenditure of $6 to7 million of taxpayer funds to two bodies of public
officials this board and the school board when those detailed plans have demonstrabably dived out of the sunshine. This crucial question should be discussed and ruled upon by the village attorney before any aspect of this project proceeds any further. And
the defect of darkness, Mr. Attorney, needs to be cured in the interest of the public. The improper rush to judgment campaign has repeatedly bypassed the resident taxpayer owners of Founders Park, starting with schoolboard uh uh attempt
um to get the new village manager to sign the design bill contract the first week he got here. Um, and I have the 28 April email in which
uh that those were forwarded uh to get him to sign it. Thankfully, uh Ron didn't do that. Uh though u no full televised um uh briefing for the Alamra citizens was
given until more than a year later. the first comprehensive briefing. >> Thank you, Captain Ed. You had five. Appreciate it. >> And of course, during his campaign, Mr. Horton showed up and told the school board he was going to get him their ball
field. >> Okay, Marne. Next up is Doug Mowitz. >> Close enough. Me cavage. Uh, thank first off, thank you veterans. Um, I just want to I have coached Coral Shores. Um,
we've been to these meetings several times. This is goes back with Rich and Joe and I almost 6 years now. Um, I am a part of Steady Bats. I do live in Venetian Shores and I was not a part of that survey. Um, I appreciate people sticking around this time because I
think a lot of our questions that were asked would have been answered. To keep a natural grass field, it would cost millions to keep it at a plain legal safe place.
Grass is the infield grass was replaced two years ago. It's already covered in weeds. um the people that I've spent my own money, my own time on this and I'll go to 73% of all division one
facilities are field turf. 71% 71 to 73% of all division one fields are field turf. An average full ride scholarship is 1.2 to$ 1.6 million per per student athlete. They have no
problems. I know the last time we talked about player safety, um, my son tore his knee up on this field, not once, but twice. So, it it it's unsafe the way it is now. And the field turf, Key West has had it for almost seven and a half, eight years. Have not had one injury on
it. Um, I appreciate people staying around. Like I said before, um I can promise you if that survey hit my street, almost majority of the street I live in Venetian Shores would have voted yes on the field turf. Um it was last
time I heard, are we going to keep voting on this until it's voted no? It seems like every time it's voted on yes, we have momentum and then it stops. Um again, this is a multi-purpose field. I
you could have a soccer team, a softball team, a little league baseball team. We can field four teams at once on that on that baseball field. And I promise you all the people who voted with all due respect on the natural grass field on that survey, have never stepped foot on
that field. Spent six plus years on that, seen numerous injuries. Steve's son was one of them. It's and I have a bunch of kids here that spend a lot of time on that field with Steady Bats. The amount of kids at the end of the day, this is about our
kids. It's about our grandkids and their future. Steady Bats has had 11 kids in four or five years to continue their playing career and that's just baseball. You can keep going on flag football. We can do a ton of stuff with this. I appreciate all of your time and again
I've been on every Astro Turf from since 1989 to now. I my home field was AstroTurf in the Metrodome in the Minnesota with the Minnesota Twins. We played 81 home games for seven plus years. Never saw one not one leg injury.
No knees, no ankles, no nothing. >> So I appreciate your time. >> Okay, Marne. >> Next is Joe Samanssky. I want to start by saying thank you veterans and happy birthday Marines. Um my name is Joe Samansky. I'm the head baseball coach at Coral Shores High
School. I want to thank all y'all for your time um listening to this again. Thank coach for just talking uh the points coach made about the injuries on the field that we have now. All right, you guys talk about turf. I I don't know what the big issue between turf and grass is. It's it's proven to be safer.
And if you don't want it because it's not natural, we need to take out the tennis courts, take out the pickle ball courts, take out the sidewalks, take out the asphalt. I mean, come on, guys. It's it's a playing field for kids. It's a playing field for kids to get
developed to move on to the next level. I think it's time that we vote yes or no and move on with it. It's going to take one wrong kid or one wrong coach to get hurt on that field and it won't be out of Marada's field anymore. All right? Because the field is not in good shape.
There's holes everywhere. And coach pointed out that the injuries that have already happened to keep it a grass field playable and safe, you would need a 10-man crew every day. That's their only job working on that field year round to
keep it grass and keep it safe. Thank you for your time. Thank you very much, Marne. Is there anyone else? >> Yes, there is. Next up is Tony Hammond. >> Well, good evening again, council, and uh thank you, mayor. And uh
I also am on that task force. I was not in favor of another survey. I'm the the single vote that did not want it. Um, I bet over a half a century in baseball. First as a player before I
can remember, uh, literally. Then Coral Shores High School baseball coach 1972, 1973. Um, I was a head coach at Island Christian School from 1975 to 2014 or later. I can't remember when I when I stopped. Then I came back to Coral
Shores as a head coach two years ago and I was assistant coach last year. Uh I have an AA in physical education from Florida Keys Community College, a bachelor's of education uh in biology education from the University of Miami, master's degree in educational
administration, and I've given my entire life to the health, safety, and protection of our kids. So the last thing in the world I want is something that's going to be detrimental to our students. And I'd always been a natural grass baseball field guy. Just old
school natural grass is the way we have to go. But after visiting sites, taking temperatures all across South Florida, talking to baseball coaches, players, parents, my opinion for baseball in the Keys has changed
dramatically. The only feasible option for our field right now is artificial turf. Why? because we cannot maintain natural grass as you've already heard um as it should be maintained. We have neither the money, the equipment, nor the resources,
the personnel to make it happen. A small number of very vocal individuals have lobbyed hard for natural grass. But for many of them, there's more to their lobby. And I just need to mention that some would be happy if the baseball
field and other sports used by our entire community would disappear from founders. Swimming, tennis, lacrosse, soccer, the concert performances that take place here, the Christmas parade, the festivals that we do, the nautical market, all of those would go away
because they're not residents of Isa Marada using these facilities. And that would just be wrong for our community. Our village founders never had the intent that Founders Park would be a
passive nature park. It was meant to be a community hub, recreation center, and a showcase for the upper keys. The thought or question about moving the baseball field, which has been rubbed up several times by several different individuals, is not an option. That ship
sailed when we entered the very first interlocal agreement when Founders Park was established. I was part of that when that took place. There's no place at Coral Shores for a baseball field to be located. So over
and over and over again, I've heard, "Let's trust the experts." Well, I may not be an expert, but I have a few years under my belt. >> Thank you, Tony. with baseball. When are we going to trust the school board and their team to use their skills and
engineers to make the best possible choice for students? I urge the council to make a motion. We've discussed this for years now. We don't need more conversation. We need a vote and we need it tonight. Thanks. >> Thank you, Tony. Marne,
>> just just a reminder. >> I thought we talked about doing the wave hands. Yeah, just a reminder if you want to support anything um silent cheer with with wave hands so we can move forward. >> Marty, >> next up is San Diego. >> Hi everyone. Sydney Basley. I don't have
a formal speech today. I've made several to this group and parks and reccks. Um I just wanted to offer an observation and a comment. Um, I was at PKS for 23 years as a principal and also was elected
statewide as the head of all of the principles and administrators in Florida and the principles in Florida twice. As a matter of fact, we gave awards to Ron Saunders for being a wonderful legislator at the time. So, the reason I'm bringing this up is I've worked with lots of boards both at the local level
and the state level over 23-year period and five elected superintendents. No grievances, no lawsuits. We all just found ways to work through very very difficult problems over a 23 per year year period. It was it was a learning
experience. What what I wanted to share is part of those years I was on the college boards um appointed by one of our Florida governors and um when we had business with the college we were K12, they were grades 13 and 14. We actually
met together, the school board, the five of them, and um the county, the five of them, and we um met in the same room, 10 elected individuals, public meetings, and talked out a lot of issues that involved a lot of resources. So, I'm
just saying in the future, there's no reason why eventually the school board and you all shouldn't meet in person and just, you know, have some conversations in public, no matter which way this goes. It's nice to appoint emissaries and so forth and
staff, but eventually there's a proverb and the proverb is when the elephants tussle, the grass gets crushed. And in this case, the grass is really getting crushed. So, you know, I'm just saying, um, you all are very powerful leaders
and so is the school board. And wouldn't it be nice if you all sat down together and really eventually, um, came to some conclusions that everyone could support. Thank you. >> Thank you, Sandy Marne. >> Uh, next is Mr. Wishmire. He is on Zoom.
Okay, Mr. Wish Meer, go ahead. You've got three minutes. >> Yes. Joe Wishmire, Plantation Key. Uh again, tonight we're doing public comment before we do the mayor council communication and the manager attorney. Uh we just keep flip-fpping back and forth. It would be nice to stick with
the one that was after mayor counsel and manage and uh manager attorney. Uh so that after we hear what y'all have to say, we'd have an opportunity to comment on it. As far as the committees go, we've had committees in the past. We had a budget committee and now we have the
baseball field committee. You know, it just seems like when we have these committees, whether or not you all even pay attention to what they say, if you're not going to listen to what they say or their suggestions, then why even have committees to begin with?
It's kind of like the LPA. I thought it was great when each council member was able to appoint one person because, let's face it, we all have different opinions. Uh, and so we all might approve different people to have it so
that you all have to vote on it. That just seems like you're kind of putting all everybody's opinions and uh I just don't agree with that. As far as the angller reef, it seems kind of funny here that all of a sudden for years and
years we've always backed out into rightaways and we've never had a problem and it's never come up. But now that they want to do this parking lot at Angller's Reef, I don't believe that you would get approval from the Florida Commerce if you didn't have it in the
code. And I believe that that's why it came up. And I think that also is kind of wrong. Lastly, I would like to know why we are still discussing the Ted Yates matters. Ted Yates was a manager under a one-year contract. at the end of
his contract, it was not renewed. Period. End of story. I don't know why we keep having executive sessions and keep going on and on about that. So, I think we need to put an end to that as well. Thank you very much.
>> Thank you, Joe Marty. Okay, next up is Richard Black, who is also on Zoom. Okay, Mr. Black, go ahead. You got three minutes. Hello. Can you hear me? >> Yes, we can. >> Yes. Uh, this is Richard Black from Alam
Marada. Um, I was asked to be on the task force for this u baseball field. I just wanted to remind the council tonight that this is not just about grass and turf. Um, in fact, it's something more important than that that hasn't really been decided on the
license agreement. Um the licenses uh agreement uh from my understanding is still under discussion with the school board and the school board has not agreed or formally signed on to this agreement yet. So how can we even decide on grass and turf if we don't even have
an agreement uh agreed upon between the village and the school board? Um that that's really I I to me the grass discussion is is been beat to death and we really need to be focusing on this license agreement. um more so than
anything. Thank you. >> Thank you, Richard Marne. >> Next up is Richie Russell. >> Put my little timer on so I don't go uh I don't go over. >> I'm watching you.
Uh, thank you. I I was asked to speak on behalf of Coral Shores athletic department by our principal, uh, Laura Leotart. As always, I want to thank you, council members, for your commitment to this community and your service. Certainly an appropriate time to thank our veterans and for them providing the
freedom that we all enjoy. Uh, about almost 5 years ago now, in keeping with protocol, Village Baseball Renovations Committee was formed. The first iteration was comprised of four representatives from the village, four from four four from Coral Shores, two from the Monroe County School Board, and
we worked lock step with the prescribed prescribed protocol for um for moving forward. We had a few periodic meetings and we're making some real headway toward proposal and consideration. About three years ago though, some false narratives about the committee's work
were made public. Uh it turns out the narrative was that we had clandestine meetings. Uh there was going to be a bulldozer uh knocking down 82 trees. By the way, in our first meeting, all four representatives of your staff said absolutely no trees will be knocked
down. something that AJ has reminded us at the onset of every uh every uh meeting since. Uh we a picture was circulated and of a professional stadium with three fours and you were told that that rendering was our project and you
were told that you know about the evils of artificial turf that California Governor Nuome had banned the state forever. All those claims obviously proved to be debunked but unfortunately the damage was already done. Those false claims have caused costly and harmful
delays. At least two Coral Shores baseball teams have lost the opportunity to play on a state-of-the-art facility. And the impact goes a lot further than Coral Shores athletics. Our youth programs, our adult leagues across the community have also been deprived of the
benefits and opportunities this fil uh facility would provide. Never have so few done so much to deprive so many children. And now some of the same folks are trying to delay things even further. Let's kick the can further down. Let's
talk about another survey. In my humble opinion, here's the problem with the survey. The survey reflects opinions formed without the benefit of facts. It's a lot like being asked to take a college final before ever spending a day in the classroom.
Additionally, I've heard the contention that many village residents don't know anything about this project. Actually, I think that could be true. But how many of those village meetings uh have broached in the last 3 years this subject? How many articles, Jim, have
been written about this subject? So, let me respectfully ask, what percentage of those people who don't know anything about this project also don't know that Ron is our village manager? So, the biggest point of contention seems to be over artificial turf. There's a subject our park and
recreation committee spent a lot of time on. I had the honor of serving on that. As always, uh, as always, we we have the honor of sitting on the committee. As I said, I can talk to you with great confidence to say I think that committee was predisposed to opposing artificial
turf. I salute our chair, Carolyn Whiteman, and the entire committee. They listened to the facts with an open mind, and when they proceeded with the they processed the information, they voted 7 to1 in favor of artificial. I remind you that's the standing committee in charge
of parks and recreation. Here's some of the reasons that that that committee voted for artificial durability. Artificial turf maintains a consistent highquality plane surface for years even under extremely heavy pressure. I think we can all agree that's not going to
happen with natural grass. Player safety turf eliminates divots, uneven footing, and slick patches. Year- round use. The field can be used 12 months of the year, morning and night by baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, football, flag, flag
football, youth programs, community events. There's a weather resilience. Turf drains rapidly allowing play to resume within minutes of rainfall. Environmental stewardship. This is huge. Artificial turf eliminates the needs for pesticides, herbicides, insecticides,
and fertilizers that can and do leech into the aquafer in the Florida Bay. Water conservation turf requires tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of gallons of water. Runoff containment, newly engineered turf is self-contained.
Community benefit and access. Artificial turf ensures a consistent dependable playing conditions for schools, youth leagues, adult recreation programs. It creates a community hub that grass simply cannot. Guys, it's been 5 years.
5 years is long enough. Three years of of public meetings is long enough. Please support the renovation plan that was unanimously adopted and fully funded by the Monro County School Board through the halfsent sales tax. And I'll stop where I began. Thank you for your
service. >> Thank you, Richie. Arie, our last speaker is Henry Rosenthal. Well, good evening, council and staff. I for one like to keep things simple. I served you for four years on that
council and I kept it simple. Tonight is no different. Do you think it's fair that people have the right to have a say in what affects them?
Do you think it's fair that people have the right to have a say in how a public property is run? Don't you think it's fair that decisions, especially involving millions of dollars,
should be made by with taxpayers input? I have often thought that when it is time for public input, the time dedicated to the public is not
adequate. Taxpaying citizens are given three minutes to voice their opinion and then they forever hold their peace. With respect to the ground coverage of the baseball diamond, I personally do
not have an opinion. I really don't. One way or the other. I believe the right of the people to voice their opinion before voting on decisions that affect them in their
community is important. It has always been my practice to allow another bite of the apple with the council's permission. I did it night after night when somebody wanted
to come back and I always said allow them to speak. If you disagree with what I just said, it demonstrates an inclination to isolate insulate from the people's judgment.
What I'm asking tonight is I would like to see the people devoted up or down as to what type of grass or artificial turf But only two questions, not anything
else. I would like to have the newspaper put it out with just plain two questions and see what the result is. I'm willing to abide by whatever the result is. But I do feel that the people
should have the opportunity and I do feel that you will be presently surprised that more than 22 people will voice their opinion. So that's what I'm asking
that you do not make any decisions without the attempt. I don't know. Is Jason here tonight? >> You you're here. I proposed this to Jason and he said he was working on it to do it. Am I correct or you want to
say something? >> No, that that's okay. >> Thank Thank you, Henry. >> That's okay. But I I did call Jason with the newspaper and he gave me an indication that he's working on it. >> Thank you, Henry.
>> So, give him the opportunity. It's not one-sided. It's two questions. It's a yes or no. and you're you're done. So with that, by the way, I guess I was supposed to introduce myself. I'm
on I'm Henry Rosenthal and I reside in uh Alam Marada. >> Thank you, Henry. >> With that, thank you >> and it was a pleasure having you up here. >> Okay. >> All the stories. Okay, Marty, >> there are no more speakers for public comment.
>> Really? Okay. All right. Public comment is now closed. And um um is now that we tell them that the baseball update is to the end of the agenda that you moved it. >> Huh. >> Okay.
>> We have a park. >> Oh, yeah. Okay. All right. So, uh parks and wreck. Carolyn, where is she? There she is. She's tucked in the little back corner. >> If I could have just like five more seconds. Um, seriously, >> I don't want to prevail on the fact
taxpayers money. >> Say what? >> Taxpayers. Taxpayers money. >> Okay. >> If you don't do it and a newspaper doesn't do it, I will personally pay to have it done. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Henry. Okay, Carolyn, would you like to come up? >> Thank you, council. and I'd like to do the report from our meeting on October 23rd, but I think it's appropriate. Um, first of all, I
want to give huge acknowledgement to both Maria and to Annie, our just magnificent staff for their 20 and 25 years. And I think it gives everyone a sense of what we as a committee and the public get to work with. So,
congratulations to them for that acknowledgement. um not really part of my um our committee report, but I think it's appropriate for us to re be reminded that this these topics of turf versus um
versus, you know, grass um were discussed originally with us in July at very extensive meetings. I believe um many of the council were either there present or were there on Zoom. Um the manager has been there and after
probably at least three hours of meetings uh the committee heard um both sides and and voted 7 to1 to support the idea of t of turf artificial turf if that was the agree if that was what the
council and the school board agreed to. I think it's appropriate to be reminded that some of us our mental thing about turf and artificial. I think we if we go and pick up our phone and look at our phone and think about the original flip
phone and the back the Blackberry and then move that up now to technology now of your you know iPhone you know 87 or whatever it is that some of us we have expectations of what the artificial might have been and there have been
enormous improvements and so that's not designed to be one side or another but it's a reminder that Our report did include the fact that we heard all of this. The next step of that was the manager appointed a baseball task force
that had five members that met for another 3 hours I believe and had presentations done on both sides. So my recommendation personally if anybody's going to do a survey rather than
thinking gee would I like to have a putting green or something that's made out of uh you know smashed up tires which is sort of our old thinking that it would be valuable to go back and review all of the materials that everyone has already listened to. So
that's not officially a part of the report, but since the committee since it's obviously a major topic right now, I wanted to just bring that up. Our committee um most recently um we have only two small topics. One of them is
that we uh reviewed with the staff their um preliminary work on the revising of some of the fees for the park. And this is a combination of fiscal responsibility and where do we where do we um bring in revenue and also
inclusion of those people who are not only residents but we get to remember that when we talk about our school um our teams you know kids don't nec at Coral Shores don't necessarily live in the village and so the ones that are out here playing on the fields have families
that are not necessarily village residents. So, as we look at our fees, those are the things that the staff is working on and will be doing a presentation on. So, um that's coming up. But the last part I think is just
kind of a fun thing and this is the report that was given to us by the group that has put together the um the new playground which will be in the works. So if we have a picture of that, I think it's just kind of fun to see what is
being visualized um as part of the playground that um we had a pre a presentation by the group called Playmore by two of their representatives who have been working on design. Um it because it's close to the beach, they've worked on on the
closeness of the sand. um they've worked on the ADA accessibility so that all the kids would have all kinds of great things. So this is already been funded. Uh TDC has contributed. It is part of the budget
and so this is in the works and if anyone would like to see it, it is posted on the on the village website. So those were our last topics. Uh we will be meeting again in two weeks and to continue these. Um so that's my report for now. Thank you.
>> Any questions? >> Anybody? >> No. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, >> Miss Diane from Nearshore Water. >> Hello, council. And I'd like to thank our veterans as
well. My name is Diane Harba. I am the liaison um committee chair for your nearshore water committee. We had our elections at our last meeting and they reelected me. and we also have a uh a vice chair and a secretary. So, we got
that over with. Um then, Officer Sanchez, Nelson Sanchez, updated us on what's been going on out in the water and the calls they've been out at. He updated us on the new statewide regulation that requires probable cause
for you to pull someone over. And interestingly enough, probable cause does not include an expired registration or a lack of a properly installed registration. And there's a lot of other things that
are included in that. So, you know, they have to have to have to pull someone over, they have to really be doing something wrong. But anyone who has a fishing rod displayed can be pulled over because they can enforce fisheries
regulations. So if you're doing something wrong, put your fishing rod away. Okay. U so um that that's what we figured out. So um then the committee heard from Ty Harris and Martin Aldred
about problems inside local marinas. This was an ordinance that was brought up to you guys, I think, at your last meeting. Although there is a state regulation that allows anyone to fish inside a marina if they come by water,
they cannot cause detriment or harm to anybody, anybody in that marino or vessels, etc. The discussion about the new proposed ordinance to create a humanpowered vessel and no vessel activity exclusion zone in public and private marinas was
discussed. After a robust and fairly long discussion with the expertise of officer Sanchez, which was extremely important to our discussion, the committee and Mr. Harris both agreed that the humanpowered vessel portion should be removed from that ordinance.
The committee is also reaching out to the DP to see if bird stakes can be placed d on the flat directly across from Robbie's. People are swimming over there or from under the bridge going across swimming over on that flat or getting walking over the bridge and
getting out on that flat and catching the tarpon and they've destroyed all the seaggrass. So, we're going to reach out to the D and see if they could put the bird stakes in because at that point it's a area of concern and they can enforce nobody being on that flat. Since
then, we found out that that's part of the sanctuary, not part of the state DP. So, we're going to go to the sanctuary when they open back up. Um, we continue to work on a holistic management approach for Alamrada's nearshore waters, and there'll be more to follow.
We updated the process from Stark's wheel ditch to a slow speed minimum wake zone. The ordinance is created. The permitting for the necessary buoys to delineate the zone is underway. The buoy should be placed within the next few months and then the zone can be
enforced. Currently, the Taanir Creek extension slow speed zone that goes all the way out to the bay is still in review. Then the county had come to us to ask us to assist them in recommendations where the buoys have all been lost out in front of Whale Harbor.
There were I think like 48 buoys out there and now they're down to 12 or something. So we went through buoy by buoy with Alyssa, picked out the ones we felt that were important to be replaced and have sent that forwarded that to the
county as well. And that completes my report. I know you don't have it in your packet, but when Alyssa gets back, we'll see you all get a copy. >> Anybody have any questions for Diane? >> Thank you very much. Thank you for what you guys do. Appreciate it. >> Thank you.
Okay. All right. Mayor, council, communication. Steve, you wanted to say something? >> Yeah. I just wanted to uh thank the residents of Alam Marada for um helping me go to a Florida League of Cities
sponsored event for um uh municipal elected officials. This was the second one that I went to. Uh I find these training sessions to be very valuable. I think they're great also for uh networking and and uh getting to know some of the other officials at other cities, realizing that they too have
their own uh certain set of circumstances and issues just like us. And uh this agenda um was heavily packed on um advocacy for uh home rule and um and Senate Bill 180. And so uh I think
it's really um it's really great to uh send us to these training sessions so we can uh be better advocates for this community and work uh handinhand with Florida League of Cities that uh works um for us and make sure that our rights are are upheld. Thank you. Thank you,
Steve. Okay, I want to talk real quick to see if the other council has an appetite to our ordinance on A-frame signs in the village. Um, that we have a great sign
ordinance already about A-frame signs outside of businesses. I think our commercial businesses, which I happen to have one. Um, we have higher trash than residents and we have our commercial taxes really went up. So, I would like
to see if anybody else on the council besides myself would like to keep the sign ordinance the way it is, but do not make the residents pay to have a a A-frame sign on their own property out in front of their businesses. So, I'm
against it. So, do I have anybody else who is interested in getting rid of the fee and the registering of A-frame signs? Deb, >> no, I'm not interested. And I was around when we created it and part of the
problem was it was a way to help regulate because we had all sorts of I hate to call it trash, but trash. But there's an ordinance that says what the signs have to be. I'm getting rid of the money that it costs the commercial, not
the sign ordinance. The money that it costs the people to register it. >> No, I'm not in favor. >> Okay, Don. >> I guess I never thought about it. um as long as there's regulation and as long as our uh co- compliance officers are
tasked with making sure that they stay, you know, as according to the code and the business community cooperates. I guess I don't see a reason in having a the fee because, you know, we had we had
we adopted this this A-frame the sign ordinance and we required a fee and then we have a hurricane or we have COVID and they they throw the whole thing out anyway and say just anybody can put them up because they need to advertise and
then it it you know then that kind of raises and goes and back and forth and so u I think if we had another hurricane, this council would probably say, "Look, let's just suspend a fee and let these people advertise their businesses and try to get back on their feet." So, it it seems to come and go.
Uh, as long as as long as people are the the businesses are adhering to the AI frame ordinance and and code enforcement or code compliance is able to just reasonably talk to them and ask them to bring them back into compliance. I I don't have problem exempting the fee.
>> Can I ask a question? Yeah. >> Um, are you talking about them not being registered in the future or just waving a fee? >> They Well, I don't What's is our code enforcement went out couple weeks ago. Was it a week ago? And I had a bunch of
phone calls of people who, you know, were told you have to either register this or we're going to start finding you. We have And Tai's here. Ty. >> So, the question was, >> well, I'm trying to answer you. I'm trying to answer you by saying we as long as we're in you're in compliance
with the with the sign ordinance which we have. Um why do you we have to pay the village $90 a year? Why are we spent 90? >> Yes, it is $50. >> Whatever it is, I don't think we need to nickel and dime our commercial businesses. I just don't. And that's just my opinion. You don't have to agree
with me, but if I can see how they feel. >> So, back to my question is, are you talking about them not being registered anymore? I don't think there's that many registered to start with. Is there Jennifer? I'm not. >> I didn't know this was coming up tonight. So, I don't have that number in front of you.
>> Ask. >> So, I apologize. I can try to find that number. I don't have the number. >> Ask Ty. Ty. Steve, how do you feel about it? >> I really don't feel one way or another. I wasn't expecting this to come up. >> Oh my god. I didn't mean to shock everybody. It was just see if there was
any interest. I >> I mean, >> I asked Ron to put it on. I would be curious as to h how how much do we get from do we bring in from that? >> It's it's $50. >> It's nominal, right? >> It's $50 annually. >> Yeah. And everybody would still have to register as if they would. They just don't pay the fee.
>> Yes. >> I I don't see I have a problem with that. >> You know, >> I agree. I don't have a problem with that. I think as long as everybody still registers, so you can still make sure everybody stays in compliance and follows the rules. >> It's it's the registration that's important. >> That's what I'm saying. As long as they still register, but I don't have a
problem with them not paying the fee. I think the commercial businesses get hit with enough >> fees and everything else to give them a break on something. >> Yep. >> Part of the registration was to help pay for staff doing the registration. It's gotten easier over the years. So
>> maybe we just reduce it. >> What >> digital? >> I thought you online. >> I just said maybe we can reduce the amount. >> We need an amount at all. >> Maybe we come up with a postcard method of just sending a postcard. Can we can we take care of that please since there's four who want it and one that
doesn't Can we take >> My understanding would be that we maintain restrictions or requirements we're just waving any type of fee >> if we could do that please >> we'll bring it back next meeting >> and just to answer your question a quick look of our system shows I believe 22
for registered for this year we're in the process of uh renewals right now so I don't have an accurate number for next year >> well as long as we can get rid of the fee I'm good John >> I was and say the way we could do this is um your guys fees are approved by resolution. We could bring back a resolution with an amended where the it
just shows a fee of zero if that's what you got. >> I'd appreciate that. And Ron, I asked you to put it on. >> So, >> okay. All right. Village attorney, village manager, communication. Anything, gentlemen? >> We have Emily here. >> But anything else, John? No. Okay.
Emily. >> Oh, she has Peter with her. >> Yes. Sorry. So, we just wanted to take a little bit of time this evening to introduce Emily Rother, the vill's cultural arts coordinator. Emily's been with us since July, and she really hit the ground running. Uh, she's been doing
an amazing job. You I don't think we could have hired a better person for this position, and I really mean that. I know we're going to see some some great things from Emily, and we already have. So, we thought it'd be an appropriate time to just bring her before the council, uh, have her introduce herself, say a few things, and she also has an
announcement to make. So, with that, Emily. >> Hi, Emily. >> Hi. Nice to meet y'all. Uh, I will keep this very brief. Um, thank you for creating my position. I'm delighted to be here and be part of the village. Um,
the arts in Isa Marada enrich the lives of our residents, create jobs, and attract visitors. In the time that I've been here, I've learned that we are a community of artists. There is live music every night at every bar. It's incredible. There's art galleries and
then there's artists who create art and display it independently. Um, through my work, I hope to help the village support the arts here in Isa Marada and create an environment where artists and arts organizations can continue to thrive and
grow um supporting them and also everyone in this room. To do that, I have a bunch of ideas and I'm also taking ideas. So, I'd love to hear from you all, not in this exact moment perhaps, but anytime, how you
would like to see the culture and the arts in Isa Marada change, evolve, and grow. Um, and I also wanted to let you know that starting next week, you will see art in this room. So, I've just
finished a really exciting call to artists to create an art exhibit in village buildings. So, we'll actually be using the walls of our public buildings to display art made by residents of Islam Marada. So, before I add art to
your council room walls, I wanted you to know where to find me. And if you don't like it, my name is Janice. And if you do like it, my name is Emily. No, I'm kidding. Um, yes. So, do feel free to find me. But I'm really excited. It'll be a temporary exhibit. Um, and yeah, I
hope you all love it. That's That's awesome. >> Thank you very much. It's nice to meet you. >> It's nice to meet you. >> I have a quick question about the arts. >> Yes. >> In in public places. Um on these uh paintings that you're hanging, will the
artists name and location or contact information be provided? >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> And they are, if the artist chooses to, they will be for sale. So, it's also an opportunity for artists who maybe don't have a gallery to to display their art
and sell it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Welcome, >> Ron. Are we skipping B or you're going to talk about B? >> I had originally asked maybe to have this postponed, but since the audience has already spoken for the most part and we have some people here uh that we have
some questions of, I'd like to go ahead and and uh proceed and if I can give a little background. On October 7th, the Monter County School Board did take up a preliminary design plan for the ball field. I stress the word preliminary because it just means that it's the first step. There'll be other steps down the road. I was requested by the school
district uh to see if we can get some direction from the council and that's why it's not listed as an action item because I wasn't sure if any action would or not be taken or not. But I did want Mr. Lefir here and he's in the audience uh because I I have some questions. I know some of you do. So,
and also some of the public. So, uh, if there's no objection, I'd like to have Mr. Lefir come up. He's the executive director of operations for the DI L County School District. And, uh, particularly what the council may expect going forward. Once again, we're just starting the process on this thing, but I think there's some standards that I've
expressed, but I think it should be done openly in the public as far as what the expectations are either way, grass or turf, obviously, that's the the big issue. There's been a side question about the location of the concession stand being behind home plate. I wanted that addressed tonight. also about where the funding is coming from. We've heard
discussion about property taxes being involved versus halfent sales tax. Um and also basically what we are looking for as far as participation going forward, when is the school we're meeting again, etc. So Mr. Lefir has agreed to be here tonight and if there's no objection, I'd like to maybe have him
come forward, give a brief synopsis. He had the opportunity to listen to the citizens input tonight, so maybe he can respond to anything he wants to clarify and then maybe answer questions from the council. Okay, Mr. Lefir, would you like to come up, please?
>> Madame Mayor, council members, thanks for having me back. Uh, spent some time here in this room in the last uh few years and uh just want to reiterate off the off the off the get-go that uh we the school board, school district
appreciates the uh continued partnership with the village of Al Marada and the use of the Founders Park baseball field. It's been a long long history that's worked very well through the years and we don't believe that any reason that it won't continue for uh for decades to
come. So, uh Ron asked me to come up and answer questions that you all might have. So, uh uh I'm standing by. >> Council, does anybody have a question? >> Deb, Don? No. Anna, >> I can I ask some questions of him? Sure.
For the record, >> Miss Lefir, and some things I'm asking because we've already had these discussions, but in the sake of transparency, I want to make sure it's said publicly. What is the time frame? I I was told that uh you needed some direction from the council, otherwise it would delay whatever plan goes forward.
Can you give us the timetable of what is expectation from the school board as far as moving forward with any type of plan? >> Yeah, the goal is to break ground immediately after this upcoming baseball season. In order to do that, we need to have uh construction documents done as
soon as possible. Uh which are the final sets of of documents. Uh and then those documents are what the contractor would put out to bid. >> What's a what's the date would or when you say by the end of baseball season, what would that be? >> Be May of 2026. Yes. Depending on
playoffs and that type of stuff, it's in that April May time frame. >> Go ahead. Obviously the the both the school board and the and the council have final say over whether it's going to be grass or turf. So that's a decision that's in process. Obviously
>> well the school board the school board has decided that >> the school board voted on October 7th to approve a preliminary design plan that includes artificial turf. That's now the official school reposition. The question was if it is artificial turf we had a presentation. Once again I want to thank
the baseball task force the citizens task force. We did have a very long meeting. We had a person a professor give us the basically the progress aspect. We had a from astroturf give us the artificial turf. During the presentation I asked a lot of questions of Mr. Allen from Astroturf about the
type of artificial turf as as our chair of parks rec said the difference between a a Blackberry and a iPhone. We've also heard different descriptions of artificial turf. You've told me you haven't actually started discussions with artificial turf vendors or at least you haven't had any negotiations. I
think there's an expectation in talking individually to our council members that if it is turf and once again it's their final decision that they want to have a certain level of standard of of what you what we we would expect to go on the field that we own because we've had people say, "Oh, the temperatures are high, but they're shooting a temperature
gauge and something around a pool." We saw that you have to have certain padding. So I'd like to know what is the expectation for the type of surface, the drainage, uh the temperatures, injuries, etc. How much information have you gotten so far on artificial turf?
>> So there will be once we get to that process uh in in the selection of the the actual vendor for the for the artificial surface that will come uh sometime early next year. Uh they will provide us they will provide the school
board and the village with options on various various qualities. The the the uh the the heat uh resistance the the durability uh the uh environmental uh the environmental uh efficiencies and
and and adequacies. All of those there there are m multiple options on all those specific categories and uh those will be presented to the school board and we will bring those options to the the village as well that the as the process continues we will continue to
involve uh village staff and the village council in those decisions. >> Can I ask ask you a question? Um, this is hearsay and there's a lot of hearsay. Um, that when you guys put the field in in Key West that you were over
budget and so instead of taking away from the locker rooms and from the stands, you took away from the artificial turf and that's why they have problems with it flooding and things like that. Um, my biggest stumbling point is grass artificial turf. I want
the interlocal agreement to be rock solid done. I don't want things left up for question. I want to have this community and this council, if we do go artificial, to have a say in what type of turf it is. I don't want to cut
corners if we're putting turf out here. I want it to be the best turf there is. And if it's taken out of our control and put into your hands only, that concerns me because of what I heard happened in Key West. So, what is the possibility of us meeting with the school board as
Sandy said and ironing out some of these questions that keep coming up over and over and over again like where this building's going to go behind home plate? Some of us don't want it there. Some of us want to shift it down. So, what is the
do you see an ability for us to be able to communicate with the people on the school board and iron out some of these issues that just keep going over and over and over again? >> Not without significant delays to the project and increase cost. No.
>> How does increase cost to move a building? out of curiosity. >> The uh the in checking with the contractor to relocate the the uh concessions concession press box building from behind home plate to the
third base side if it's even feasible would require a redesign of that to to make sure it fits in that footprint. It's a completely different footprint from behind home plate to the third base dubline. So, there's a redesign that will take time and because we are on a
tight timeline to stay on track to to break ground after this upcoming baseball season, it would likely incur a delay come with increased costs. >> Okay. So, let me ask you another question. Because Coral Shores has a track that needs to be updated and
things like that, have you looked into the possibility of maybe this new concession stand? There's a concession stand in the building that's already there. Have you thought about adding a sink and water to the concession stand that we already have and taking that
money and putting it over to Coral Shores instead of building another concession stand? Just out of curiosity. These are all money questions that I have. So, has has that even been discussed? >> That has not. The request from the program is to have a concession stand
and a press box and that's what we have designed. They have conceded on the multi-purpose building that they all that they are also wanted. They want to they want to stand and hold with the concession stand press box. >> But so they're using the one that's there is out of the question.
>> The one that's there is going to be renovated into a locker room that was taken away. >> And so that's my next question. Who has a say on how that building's renovated? Just a school board or does the village have a say in that? >> The village has a say in everything we do on this joint use. >> And that's why I wanted maybe we could,
you know, we've sort of been kept out of this. And I know Richie says this has been going on for 5 years. I I didn't know anything about it and I've been sitting on this council for three years. So, I'm just saying there seems to be a disconnect when it comes to we're not getting all the information
and I think these are questions that the community has that should be addressed and not just well the school board's going to decide because this is village owned property. So, those are my concerns. >> Me and my staff have been working with the village staff for at least four years.
>> Okay. Well, then the problem's not with you. The problem was with our staff not being communicating to the council over the years. So, it's not you. I'm just saying that we have not been in the same loop you've been in. So, >> a couple more questions. Uh, it's been
mentioned about property taxes. My understanding is the funding for the baseball field improvements are coming from the half penny sales tax or is there a split or where's the source of funding for the baseball? This project was included in the list of projects
that was uh uh was uh in included in the last reiteration, the last renewal of the the halfsent sales tax just this last uh November that was overwhelmingly improved by the voters. The Founders Park Founders Park baseball field project was one of the projects included
with that. >> Go ahead, Don. Want to say something? >> Um Mr. Lefir, I got a question about this preliminary design plan. Um I I think it's imperative that that this council meet with the school board. >> Thank you.
>> I I think that we need to sit and we need to talk to them. >> We need to um we need to stop having leiaons >> going back and forth and those five look at these five >> and uh we talk about what's going to happen in our park. Um, I I I got to
tell you that that we talk about surveys and we talk about uh kicking his can down the road and I feel like I'm I'm I'm living Windley Key all over again or the key Indian Keys. Uh we kick the can so much that we lost our contract with
the state. We uh um uh we don't get to do anything that we wanted to do on the fields because this this past council council before council before that kind of kept kicking this can. So we need to make a decision. But I think that that
decision needs to make with these five and those five and stop having you come to talk to us and tell us what they are thinking or what you know what and you go back and tell them what we're thinking. I think it's imperative that we sit down.
>> I appreciate that. >> Um, but I also think that we need to stop kicking this can. So my question to you is if we were to approve the preliminary design plan is approved by the school
board uh and um and and we move this one step further and we come up with a consensus uh maybe even tonight on what we feel like the community is saying as far as
turf versus grass. and the things that we've heard from our committees. Um, is is is that still can we can we just take the next step somehow and can you assure us that we'll be able to have that time
meeting with the school board so that we can we can hash all that out? >> I I can't commit to anything regarding a meeting with the school board. That that's I've only seen that done once that was referred to earlier. Uh that's that's a bit of a a task to undertake
and would certainly involve delays in the process. But what what you've stated if there's a commitment from the council this this evening regarding the natural versus artificial grass and the location of the uh of the press box uh concession
building, then this the process can move forward with opportunity for the village to continue provide input. But the only thing that we would be approving if even if we did tonight would just be a preliminary plan and not a final plan. >> We would
>> and we need to get past that. >> The the school board approved a uh preliminary plan that included artificial surface and the concession press box building behind home plate. We would uh we would like to have a con a
concurrence with the village council on those two, you know, big pieces of the plan so it can continue to move forward because it's if there's any uh any change away from either of those two, then it's going to impact the project. >> So, it's an all or nothing.
>> John, I would like our attorney to weigh in because I'm told that nothing is legal until the agreement's signed. John. >> Yeah. Well, yeah. I mean, if there was any directive given from council today, um there's not a there is not a license agreement for the ball field that has
currently been executed. So, that that is that is a a big legal step that that needs to be um taken. Um so, yeah, until that license agreement is is signed, that's what's going to spell out the hours of operation. That's what's going
to spell out a lot of the the the nitty-gritty that we're we're talking about. And so we are just now starting to negotiate the agreement as far as what I've seen. Correct, Ron? >> Well, it's not just now. We've been going back and forth for several months.
But, uh, what's happened is that the I was waiting for some recommendations from the task force. I want to compliment Jamie who's in the audience. So, she gave me a complete draft which I sent word for word to Mr. Lefir who had some concerns. I showed him the edits that Jamie provided. Uh there's some
issues I think we need to resolve, but that's why I didn't put on the agenda tonight because I I wasn't ready for y'all to vote on a baseball license agreement. I think it's workable. I don't think we're that far apart. Uh I don't know that we need eventually you're going to have to have the license agreement. It's required by the ILA. There is a signed agreement. It's the
interlocal agreement that was proposed and approved by the school board and this village a village council last year. Uh which is signed when I came on board. So we have a an interlocal agreement that requires these things that will have to be done eventually. They don't necessarily have to be done right now. And so the question was the
license agreement. I don't want to rush it. I want to get all the public in but we could. I think the task force I think we have three members here. One was on Zoom all agree we we have definitely discussed it quite a bit. Uh but I I want to make sure because that's a binding agreement and I didn't want to rush into a license agreement. The
preliminary plan is a different story where it's a preliminary plan. You can take up up I think whenever you want to. I don't think you're prohibited from bringing it up, but I didn't want the license agreement to be a delay. So, the license agreement I'm going to continue to work with Mr. Lefir on to get something by next meeting. By December
meeting, I my my expectation is we will have a tenative agreement to bring to you for approval. Going back to the school board, uh while you're up here, the schoolboard schedu >> Yes, that's the next meeting. My my suggestion would be whatever you do tonight, I still would like to have as
many of it maybe can be a preliminary joint meeting before the regular school meeting have a workshop where all of our council members go to Coral Shores and then all the public can go there and it'll be the first time that I can know that the school board and the village council have actually met together.
Obviously, it's a notice meeting. It's a schoolboard meeting. So maybe, you know, to accomplish what Vice Mayor Horton was talking about in some of the audience, go ahead and do what you're going to do tonight if you're going to take any action, but then still request, and I can make that request tomorrow, uh, to have a joint workshop, let's say, prior
to the school meeting on a on a December 9th at Coral Shores High School. And I think that might maybe hash out some of these things because otherwise it will continue dragging out and and things will change. So if you want to do it that way, I'm not sure that Pat can speak for the school board. Uh, but I have at least two or three of them that
have contacted me today that are waiting to hear what we're doing tonight. And I think if we made a request to meet have a joint meeting, I think that they would agree to it. >> So, how do would it be the fastest way to get us past because we we just seem
like we're getting nowhere, right? Would it be the would we be able to get ourselves there if if we were to approve a preliminary the preliminary design plan as approved by the school board on August 7th? Uh still knowing that we
need to have the baseball licensing agreement to get approved uh at that point. Is is that something that we can get past today to get us one step closer? Because I really don't feel like we're getting any closer. Well, the the the unfortunately the 9th is also the
date of our one of our council meetings. So, if we were going to have a joint meeting, it had to be in the afternoon and they'd have to agree to that because it's not they're they're meeting at at uh 5:00. We're meeting at 5:30 that day and they set the schedule. So, that's why I was making it clear. This isn't to go show up at one of their meetings.
This would be to have, let's say, a workshop in the afternoon between the two entities to hash out anything. And by then, I would happily have uh with Mr. here worked out an agreement something to bring back to the council at at their meeting on the 9th and the school board so we could have a preliminary workshop a public workshop
with the two entities on the 9th in the afternoon and then that night they would meet and we would meet and then hopefully you know both sides if there's an agreement both sides would pass and then at that point we're pretty much back in sync right now we're not out of sync but we're not in sync
>> I agree so so to meet in the afternoon on the 9th and have an agreement put together for the evening of the 9th is not seem prudent to me of being able to get it done so that we can have it in a form
that we could vote. It seems like we should have a meeting before the 9th. I'm not saying when, but before the 9th. And that was going to be my when's the next school board meeting because as long as it's public noticed, we can show
up at the meeting. It's in marathon on the 18th. >> November 18th is what I >> next week. Of course, I can't make that. >> And at this point, all we have is a U park recreation committee meeting that night.
I mean, if you want to go to Marathon, I just thought since they're going to be in Coral Shores, we could have it and but my plan would be to already have an agreement already, you know, negotiated with Miss Leafir that we can present to both entities that night on the license agreement. Once again, the license
agreement is basically saying, you know, the schedule, the the use agreement, um who who's responsible the maintenance of whatever surface it is and that kind of thing. there some basics that we're not that far apart on uh the grass versus turf sooner or later you're going to make a decision on it. You can do it tonight. You can do it some other time,
but I'm saying we have other things to work on like the license agreement, but I I can have the license agreement I think negotiated by uh December 9th. >> Can you have it done by the November 18th meeting? >> Yes. Well, >> it's a week away. >> Yeah. I I don't think we're that far
apart uh as far as the things I've gotten a lot of input from our task force. Um, and I'm going to talk with Pat about uh, but some of it is just you words like maintenance, what does that mean? Some definitions. We really haven't involved legal counsel yet because I wanted to get to the point to
give it to to John. Uh, and so I think we're not far apart on the license agreement. Uh, obviously we'll see when it comes up and I maybe he since he's on the other side of it can see how far apart we are. Uh, do you see anything in the one I sent you? I I
don't think there's anything insurmountable and I would offer that there's still time to negotiate because the the final approval of this project doesn't happen until the contractor goes out to bid for subcontractors and it all comes back and they develop what's called a guaranteed maximum price
contract that won't go to the school board till after the holidays. Only then does this become a legally binding project uh with the money associated with it. So there's there's still time, I think, to get this license agreement done. >> And and on the negotiation with you, you
is there anything in the proposed baseball license agreement that was proposed by Miss Engle that you want to discuss tonight that you think it may be a real bad stumbling point if we insisted on it? I think probably the the biggest thing is that the termination notice is a
two-year termination notice that's been that that was a hold over from the previous agreement. uh uh having gone through everything that the school board has gone through uh in in this uh in this kind of process on this particular project and the discussions of trying to
find some place else to uh play baseball in the vicinity of the Coral Shores High School, we think it would take significantly longer than two years uh to figure something out. So, we would ask probably for something more than that. Uh there is also just some clarification. I think you and I spoke
to about maintenance costs. We'll just need to nail those down. I don't see anything significant there. Uh there's a uh a newly added 30-day notice uh to use the uh to use the facility outside of baseball season. Might need to discuss
that just a little bit more. And there's also uh a newly added uh restriction for the field to only be used for baseball, which we think needs a little bit more discussion, too. Was that was that something that you added on Jamie or
>> that was in the original agreement from 2001. It was very specific baseball season. >> Yeah, I appreciate it. Thank you, Jamie. You I Jamie, first I want to say thank you for all the work you put in on this.
I mean, going through this contract word by word by word on top of the 4-hour meetings and the other meetings that happened. I I thank you for your interest in this and I applaud you immensely, this whole community should because you've put your time and effort in this thing and I appreciate that.
>> Thank you. And and I So that was in the original baseball license agreement from 2001. It was very specific Monday through Friday 2:30 until the end of the game. No weekends, no holidays. And there is a provision in if you go back
and look at the original agreement there's a provision in there that says you have to request it. So I didn't change any of that. It was just very specific to make sure. The other thing I think I added in there that um Mr. Lefair, I don't think I think it came in
your email that Ron forwarded. Was the 45 days to change it so that we had a 45day opportunity to um if there were questions or changes or something if we're going through the uh a plan. See, you want
it's to me it's not about the turf or the gr or or natural grass. This is about doing it in s the right way. And the baseball field license agreement stipulates who pays for what if something happens on the field. The insurance, how much insurance is going
to be there if somebody gets injured, who's responsible for all. It's just all of the basics. It's very specific. And I think Ron shared with each one of you what I sent. I didn't realize you sent all of my stuff, but it I just went through it. It's very specific. And I
just think you need to do it in the right order. I have no probleming turf for grass. That that is not my opinion at all. I don't really care, but I think you need to do it in the right order. And I think if there are questions that the license agreement isn't even signed
and you guys have not looked at it, you've not gone through it. You've not looked at the details, which is very specific if you look at this. >> I have. I've read it four times. >> Right. And this is not just for now. This is for 20 years from now, 40 years from now when they do these. So,
anything involved in this, I just think it needs you just need to put the license agreement together, get it signed, have everybody agree on it, and then decide what you're going to move forward from. I read and I don't know if you've read, but if you've seen the
contract with the with um the company that they've hired, no, not Brave View, it's the Keyar. Okay. KeyStar is under contract with the school district already. They already have a signed contract. You should go through that contract because there's a lot of stuff
in there that says they actually get to make the decision. And my point has been and Ron has heard me at nauseam and I think Don you have too. >> I don't care what they put on that field as long as it is the best of the best of the best. And Mr. Allen when he came
here to that last meeting told us there was a total difference >> between what that it's not just the top layer. That's right. It's every layer under it. So that is for me and thank you for allowing me to get up here and say this because I've been very frustrated to me. This isn't about turf
versus grass. It's about what goes on that field and in that field. Our kids deserve the best. Not just when it's brand new, but 10 years down the road when people have played on that and done whatever they're going to do and all them whatever, however they use it. But
if you guys don't get the license agreement signed and make it extremely specific, quite frankly, because it's very broad. The original one was very broad. We need this to benefit Isa
Marada, our kids, our future, our grandchildren. And that means that we need to make sure that everything that goes into that field on top and down below is top A. And and if they're whatever they're spending, $6 million,
$5 million, the majority of that money needs to go into that field so we don't have to have any of these coaches or parents or kids complaining about the quality of the field. That's the most important part of this. But again, you can't make that determination on turf
versus grass, quite frankly, until you read and sign this agreement because this is the binding agreement. You can say go with turf right now, but you need to say it's got to be the best of the best. And as Mr. Lefir just said, they
haven't even started talking to contractors about it. So when they come back to us and say, "Hey, here's the companies we're looking at and here's the quality," then I think you guys should make a decision. So if it is turf, then you should be able to be part
of that entire decision as to what turf and what goes on all the way to the bottom cuz Mr. Allen and all of you watch that gave us all that information on that that night. But but it but it but it does say that on page six where
it says that in addition to approval of the contractor, the lensur which is us shall have the right to review and approve all major construction materials, field systems and product specifications including but not limited to the type and manufacturer of any
synthetic turf or natural grass system. all base materials, drainage layers, infeld sub first surface components and any structural or mechanical system associated with the improvement. >> Is it we have the right to tell them
what we >> a draft? That's my point. That is my point. This is a draft. But this is >> the school board has not signed, sealed, and delivered it to you. That that's my point. We have that I put, believe me, I
wrote a I put a lot of time into this. We wrote, we added our part to it. Mr. Lefir has been wonderful in in looking all this over, but without the signatures in the agreement of the school board. Mr. Quick, have you even looked at this? No. Did you review this?
>> Okay. So, our attorney hasn't even reviewed the draft that we sent to the school district yet. And that's my point. I Don, I agree with you. It's in there. I added the 45day clause in there, too, so that we had time to be
able to make sure that we could go back. I added the clause in there that said that someone from the village met with the architect and the contractor and someone from the school board at least once a month during the construction process to make sure that everything was was going to be done properly and if
there were questions or changes that we'd know about them ahead of time. So, I I did what I could do with my background and my husband being a contractor. I I tried to put it all in there, but I am telling you that you're correct. It's in there, but it's not
signed. This is the first time we've seen it. So, therefore, yeah, but but that doesn't mean that we can't direct it. That Yes, this is the direction that we want to go. Now, the school board hasn't seen it either. >> Not that version. Exactly. Not that
version. >> That's my point. But to Don's point earlier, I'm sorry to cut it. >> To Don's point earlier, we need to move this forward. We need to stop just listening and and trust me, I
think we're all listening, but we need to move it forward. And so you have helped by presenting this, but we just need to >> but you have >> but Deb, you're saying move it forward,
but you're moving it forward. And again, I'm not trying to slow this down at all whatsoever. I want it done as quick as possible, but you're moving it forward with a rush because the school district has already set the calendar. You're You
just said you haven't seen this yet. This we're seeing it tonight. But Deb, this agreement should have been done >> months ago when the interlocal agreement was done. >> It wasn't for whatever reason, but it's here now and we're we're working on this.
>> And I'm just saying >> he needs to be able to take agree back. >> Well, we can't sign it until it's it's an agreement between the two parties. So >> it it's but it's not the details. They're gonna finish. They're gonna
finish the details. They're gonna finish the details. They're going to work it out. >> It's gonna It's going >> What? Can Can I just >> Go ahead. Go ahead. Thank you. >> It's It's going to get worked out. We've had We have been beating this horse for
a good 6 months. I have deep dived into artificial turf more than I ever cared to know. And I have boys that played on that field for eight years, plus two plus years. I've sat over there for every single game doing concessions. And
doing the concessions, we literally are wheeling a grill from one building all the way to the other end. We're going over here and we're getting ice and we're bringing it over here. We're going back over here and we're getting tables and we're getting the drinks and we're getting all the stuff. And then we're going to this grocery store because we
have nowhere to store it. And then luckily we were enough to raise enough money this year where we had to buy a new refrigerator and a new freezer if we're in there. People I have spent 20 plus years at
baseball fields just with just my own children. I have seen artificial turf. I have seen natural. We would all love to have natural grass, but at the end of the day, we don't have the expertise. We
don't have the money to what it takes to maintain that. I have watched my own kid take a ball to a face because the field is in terrible condition. I've seen other kids get hurt out there. The number one priority right here should be
the safety of these children. Number one. Number two, yes, we want we're all good stewards of the environment. We want what's best for that. Nobody here is going to cheat Charlie this project. Not not one else. I don't I don't think
any of the coaches are. They want the best thing that there is out there. I think we need to trust everybody to work this out and get it done. But at the same time, >> we need to keep going. Stop delaying things. You've got these parents that
keep coming to these meetings time and time again. I had I went back through all my emails, all of them, from everybody in this community. Now, this isn't just the people that I've spoken to at chamber events, at Rotary events, at trunk or treat, at whatever event
I've been at. 79 emails for this, 17 against it for turf. Simple. Now, we can finish. This is a preliminary plan. In a construction project, there's always a preliminary
plan. There's always things that get changed. We can work it out. Everybody's listening. Trust me, I've listened. I've listened to a lot of hours of this. I'm not just forcing my opinion on anybody else. I've spoken to people. I've asked
their opinion. Why are you against it? Please tell me why. Oh, just because I am. Give me more. Tell me more. Nobody has. And you yourself had just said you don't care one way or other. So let's let's keep moving forward. Let's stop
delaying things. >> But my my concern >> is the agreement's not signed. >> Let's sign it. >> You can't sign it because it hasn't been reviewed by the village attorney. Let me Okay, now I get to finish. >> The village attorney has not even
reviewed the the the baseball license, the draft of it. >> Mr. Lefair looked at it. The school board has not looked at it. I don't even know if the schoolboard attorney has looked at it. And as I said before, and I will be done because I am not trying
to stop. I am for moving this as fast as we can to get where we need to go as long as the village of Alam Marada is completely covered. And it comes down to the devil in the details about who pays for what. What happens when the field gets if there's a storm, what happens
then? What happens if if the field when it needs to be replaced 8 10 or 12 years? How much of a warranty is on there? There are so many details in this contract that you're going to sign the license agreement. I just feel like you need to really review it, get it signed. The attorneys, first of all, should look
at it and then it should come back to to you guys to look at it. It still has to go to school board and I understand that may delay the construction m >> one way or the other. I don't know. But I think you need to have everything in
writing to decide what's going forward. That is my point. It is not to slow this down. It's not turf versus grass. It's not concession stands or buildings. It is read the contract. Read the agreement. Get agreed to by both
parties. get it signed and get it and then move forward because if you jump into something that all of a sudden you can't change down the road because you agreed to and there and like Mr. Lefair's already said it's going to cost
us so much money and so much time to move a building when it never even came to the village to be able to make the decision the residents at least or the council where they wanted that building. Now, we're basically past the point we can't move the building. Okay, you
can't. But that's why I'm saying I think you need to review the license agreement and again just get the attorneys to look at it and give Mr. Quick a chance to go over it. I'm not an attorney, so I just gave my thoughts and ideas. >> I don't agree with you with it not
getting with getting it signed, >> but a lot of what you're saying is already in there. It states in there. the maintenance, the replacement, everything is on the school board. It's in there. Would you like to see why most of it's on there, Anna, though? Because
I'm the one who sat here and Ron will tell you. He took all of the red and blue and strikeouts that I did and he had, excuse me, someone clean it up and he sent it.
>> So, it's there because I went through >> some of that was in there already previously. Also, >> no. Anyway, I'm >> you did you did a lot to do, but I just as a as a resident, I just think you need to have the the license agreement
signed for the details of what's to come ahead. >> I don't I don't I totally agree. I completely agree. >> I totally agree also. And so I think what we have in front of us tonight is saying council, are you on board with anything that's in this p piece of
paper? Now's the time to to at least talk about it so that we can give it to the attorney so that the school board can weigh in on it because without you you can't finalize it without us putting some comments on it ourselves.
>> Okay. So that's what this is tonight. We have it in front of us to work on and thanks to you a lot of stuff is already in there. I I I if I feel like it's a chicken or egg thing and we get kicking this and my toes are getting tired and that's why I
would like I don't know if it's if it's acceptable John at this point to to to make some kind of motion so we move this thing ahead where we accept the preliminary design plan we make this we make this license agreement work for us
the citizens of Alam Marada in a manner that that is acceptable to the council that we still have to go back and approve. >> John, don't you have to read it? >> So, what >> Go ahead. Sorry.
>> Yes. So, you have to read it. So, what So, what I'm I would say is that we've we've had a first blush at this that we we say yes, tentative. Can we approve this tentative with the idea that changes
would it's it's like a a tentative uh field plan. It's going to get changed and there's going to be things that the school board wants and that the attorneys find, but until we turn it over and say it needs to move forward,
it's not going to go anywhere. >> Go ahead, Ron. For clarification, all the school board did on the October 7th meeting was approve the preliminary design plan, which is the first page in the tabs. The baseball failed license agreement has not gone before the school board did because we still we're still
negotiating that. So, I think what vice mayor is saying is I think what he was saying was the motion would be to approve the preliminary baseball design agreement, which the school board did. >> Yes. >> And you basically give me direction on the light that's still negotiating. We've heard some really good points tonight. That's not being that's not the
subject of the motion for tonight. You would not be approving the baseball license agreement. That's still being negotiated. Now, my plan would be to have that negotiated prior to the November 18th schoolboard meeting, which is meeting before our next meeting, and see if if if Pat and I can negotiate
something, let him take that to the school board, let them give their position on it, and then on the 9th when we're both meeting, then maybe get the final approval of the baseball license agree, not the final approval, but the the first approval of the license agreement. So there's two separate things we're talking about. But to be
clear, I think what Vice Mayor Hort is talking about is just the design plan tonight. >> Not to not to approve the license agreement because that's not ready to be approved. Yes, >> I wasn't talking about it being approved, the license agreement being approved, but I am talking about moving
it ahead so that the school board and then if the school board has objections to whatever we end up putting in that plan when you take it to them, then we've got another two weeks uh or thereabouts uh that it can be readjusted
before it comes back to us again for that vote in December, >> which is why great to have a joint meeting. I think that that would expedite certain situations where we could talk back and forth about whether we like a building or don't like a building or whether we agree with Mr.
Lefir that it's going to delay it. >> Remember, we're on our our timeline, not their timeline. >> That's right. I agree. >> So, so I I I'm not comfortable taking any action on this tonight. I think we're having a good discussion. We're getting this out there. I think we won't really delay it if we can get a joint
meeting together and we can go back and forth because whatever we say tonight whether we agree with it all or in part. I feel like it's kind of an all or nothing offer right now which I'm not comfortable with that he's going to go back to his his uh bosses and say here's what they said and then they're going to
say yes, no, or maybe so. And then it's going to come back. So we're going to keep doing this. So, I I I'm I'm willing to commit to November 18th at whatever time is convenient for them to go down there and meet as a as a council.
>> Mr. Lair, did you want to say something? >> Well, because I I I just I I'm >> Mr. Saunders indicated that uh we might be able to get the uh >> can we do something ahead of the 18th and ask them to come here? I don't see
why the the f 10 people can't sit in a room >> next week. >> That's a week from tomorrow. >> That's a week from tomorrow. The schoolboard agenda for the 18th has already been posted tonight. >> No one needs Thanksgiving. Let's do it then. Um I have a problem with the fact that John Quick is just now has never
even seen it. That's my problem. Yeah. And that's true. He hasn't seen it because I talked to him today. I think he should have been involved from the beginning. I think what's gone back and forth is just the start. And I feel like this is, you know, we have to make sure
everything we want is in this agreement because you may say yes to this, but it to me it's sort of like let's put the horse in front of the carriage again. >> I can't believe I can't believe we're saying it's a horse. I know. I I I stood right there and you stood right there
and you had a full beard and I didn't even realize you had a full beard cuz I've gone back and watched the meeting and we're 3 years past and we have people talking about that we're jamming it down their throat and it's so fast and this is such a surprise and I stood
there 3 years ago or maybe two years ago three years ago. >> So what has taken so long for the agreement? >> I I have no idea. That's why I'm saying, how do we move this and how do we advance this? And and if it takes going to a meeting on the 18th, I'm more than happy to do that cuz we just need to
stop this. The the folks that are in favor of getting this done are really getting tired of coming to these meetings. They they have better things to do. They're taking their kids to dance or they're taking their kids to lacrosse or they're cooking dinner or helping them with their homework and
they're just tired of coming. There's >> we we have to move this. We have to advance this and two councils before hasn't done it and this council needs to do that. >> So, madame mayor, can we instruct the staff to move on the agreement and and get that done and get that out of the
way so we can proceed? >> Well, I think Ron has been working I think he has been working on it, but it's just now gone back for the first time last Friday. This hasn't been actively done. And you know, I got >> So that's why we've got run. Well, I realize that and that's why last Friday
night Ron sent it to me what Mr. Lefir said back to us. So, >> we can have it to them in a week. >> I love it. >> Okay. So, then let's let's see. >> I didn't hear anything that was a dealbreaker in that. It seemed like that could be hashed out pretty pretty easily.
>> And that's why I didn't ask for approval of the license agreement tonight because I thought we were close but not finalized. And I asked Mr. Lefir on the record to state his objections cuz I was concerned was it wasn't clear what they all the problems. I didn't hear anything tonight that in my opinion would be a
deal breakaker. I think we can negotiate it out especially with the input from Coral Shores the principles here tonight and all I some of the notice things for example how much notice that would give us about using it for other things. I don't see any of that being >> that's something we can't work out and and by the way this isn't the first I
mean this was on the website and we've been going back and forth on live screen for months. It was just that the grass versus turf kind of took all the oxygen out. But I think we're we're close on the license agreement itself. I agree. We have to get it done. Uh but I thought first we need to kind of get more direction on the grass versus turf
because they can't proceed with any contracts without that decision. Now the baseball life, you know, we're going to I think we can get done by next week by the end of this week truthfully. um from my standpoint now whether Pat can take it to the his bosses who are listening
to us by the way and they they're paying attention too. So I think >> I don't I don't think that they would turn down if he and I can finalize this agreement. I think they would probably agree with it. >> And will it help to to would it help to
approve this preliminary design uh plan in order to get us there? >> I think that's a question for Mr. Lefir and his bosses. significantly assist us with with approving the existing design plan. Yes, that would be a tremendous help.
>> And John, is it acceptable if I made a motion to accept this preliminary design plan to get us past where we're at right now? >> Um, yeah, if there and if there was a second, um, we would just need to open up for public comment. >> I'd make that as a motion >> and I'll second it. >> Okay.
Lena, did you want to say something because everybody we have to open it up for public comment anyway. So, yeah. >> Oh, Lord. Yes. I have something to say. >> If you approve this preliminary plan,
then that building behind home plate is going to come. It is not going to be up for discussion. It is going to be done. And in spite of what Ron Saunders has tried to negotiate,
the school board has said, "We want it this way and we are all going to have to accept it because that's the way the school board wants it." And I that is really upsetting to me because we have
talked about it for what a month and a half at least that when Ron discovered the building that's already there that has the concession stand, the locker room and bathrooms. He said, "We don't
need that building behind home plate. We can adjust the building down the third baseline, but no, the school board says it's all or nothing. You take it this
way or it's going to be delayed. Well, so what if that building is a little bit delayed? What does it matter if it's a little bit delayed? The kids aren't going to play on that field
determined by that one building. that building can be later. It doesn't really matter. So, do not approve this preliminary plan until you five meet with the other five and get this worked
out because I know that many of you don't want that building. You know what that big building would look like when you already have the firehouse to the left. This is still our park and we don't want
it to look like a stadium. At least I don't want it to look like a stadium. >> Thank you. >> And to clarify that the building that was removed was not behind home base. It was on the third baseline. >> That's right. >> And so the multi-use building, which was the bigger one, was behind the third
base dug a first base third base dugout. What they did then was the the uh the concession stand is what she's referring to. That's the smaller building and that right now and the plan is behind home base which many of you have objected. >> So if we want to move it he says no and
we say yes. Where does that come into play? >> He doesn't make the call. >> There's five rep. Well until we can get in front of the other sit down. That's what I'm saying. This is crazy. That's why I don't want this is this is crazy. I >> I was going to input as long as it's
public. Uh I know your Sharon I think your question was probably rhetorical. How in the world have we gone 3 years with nothing happened? I already answered that early. There's a bunch of false narratives. You were told that trees were going to be knocked down. >> No, I wasn't. Don't Don't I wasn't. Other people said it. Don't tell me what
I was told cuz it wasn't. And I'm just saying that 82 trees were going to be knocked down. >> Yeah. >> They also said that that we were meeting covertly. That's still people still believe that. It's incredulous. You know, they said there was going to be a three-story building. They showed you a
picture of a professional stadium. That's how it got kicked down the road three years. >> Yes. >> And I also find it I I find it incredulous that we're talking about the use and talking about the hours and so forth. We haven't been pulled about that. The athletic administration has
not had input into that. We're, you know, God bless Jamie. I appreciate you, you know, making she's sort of been the zar, but it's been explained and and I think rightfully so. She's earned that. But here's here's the issue is that we
explained clearly that all JV games are played on Saturdays. And she just gave you a proposal that said Saturdays are out. You're done. You got 2 2:30 to whatever 7:00 on Friday. That was that was I think that was the language. >> It was in the original. >> I agree. It was in the original and it's
obsolete. It was it's it really should have been edited already. We can't continue with that because it's no longer applicable. It doesn't service the needs. And the final thing I tell you is that the placement of the concession stand and press box was made
by experts in the field. We're talking about people who have design expertise. We're not talk again. We're just we're talking about input from our coaching staff who will be directly impacted. We know what works for kids. We have a we
have intimate knowledge that you simply don't have. And I don't mean that bad. It's like, you know, I don't have any knowledge about heart surgery. This is our expertise and I would love for you to lean on us for some of those qu with some of those questions. I think you'll find that we can provide some answers.
Um, I thank you for the opportunity to respond. >> Thank you. >> But that is the reason we've been three years to answer your question. >> Anyone else? I'm trying to figure out how not to call this what it really is.
But but I'm sorry. It needs to be set. Most of these problems wouldn't be here if this whole process had been in the sunshine where Florida law requires it to be. and it wasn't.
And the guy that was just up here calling everybody else a liar has for years claimed that all the old entitlements and all the old leases and and uh options for overexloitation
were still binding. And he said it in the minutes. I have the minutes right here in this committee design committee that met without public notice as far as we can tell and often didn't keep minutes as far as we can tell. Now you guys go
back and make them produce uh records of when they met because there's been years worth of work here and we got minutes of three meetings and but those minutes say that Richie kept claiming all of these old permissives
were still in effect and legally as Mr. Quick uh can verify they're not. They all expired and it was their fault that they expired. Uh all the school board had was a single signature
old permit. They never registered with the county clerk which required by law to have it effective. They didn't execute the renewal provision that's specified in the old permit. And that's all established as fact. He kept
claiming it was still there. He did it in those meetings. It's in the minutes of the meetings that he said so. And they made all kinds of plans and decisions and resolutions based on that fiction.
And they did it without public notice as far as we can tell. Um uh if they had more records, they should have sent them to us when we asked for them. Um and um that's the reality uh of of this
and you should also know talk about uncomfortable facts but there are minutes of the parks and recck committee which inserted when he announced that he was stepping back from
coaching. is going to take more administrative role and that Ted Yates was going to make him the supervisor of this construction project, which is a pretty uh well-paying job, I should suspect. And I
I've had reports from several people. Um haven't verified them. That's for somebody to do. um that uh Richie is an employee of the of the school district uh making these
representations which are of some questionable factuality. >> Thank you, Captain Ed. We have other people who I'm sure want to come up too. >> I'll be quick. >> Okay, >> I'm going to hold you to it. Okay, >> you were cutting me off at three minutes right last time. When you have to use
the restroom, when you're a parent, you come watch your kids play. You're 100% invested in watching your children play. Correct. If you have to use the restroom, do you want to walk Do you want to walk 500 yards to go to the
bathroom? My mom's 88 years old watching her grandson play baseball. That building, we've had to send kids. You can shake your head all you want. You don't have to walk that far to go to the bathroom. That building we have we had to fight for a trailer. That building that we
have to used to have to put all our stuff in is infested by rats. The b we've cleaned it out as best we could with our kids. The bottom line is when our kids have to go to the bathroom, they have to walk all the way down to the all the way down to that building. You remember what happened last week
here? >> It sounds crazy. That's nuts. We were doing steady bats. There were that that car drove through. It's a it's a once hopefully in a lifetime situation, but when our kids have to go away and go all the way down to that building and we're
complaining about a building. Yes, the fire station's there, but when we our our kids parents have to use the restroom, it is far that building, every field that we go play at at any park, there's a bathroom much closer. So, this
we're talking about a building here. And that's I just wanted to make that a point where I had to watch my parents have to walk drive two hours from Miami to come see their grandson play and that building's extremely far. So it's kind of ridiculous that we're actually arguing over where a building's going to
be. Very quickly, I said it already, trust the experts, trust the attorneys to work out the contract. Um, I have to tell you Jamie did a great job on that contract. However, that was not the task force uh
recommendation. She did that on her own. That was her own homework, her own work. Uh so, I'm not we're not speaking for the task force here. There's Jamie uh doing that. I asked Ron to send me copies so I could look at those things. I made two recommendations. One, I
objected to the two-year opportunity to to opt out because I said, "Why would the school board invest $5 million on a new facility?" and and have us be able to bail in 2 years. That would not make sense. Uh I also had a question about the um the maximum amount on the fine of
25%. Um if we if someone was in default, I said I would rather have us come up with an amount. I got burned by that once and I don't want to see the village or the school board get burned by maximum amount of interest to be charged on a
default on a loan. So, those are the two things. Just um I want to make sure you know that that that was not the task force speaking >> and I want to clarify and clear that up. Tony, I did not do that on my own. Every
Ron Saunders sent me and Sharon because I know you Sharon was copied on it. Ron sent me an email on Saturday and asked I think it was Saturday. Was it Friday or Saturday and asked me to re or maybe it was before that? I take it back a couple
weeks ago. Maybe you sent it to the whole task force and I gave you my opinion. I put the time. I put the effort. I wrote it up. I sent it to you and I sent it. I think the council members got a copy of what I sent.
>> I did not do that on my own. I did that because I was asked as a member of this task force to do it. So I take I'm furious. >> I know. >> I am furious that that that was put out
there that I did that on my own. I did not and I want to make that extremely clear. >> Thank you. Thank you. We I like I said when you first stood up, I commend you for all the work that you've done on this. It's incredible the amount of work
you put in on this and I thank you. >> And clearly >> not the bad guy in this at all. >> Clearly this is getting a little testy. It's I don't care where a bathroom is. I wasn't shaking my head cuz I didn't want a bathroom. I know you think I did, but
I wasn't. Everything I have asked has been a financial question and it also has been what residents have said to me. So I want the kids to have the best of everything. I went to Coral Shores. I love the school. I love the fact that we
can open up this field. All I want is a signed agreement that for some reason has taken whatever amount of time that I want our lawyers to be a part of. And that's all I want. I don't care if it's turf. I don't care if it's grass. I don't care if you put shag carpet out
there. I want everything locked down. That's all I want. And if Ron thinks he can get it done in a week, then with with input from everybody, I would like to meet with the school board because I think there's some questions. And again,
there have been people who told me they don't want that building behind home plate. I don't really care. I'm just repeating what I have heard because that is what I'm supposed to be doing up here. So don't attack us. Don't we're just asking the questions. Go ahead,
Cheryl. >> Let me let me clarify, too. I I sent it to all five task force members and the village council. So it's not Jamie. Jaime's correct. It wasn't just task to Jamie. Jaime's the one that sent it back to me. I looked at it. I had some questions, but I thought the easiest thing to do be to send the I sent it
work actually Captain Ed. We put some of his recommendations in it. And so when we sent to the school district, that was to get a response and say where how far apart are we? It's not meant to be the final product, but I did it intentionally. I actually sent Pat Leafir the unedited copy that showed all
the additions to you that she made and read etc. So he could see the changes. So we we weren't saying that was the official position of the village. We were just saying Jaime's been in these meetings as well as Alina and Tony and Richard Black and Brian Conn have been on the task force and I asked all them
put input. Jamie took the lead as far as what she came up with. But everybody had that opportunity and if they'd have had input on it I would have sent that to Pat Leafir too. All I got was Jaime's uh in writing. And so to answer your question, we've been going back and forth for months,
>> but it's gotten stalled because of all the other conversations cuz the baseball license agreement should not be that hard to finalize in my opinion. And I once again, I think my goal will be to have it done prior to the school meeting on the 18th and Marathon. If it's not, then we'll just say this is our position
and they don't like it, then they can let us know why not. But we will have an official at least from my I've been delegated to to duty. We will have an official baseball license agreement proposal to the school board before the 18th. But would they take it or not and Pat recommends it or not? That's between them and the school board.
>> And John will have time to review that. Right, John? Sorry. >> Go ahead. >> Just not just just >> three under the bus there. >> Cheryl, I'll go ahead. >> I'd like to make three points here. The first one is the sheer arrogance that we received when you received the preliminary drawings of what this thing
this stadium should look like. Apparently, whoever designed it had not spoken with anybody in Alamro. It's an ugly building. Had way too much stuff in it. It looks like the mausoleum at the cemeteries as you drive onto the Palmetto as you go north. That being said, Ron had some great
ideas when he realized that we could remove the building down behind the third baseline and put a lot of that what was in that building, but most importantly the bathrooms, including the family bathrooms, which are also handicap accessible, behind home plate that you put two of those there, that
solves the same problem you're having. My husband was in a wheelchair the last four and a half years of his life. I can't get him anywhere down here. And believe me, he loves baseball. We couldn't do that. We'd have to sit up there in the parking lot. Yes, you need that. And you don't need a concession
stand. You can put get a field truck. You can go someplace else. Welcome to the 21st century. We do other things. But most importantly, yes, we need to get this done. Let Ron negotiate this thing. But most importantly, you what you need to insist on because we just
with Miss Davis, we I just took a tour of the baseball fields in Marathon. I went through here and I've seen all the pictures of Key West. The school board has not prepared a single field correctly in any play that I've been able to see, including this one. When this we asked for all the documents for
the preparation of this field when it was first turned over to the school board, pretty much from what I can see, they threw some sand down on it, threw some sod on top of it, and there it went. There's no irrigation in there. No cap rock was removed or anything else to prepare this field properly. And Don, I think you and I talked about this. This
needs to have the cap rock scraped down. You can sell that off to the company that'll buy it from you and do it for free. Then you've got your 10-in base, which is going to include the gravel, the drainage field, further thick gravel sand, and then you put your top down on it, whether you want to use sod or
artificial turf. But the bottom line is it's preparation is everything. We all know that from everything we all do. And if you don't do it right, you might as well go outside and leave it in the rain. >> Please do the work. Get this done, but insist on proper preparation. It
prevents putrid poor performance. >> You got it. >> Uh I haven't been up here before. My name's Chris Hessing. Uh I'm not really here to like prove any point. This is the first meeting that I've actually even come to. It's the last
>> probably be the last. >> Huh? I'm sorry. Sorry. >> All right. >> They're not all like this. >> No, no, no, no, no. But uh and this is the first one I've been able to come to because I actually don't have a practice that I have to be at. I coach
basketball, flag football, baseball, soccer, travel baseball for my 11-year-old son and my 8-year-old son. I've coached everything from 8U travel to 13U travel. I don't get paid for any
of it. It's all volunteer hours. Okay, same thing. I know you put in all this time. Okay, this is the first one I've been able to be to. I talk a lot. I I started coaching a lot because I didn't I wanted to be out and interact with the kids. I didn't want to be so much on the
stands and getting all the drama and all that. This sounds like a whole lot of drama like with it on and and it really like just sitting back and observing and talking about the building behind home plate. I feel like if the building was proposed on the third base side, we'd
probably have people saying, "Let's put it behind home plate." It's just kind of like prolonging a something. It's just always going to be something. Uh it everybody and something I say to a lot of parents that ask me about this is
different, but ask me about like competitive sports and stuff. They say, "Oh, should I commit to this? Should should we go allin?" And I always have a same response. And it's every parent is going to do what is best for their kid because it's their opinion of what is
best for them. It's not all going to be something I what I think isn't going to be what coach Lane agrees with or coach Raymond that I co or even any of these coaches. It it might not be the same thing, but it doesn't mean that it's
wrong. And it comes to the same thing with this of like we're all from what you're saying is you want like you're fine with the turf and it's your guys's job to do the finance part of it. It sounds like you got the right idea of trying to get it signed and get it
rolling. If you truly do want if you're fine with the turf, it seems like we do need to get something going. I just want I started all this cuz I want what's best for my kids. I want the opportunity. I volunteer
a lot of my time that takes away from my wife and like it's it's heartfelt. Like I want to be out there with them. And I see even a bigger picture than this. It like we're basing this off of Key West
getting a turf field. Now we have the opportunity to see what they made mistakes on. You were mentioning that oh it puddles. We can make this better here. I hope by the time my eight-year-old son is in school that we've improved other parks around here
because you set the example by having this park here. Uh I I it's a growing community. It it's everything about it's better. I mean, you know, it's we all just want what's best. You guys do this because you want what's best for Marada.
You want this because you want what's best for Marada. We're all here doing this because we want what's best and it's everybody. It doesn't have to necessarily be the same thing, but the whole arguing and just trying to push it down and all that, it just doesn't get
anywhere. It It's just something needs to be rolled forward and just a conversation like you guys are saying with the school board be great, but just anything it just I don't know that aspect of it. I don't I'm just up here talking as a dad and a coach that I just
want what's best for the kids that I'm with every day from I'm coaching I just got done coaching the soccer out here. Uh I got 9u travel coming up. I do with uh Scott that was here earlier. We just played against each other in flag
football at Harry Harris. It it's just it'd be nice to have growth in the community and this set the standard of what the upper keys is because we don't have the space and the luxury that other places do in the country. I've taken travel teams up to Tennessee to
Coopertown, New York. We're going again this summer and these kids' jaws drop when they see what they have other places. And we just don't have it here. And it's it would be nice to start the growth here because I know that we can. Everybody just wants his best for Marada
in the upper keys. >> Thank you. >> Is there anybody else? >> We have two speakers on Zoom. >> Oh, okay. >> Go ahead. First up, go ahead, Mr. Wish Meer.
>> Yes. Joe Wishmire, Plantation Key. My biggest concern on this is I keep hearing over and over this has been going on for five years, but with the staff, the council has been left out. When this happened, I went to one of the
baseball workshops. We were promised by the school board many, many more workshops. We're going to keep the public involved. We've not been involved. Now, it's coming down to the 11th hour. They're trying to push something down your throats really, really quick. Make
this decision. Make it now. Yet you haven't seen the agreement. Our attorneys hasn't seen an agreement. And it sounds by what Mr. Lefir is saying that well to try to get the five of you together with the five people on
the school board. No, I don't think that's going to happen. Well, if this is as important as what they consider it to be, they should make the time to meet with you all and work things out. If they don't have the time to work it out,
then hey, let them find another place. I'm just concerned that they're keeping us in the dark and trying to force us into something at the last minute. It's not our fault that it's gone this far and now all of a sudden they think it's
been delayed. We've been using this field for 20 plus years. If it gets delayed for one more season, well, so be it. Maybe they'll learn their lesson and they should get together with us and give us more of the arrangements. Thank
you. >> Good morning. >> Okay, next up, Richard Black. Go ahead. >> Hi. Yes. So, in front of us tonight on the agenda, the only thing that should have been there is the license agreement. Instead,
we drag everybody back in the same room to have the same conversation about grass or turf or a building or anything else. And it's just a complete waste of time yet again for all of us. We need to ask ourselves,
would you agree to build a house without a signed contract? And that's what we're doing. I'm not disagreeing with the plan at all, but what I'm just trying to say is the village needs to decide and sign off
and agree to this contract and let the school board see it before we decide anything else. I think the plan is great, but we need to execute the plan properly. So, just instead of voting for this tonight and pushing this through because
all you're doing is what Pat Leir said, agreeing to their plans that the school board has already agreed upon, which means no changes. We need to make the license agreement iron ironclad and get that done first. Thank you.
>> Marne, >> can I >> can I say something? Yes, ma'am. >> Yeah, go ahead. >> Hey, my name is Ed Holly. I'm the athletic director at Coral Shores. I had to I got the greatest job in the world. It is unbelievable. I didn't know I was part of the evil empire, though. But I'm really excited to be here. Right. So,
tonight I'm going to go home and a 15-year-old boy named Billy Lee Holly is going to look at me and say, "How'd it go, Dad?" It went through Eddie, my oldest son, who just graduated from Coral Shores and is off in college right now. And they say, "Well, just put it off another year. Just put it off." How many senior years do you have? How many
senior seasons do you have? What's going to happen for the next time you get an opportunity to go? You got we're simply asking or I'm simply asking you prayerfully consider the fact that listen, it's as important. It's been happening for three years, four years, 5 years, whatever it else. Every single day I go to high school and I see kids
and they look at me and say, "Coach, what's going on?" And I have to say, hey, just trust me. The adults are handling it. Have faith. It's going to be happen. It's good things are going to happen with this project. You know, if if we if we would love the opportunity to say, hey, yes, we're going to get synthetic turf. Yes, it's great. Hey,
yes, you know, the preliminary pan plan has been voted on. Yes, all the details are going to be worked out with the lawyers and the adults in the room, right? But this is what I want you to do. I want you to wake up tomorrow morning on Veterans Day. I want you to go serve, say somebody in the country, hey, thank you for your service. And then I want you to go lift weights. I
want you to be on that field. I want you to throw the ball. I want you to get better. I want you to be the next Coral Shore student that plays college athletics. And what that's going to happen is with this field, it's not only going to be good, it's going to be great. The concession stand is just not a concession stand. It's a meeting place where we all get together, where we all
share our week, where we come back, where we visit. And also, it's it's just not that. It's financially, too. That's where we get the money at Coral Shores High School. You know, the school board doesn't give us a lot of money. So, when we get the concession, 100% goes straight to our boys. I mean, it's just an unbelievable thing. I thank you for your time. I visit with you and I pray
that after this meeting I can go home and tell my son good things have happened. Thank you. >> Marne, >> I don't have anyone else signed up. >> John, do you have anything to say? >> No, just um just a reminder since it's been a while. The motion was to approve
the preliminary plan which is page one in your agenda book. It's a um uh it's titled proposed project site plan from William P. horn uh dated September 18th, 2025 uh with a notation like I guess a page number notation in the bottom right
of a 0.01. >> So let me make sure that everybody understands. So this is just saying they can move forward. You will have the license agreement done
and with input from everybody and as long as you have and the license agreement can be changed. This can be changed. >> Yes, it can. >> Yes, I know. I'm just clarifying. And uh um but the signed agreement is sooner
than later. Correct. >> My my plan would be to have by the end of this week agreement with Mr. fear that he can take uh at least present to the school board on the 18th. If if they I know the agenda is already set, so I'm not sure from their point standpoint they can do it. I would like to have it
done by by the 18th. At that point, it's up to the school board if they want to take position. They could just say they're going to wait for us and then maybe on the 9th of December we both consider it at the same time. But we would have it to them before that meeting. If they choose not to act on it, that's up to them. But I my my
thought would be to have it by this week a base a proposed baseball license agreement because from what I heard tonight from Mr. Lefir was those if those are the biggest objections the school district has. I didn't hear anything that's a dealbreaker at least from our standpoint unless you all heard something that you have a strong
objection to. Uh either way I think those are the notice agreements and what what you can and can't do on the field. I think those are things we can work through. Well, things like what Rich brought up about Saturdays. I didn't know that. So, maybe have people get in
touch with you on this council as well as the baseball task force who have worked their butts off and Rich and Tony who may have other import are the things that have changed since 2001. So, when we do this license agreement, it's a one-time thing and that we're up to date
on everything. So, can people reach out to you? >> Yes. Even though tomorrow's a holiday, I'll be working and Wednesday I'll be working. So, I'm available 24/7. This thing needs to be get, you know, resolved one way or another. And so, uh, I I'll have my phone the whole time.
Anybody my village email is village.mmanager.fl. us. I welcome any input and then they will tell you. I I take their input all the time, but I do want to get the baseball license. And also, by the way, there's a use the ILA, which still controls, also requires a use agreement,
but that's basically just the baseball schedule. I still haven't got an official notice of what the actual schedule is going to be for next season. That should be easy because that's usually January through May. The only other issue that that came up was about whether the high school, not youth leagues, whatever, whether the high
school wants use of that field uh for something other than baseball. The f I think that the JV is an actual high school use. So if the JV is playing on Saturday, I personally have a problem using on Saturdays during that January to May. >> You do or no? >> I do not. >> Okay. >> But even though it wasn't originally in
the agreement, >> I I don't think that people would object to JV games being on Saturday during baseball season. >> If we get into other uses, that's more us. The things that Tony Hammond and Richie have talked about, but other uses of the field are not really high school. Little league is not high school. And so
those are issues that we as a village can control as far as we want it there or not. That's not what the high school from my understanding is asking for. They want high school baseball, high school JV bass baseball and that's it. If they want to do other things, I just don't know what it is. If they want them, they be if they'll be specific. So
we want to do XYZ other than baseball, then put in the agreement and I can bring it back to you. But I don't know what it is at that point. I just want to have it a written agreement by the end of this week that they can take the school board next week if they desire and but we will have it in writing at
least from our standpoint to them. If they don't accept it, that's up to them. >> And so Jamie, I know you're beaten up pretty good tonight, but don't please and Rich and Tony, please give your input on what needs to be in this license agreement so we can get it signed, sealed, delivered, and move
forward here. And again, you know, we do want what's best for the kids. We just don't want to have problems down the road that we can foresee. So, okay. All right. So, I then I guess Barney there. >> Excuse me. >> Continue discussion >> if you want to. Go ahead.
>> Thank you. Um, I think Richard Black said it best. I'm not prepared to move forward until we have a signed agreement. Uh, as as much as uh I I like or don't like any of this design, I think it I think it puts us in a in a weaker position and I would like to see us uh just um continue this on and see
this motion um uh not go through. >> Well, in in the defense of the people who are for this, it's not really anything really binding really. It's preliminary. It's just giving them a little and it gives us the ability to really
work on this license agreement which to me is what all I really care about. Again, I don't care if they put shag carpeting out there. I care about making sure we are protected as a community. Our park is protected and the school gets the benefits they want as well. So
to me, as long as everybody has input and and on this B license agreement and everybody's happy, um I don't think it's, as Richard said, building a house without a contract because this isn't a binding contract. It's just giving them
>> I don't even know what I'd call >> Well, and Jamie, she she put in a lot of really good points in this contract. Like, it's not nothing was taken lightly. like she put a lot of work into this and she's added a lot of clarification. And just for argument
sake, I can tell you that 14 years ago there was games on Saturdays happening here. Um, and as far as the concession goes, myself and two, three other people in this room have spent the last two years volunteering at every game. Our
time and money running a makeshift concession stand that helps pays for the team's umpires. It pays for their baseballs. It pays for equipment. It pays for their their banquet. And we
don't take a dime from this. And a lot of it we get donated from the community. Sue, your grandson plays. I can tell you what, Brian comes up and orders every game. And he starts when he first gets there and he'll come back at like the third or fourth inning. And I know what he's coming back for. He's coming back
for two more hot dogs and a cheeseburger. See, >> so it is still community and everybody needs to remember that. And I did see some comments and I heard some comments that, you know, these kids aren't going to the MLB. We shouldn't do this. And I
think that's very disheartening. And I hope that those people that did make those comments are not parents and would never say that to their children because I believe that we should have the absolute best here. >> I do too. >> For these kids and and give them that opportunity. There's a lot of kids that
have moved on and went to division one schools, division 2, JO. My own son moved on. He went to play some college ball. Like these kids deserve that opportunity. These parents pay taxes here, too. Their kids are here. A lot of
them can't come here and sit here for hours and hours at meetings because they're going to practices. They're they're volunteering. We did. My husband and I volunteered for years coaching every sport there was out there. Like,
we've got to keep going and do what's right for these kids. >> So, um, again, please have input to Ron. just call him anytime. And uh I know I do. And again, I want Richie, I want you guys to talk about the Saturday
games. I want to get everything in this contract so it's binding. And then to me, the cart blanch for what these kids deserve. So, um Marne, um hanging on Ron that he's going to get this done, the contract. Would you call the role, please?
>> Vice Mayor Don Horton. >> Yes. Can we repeat the motion what we're actually voting on? We're just v voting on the the preliminary planary plan. >> Nothing to do with the >> license agreement. >> I'm sorry.
>> Okay. Council member Deb Gillis. >> Yes. >> Okay. Council member Steve Freriedman. >> No. >> Council member Anna Richards. >> Yes. >> And Mayor Sharon Mahoney. >> Yes. If you get the contract signed, >> the motion passes 4 to one. >> Okay. All right. Well, that was fun. Let's do
this again. >> Do Do we need >> Okay. I guess I guess Ron has plenty of direction as to what to do with the licensing agreement. >> Well, again, don't hesitate, Deb and Don and you guys to call and and tell him
>> and just working on it. >> Oh, yeah. He if everybody gives their input, I think he knows. And again, you know, anything in and the Jamie and the Lena, you guys, please don't hesitate to uh give input. So, thank you everybody.
Do we want to take a break or do we want to continue on? >> No, just to be clear though, I do want input from the high school because a lot of the questions I have are about what the high school wants. And so, I know Mr. Lefir is still in the audience and so if they can coordinate what it is they're actually wanting in the license agreement because I wasn't that's part
of the reason why we haven't finalized. wasn't clear who wanted what cuz I want as as as Jamie and Alina have said this license agreement will last for years >> and we want to make sure we get it right. That's why I haven't really pushed it as to because I want to make sure everything's done correctly and we've gotten a lot of input but I like
the high school in particular to make sure that they're on board with whatever is going to go into that license agreement that we can take. >> So Pat, did you want to say something? You just agree and run out the door. the specifics on the times and dates of use came from the high school. So that
uh the the rest of the license agreement they would need to review will make sure they do. >> So So you have a copy of what what we were looking at this evening, right? >> You you all edited what we provided to you. >> Yes, we did. >> So you have a new copy of what we are looking at this evening.
>> We got the edits that you guys that that you guys made and and that's what I responded to earlier. The school board has seen none of that. All of that will need to be shared with the school board and I'm sure they will have feedback as well >> after tonight. Yeah. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. Thank you. So, what do we decide? Five minute break or you want to continue on? >> Okay. Five minute break then? >> I'm not Yeah. All right. Uh, let's resume this
meeting. Um, where's Steve? Darn it all. >> All right, John, let's go ahead and move real quick the consent agenda and then I'm going to remove Mary Beth after that. So >> yeah, uh we're in the consent portion of the agenda. These items are of routine nature and council members have reviewed these items in advance and sought the
advice of staff as they felt necessary. There'll be one vote on the consent items uh which today are tabs 2 through eight. If anyone would like to pull an item from consent or add an item >> he or she should state so now. >> Uh anybody John Don, what are you going
to pull? >> I'd like to pull tab two just for one one word. >> Okay. Anybody else? Deb >> Steve Anna. >> Okay, then uh >> so let's go ahead and >> minutes. Yes, sir.
>> Okay. Do you want We'll deal with that after the cons. >> Yeah, we'll deal with that separately. So, the consent um is going to be tabs three through eight. >> Move to approve except for tab two. >> Do I have a >> Okay. >> Second. >> Marne. >> I didn't see who was seconded.
>> Thank you. >> Okay. Vice Mayor Dun Horton. Yes. Is there any public comment? >> Oh, sorry. >> Little late for me. Um, yes, Sue Miller would like to speak. >> Sue Miller, lower Madakumbi. Tab seven
is the founders park master plan. And according to the November 10th staff report, the finalized plan reflects um plans for um that have been determined by the citizens appointed and elected officials
and other stakeholders to be acceptable. Um I think there are some things in that plan that are not acceptable. And so I question what it means to approve a plan where there are components that may not
be acceptable. One of the specific things that I personally had found fault with was having a 35,000 square ft two-story community center uh and parking expected to cost almost
$50 million and a storage area in the hardwood hammock on the hill bayside of the village hall with a large maintenance building and 50 paved parking spaces.
I think that that area was damaged by um the village. We should not reward the village for the damage done to a beautiful hardwood hammock by making a fancy storage
facility paid for by the taxpayers of Alam Marada. You should be restoring that beautiful hardwood hammock to the way it was before it was damaged. Tab 8, the ska system. We were promised a
system for those in low pressure areas for the keys and it didn't happen. Um I don't understand why this SCADA system um in in the
is in the um budget and we're spending money right and left out of the wastewater fund and um I think we'll find that we're going to end
up with a major major deficit. that in addition to what was budgeted. And I think that anything related to wastewater should be removed from this agenda and discussed next Monday when we
talk about wastewater in its entirety because we have so many wastewater issues and spending so much money that we're not sure where it's going to come from. I noticed that um you're spending
money just as professional services and um and there's not enough money to go around. Thank you. >> Ron, did you want to say something? >> Just a clarification that the original agenda I was going to say approving the Founders Park master plan. I changed it to accepting it because I didn't want
any any uh believe that we are agreeing to everything in the plan because obviously I've talked to you individually and there's some things in the plan as Sue mentioned also whether you putting a recommended turf for the soccer field and I would be recommending grass to keep it grass as one example.
So just accepting it means they finished their work but it doesn't mean that you're approving it. So I just want to clarify she mentioned the word approved. It says accepting the plan. Well, when you talk about the turf or grass on that field, I'm calling in sick that day. I don't want to go through that again.
>> All right. So, and I agree with Sue about the Millard leg. I don't agree with most of that that they did. So, I think we're just >> accepting >> accepting it. Don, did you want to say something before we >> I Sue has a very good point on this skate. >> The waste water. I thought of that, too.
>> Yeah. And I think that's a very good point that it should it should piggy back on our special call meeting. >> Can we do that? Can we >> withdraw it from the agenda night? We can put it on next Monday's meeting if that's the will of the council. >> And again, it's wastewater at next the 17th here at 5:30 in case you're just
dying for something to be we just pull tab. >> I'd like to amend my motion. It would be a it would be a um motion to amend to uh exclude tab 8 and um direct that it be placed on the September 17th agend.
>> So I agree with Don. But on the on the Monday's meeting, is it pertinent to the discussion or are we is it an overall discussion about I thought it I thought Monday's meeting was more directed at certain topics on wastewater, not
>> we can do what we want to do, I guess, right, Ron? I think it's pertinent to part of the discussion we're going to have to have with >> Yeah, it was a generic call that says waste discussion of wastewater issues and then also whatever happens with the consent order for the public also uh in
the newsletter today that the uh D signed the consent order on Friday. So we now have and executed on both sides and that starts a 60-day clock for getting our plan and that's why we scheduled the meeting for next Monday. But we can take I think any wastewater related issue on Monday. It's a noticed
meeting. It's a reg It's a special call meeting, but it is a regular It is a village meeting that's going to be televised. All that all the things we do for like tonight. >> So, we can pull tab eight and talk about Monday. Are we okay? >> Not just on consent but everything. Okay. >> Are we good? >> Amended. Amended my
>> Yes. There was a motion by Don, a second by Sharon, and if there's no opposition. >> No. On the the motion to amend. >> Okay. >> Okay. Marty. If there is no opposition to the motion to amend, it would pass by unanimous consent. >> I'm I'm dropping my second.
>> So So do I have a second for the consent agenda? Everything but tab eight. >> I'll second it. >> All right. Marne, would you call the role, please? >> Vice Mayor Don Horton. >> Yes. >> Anna. >> No, you. >> Oh, no. It wasn't.
>> Who's Anna? >> Anna. Oh, Anna. Okay. >> I'm sorry. Did Vice Mayor Don Horton not make the motion? >> Yes, I did. And I'm sorry, I didn't hear your answer. Yes. Okay. Thank you. >> It's late. >> Yes, it is.
>> Uh, Council Member Anna Richards. >> Yes. >> Council member Steve Freriedman. >> Yes. >> Council member Deb Gilis. >> Yes. On the items that we left on it. >> And Mayor Sharon Mahoney? >> Yes. >> Motion passes five to zero. >> Okay. So, that's the consent. Do we want
to let Don say his one word on tab two? >> Yep. and then we can take that up. >> Uh so on the minutes tab two on the second page under uh uh items uh V vi or item six uh vice mayor Don Horton
requested council to approve his travel authorization >> urged. That's when he's taking the bus. >> I wasn't begging. >> That's what he's going on by bus. >> Please. So >> So just to change the word urge to request. So it would be a motion to approve with amending the minutes to
reflect um urged be ch be changed to request. >> That's correct. >> Second. >> Thank you. My >> may vice mayor Don Horton. >> Yes. >> Council member Steve Freriedman. >> Yes. >> Council member Deb Gillis. >> Yes. >> Council member Anna Richards.
>> Yes. >> And Mayor Sharon Mahoney. >> Yes. >> Motion passes five to zero. >> Okay. John, that brings us to tab nine then. It does. Tab nine is >> Oh, wait, wait. We weren't going to move Mary Beth. Oh, >> yeah. I just remember. >> Tab 12, right? Oh, >> yes. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Tab 12, John. >> Tab 12 is a resolution of the village council of Alamara Village of Islands, Florida, accepting the proposal of Centennial Bank for a revolving line of credit and an amount not to exceed $20 million for the purpose of providing funds as authorized by the village council. Authorizing such line of
credit, authorizing village manager upon request of the village council to draw in such a line of credit. authorizing uh awarding the line of credit to on a negotiated basis and approving execution and delivery of a revolving line of credit agreement and note or notes in connection with advances made upon the line of credit authorizing execution and
delivery of such other documents in connection as may be necessary in connection with the revolving line of credit and providing for an effective date. Go ahead, Ron. >> Just as background, during our budget discussions, we were under some pressure to increase our hurricane emergency
preparedness funds. Uh, but nor did that, we would had to raise the millage rate over the current millillage. And so, in order to keep the millage rate the same, I suggested going for a line of credit, which meant that if a hur hurricane did hit, rather than having a high fund balance, we could just draw in a line of credit. So, we worked with our
banker, Centennial Bank, and they came back with this. We going back and forth on the terms, but we're ready for it to be approved tonight. I specifically ask that any withdrawals from any draws in the fund be approved by council, not by the manager. I don't want to have $20 million of access. >> Where'd Ron go?
>> I'm going to leave it to you to the council to decide it. So that the line of credit to be clear would only be drawn by council approval. We would only pay on what we had to draw down if necessary. >> Okay. >> Mary from Senate. >> Do you want to say anything? Sure. Okay. Come on up.
You get the other hair. >> Yeah, I know. >> Although I brought him with me. >> Thank you. Love you, Terry. >> I'll give you the $5 later. All right. Good evening. Um, Madame
Mayor, council, staff, Ron. Um, for the record, u Mary Beth Harris. I do live um um Plantation Shores Drive, but I'm here representing Centennial Bank. Um also, I think we may still have I
don't know if we lost them, but I had uh David Drury. Uh he is our regional president. Um we lost Mark and Erica Garrick Rodriguez. She is the commercial loan officer. Um, as Ron mentioned, um,
uh, we have had a relationship with the village since 1998 when it was Marine Bank of the Florida Keys. um Centennial Bank came in in 2005, but it's been a wonderful relationship and I have had the pleasure of being the um uh I guess
for relationship uh manager if you would call it. Um for the village, working with staff and also working with staff, did they leave? No. Yeah, they did. Uh working with staff on all the events that we um give back to the community. So, it's been a wonderful relationship
that I really appreciate. Um, back in 2018, we did a similar line, but it was after Irma, so there was lots of hurrying around and sculling around to get something in place. And to Ron's point, after the budget, he and I spoke
um over the summertime, and he really wanted to get ahead of that instead of having to play catchup. And so we talked back and forth about the amounts. And um so that's where we are now. Uh I did uh speak to each one of you individually to
see if you had any questions. So I do have one question to answer for you, Steve. Um we have gone back and forth. Erica has worked with our council and your council and Ron. And so those are the preliminary um terms and documents
that you had in your package today. Everything still has to be finalized based on the resolution. Um also I wanted to mention um it is based on the tax equivalent of prime and since we started this process prime has gone down. So that will be one of the things
you'll see and also Steve had asked a question. We talked about the maturity date. So uh the way the terms are listed now it's 24 months interest only and then you term out the balance but there wasn't any reference to well what if the village whether they you use it or not
the um balance is zero at the end of those 24 months and so what will happen and what will be added is that then the terms will renew again the same 24 months interest only and then an opportunity to amvertise for 60 months if there's a balance. Um, so, like I
said, I appreciate this opportunity and um, I am happy to answer any questions if I haven't lost my team. They're there to answer any questions. And, um, that's it. >> Anyone have any questions for Mary Beth? Steve, you had yours. Anna, >> she already answered.
>> No questions. >> Don, >> uh, no pay prepayment penalty? >> No, sir. >> Okay. >> And Deb, any questions? No. And I'm good, too. I thank you very much. And I think it's a smart move to get ahead of it. So, >> well, we appreciate it. Thank you so much. >> Um, public comment, is that where I
should go now? >> Yes. S Miller would like to speak. >> She's waving you off. So, no. >> Okay. Public comment is closed. Uh, council, any discussion or do I have a motion? >> Motion to approve. >> Do I have a second?
>> I'll second. >> Uh, Marty, would you call the role? >> Council member Anna Richards. >> Yes. >> Council member Deb Gillis. >> Yes. >> Council member Steve Freriedman. >> Yes. Excuse me. Vice Mayor Don Horton. >> Yes. >> And Mayor Sharon Mahoney. >> Yes. >> The motion passes 5 to zero.
>> Okay. Thank you for hanging around and going through it. >> Okay. So, uh, John, we're moving back to tab nine. >> Yep. Tab nine is a resolution of village council village of Islands, Florida, approving work authorization number seven with Avalon Gardens, Inc. for completion of a planting project along Venetian Boulevard. Authorizing village
officials to implement the terms and conditions of work authorization number seven. Authorizing village manager to expend budget funds. authorized the village manager to execute the project agreement for work authorization number seven and providing for an effective date. >> Okay. Uh Peter. >> Yes.
>> Okay. So, yes. Thanks, John. This is a resolution approving a work authorization with Avalon Gardens for a planting project in Venetian Shore. So, Avalon Gardens is a landscape company that uh is in our library. They're been doing an excellent job for us the past few years. Really a wonderful company.
So specifically, this is a a planting project of about a thousand plants that would be planted uh within call them the islands that are uh in between the uh Venetian boulevard, the main drive down Venetian um the Venetian shores
neighborhood. Um so the reason we're doing this again is just to enhance our public rideways, green spaces, uh add some uh native foliage as per our comprehensive plan just like we've been doing with all of our planting projects. So, this project is unique though. I
wanted to highlight that uh the Venetian Shores Homeowners Association is providing a match for this 100% match, which is interesting because as long as I've been in the village, we have not had any residents u match a planting project, but it's something we definitely want to encourage and
promote. if there's other residents or entities or even um yeah homeowners associations that want to do a similar thing, we definitely uh promote that and I would love to talk to you and just get in touch with me. Um so $45,000 is the
cost and uh with that uh village staff are recommending approval and this is um the the funds are coming from our landscape mitigation fund. It's the perfect use for those funds. Be happy to answer uh any questions. Now, I know Venetian Shores takes very good care of
the islands themselves as well. You know, they take great pride in making them look good. And I think the fact that they're matching the funds is wonderful and maybe encourage other homeowners associations or other people like to do the same thing. I think it's
a very smart thing. Does anybody have any questions? Deb, >> I just want a clarification that you said that they were matching. So our half is $45,000, correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Don clarify that it's not half of that.
>> No, that's correct. And this is a public rightway, village owned rightaway that the village maintains. >> That's fine. I was just clarifying. >> Yeah, we do have some of the residents here. They raised this money totally on their own. >> Yep. >> Did a great job doing that. >> That's awesome. Um, Peter, there are
several crossings across Venetian Boulevard. Uh, is the village uh staff, and this is probably a question for AJ going to be responsible for maintaining the vegetation after it's planted? >> Yes. >> Currently, there's a clear sight
triangle violation on the corner of Port Salvo and Venetian Boulevard. You pretty much have to get your nose all the way out into Venetian Boulevard as it's going west in order to be able to look out into that street even to get to the crossing to be able to go back to the
highway. Um has have you or staff reviewed the planting plan and are comfortable with uh no other violations of clear sight triangle? >> Yes. So we have reviewed the plan. I walked the entire site with the contractor. So we we are controlling for
that by planning all that ground cover uh for it's about 20 to 25 ft can correct me if I'm wrong at those corners. So that's low the ground cover is very low so it would allow for you know views at those intersections. So what we're end up doing is increasing um
you know normally when we do these plantings we plant them on on areas that we're restoring hammocks and those kind of things. This is awesome doing it as a a community project in concert, but it it's actually as adding to additional
workload for our rightway staff. Right. >> Well, we're hoping it does not. So, they are currently doing maintenance on it. Now, there's a number of exotic plants that we're going to be removing, but we're planting >> virtually no maintenance plants. They will take care of themselves.
>> Uh that's why we chose the plants we did. We're hoping I you know if a tree limb falls or you know trim maybe some of the palm frrons yes but this is a very lowmaintenance project and that's you know I discussed that with AJ and that's why we're we chose the plants that we did.
>> That's great. Come in Venetian Shores Homeowners Association for doing it. Thank you. >> Yeah, sure. >> Anna, do you have anything? >> No, I spoke to Peter earlier. >> Steve, anything? Okay. Anybody? Go ahead, Ron. I just want to clarify too that this was a result of a meeting we had at village headquarters with uh
Venetian Shore Homeowners Association. Several members came. Peter set the meeting. AJ did too. I want to make the point though they've raised more than 45,000. They've raised probably 100,000. >> What our negotiation was how much was realistic for the village to participate. And to be clear, we're not
giving it to the home association. We are buying the plants directly. And so we can we control what plants were bought because Peter had some objections to the type of plants they were talking about. So it's all native. But once again, it's not a it's it's a match in the sense that we're putting up 45,000 against but they raised more than 45. We
just agreed to bring it to council for the 45,000 which seem to be a reasonable compromised number, but they raised more than 45,000. And we've opened up to other homeowners associations that if you're willing to step up, once again, this is owned by the village. The median is is our responsibility anyway. And if
we're going to do it, we want to make sure it's done it correctly. And so I appreciate Peter taking the time to go out there and look personally and making sure that every plant that's bought meets all of our criteria for the village. >> That's great. >> Anybody have anything else? Any public comment then?
>> Yes. Rebecca Callahan. >> Hi Rebecca Callahan. I'm a village of Alam resident obviously Venetian Shores. I'm the homeowners association treasurer and I basically was just here to answer your questions if you had any. But to Ron's point, um over the past five years, we've actually put $105,000 into
village property that is all homeowner money and our HOA is unique in the town because I don't know if you realize that we are not mandatory. So the developers of Venetian Shores did not grant us any property. So we can't make anybody pay dues. So we have to beg, borrow, steal,
fund raise, try to beg homeowners. And one of our members is here, Donna Proskin, and she personally took it upon herself to have street by street fundraising contests to try to get the money that we needed to fix up these medians because they're looking very overgrown. There's a lot of dead stuff.
There's a lot of invasives. And over the past 5 years, our board has taken all of that on ourselves to get private money and done this work and gotten permits for right-of-way permits. We've paid the village and had everything reviewed properly. So, we really appreciate the
help because we're just kind of running out of steam to try to get the rest of it done. So, now we kind of have half of it fixed up and half of it all kind of overgrown. So, this is really appreciated and we've been working really hard and we appreciate your help. >> I think what you do is great. >> Yeah. And I think you should be
commended. And I u I want to know what contest you did on each street. >> So it was actually kind of self- serving. So the the people who raised the most money on a certain street got us to put that money into their median so they wouldn't have to look at the ugly overgrown median. Got it.
>> So they're kind of peace meal right now. So we have the front done. Oh, got it. >> And then we have two towards the back that were done cuz um the two streets that won the contest. So we have kind of like one nice one and then one kind of scrudgy one and then one nice one. So that's kind of how it's been going. >> What a great idea. >> I think it's great.
>> Well, it's village property, right? So we're improving village property, but we get to look at it. That's what I mean. It's a it's not really ours. And I don't know if you guys even know that our dues also pay we have two electric meters and a water meter. We pay for all that front lighting. We pay to maintain that bus
stop. We pay a person every month to come and clean up that whole front entrance. That's all coming out of voluntary dues that you guys aren't having to pay. We get some help. AJ's guys do the medians. I'm not saying they don't do a lot of help, but we're doing the intensive part up front, keeping all that trimmed. That's us.
>> And we're and we have to every year prove ourselves to our members and say, "Please give us your dues because they don't have to. >> They give us their dues when they want to." And only about about half or more pay, but a lot of them don't. And we still are doing it all the time to maintain village property.
>> Well, that speaks volumes for you guys that you >> I think it's unique, right? There's not another neighborhood that has that situation, >> Judy. I don't think our neighborhood would do that. Do you? >> I want to fix Judy's mailbox. So, so no,
but uh hats off to you guys and I think it's a great way to handle this with the village. So, does anybody have anything else? Any more public comment? Are we good? >> No one else has signed up. >> Okay. Council, any discussion? Are we good to make a motion?
>> Move to approve. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Okay. Marty, call the role, please. Vice Mayor Don Horton, >> yes. >> Council member Steve Freriedman, >> yes. >> Council member Deb Gillis, >> yes. >> Council member Anna Richards, >> yes. >> And Mayor Sharon Mahoney, >> yes. >> Motion passes. 5-0.
>> Thank you. >> Congratulations. And keep up the good work, you guys. And what did you do for each three? >> It was really easy. So, we had >> Can you come to the mic, please? >> I want to hear what you did. >> Steal your idea.
>> I know. Yeah. So basically as in Venetian shores I've been there for 35 years by the way. Don Horton, >> Donna Proskin, Margaret Mson neighbor, right? >> You used to take little cabin. >> Okay. And your wife Donna years ago. So
it's nice to see you again. >> Nice to see you. Anyway, so I I am not on the homeowners association, but I have lived in Venetians or been an owner for almost 38 years and nothing has been done in the 38 years that we have been
there on those medians. Nothing. Okay. So, they are pretty ratty and our neighborhood has it's become a ve a multi-million dollar neighborhood. Okay. So, it's crazy the amount of money that is being spent in there.
Um, so I stopped Kathy Carr, who is our landscape person on the Venetian Shores board, who was out there picking weeds in her golf cart all the time. And I said, gosh, I just want to commend you for doing that first part, the first part when you come into Venetian Shores.
I said, it's really a huge improvement, that one little island. I said, but what can I do to help you? She goes, money. And so I said, oh, okay. Well, I don't have it. But I said, so I thought about it and I called her back and I said, "Well, how about if I" and she said,
"Well, I don't think people are going to just give us money." So I said, "Well," and this was the two years ago. So I said, "Well, okay." So I went to just my neighbors on my street, Vibella and Bayiewis, people I knew, knocked on the doors and I said, "Hey, I need money."
>> I said, "We're nothing has been done on these islands. Can you make a donation?" So, in the matter of 10 days, two weeks, I almost made $2,000. And I said, "Here's $2,000." And she goes, "Wow."
And so, anything. Anyway, the next year we didn't do it. Next year, I said, "Kathy, you know, we got to do something." She goes, "Well, I don't know what." So, I said, "How about a competition?" She goes, "What do you mean?" So, I said, "We thought about it and we said, I mean, this was her and I together." And um I said I think that
because there's so much mobility in the neighbors, so many new neighbors, I don't even know some of the neighbors on my street, you know. So I said, maybe we should have like a little um uh every block should have a coffee or a cocktail party or something and invite just their
street. And so that's how it started. So we sent out notices. We got a captain for each of the streets. We were only able to really get six streets to really participate right away. So, we're starting again next month. And um we
sent out an invitation to just the people on my street just so I could meet them. I had them come and then Rebecca would come to my house and another board member and we'd sit there and just talk about the dilemma of the part of the boulevards. And so I said, you know, I don't care how much you want to donate.
I said, "I don't want to know what you want to donate, but put it in an envelope or write a check, you know, and I can give it to." So, every street did this. And the op the the object of it was the street that collected the most money would have their boulevard. So, or
their island. So, when you came to your stop sign and you went right to go towards the end, that would be your b your um island. You would have your island redone. So, my street won. And so we got my street done and we all and
then the there was the second runner up was Milano and so they got their we had we had raised $30,000 in six weeks. >> So we got two two islands done. >> So anyway, it was so nice that
>> we met Peter and he said, "Well, hey, I think maybe we can help you. You've made a great start here." So anyway, sorry I don't want to take all your time. This has been a heck of a long meeting for all of you, but it really works. Neighbor to neighbor and you have to just be face to face. Face to face is how it works.
>> You know, Donna, I remember Martha Talton trying to do that in 1984 and I don't think Martha was able to even get a hundred bucks out of the neighborhood. So, but she wanted to plant a whole bunch of stuff in there way back then >> and nobody was interested in it. So,
it's really awesome that you guys pulled that off and >> and everybody's been great. Not only that, but all the neighbors have met and now we're all getting when are we getting together again? When are you having coffee at your house? So, it's like it's been great. >> Congratulations. >> I think it's good. >> Good deal. >> Thank you so much though.
>> No, thank you. >> Um, John, I guess we're moving to tab 10. >> Yep. Uh, it's a resolution of the village council of Alamara Village of Violence, Florida, approving the purchase and installation of a marina Wi-Fi system from Moni Technology Group, authorizing one-year service and
maintenance contracts for the marina Wi-Fi system and village surveillance cameras. Authorizing village manager to execute necessary documents, authorizing the village manager to expend budget funds, approving the uh, waiver of competitive bidding, and providing for an effective date. >> Vince, make your way through the crowd.
>> Good evening, mayor and councel. Okay, there's there's some moving parts to this one. Um, the marina's Wi-Fi system has been a mess for years now, and the current company has uh been unable to fix it and unable to provide a quote. So, I reached out to Titus. He did a
good job with the park Wi-Fi system, and he's done a good job with our cameras. So, I reached out to other companies, too, to bid on this and got no response. That's why I'm asking for the non-competitive bid. Uh, I'm also asking for a service contract particularly on
the marina system and the cameras because it is thinner now and uh, you know, we I can't we can't respond to a guest that's renting a slip down at the marina to fix their Wi-Fi. So, that's why I'm asking Titus to do it cuz
they're they're very responsive. Um, and then the cameras, particularly at the wastewater stations, you know, we've had a couple go out here and there and I got to send Titus there. Like I said, he's very responsive. He's a local guy, so I'm very happy with them. Um, and we're
recommending approval, of course. And do you have any questions? >> Anybody have any questions for Vince, Deb, Don? >> I don't I don't have a question, but I recently met Titus, and he is very responsive. He's um he he even tries to
think ahead of things and has solutions before you know you had a problem. So >> he does our IT stuff. Good. >> Go ahead, Steve. >> Yeah, I agree. I think it's great to have Titus uh so close by and attentive in the fact that it's already worked
with him and likes him. My question though is um that the that the Wi-Fi system that's going to be installed is for the marina residents >> only. >> Only. >> Yes. >> Do we know what the rates are that they pay now and and what this is now going to be? Those rates are going to go up to
cover this that fee. Correct. Um, yeah, they're it's always been built into their dockage. So, their dockage right now is $28 a foot. It will go up to $30 a foot January 1st. >> So, so the dockage just includes the Wi-Fi. Is that correct? Okay. So, it's not a separate
>> No, not that's pretty standard in most. >> Okay. And then you were also when we spoke earlier, Vince, about the monthly maintenance of 350, that's kind of a nice little insurance uh policy. >> Yeah. Because like like days like today, it's just me and it because Frank's
hourly, so he doesn't come in till noon to set up for this and then he's in the booth all night. So I'm pretty sureanded during a a meeting day. So I can't be running all over the place and then have to deal with a Wi-Fi somebody on a boat having a Wi-Fi issue. So basically Titus
will take care of it or his company will. >> I pay service now for the company that we have. >> Yeah. So >> that's kind of replacing that. Yeah. >> Anna, did you have any questions? >> Nope. Okay. All right. Um, public comment. Marty,
>> let me double check on Zoom, but I don't believe we have anyone. >> No, ma'am. No public comment. >> Okay. Um, council discussion. >> Motion to approve. >> I'll second. I'll second. Okay. Marty,
would you please call the role? Council member Anna Richards, >> yes. >> Council member Deb Gillis, >> yes. >> Council member Steve Freriedman, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Don Horton, >> yes. >> And Mayor Sharon Mahoney, >> yes. And >> that motion passes 5-0. >> Okay. John 11 and Vince, I guess just
stay up here. Uh 11 is a resolution of village council values Florida approving a new email archiving and security service authorizing discont disc discontinuation of the current vendor due to excessive cost public records compliance fees and data retrieval charges waving competitive bidding requirements due to the specialized
nature of the solution. Authorizing the village manager and village attorney negotiate an agreement for the requested services. Authorizing village manager to execute the agreement. Authorizing the village manager to expend budgeted funds and providing for an effective date. this. >> Okay, this is one that's been bothering me since I came here in 2018.
Um, and Marne I I should have put her on this agenda item because she has to deal with them a lot and they're not the easiest company to deal with. The I'm talking about the current archiving solution that's going to cost us $19,000 this year. They charge us $50 a gigabyte to get our data back. And in order to
get all our data back, they want close to $90,000. And I don't know if there's anything I'm going to try and negotiate with them to get it down and then have a discussion with Ron on whether we should involve John Quick. I'm going to see where that goes if this gets approved. Um, and I I
did a kind of a rough spreadsheet to show it would take four years to save to get a return on investment doing that because currently this year between email security and the archiving will pay $34,000. Wow.
the new solution. It'll be $16,000 the first year including a $6,000 setup fee and then it's $10,389 from then on and that's for both email security and the archiving and they do not charge to get your data back. It's
forever stored there. >> So let me let me ask you a question. So when uh right now when somebody calls for public records from two months ago, how much it costs the village then money to retrieve? >> Depending on how many emails it is, if
it's just one or two, we can get that for free. But anything over that. >> Wow. >> Yeah. We have to pay for it. >> Okay. >> And we've had this since 2006. >> That's crazy. >> Yeah. >> That's crazy. So did you you put this out for bid or is this just the only other company?
>> I went and looked at numerous companies. This one actually was one of the cheapest, but I needed something that would um abide by the cyber security laws of Florida and they do. Um particularly on archiving because archiving it has to be an audit trail on
the email to show that nobody's tampered with the email. >> Got it. >> So, and this company fits all the you know it checks all those boxes and for $10,000 $389 a year compared to 34,000. >> Yeah, it's a big difference. It's quite a savings. It's just a big outlay up
front if we can't negotiate a better deal. >> Um, council, does anybody else have any questions for Vince besides what I asked? No. Oh, go ahead, Steve. >> Yeah, you had mentioned that there was a grant that was expiring here. Is there any opportunity to chase another one? >> We'll find out about the grant in
January. Maybe Febru there we were supposed to find out in October, but they pushed it off to January or February, and that would reduce my cyber security cost out of my professional services if that happens. You are seeking the grant though? >> Yes. No, we've applied for it. We're
waiting for an answer. >> Wonderful. >> Okay. >> Is that from our new grant writer? >> No, this was something we've had in place for 3 years and this year the state of Florida cut the budget on it. >> So, yeah. >> Um, so we probably will not get fully
funded on it, but anything's better than nothing. >> Anything is better than nothing. >> Um, Marne, is there any public comment? >> Only me. Um, I would like I would like to say that I am very excited to not have to char charge uh members of the
public $100 just to get a hold of some emails because it's either we have to pay for it or they do. So I >> So that's why the fee is what >> that is a great deal for us. Okay. >> And and I feel like they're holding our data hostage. It's like that bothers me more than anything. >> Yeah, that's what it sounds like. And
now right now I'm currently archiving all our emails in house too just to have a you know redundancy. >> All right. Um no public comment besides Miss Marne. Uh council any discussion? >> Do I have a motion? >> I'll move to approve.
>> Second call the rule. >> Vice Mayor Don Horton. >> Yes. >> Council member Anna Richards. >> Yes. >> Council member Steve Freriedman. >> Yes. >> Council member Deb Gillis. >> Yes. >> And Mayor Sharon Mahoney. Yes. >> Thank you, council. Have a good night. >> Thank you. >> Oh, you're not sticking around for the
rest of this fun. >> Oh, come on. >> Maybe for a little bit. >> Uh uh John tab 13. Then we jump 12. >> Yep. 13 is a resolution of village council mara village violence Florida piggybacking the agreement between the city of Marathon Florida and Bishop uh
Rasco and company for government finance consulting services. Authorizing village officials to implement the terms and conditions of the addendum. Authorizing village manager to expend budget funds. Authorize the village manager to execute the addendum providing for approval of waiver of competitive bidding and providing for an effective date. >> Go ahead, Ron.
>> Yes, council. As you recall, uh during the middle of the budget process, our former finance director resigned. Um and so I I promoted uh internally Hattie Jenkins from senior staff accountant to finance interim finance director. Uh but she needed some backup and so we brought
Peter Rasco's firm, Bishop Rsasco, in on an hourly basis to assist with the preparation of the budget. uh did a great job, but had he said in order to accept the permanent position, she wanted to make sure that Peter would be available all year round. So, he and I negotiated a flat fee per month, and
this is a pretty broad fee. Uh and we've already been utilizing for example, we're preparing for the audit earlier than usual. Uh he helped us with the budget amendment you're going to be considering later. So, Hadtie's been calling on his services. Uh in order to pay for it, what we did, we did not replace Hadtie's position. In other
words, when she got promoted uh to finance director, we did not replace the senior staff accountant and we're able to use that money because when you what you saved on salary and benefits basically equates to about what Peter was charging. So we basically exchanged a senior staff accountant, one person
for his whole firm. Uh and it's been so far working very well. So we recommend that you approve this uh agreement. >> Okay. Marty, is there any public comment? >> No, there's none. Okay. Uh, comment is closed. Council, any discussion?
>> Nope. >> Do I have a motion? >> Motion to approve. >> I have a second. >> I'll second. Uh, Marne. >> Council member Anna Richards. >> Yes. >> Council member Deb Gillis. >> Yes. >> Council member Steve Freriedman. >> Yes.
>> Vice Mayor Don Horton. >> Yes. >> And Mayor Sharon Mahoney. >> Yes. >> The motion passes 5-0. >> Okay. I guess we're on to tab 14. >> Yeah. This one's my kind of title. A resolution of the village council of Alam Marada village of Islands, Florida, amending the village's adopted budget for fiscal year 2024 2025 and providing
an effective date. >> Okay, you probably ought to read that one twice. >> It's a little short. >> Really short. I looked at Wow. >> Go ahead, Ron. >> Yeah, this is a standard budget amendment we do at the beginning of the fiscal year. We adopted the budget. This is basically a cleanup of readjusting
the current year budget to actually adjust to the reality of what actually happened in last budget year. So, uh, Peter assisted Hattie with this and to make sure we're in compliance with state statute and this is just basically once again mainly a bookkeeping situation, but we need approval from the council. >> Okay. Is there any public comment?
>> No, ma'am. >> Okay. Council, any questions? >> Do I have a motion? >> Motion to approve. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> Morning. Would you please call the role? >> Council member Douglas. >> Yes. >> Council member Anna Richards. >> Yes.
>> Council member Steve Freriedman. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Don Horton. Yes. >> And Mayor Sharon Mahoney. >> Yes. >> The motion passes 5 to zero. >> Okay. Moving to 15. >> Yeah. Back to normal. Resol >> a resolution of village council of
Alamato Village of Islands, Florida. Piggybacking the Florida Sheriff's Association, Florida Association of Counties, and Florida Fire Chiefs Association Automotive Contract number FSA25-VF19.0 fire rescue vehicles, boats, and equipments. in approving the purchase of a 2026 Freightlininer M2 type 1
ambulance remount from Mthany Fire and Emergency for the Village Fire Rescue Department, declaring the 20 the 2009 International Rescue Chassis as surplus property. Declaring the 2004 International Rescue as surplus property, authorizing the village manager to execute necessary documents, authorizing village manager to expend
budgeted funds, and providing for an effective date. >> Hello, Terry. >> I can try to add more words to that on the next agenda if you like. only have random numbers and letters >> and a bunch of zeros and a bunch of zeros. >> Duly noted.
>> Uh, council, what you have before you is the same thing I've done twice in the past. We've got an outdated, no longer in service rescue. Uh, this one actually suffered a catastrophic engine failure spring of last year. Um, but because of the value of the box on it, uh, I chased
the money to do a remount. So, we take the old box off of the blownup truck, pick it up, remove it, put take it off. We scrap that chassis. We put a brand new 2026 Freightlininer chassis under it. Put the box on the back, wire it up, paint it, make it look all brand new.
They refurb the back of the box, new for micica, new flooring, bring it up to current triple K specs, which is like the the industry standard that we're required to for ambulance bodies. They rework all the the inner workings on doors, latches, connections, gaskets,
all that good stuff. And uh I budgeted again starting May, June of the year is when we started our budget process. That number was 322. So that's what I budgeted with a little bit of fluff in there. Uh unfortunately come September, October when I started getting hard
numbers, they actually came back at a higher number, I whittleled that number down to 351. Um so that's the the ask tonight is 351,000. I believe it's 904 9006 U 9004. uh so that we can take our 2009
International Chassis that has suffered a fat uh catastrophic failure on the motor and do a remount on that. When that truck comes in, it'll be about 10 months from now. If you agreed tonight for the resolution, uh about 10 months from now, we'll get that truck back. We'll take our oldest truck at that time
and uh put that to replace our oldest truck. That truck will become the reserve truck moving forward. As John mentioned in the title of the resolution, we have the 2009 that is destroyed. the motor shot. Um, we're currently in a 2004 that we bought from
Davy Fire when we were two rescues down earlier last year. So, we'll surplus the 2004 and obviously junk the 2009 that's going with the chassis right now or with the truck and the chassis now. And I'm here if you have any questions.
That was a lot, right? >> I know. I'm John L. >> Should I bring Legos and what? >> We'll snap parts or something cuz >> it's kind of a busy agenda item. So, I'm I'm taking parts of one and recycling, getting rid of the junk part, putting a new sexy part underneath it, and then when they get that truck back, we'll get
rid of the other truck we're replacing as well. >> Anybody have any questions >> besides explaining that? >> It's clear as mud, right? >> So, when you get to there, you'll have a total of four ambulances. >> We'll have >> one for each one for each station plus
one >> with with a reserve. Correct. with at that time, our oldest will be a 2020. So, we'll have a six-year-old truck acting as our reserve truck at that point. Keeping in mind that these trucks, we typically recycle them out, either do a a chassis upgrade or buy a
new truck on about the 8 to 10 year cycle. So, it being a reserve, it should last us a little bit longer. And the savings for a buying it versus a new doing this versus buying a new truck and the time frame >> uh is about two years and a couple of
months and the savings is a little over 200,000. So again, trying to do what's right fiscally and timewise. >> Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Anything? >> Nope. >> Steve? Yeah, Terry, I I really
appreciate what you're attempting to do here in terms of uh saving money. Did you were you able to get me an answer on that data in terms of uh in the last 12 months, how often all three rescue ambulances have been in service at the same time?
All three on calls at a at the same time. Is that the question? >> Yeah, I did. I was not able to look it up. For us to have all three call all three trucks out on calls at the same time does not happen often. probably three or four times a month is not that often. Uh then we'll call in mutual aid
from the north or from the south to to cover our six. >> And this one is what we're talking about is acquiring a fourth to replace the fourth, which is the reserve one, >> the 2004. Correct. >> Right. And and getting just a a used one
is is is just not really applicable in your opinion. We've never really I mean the 2004 is actually a replacement when we were down two rescues last year for 2 three months. We were down two trucks. Uh what we ended up doing was buying a
used truck from Davyy. Uh I'm friends with the guy in charge of their fleet and I said I need the the best truck you're taking out of service cuz I was thinking it would be a stop gap for a couple of months and we've had it in service for now a year and a half. Um so we have bought used trucks. It was from
a a department I know from a fleet manager that I know and I trust u and a truck has worked out well for us. It's kind of beat but it it runs and the runs strong and the AC is cold. >> That's paramount here cuz unfortunately when I lose when I lose AC in the patient compartment that truck goes out
of service. >> Yeah. No. >> So >> and typically you have the reserve because when you might have another one that's out for service might be what 2 3 weeks it might be out of service then the reserve kind of goes in place. Correct. That the truck rolls in seamless. So it minus the narcotics that
live on the that live in the narcotic safe. Uh we can take a truck, drag the jump gear out, which is the gurnie, and change over the narcotics, jump right in that truck, switch to bunker gear, and we're back in service in the matter of 10 minutes. So by design, we build in redundancy.
>> Yeah. I mean, I I I like what he's doing here, but again, it's we've we've got four. We have three stations. It's not very often that all three are in service at the same time. I I appreciate what he's doing. I'm just looking to save
some some costs somewhere. >> But I wouldn't want to be in lower Manakumbi and have to wait for an ambulance to come >> from Plantation K. >> From Plantation Kitty. I don't want that on my ticking heart, you know. >> No, I I know. That's why this is stuff. I appreciate what he's doing. I understand. I'm just
>> Yeah, I see what you're saying, but I I I think that's rolling the dice. >> That's putting a price tag on somebody's life, and I'm not willing to do that. >> Me neither. So, I think also if there's if we go down to three and then we have one that
>> is out for two months because of repairs or whatever. Now, we only got two. >> Um, and how often did you say all three go out? Like, >> it's only a few times a month. that >> a few times a month at all three. But I bet you have two out >> several times.
>> Yes, ma'am. >> Right. Yeah. Don, do you ever will I just thinking, you know, we're we're in the off season now and we're starting to get spoiled again because we can actually get out on the highway. But, uh, come January 1st, we're going to be back in the middle of all those people
going to Marathon and and Key West and our traffic's going to start backing up. And I would hate to tell somebody that's having a medical emergency on plantation key to, you know, wait an extra 20 minutes so that somebody from Alamada or upper Madakumbi can get to you. So I
think we need the redundancy for sure. >> Anybody else have anything? >> And I think he uses some Don't you use some sometimes at special events or something? So if you have a special event going correct along with other things happening all at the same time. >> Correct. When we have events in the park or on the old road down by the moose or
like the swim, stuff of that nature, we'll put the reserve truck. We'll stand it up and that that works the detail only. The marathons and the half marathons, that works the detail only so it doesn't pull from our onduty cadre of people as well. >> Yeah.
>> Deb, did you want to say something else? >> No, I'm sorry. >> That's okay. Um, okay then. Anybody else have any other questions or is there any public comment? >> No, there's not. >> Okay. Uh, council, do I have a motion or >> I'll make a motion to approve? >> I'll second.
>> Uh, Marty, >> council member Doug Gillis. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Don Harton. >> Yes. >> Council member Steve Friedman. >> Yes. >> Council member Anna Richards. >> Yes. And Mayor Sharon Mahoney. >> Yes. >> Motion passes 5-0. >> Okay. John 16. Uh resolution of the
village council of Alamra Village of Islands, Florida, piggybacking the Miami Beach contract number 22-397-02 approving the purchase of a 2026 28 foot contender from contender boats for the village fire rescue department authorizing village manager to execute necessary documents authorizing village
manager to expend budget funds and providing for an effective date. >> Terry, >> so council, good evening. What you have before you is the purchase of a uh a new fireboat to augment our current fireboat program, which is the
the ' 06 TwinV that's in the marina right now. Uh we chased appropriations through the legislature over the the past year and we were allocated 360,000 through the the uh appropriation and uh beat up the manufacturer and got them
down to a not to exceed of of 275. So that's what you have before you. And again, we're piggybacking all the hard work that Miami Beach did in for the the shopping of RFPs and pricing and all that good stuff. >> So what is the cost to the taxpayers? >> Nothing. >> There you go.
>> That's the good That's the right answer, Gary. Thank you. >> That's what I was looking for. Anybody have any questions? >> Nope. >> I have a boat I could sell for 75,000. So put four or five people in there. So what I'm hearing is a donation. Yeah, it's close to it.
>> We're costing nothing. Donation. >> Yeah. Zero. >> Uh, this was that check that was presented by Anna Maria Rodriguez and Jim Mooney. >> Yes, sir. Week or two. Couple weeks ago. >> Yes, sir. >> So, thanks to Jim Mooney and Representative Mooney and thanks to uh
Senator Ann Maria Rodriguez for helping us on getting us a a free rescue boat. >> Melo, too. >> Yeah, Melo. Yes, Melo. Yes, Rep. Melo took point on the first year and was was Jim's wingman on the second. So, absolutely.
>> Lots of people fighting hard for her. >> She's a wonderful person. Yeah. >> Okay. Anybody have anything? >> Do I have a motion? >> Motion to approve. >> Second, >> Marty. >> There's no public comment. >> Darn it all. >> There is that.
>> Okay. And just to reconfirm, Council Member Richards and Vice Mayor Horton. Okay. Council member Anna Richards. >> Yes. Vice Mayor Don Horton. >> Yes. >> Council member Steve Freriedman. >> Yes. >> Council member Deb Gillis. >> Yes. >> And Mayor Sharon Mahoney. >> Yes.
>> Motion passes 5-0. >> Thank you, council. >> You're welcome. Okay. John 17. >> It's a resolution of the village council of Lamar Village, Florida, approving a payment to CDWRE for the generator storage building project subject to execution and delivery of a release from
CDWRE, authorizing village manager to expend budgeted funds and providing for an effective date. >> Okay. Hey AJ, showtime. >> So, uh I know we've had u individual conversations about it. Um I'm really here to answer any questions so we can move forward with this project if you
guys have any specifics. >> Who wants to start? Let me see. De >> I didn't I didn't have a conversation with you. >> Well, not not with me specifically, but with the manager as well. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Do you have any questions? >> No, I don't. Um No, I don't have any
questions. I did get them answered. >> Yeah. AJ, tell me talk talk to me about these change orders. Why are there change orders? Why why did we have somebody come and bid on this project and give us a successful bid? Is it something that the the village has
requested additional construction, additional materials, additional things on this building? >> Uh, no. Uh I mean I I believe the there's some discrepancies with the contractor and our beliefs and that's where these change orders have come
from. Um there's been a lot of back and forth uh with the contractor and ourselves. Um and that's where we came to this agreement to try to move this project along. We >> contractor did bid on this bid on this project, bid on the plans. Uh and uh uh
there's been no request by staff in writing for there to be a change on the original set of plans. >> Uh out I know we brought back this uh previously and the the one item um that we definitely agree upon was the the
doors. Um the doors that were in the bid project were not the correct ones and we had already uh brought that back to you guys and you guys agreed upon it and that train that portion of that change order was approved >> and we approved that because correct >> because it was specked out with the wrong doors. >> Correct.
>> Right. Okay. So why are we asking for um additional uh costs on this if there's been no request by staff to do something different on these buildings? I believe we are really at an impass
right now uh with our our contractor to to get this project moving forward. Um >> so is the contractor failing to fulfill his contractual obligation? >> That I might have to ask. >> Well, I think you're missing the main
thing is that this has to me what I've learned. First of all, it's in my neighborhood and it's ugly the way it is right now. It is. It's a there's all kinds of crap in the yard and everything. >> Well, it's not finished. It's >> Well, I realize that. So, we need to finish it is my point. But my point is is that from my understanding, this goes
back to whoever did the contract with this company did not do it right. Is that correct? >> Is that >> the we did not use the con the general construction contract we would normally use for for agreement with this. >> And why not?
>> Um that was I wasn't part of that decision. But I would say this is this is what I would call um for you all at least is really kind of a costbenefit decision. Um we as AJ mentioned we're at we're at an impass. We have a project that is
partially completed. We need to complete it. Um, and it's my understanding that staff has has informally spoken to others just to get a gauge as to how much it would cost if we were to uh go with somebody else and um the cost for them to finish it as I
understand would be more than the cost of uh of this potential resolution. So it that's what I'm saying. It's really a costbenefit analysis for you all. Um I mean now there are options obviously the litigation end but there are there's costs associated with that as But my
point is is that whoever goofed up needs to a be held accountable and b not do it again because this is clearly the ball was dropped on our end is the way I'm understanding it. >> Yeah, we the village has a totally different uh I mean we still have a
contract that we're we're solid with and but we have a more comprehensive construction contract that the village uh has begun utilizing um uh going forward at least. we do have to outweigh the what it would cost to litigate this as opposed to finishing it. And it is a
very unattractive building right now. So, um I think that's the question is the cost to litigate as opposed to finishing the building would be cheaper. >> Yeah, it was the cost to litigate as well as the potential additional cost that a new vendor might uh might charge us.
>> Deb, did you want to say something? >> Yeah, I the way I understand it, there's also the time factor involved. you know, we can have this done >> maybe by the end of the year with the verbal promise at this point by the end of the year. >> Whereas if we go down the other path, it
who knows a year, two years, it's ugly. >> Yeah. >> And this is subject to him the contractor executing a release because we want this the way it's being proposed for your uh consideration is that this >> takes care of everything. Y >> obvious obviously if there's if there
are any valid change orders going forward like we had with the doors I mean those will be things that we'll deal with but this the idea is let's just do do away with everything and let's let's move move forward. >> But how can you be guaranteed it's going to happen because in a contract itself
the detailed project timeline says that the project end date is June 30th of 2025 and here we are in November. So, how do we know that that this contractor is going to perform on top of what he already hasn't performed according to his contract?
>> Yeah, I mean that obviously that's not something any of us could could guarantee that u you know that we we might not end up in in that position. I mean that it's uh just the hope that >> so we may end up having to go and and go back to court anyway. >> So would the
>> potentially Yeah. >> Would the money be withheld until completion of the project? Um, I don't think so because it goes to some of it at least a portion of it would I don't I I >> it's >> I don't want to speak out of term but I
know some of it uh you know if if it's used to cover materials and things like that obviously that would need to be purchased. Um but potential there's a potential. >> Could we could we potentially uh um pay for the materials needed but
not the labor side of it. I don't I don't Maybe I'm just barking up the I'm trying to cover what Don's saying is how do we know he's going to perform now? >> Yeah. I mean I think you know it's we don't I mean other than the desire to to
get paid on the full amount. I mean, that's that's the and us to not call up a performance bond on him. >> At this point, is all of the materials that are on site, all the materials that are stored, are they paid for by the Is there been a draw on that? >> I think the only thing that's still
pending that have been paid for are the the doors and windows that are not on site. >> So, we've already paid for doors and windows that are not on site >> for the order of that material. Yes, >> they're on order. Why we pay ahead of time?
>> It's I don't believe it's paid in full, but there's a big portion of it for the material. Yeah. >> Anna, did you want to say something? >> I mean, at this point, of course, I spoke to AJ earlier. The only point I'm going to make is that
for the sake of time and money, I would agree to it, but only, and I mean only if it is promised to be completed before the end of year. >> Steve, do you have anything? >> Um, and there is 160,000 remaining to be
paid to this contract. Is that right? >> Roughly, yeah, it's it's something of >> Okay. >> on top of the 258. The 258 would be in addition to the remainder of the portion of the contract. Yeah, >> it's almost 400 >> almost 400,000, >> but the informal estimates from a couple
other contractors were twice that >> more than that to complete it. >> Six or seven >> as I understand it. >> Hence why I said the for the sake of time and money, >> right? Is there penalties if if the fa if the contractor
fails to perform >> as far we do have a performance bond >> to be able to get this to be able to get this done by the end of the year? >> Well, can't we put a stipulation that it has to be done by December? That's what I'm saying. Like only by go
after the bond if we want to. So, sure we can we can put a drop dead date. Yeah, let's do >> Yeah, I would if you want to do that then that's in the in any motion it would be to include a uh a completion deadline of whatever the date is. >> And how how sure are you he can finish
it by the end of the year. >> The the contractor did tell us that that was his goal that he could easily have it completed by no that that that was his plan was to have it completed by then. So that includes being able to obtain the materials needed to complete it
>> by the end of the year, right? As an excuse, you know, I the materials are delayed. >> I don't that would be material should have already ordered them yet. >> Yeah, they should. >> I mean, they should have already been ordered, right? >> Yeah, those materials should have been ordered long ago.
>> So, can we do that then? Make have put on there that it has to be done by the first. >> Who's going to oversee this project? >> Uh, both Terry and myself are overseeing it. Who's been overseeing the project? >> Uh, both Terry, myself, and Sheila as well.
>> Okay. I mean, Deb is right that it could tie if we if we litigate this, we're it could be sitting like that for another year or two years depending unfinished. >> Un Yeah, it's ugly. >> And then we pay somebody else to finish it. >> Yeah. So, I mean, >> we pay somebody else to finish it. I
don't think you have much of a choice. But I think this is a good lesson on how to tighten up our contracts >> 100%. >> And just move forward. So >> I would make I would make the motion that public comment. >> Is there any? >> I don't think there's anybody here.
>> Yes, there is. >> Oh, wow. >> Way. That poor man has been sitting there since uh 5:30. >> I'm the terrible contractor. I'm sorry. So >> you sure you want to go here? No, I'm I'm here to answer questions for you.
So, I Let me take a step back so you guys can can see it from my my end, right? So, the the project was awarded to us back in October last year, right? The the contract was executed on November 5th, 2024.
Fine. That's when we started having issues, right? So, first the permits for both there's two buildings here. Both of them were supposed to be ready permit ready in hand the date that we signed the
contract. That was not the case. >> Whose fault was that? >> That that's that's on you guys. You guys are the owner. You're the ones who were supposed to in the RFP. It states clearly you you're providing >> construction plan documents the day of >> okay
>> execution. There wasn't a notice to proceed. >> There was there was never you the communication with the staff at the it was rough. Very rough. So let me let me continue. The first permit we didn't get until
December 12th for the first building. This at at the same time these were supposed to be going simultaneously at the same time. Let's get in. Let's get out. Let's get done. The second building we didn't get the permit for until February the 7th.
Why? Because someone forgot to submit planning and so I had to sit with the public notice for for 30 days and someone didn't do the the plans didn't finish and so then so now we're we're four months into it
and and we got the and we just now officially got two permits which was where we were supposed to been back in November when we executed the contract. Second big biggest big issue that we had in December when we got that first
contract. We have stamped permit plans. We submitted shop drawings to you guys to review for all the structural steel. There's no manufacturer going to purchase or or do anything without stamp
approved documents to provide them to get structural shop drawings for structural steel to be ordered. No one advised the engineer of record that they were that this was happening. So the guy
went on vacation. So we lost three weeks with without him ever knowing that these that these documents were going to be like he had to review them. So when he gets back he has 30 submitts for rebar, structural
steel material, concrete, all this stuff that sit there and he had so much on his plate. A lot of the stuff it just kept it just kept piling up. I sent you guys legal notices back in January and February saying this is a problem. We have to fix it. No one ever commented on
that. Never got anything. I also forwarded that in email to to the group. Never got a response on it again. I I told in February again in email this has to be approved. We have to get things moving. Why are we taking so long?
Because this this has to be done. So, as you know, prices still increase, increase, increase, increase, increase, increase. I there was nothing that I can do. And so, a majority of these changes, they're not changes. It's delays
on the village, putting people in place, getting stuff done to make sure that that everything was done in the correct manner. That's that's the majority of it. Second big thing when we did the RFP it was a 90% approval plan set which we
only got one approved plan which was for 81850. We never saw the second building until we got the permit in February the 6th. So when we got when we got that there was in the RFP there was two drainage
and plans labeled as use this as site plan. So on site plan 1 81850 there was a concrete apron out front very clear needed to be there site drainage done second site it showed drainage no concrete apron until we got the plans in
February then the concrete apron appeared so there was a change order for that and so let's take another step back because the plans didn't get submitted in time for the second building the second building was under completely
different building code. So the first building is under 2020. The second building is under 2023. And so when I submitted this back months ago when it was when it should have been taken care of, the roof system was completely different from the first roof system. I
told him that I don't know what happened at the board meeting that at that time, but I I made you aware eventually in in July. Oh, we realized that the that that this the roof is different. And so now you went back to the engineer and had to
modify the plans to match the first building. However, you can't completely change it because of the of the code change, right? So after we do these, add the new rebar, which was the change order for that, add the new rebar, add the more stuff, then we have to do like deflection plates and a bunch of other
stuff that has to be done at a later time after the roof is installed. I have tried everything in my power to to do the right thing and it and I feel like I haven't gotten anywhere. It's just been a constant delay, delay, delay, delay, delay. And that's that's
where we are today. I and I don't I'm not the the aggressive person, but at some point I have to put a stop to it because we got to make something's got to happen because I'm just literally I'm footing I you may say I'm not paying, but like I'm footing the bill for all
this extra stuff and these time delays and I'm I'm the one who's kind of being like stuck in it. So that's that's that. If there's any questions, >> Don, do you want to ask any questions? What was what was the date this was approved?
>> The RFP was wassued August 9th, 2024 and the council approved uh awarded it August October 8th, 2024. >> Notice to proceed was done when >> we we got the executed contract November 4th.
>> And when did you start construction? We started construction on the first project when we got the first set of per approved permits which was December the 12th. And >> which project do you consider the first project? >> The 81850. >> Second project 103 Key Heights. We didn't get the permit for until February
the 7th. >> What date did you say you started construction? >> December the 12th. That that's the date that we got approved plans for the for that first building. >> Weren't the plans already done to go out for the RFP? >> They were not. >> How did you bid the plans? How did you
bid it if you >> It was It was speculative plans. They were 90% complete plans for and the it was supposed to be one building is the same for the other when it when it actually was not the same. >> So when did you start
planning to build and ordering products to be able to start that 81850 >> when once we got the actual approved permit set >> because I can't December the 12th for the first building 81850. That's funny because on November the 26th, I spoke to you.
>> You spoke to me? >> Yes, I did. >> Okay. >> I spoke to you. Uh you actually sent me an email and you asked me for the CAD plan to >> CAD file. Mhm. Yes. That was so I could
send it for the survey. So the survey they know where to start the the site work. Because at that time Terry and them were still moving containers off off the site. >> Yes. Very aware of that. So you asked for a CAD file to send to a
survey company >> to our surveyor. Correct. >> Okay. >> So I can get started on the process. Correct. >> Not knowing. But then the next day you asked me for the CAD file to send to the
engineer for the design. But the design was already done. >> The design was done for the first building, 81850, but not the second. And it wasn't but it wasn't officially approved. >> Okay. So, back to November 26. You already knew what was happening. This
building was already there. You called my office personally, not here, not the village office, and asked for a CAD file to send to a surveyor. You called another survey office asking for a their CAD file to send to another surveyor.
>> I remember that conversation now. Yes. >> Oh, you remember talking to me? >> I remember talking to you. Yes. >> And then you remember being aggravated with me because I wouldn't give you by file. And then you said, well, I didn't mean it for another surveyor. You said I need it for another engineer.
>> I was. Yes. And then in like December 10th area, we went back to the site cuz you called for a form board survey. >> No, I'm not on December the 10th. >> No, no, no. It was around that time. I didn't say that particular date. No, it was the beginning of December. You
called and asked for a form board survey and I went to the site. I sent a crew to the site to do the form board survey and there was no forms in place to do the survey and I called you and I explained that to you and at that point you kind of argued with me and then I sent
pictures and there was only ditches in the ground with rebar only in the ground and I explained to you that that's not form boards >> form boards right >> and yet you argued with me and then I never heard from you again so you went back to your surveyor
um So, I'm just trying to figure out all your dates here, but yet you keep saying you're having delays, but I'm seeing delays on your end, too. So, >> delays on So, I'm I'm I'm going to go back through my photos here cuz I I remember that day. I'm I'm pretty sure
that was in January. >> No, it was December. >> John, >> it doesn't matter. I was just going to say while while he's looking at that um the village disputes a lot of what was said and I
think there were a lot of things that were not said. I don't want to necessarily litigate it here on the dis um but based upon my conversations with staff um I think there's a there's a bit of a there's a different picture than uh than what was what's being painted
during public comment. So, um I I think the the village has responded substantively to uh CDWRE on on a number of those issues, including um uh what Councilwoman Richards touched on, which was uh delays on the part of the vendor. Uh again, I don't want to litigate it up
here on the deis, but I I do just want to make sure that that both the council and the public understands that that um the the village disputes that and and believes that that's not the full picture of uh uh of what what has gone on. So today
>> and and back to my original point was I'm willing to move forward and get this done if you're willing to promise to have this done by the end of the year. That would be my stipulation. >> I I want this done more than anybody else. And and the date was December the 16th, which was 4 days after the permit
because I have the form board here. That was the day. December 16th. >> So December, like I said, >> December 16th. >> Yeah. Okay. So, are you willing >> My point, too, is >> I'm sorry, but >> No, I I'm just trying to make a point, too, is like >> I I think that there's issues on both
sides. I'm not disagreeing that there wasn't issues here. Obviously, there was, but it needs to be extremely clear that this if we agree to this amount that it is done before the end of the year >> that can be put in John can do that in the contract
>> with penalties. I think you can um uh the motion can be motion to approve uh with the amendment that payment be subject to completion by December 31st, 2025. >> Failure to p failure will result in penalty.
>> Yeah, I think yeah we in um the we have liquidated damages penalties in the contract >> as far as payment. So the payment is for items that I've already paid for. Uh that 258 is is so that I'm not in the hole anymore. Um, and there's still on
top of the there's already there's still 236,000 that's left in the pot, not the 160. >> Anybody else? >> So, so you're saying that we still owe you 236,000, not 160?
>> It's the exact amount's 236,500 is the exact amount >> plus the 258. >> The 258 is is cash that I've already spent out of pocket. That's that's plus that's what we owe you. >> Yes.
>> Is that your understanding, AJ? >> I don't have >> Is that your understanding, John? >> I I I'm not aware of that. I would need to speak with Terry and AJ uh or um I know Sheila's away and she's gotten pulled into this uh too. And so, uh, I
I'd need to speak with them as to what their, uh, what amount is left. I mean, if we only have a certain amount budgeted, uh, I'm a little surprised to hear a different number that's higher than that. But, uh, um, I'd need to speak with staff. >> But that's the first time I'm hearing that number, I should say.
>> So, where do we go from here then? That's the first time everybody's hearing these numbers. >> So, he's he's claiming it's higher than what what we were just discussing. the the last pay app was 236 was the remaining was the remaining balance from the the approved and paid pay
application 8. >> You're talking about the amount that you submitted >> from. So the last one that was paid was was for work completed in July 30th. July 31st was the end of the date that was paid which was paid on September the 2nd on that ending balance on February
8th. The remaining balance was 236500 >> 405 >> 236 405 >> 206 40 435 >> so Terry that's the amount that's remaining and that's the amount that's remaining as budgeted as well correct
>> on the on the payout. Yes. 236 405. >> I'll tell you what, I'm glad I'm at that house next door to that building. You guys built right on top of the property line. Sorry for those people. >> That I I agree.
>> 23645. That's it. That's correct. Yeah. I was working off a payment. >> So, John, what are our choices here if this is news to everybody? >> Well, it sounds like Terry, it sounds like the number you you you have an understanding of the number as to how
much is remaining to be potentially paid >> on the contract. Yes, sir. >> On the contract. So, the 236 that number is consistent with what? 236 and change. That number is consistent with what you have in the system. >> Correct. Of the 1719. Okay. >> Initial contract price.
>> Okay. So, it sounds like uh it sounds like it's just a different number, but we're we're at the same place we were um at the beginning of the presentation. >> And that's for completion. >> Yes. >> And we can stipulate by the end of the year >> if you put that in the motion. Yes. >> With liquidating.
>> Let's also stipulate that the that your engineer needs to approve all the plans in a timely manner as well to make that happen. That's all in the contract. We It's I don't We don't need any additional motions. It's in the contract. They They get timely submitted. They get turned
around timely. That it it's in the contract. >> Okay. >> And you understand what we're saying that it's going to be done by >> I completely understand. I completely all the all the doors were just delivered. Those are on on site. The only thing that's left is I need a few
directives on on what we want to do with the with the site frontage at at 81850 because of the there was an oil separator that was on the plans. These guys wasn't crazy about it. There was talks about changing it out. I proposed adding an addition to the top of it to
make it level with the pit instead of it being 2 ft deep in the hole. >> I just need some direction on that to how we can proceed. >> Remember who would give you that direction? I I don't know who who gives direction because I get direct directions from all kinds of people. >> It just comes.
>> Would it be Terry? >> Those two. >> Oh, look at they both look busted. It's like deer in the headlights back there. >> Right side. Give me four feet. Split the difference between four and oil separator like the drawing I sent you. Okay. >> A while back. >> And then I'll build a knee wall. We'll
plant a bush on it so nobody parks on it and we call it good. >> All right. And then so the the addition to add on to the top, scrap it. Don't worry about it. >> Okay, >> we're good to go. >> Okay. So, John, can we uh make the changes that we're talking about with
the stipulation and of the timing and the bond and everything? >> Yeah, it would be it if you wanted to based upon what was discussed, um I would recommend the motion I would recommend would be a motion to approve subject to completion by uh December
31st, 2025. Anything beyond that date would be subject to the liquidated damages provision. >> Do we have any safeguard for the future on contracts that maybe one person just doesn't do it and it has to go through a couple people before >> we're going to >> Yeah. Oh, okay. So we don't uh have this
issue again. >> I think they've already working on that. >> It's the I mean we've been working with uh with Sheila and with Ron. the uh it's a the contract that's with the village is significantly um >> the contract
>> stronger and longer >> the contract that's going on a puma is significantly different than >> okay so just so okay then so is there any >> so wait before I was going to see if there's any public comment unless you want to say >> he was the public comment >> well I didn't know if there's somebody
else is there anyone else >> no there isn't >> okay so council do I have a motion or do we have More discussion. How much more torture can we take? >> I said motion to approve based on
the completion date >> as John stated. >> Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Morning. >> Council member Anna Richards. >> Yes. >> Council member Deb Gillis. >> Yes. >> Council member Steve Freriedman.
>> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Don Horton. >> It's killing them. >> Killing them. just killing me. Yes. >> And Mayor Sharon Mahoney. >> Yes. >> The motion passes 5-0. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Approving work authorization number one between Wade Trim, Inc. and Isa Marada Village of Islands to provide general engineering services and Wastewater Utility Related Engineering Services. Authorizing village officials to implement the terms and conditions of the work authorization number one. Authorizing village manager to expend budget funds. Authorizing the village
manager to execute the work authorization and providing for an effective date. >> Before we start, is this something that should be discussed Monday? >> There's other things in here besides >> why not work with me here. This poor guy has sat here all night. >> Oh. Oh, I didn't know. >> You got to give him something here.
>> I couldn't see you. Sorry. >> Yeah. I think the reason we're bringing this tonight is that uh part of what's happening Monday will be covered by what we're approving tonight. We we we're agreeing to >> authorize wage trim to do extra work uh particularly with compliance of the D
consent order which we weren't aware of until a couple weeks ago. >> Okay. All right. Go ahead, AJ. >> Right. Uh yeah, as we were just saying um so this is our our normal work authorization with Wade Trim who is our wastewater engineer um for the
wastewater department. Uh the typical task that you normally see in there uh one through four are standard task um that we have every year. Um they do our permit reviews um any minor projects uh redesigns, things like that. um as far
as commercial or residential when they add into our system. Uh the additional task that you see on task five was another budgeted item. Um that was a the transient analysis of our force main uh going to Keargo.
Um and that is an additional task. It was a separate line line item budget um when we did our budget this year. Task six is a is a line item that is in the public works budget. This is for the design of the raising of the bike path
and lower mat that we received uh state appropriation funds for. And task 7, 8, and nine are new line or new items um with uh reference of our consent order with FD. >> I don't have >> there's seven, eight, and nine's not on here.
>> I don't see them. >> I got six. >> Me, too. No, I have six, too. >> On the council of communications or >> Yeah. Yes. >> Yep. >> Um, wait, before we go any further, do we need to uh move to extend for 15 minutes, please?
>> Is it that late right now? >> Move to extend. >> Okay. 15 minutes. >> Any longer? I'll kill you all. >> It might have been changed online cuz I might have changed on >> What do you have then is seven and eight. >> FTP consent order resolution. Eight is uh North Plantation key booster pump
station coordination and owners represent representative services. Task nine is uh Kargo wastewater uh district head works improvements review and coordination. That is correct.
>> Tough to see say at this time. >> You want public comment or just have >> Well, let's do I I see Sue is waited all night long for this. Do you have public comment? There you go. All right. So, let's go ahead. Sue, do you want to make your public comment
before we >> Did I catch you off guard? No. >> Oh, sorry. >> Oh, do you want some time? >> We have 15 minutes. >> Sue Miller, Laura Madakumbi. Well, my
first thing, excuse me, I'm sorry. I thought that it was important to put all of the wastewater issues next Monday instead of this meeting. Um I do have a problem with the way the staff report
was written um explaining that the total did not exceed what is under professional services. And if you look at the budget for
wastewater under professional services, we have $1.4 million to to um pay to Keargo to treat our wastewater. With this increase in the budgeted
amount for wastewater, we go over the amount so that we no longer have enough money to pay for our wastewater to be treated as I calculate it. And um I just think there are just so many wastewater
issues that we're not um dealing with correctly and that I would really like to have a more comprehensive understanding. You know, we have the SCADA system that was budgeted for $6,500
and it's way over that. And then we have have this that was budgeted, you know, for 370,000 and it ends up being, you know, significantly more. And I think that that we need a plan. And um and so it's
just frustrating to me to see you peacemealing things instead of addressing it. And I was really happy that we were having a wastewater meeting so that we could iron out all of the issues that we've been sort of just
taking one step at a time. But they're all they're all necessary. They're all important. They're all critical and and they have to they they have to be incorporated into the budget in a logical way instead of saying, "Well, it
it fits under professional services, but which which are you going to eliminate or are you going to borrow the $20 million now? Thank you." >> So, the money's >> and that's why I asked. >> So,
>> go ahead now, guys. Um AJ, some of these can you explain some of these tasks that are that are here? Um like just general engineering service and raising of the heritage trail. Is this something that we would normally
have weight trim take care of? >> Yes. So the the task one, two, three, and four are are normal uh tasks that we have our wastewater engineer perform every year. >> Are they all wastewater related? >> Yes, they are. Task one, two, three, and four are all wastewater related.
>> That's all. So that's all wastewater. Okay. >> Yeah. So th if you look at those those four tasks, um those are budgeted numbers, but they're also not to exceed. So they're not a lump sum. That's that's a that's a guarantee. Um as an example, last fiscal year, I think we had uh a
little over $200,000 budgeted, $215,000 budgeted, and we used uh a little over $88,000. So, we only used 40% of the uh not to exceed um but it does incorporate when we do have larger issues uh that they do
have to look at if there's more development things like that. A lot of these fees are also recuperated in um the permit review as well. >> Don't we have a we have an in-house uh civil engineer? Can that civil engineer
take care of task six? No, he he could not. >> Why not? >> That would require a few You would need a more of a transportation pavement engineer. He doesn't do paving. He he does storm water review. Um he does a
couple other things. At civil engineering is a very broad engineer. Um when we deal with an engineering firm, we get all of those types of engineers to work on that project. You're going to work with a geotechnical for the base. That's to design. you're going to do a pavement design. Uh those are all done
by different engineers that if you as a civil engineer, you are not an expert in all aspects of civil engineering. >> He can't >> civil engineer can't figure out how to compact on top of a a base and reach
100% compaction and tell you to put an an inch thick of asphalt and raise that. Yeah, that's that that's that I would let Rob speak for himself if he feels he can design
that. Um, but I I I don't think he can. I my myself as an engineer, I would not be able to design all of those things. >> So, and uh this poor man who's been sitting here who I could didn't see behind Sue. Is there anything you want to say or you
>> I'm happy to answer any questions. Does anybody have any question for this gentleman? >> So, if you don't know, this is David Mullen. He's our representative for Wade Trim. >> All right. Does anybody have any que feel sorry for him? It's like he he had the ultimate torture. >> I hope you get an extra pay.
>> Just talk for 30 seconds. Make it worth your while. >> Do you Does anybody have a question for this gentleman? Yeah, >> I mean I I I have an issue with wastewater just because >> I can mention some of the the the
questions that they had as far as what was budgeted. We had over $620,000 budgeted this year for uh services with Wade Trim. The task seven, eight, and nine were non-budgeted items and that's where we're exceeding that was uh those
items were created be uh because of the consent order and and again those task are budgeted numbers that are in this work authorization with a not to exceed. >> So Ron clarify when I said why doesn't this wait till Monday? Why? What was
your reasoning to >> because Monday is when we're going to have all the engineering teams all come in along with Karos and discuss this but way trim was saying they want to make sure that that wasn't part of their original contract. In other words, what we're asking to do Monday is on top of what they would ordinarily do.
>> Got it. >> Because they're working specifically, for example, on the consent order, we have to have you've all read the consent order. There's certain requirements that the clock started ticking last Friday. we have to have a plan in place within 60 days etc. And I didn't want to take
the chance of any delay. So that's why we want to go ahead and approve this tonight so that by mon a week from now remember it's a week from now that the next meeting is we don't want to you take the chance that we weren't going to be ready for next Monday's meeting. So the the the
D demand order, you call it a consent order, but it's really they demanded this is um is raises this price by 330,000 on our budget impact. Basically >> 250.
>> Well, we went from 570 to 9007. That's 330, isn't it? >> Well, I figured it's 330. >> I'm sorry. Yeah, I broke them out by each one. I added up task 789 was to 250.
>> I did it in my head, not a calculator, so I could be wrong, but it looks like 3:30 to me. >> I have a crazy thing. Why didn't we get the update? >> I'm not sure. >> Makes it really hard.
>> What's that do to our How how is that going to affect our budget? Our budget was tight already. Um So, I believe that lots of this is paid for through the the wastewater stuff, the sewer stuff is paid for through um
FQUIP, >> correct? Is that right? >> Yeah, we we can >> the federal funds. >> We we do get reimbursement um for some of their services through FQIP as well, which I believe is >> Are we getting FUP this year?
>> 65% reimbursement. I don't know whether it came through this year. >> I don't know. Remember this year? >> Did it? >> Not this year. >> You do not have >> No, it's not. >> You do have no earthquake, but you can. >> So, if it's approved next year, we can
submit last year, this year, and previous years that have things that were not submitted. >> They they allow they allow back building >> to back up to be paid. >> Okay. And and we also have stewardship money that they I think from you're talking about the federal equipment stewardship is state the state
>> and we we've been sitting on on a lot of money and also this week at the request of some of the council members we actually put a request in the state legislature I believe for 750,000. >> Yes. >> Uh to because of the consent degree this consent order that we're saying if the
if the state has ordered us to do XYZ then we'd like to get some funding from the state. Now, obviously that's we don't know if we're going to get it, but we've asked >> and you're utilizing our contacts with our federal lobbyists to try to help us. >> As soon as the shutdown, we were told that they weren't going to discuss any
preparations until the shutdown, which we're still not clear about. But once that's resolved and whatever it is, then they're going to start the process up again. But right now, no, the House wasn't even in Washington DC. There's nobody to talk to.
>> All right. Is there anybody? >> Anna. >> Anna, you have something? >> No. >> Steve? >> Okay. So, and we're done with public comment. Sue was the only one. This poor gentleman from way trim doesn't even
want to talk for 30 seconds. So, >> he's talked down. >> So, >> sometimes that's better. >> Yeah. >> Good man. >> So, council, do we have >> I'll make a motion to approve. >> Do I have a second? >> I'll second it. Morning.
>> Council member Deb Gillis. >> Yes. >> Council member Anna Richards. >> Yes. >> Council member Steve Freriedman. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Don Horton. >> Killing me. >> I know. Me too. >> Yes. >> And Mayor Sharon Mahoney. >> Yes. >> Motion passes 5 to zero.
>> But we will talk about this Monday. >> Yes, we will. >> Um John Tab 19. Can I suggest we all have a little bit of time to look at this to see if there's any conflict as I just now, you know, is in the back. >> I I already do have some conflicts. So, what do you want?
>> Should we do it on Thursday? >> Do it on Thursday. Absolutely. >> Well, some of the dates I emailed Marne, some of the dates are conflicting with what's on here versus what's online for council dates. >> What's What do you mean? >> So, like on this sheet right here, she has April 7th as the council meeting,
but on online it says it's April 14th. >> It's who did the online? Those are events that were recurrent um that were programmed in a while ago and I was removing them and so it's a lie
online. >> Yeah, the ones online. >> There's like three months that are not >> they've been removed. So this is the correct right now. What you have in front of you is correct. >> Okay. And >> so we should work off of this. >> Yeah. Work off what we got and come back Thursday and we can go over it at that
point if that's agreeable with everybody. Unless you want to do it now. You really want to torture us now? >> No, we can do it Thursday. That's fine. >> I mean, it's got to get We just got to get done. Yeah. >> So, >> okay. >> Can you give us a hint?
>> So, I was going to say if if you want to just give us a hint of what date so that we can see if it works for us. >> I got two just right off the bat. I think the 10th and the 11th of March. Same conflict I had this year. >> What was that? >> We have You want to go fishing? >> Well, I want to get paid. Yeah.
>> Uh seven. So I would uh I think it was uh so just a suggestion of the 17th and 19th instead of the 10th and the 12th of March. >> Take a look at that. >> That's still all kind of contingency on Florida Keys Days too because that falls within that area
>> next year. Yeah. So I've I don't think it's been made public yet, but I did hear a date for Florida Keys Days and none of the dates we're talking about would uh conflict with what my understanding is talking about beginning of February. Yeah, >> definely. >> So, we need to look at
>> We're not going to finalize this tonight. If everybody just say what months that they >> Well, go ahead and Okay, Deb, what months are bad for you to say? >> Don, go ahead and break it to us. >> Which month? >> Steve is March and go with you had three. Spit it out.
>> Just give us a month so we can look at our calendars and bring it back Thursday. U the the August u the the August month is is a big conflict for me. >> Well, that's budget too. >> I know, but the that 11 and 13th, if we can move it to the 18 and 20. >> Okay.
>> That that would work. >> And if you guys remember, we we didn't meet in August this year. So, I don't know if you guys like that or didn't. >> Oh, yeah. I did like that. >> Yeah, we had the budget meetings instead. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Because that week is the the League of Cities in Orlando. What is
>> the August? The the 12th, 13th, 14th. >> Right. Right. >> August. So, we're looking at the third week. And what's the other one, Don? >> Um, it's not a conflict. It's just that I will not be available the last two weeks of May. I'll be out of country.
>> The last two weeks. >> Two weeks of May. >> Well, what's the last two weeks? >> There's nothing in May. >> There's nothing there. So, it's not going to matter. Just if we were to move, if somebody else had had to move it, I'd just say I I can't do that. >> So, we have March. >> So, whatever you want, I'm going to make sure that we need to clear.
>> So, it's just March in August. And if we don't have a meeting in August, we're good. >> And I'm going to check July. July might be a conflict. I just got to check the dates first. >> Well, when did you hear Florida Keys dates were? Just out of curiosity. You said the beginning of February. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I I don't know if it's public. I'll tell you afterwards. Just in case I
have a fishing tournament. >> Announcing it publicly. I'll tell you. Let's let's call them and tell them that they can't do it. >> Yeah, I have a vision. >> Okay, >> okay, we'll talk again on th Thursday. Uh, anybody want to continue on or do I
hear a meeting? >> Move to adjourn. >> Second to >> Thank you.