All right. Good afternoon everybody and welcome to our council meeting for tonight on June 9th. Uh Katie, will you lead us in the pledge of allegiance? >> Yes, sir. >> Thank you. I pledge alce to the flag of the United
States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you so much. >> Okay. Council, do we have any requests for any deletions or emergency additions
tonight? Anna, >> no. >> Vice Mayor. >> Steve, >> no. Deb, >> no. Did we need to do roll call? >> Okay. Uh, no we didn't. Arie, I'm so sorry. Will you do roll call? >> Council member Steve Freriedman >> here.
>> Council member Deb Gillis. >> Yes. >> Council member Anna Richards >> here. >> Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney >> here. >> And Mayor Don Horton. >> I'm here. >> We have a quorum. >> Uh, Ron, do you have anything on emergency additions or deletions?
>> No, I have to talk later. Okay, very good. Uh, >> John. >> John. >> We rhyme. >> Nothing for me. >> Nothing for you either. Okay. Very good. Then, uh, do we have any mayor and
council communications? If you don't, I do. >> You know, one of the things that we we fail to do sometimes is talk about the things that we do do. Do do. I said do do. And uh um the one of the thing good
things that came out of uh our trip uh during Florida Keys Day was the meetings that we had and and the the the discussions that we had and working tight closely with um with both of our lobbyist firms with Gray Robinson and
with the Southern Group. And Katie, thank you for being here tonight. Um 2026 state appropriations north plantation key pump station capital project. We were uh given appropriations of $375,000.
Uh this project involves the corrective actions in engineering and construction for the replacement of the existing NPK transfer pump station. Another was $300,000 of appropriation that we got from the state for the Sea
Oats Beach breakwater project. That's a project that our uh Peter has been working on, our environmental guy, and it's a request for funding for the first phase of an erosion control and a living shoreline along Alamata Sea Oats Beach. Uh the first phase of the project
involves the completion of the pre-construction activities including the design, the final engineering uh and the permitting. Uh what that will be is when they say it's a living shoreline is actually they just below the water line
they'll be putting in these structures that will stop you know help stop the wave attenuation and the erosion that's happening down there on Seo Beach. And probably a lot of us remember being able to walk on that beach for hundreds of feet before you got to the water out
there. Uh Island School to neighbors pedestrian safety walk. Uh we got 350,000. The project would extend the existing sidewalk at the schools connecting them to the high residential areas immediately adjacent to the schools.
Uh it's going to target Plantation Key, Coral Shores, and Treasure Village Monasuri. and then another $350,000 uh in enhancements to Alamrada's public transit system which we can use for uh
work on freebie to help us with that or on um uh or on this idea of having starting a loop transit system that would go stay on the old road pretty much and go north to south and south to
north. So, um, that's what the good came out of, you know, our visit and our discussions with our lobbyists and and, uh, us being able to go to Florida Keys days. So, a good thanks to all who attended, Gray Robinson and the Southern
Group. And we're happy you're here, Kate. Uh, so, village attorney, I think you wanted to talk about the freebie ride share implementation, right? No, >> you do, Ron. No, I think that was wrong. Yeah. >> Okay.
>> Before we get to that, a couple other things to follow up what you said. Uh in addition to the specific appropriations, the legislature once again approved $20 million for the stewardship funds. Uh we've had communications as late as today to try to get an ILA done. It's required an ILA between the
municipalities, the aqueduct, and the uh the county. And so we anticipate our share of that to be at least 2 million. So, but we're trying to get it in writing. So, I'm still negotiating the ILA, but that 20 millions on top of the other things you talked about and obviously we are also got at the federal
level FQUIP money coming and we talked about the north the MPK booster pump station. Our goal is to have almost all of it paid for by grant money and so we're getting close that this 375 was kind of I call it icing on the cake because we weren't counting on that and I that's why I didn't say anything until
the governor didn't veto things because I didn't want to draw any attention to it. So, we did very well unlike, let's say, other entities that got vetoed. We none of our issues got vetoed. So, thanks again to Kate and uh and Southern Group and Gay Robinson. >> Are we working on getting that $20 million stewardship fee um in
perpetuity? Because this is an annual thing that we have to ask for, but there's there's possibilities of getting this in perpetuity. Right, Kate? >> When it comes to legislature, nothing's in perpetuity because they could always not withstand. But I think they've tried to write in the statute, if that's what you mean. But any legislature having
been there, they can undo anything. So that's our goal every year is to make sure it's in there. But every two years you have different leadership and theoretically they could come in and say we're just not going to do it. We've had Florida Forever funding that was in statute. I sponsored every place forever
and and they just didn't do it. So that's we've been very successful thanks to our lobbyists and our folks up there, you know. And by the way, I want to give a shout out to Jim Mooney, our state rep, and Anime Rodriguez. Obviously, our legislative delegation did a great job getting these things in addition to our lobbyists >> 100%.
>> But the the stewardship money every year we have to fight for it whether it's in statute or not, which I guess mean you mean forever, but they cannot withstand the statute. So that's why we have to every year stay on top of it. And that's why we have to stay in touch with our lobbyists and our legislators to make sure that it's funded every year. And
the next exciting thing was the governor signing the fiscal year 2627 budget of 665 million for restoring continuing to restore the Everglades and the EAA project. And in fact, I had been speaking to the Everglades Foundation
and Dr. Steve was willing to come last Tuesday, but you weren't going to be here and I knew you were real interested in that project as well. So, we've rescheduled him for August. He couldn't make it tonight, otherwise we would have had that. So, uh, Dr. Steve will be here representing the Everglades, uh,
agricultural reservoir area and Florida, the Everglades Foundation to give us an update on that. So, >> all good stuff going on. >> Yep. >> One other update. Um, I've gotten several residents contact me about the sargasm issue, about the smell and
piling up on the beaches. So, today, uh, my thought was obviously it should be impacting tourism. And so I I I contacted Cara Franker with TDC and I Brian Dr. Brian La Point and I have a long relationship. He I called him before I talked to Cara and I said,
"What are you doing about sargasm?" He actually is looking at a pilot project where it's not good to scrape it off the beach because when it's the beach, you're taking sand with it leads to erosion. You can't do it too far out because then the sargasm has like living creatures like turtles and all. So I guess there's a sweet spot where it's
offshore but not on the beach. He's looking at a project where he would use like shrimp boats and all to go out there and pull it out of the water before it hits the beaches >> and then they repurpose it. >> Yeah. And then they could then they could make it into fertilizer or something else. There's certain things.
Some of it has arsenic, mercury, et. So Dr. Le Point said, "Yes, I can do it, but I don't know how I'm going to pay for it." That gets to the So I said, "What about TDC?" And so I talked to Cara today doc she's a doctor cara Franker and she said she's very interested in it. I said I wouldn't mind if maybe Alamrada was a pilot project
because they usually have to go through a municipality not just an organization and so she's very interested. I gave her Dr. Le Point's number and they're going to talk because I what I'm hearing is sarasm is not going to go away. It's getting worse and so I think we should be proactive and because it's piling on
people's yards and everything else and the smell is getting into people's houses. hydrogen sulfide I believe it is and so anyway I make I want to bring it up there's nothing definite but I want to get that conversation going and let the residents know we are aware of the sargasm problem unfortunately from a
village standpoint there's not a lot we can do about it either it's not on our property or it's on private property it's on state property and there and then what do you do with it if you take it off and I talked to Cheryl Sullivan who's the head of solid waste for the county I said what do we do with it if it does collect said you have to spread it out let it dry out because they
charge you by the pound if you take the transportation which be which we're not going to pay for. I'll leave it at that. And so we're looking at different alternatives before it hits the beach. And so I just want to give you an update on that. Uh and then let's see, I had um
oh turf fibers. We got some people that said uh the playground was shedding some some fibers. And so the mayor and I went personally today at lunchtime and uh we it it's true. There were some fibers there. And so Maria was out there. We walked it with Maria. She was already
aware of it. She has already contacted Caleb Smith with Sunshine Turf and I sent you all I think you should have gotten the email. Yep. >> It says it's kind of expected to have it wasn't unusual, but they are going to come down to the playground and blow the surface using leaf blowers and then
collect and dispose of the piles and so it's going to be taken care of. So in case I'm not sure who any of you were contacted, but we are proactively taking care of the playground issue. >> But he said the problem was really just like brand new fuzz on the carpet. you know, it's something part of the manufacturing. It's just something that
needs to be uh cleaned up and addressed at this point. So, it's not that the thing's falling apart. And the playground was full of kids and they were having a great time today. When we went there, it was right around noon, wasn't it? >> Mhm. >> Yeah. >> And it was packed. It's We had the They have the parks recreation program there.
And there must have been what, 30 or 40 kids out there. >> Yeah. They call it Camp Sunburn because all of the kids are out there, but they were having a great time. my two great granddaughters were out there. So that was awesome seeing them. >> And so the final thing is freebie. Um once again uh during the meeting Tuesday
as I we finalized the agreement literally during the meeting. Uh so we do have an agreement with freebie. There are still some things that we might want to keep talking about. Uh but we did uh basically talk on Tuesday about when to implement the $2 fee. And so I believe
the the direction was to implement a $2 fee. So I talked with Jason Spiegel with U with Frey yesterday because obviously they haven't been charging here but they do charge in other areas and so I asked him for how do we communicate with the writers about the fee and he says it has
they have an inapp popup not notification so when you go on the freebie app it'll tell you that there's push notifications that have enabled that so they can notify people that ask for notifications. They have an email campaign because they have numerous people that are registered alamar users
in their database. So he will send an email that has the effective date, how to pay, frequently asked questions and customer support. And then their drive they call driver and community ambassador outreach where they're I guess their drivers are called village ambassadors. They will notify riders upcoming fairs during trips and answer
basic questions. And then they'll also have a customer support team available to answer any questions. Uh we we know that there's an issue about people don't have credit cards. We've talked about having let have they get prepaid cards and loading them and they he strongly
discouraged Jason strongly discouraged use of cash either with freebie or through the village >> and that's a if not it can't be done but internally for us it was a lot of issues and he didn't want to do it. So the cash part, we're going to try try to encourage the people who don't have a
credit card uh to get those. You can go to CVS, Publix, whatever, and get the cards and load them up. And he says that works in other areas, and it should work here. So that's the plan for implementation of the the writer feed. >> Good deal. >> Can we after the quasi do judicial
backtrack and talk about freebie a little more, but let's get Tai out of here? Okay, that was all my that's all my my manager communications >> and I'd like Well, I also there's some public comment as well, so I'd like to be able to open that as well after. >> Okay, John.
>> I'm sorry. I'm good. I'm good with that. It's all good. >> I'm good with that. Okay. Well, why don't we Yes, John. >> Just on the freebie item when when we get to that, if we could just get a um a motion from the council as to when you guys would like to start the uh start charging that way um because under the
agreement, it uh it's decided by council. >> All right. Thank you, John. >> Deb, >> we'll discuss that later about when. >> Yeah, sure. Let's do it. >> Okay. Otherwise, I I'll make my opinion now. But good deal. >> I'll wait. >> All right. So, why don't we go on and
open it up to public comment. Speaking of public comment, >> we've got public comment here on this >> general public. >> We're off a freebie. Let's do public general open general public comment of things that are not on the agenda for tonight, but things that people want to
get off their chest. So, Marty, do we have anyone signed up? >> We do. Let's start with Jamie Angel. >> Jamie, >> your favorite person again. Hi, >> welcome. >> Jamie Angel, uh, Plantation Key. Good evening, council. At Tuesday night's meeting, someone asked a question that I
think deserves to be addressed again. Another community member asked, "Where was the energy and concern before when taxpayers were spending money on fields that were described as garbage while also spending approximately $48,000 a year on water?" And honestly, that is a
very fair question. If the field has been in such terrible condition for years, where was the outcry before now? How many times did coaches, athletic directors, parents, staff, or community members come before the village council or the school board and demand that the
field be fixed? And if they did, what happened? Because Tuesday night, we heard from volunteer coaches Tony Hammond and Doug Minkovich, I hope I said his name right, who both described the field as being in horrible condition. We also heard school board member Sue Waltansky recently refer to
the field as an embarrassment. But this raises an important question. Last year, during several council discussions, we heard from parents, players, coaches, athletic directors, and community members about how bad the field was, how long it had been the way it was, how
dangerous it was for players, and how teams and officials were allegedly refusing to play there. At that time, Pat Lefir assured the community and this council that the field would be in pristine condition when the team played on it for 2026. As the January turnover
approached, I personally checked several times with many people and I spoke with the village manager and also with Tony Hammond in January specifically to ask whether the field was in pristine and playable condition that had been promised. I was assured that the field
was in good condition. But now after the field was turned back over to the village in June, we're again hearing that the field is an embarrassment. So my question is simple. If the field was in good condition when the village turned it over to the school board in January and it was returned to the
village in June in what is now being described as an embarrassing condition, who is responsible for overseeing the maintening the field during that time? And if the field was not actually in good condition in January, then why were we told it was? This is not about
stopping the baseball field project. I support having a safe, beautiful, first class field for Coral Shore students and our community. But this situation is exactly why the village needs an airtight agreement before entering into a long-term commitment that could last
20 to 40 years. If there's already confusion over responsibility, maintenance, oversight, condition, and accountability on the existing field, then we cannot afford to carry on that same confusion into a new multi-million dollar facility. The village needs to know clearly and in writing who is
responsible for what, who pays for what, who maintains what, who inspects what, and what happens if those obligations are not met because the taxpayers should not be left holding the bag later because the agreement was vague today. Thank you. Oh, and I made my time.
>> You were right on time. Thank you, Jamie. You must have timed that. >> I did, Marne. >> Next up is Sue Miller. >> Okay, Sue. Sue Miller representing the Alamrada Community Alliance and I didn't time myself. Um there are several things that
I have a concern about. Uh we have talked for several months about the status report that's supposed to be provided every month and this month again I didn't see it and I don't know who did but I think that that's
something that the public should have access to and know what the status of the projects that you're assigning our staff. Um, I'm disappointed that we are trying so hard to save money
that we can no longer provide a simple two-page copy of the agenda so that when we sign up for public comment, we know what tab we're signing up for.
Um, I am really frustrated as I mentioned Tuesday about the competitive bid process utilized by the village. The competitive bidding process is so critical for ensuring our transparency
co and cost effectiveness and the quality of our procurement process. And I uh hear quoted all the time about the selection committee is to be appointed
as members of the staff. And so I wondered where did that come from? It came from the purchasing policy and procedures manual which I'm sure you have all studied just as I did for
several hours today. Um, it is definitely out of sync with what you do. It's out of sync with Florida law. It's out of sync with village code. And I think that before
you quote one section of the manual as being required, you should review the entire policy manual to make sure that it's correct, it's what you want to do, and it follows the rules of other um
government regulations. There are so many issues in there. The one that really got me was the work authorization section where for continuing service and
work authorations authorization it says in bold print selection of these consultants do not require any further quotes or other type of solicitation. And then for pages, it
describes all the things that are required that it just said aren't required. And so I think that that before you um continue quoting from the sections of the manual
that you like, you should look at the sections of the manual that maybe aren't to your liking and so you ignore. It's a mess. The policy manual is a mess.
If you can't follow all of the recommendations in there, you shouldn't follow any of them as far as I'm concerned. Take a little bit of time, read it, and fix it. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Sue. Marie, is there anyone else?
>> Yes, sir. Hold on one sec. Let me get Mr. Wish Meer on Zoom. Okay, Mr. Wish Meer, go ahead. Three minutes. >> Yes. Thank you very much. Joe Wishmire, Plantation Key. I was uh greatly concerned when I saw
that the discussion on freebie was under a concept where the public would not have any comment on it. So I just want to say I will talk about that later. But I am glad to see that you all moved that towards the end of the meeting so that we will be able to do some commenting on
that especially the amount of time that the committees put into it and was hoping that a lot of the things got into the the current contract that might be missing a little and I'm sure that's what our manager was talking about when he said there are some things in the
contract that we still need to talk about. I guess it would have been nice to talk about them before the contract was actually signed, but you know, I guess better late than never. The next thing that I wanted to talk
about was uh I don't know how you can have a quasi judicial hearing on a piece of property that had code violations from the clearcut uh that happened on that lot. I had been talking about that for several times
during public comment. and yet no action seemed to have been taken and now they're going to actually apply for a dock. So I don't know how that can come about and unfortunately I'm not there tonight so I cannot participate in that quasi judicial
hearing. So I will be talking later on about the freebie. So thank you for the time. >> Thank you Joe. Anyone else? >> No, sir. That's it. >> All right. Is there anyone in the public
would like to speak? >> This is our first time sminskis were avocado regarding the dock that he's >> Oh, we'll get to the dock issue. This is just kind of open comments of anything not related to that just for folks to
Okay. So, we will get to you trust me. >> Uh okay. Let's see. Uh hearing no other public comment is now closed and uh we can go into quasi judicial uh John.
>> Yep. Tonight we've got one quasa judicial item. Uh please be advised that the following agenda items are quasi judicial in nature. If you wish to comment on these items, please inform the village clerk by filling out the available signup form. An opportunity for persons to speak on each item will be made made available after the applicant and staff have made their presentations on each item. As a
reminder, testimony and quasi judicial items must be in person and Zoom testimony is not permitted. These proceedings will be handled in accordance with the village code requirements. All testimony, including public testimony and evidence, will be made under oath or affirmation. Additionally, each person who gives testimony may be subject to cross-examination. If you do not wish to
be either cross-examined or sworn, your testimony shall be disregarded. The general public will not be permitted to cross-examine witnesses, but the public may request the council to ask questions of staff or witnesses on their behalf. The full agenda packet on each item is hereby entered into the record along with the village code and comprehensive
plan. Any correspondence that was received by the village staff is included in the file and part of the record. Persons representing organizations must present evidence of their authority to speak for the organization. Further details of the quasi judicial procedures in section 30-256 of the village code may be obtained from the village clerk. As
mentioned tonight, there's one quasi judicial item which is tab A. At this time, I would like to ask anyone who intends to speak on this quasi judicial item tonight to please raise your hand to be sworn in by the clerk if you intend to speak. >> In the matter in which you are about to
give testimony, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? >> The witnesses have been sworn. >> Mr. Mayor, tab A is a resolution of the village council of Alamara Village, Florida, concerning the request by Glenn Bo and Associates, Inc., agent for David Vans for the uh a dock length variance
for the development of a peer type dock with a 4ft by 140 foot access walk culminating in 160 square ft 8x20 terminal platform for a docking facility with a total footprint of 740 ft on property located at 18 Avocado Street
Upper Madakumbi Key as legally described in exhibit A providing for the transmitt of this res uh resolution to the Florida Department of Commerce and providing for effective date. Uh, council, if you recall before we begin, uh, please disclose any exparte communications you may have had with anyone. Um, and
please, um, specify, uh, whether the person represented a group or entity, uh, as well as the specifics of the subject matter in discussion as you best recall. >> Thank you, John. Anna, >> just Brett Uklum and Ty Harris in regards to um, applying for the long
dock and if I had any questions. >> Thank you, Vice Mayor. uh Brett Ecklum about if I had questions. >> Thank you. Uh Steve, >> um I spoke with staff about it and I received a voicemail from Brett Ecklum asking for support and I didn't have a discussion. >> Thank you, Deb. >> I had none.
>> You had none. I spoke to Ty. I spoke to uh Brett Ekloom both about the long dock and I got many emails about it. Uh mostly in favor of it. So that's uh that's what it was all about. And then the conversations with Ty and Brett >> both related to the long do variance and
and uh you know if there was any issues with the long do variance. Yeah. >> Thank you. >> All right. Very good. >> We can begin. >> Daniel, would you like to introduce the item, please? >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council, a little bit of background. The applicant,
Glen Bone Associates, Inc. On behalf of the property owners, David Vansent has has submitted a dock length variance application on the subject property located at 18 Avocado Street comprising of approximately 0.61 acres of land area. The current use of the property is
residential with a single family home, pool, and other hardscaping currently under construction. The dock length variance application is for the development of a peer-type dock with a 4ft x 145 ft access walk culminating in 160q ft terminal platform for a dock
with a total footprint of 740 ft. The dock proposed has the proposed dock has received approvals from FD and the Army Corps of Engineers. A notice of an intent to issue was posted on the property and mailed to the property owners within a 300 ft radius of the
subject property on April 10th, 2026. On April 13th, 2026, staff received a request for a public hearing by the property owners located at 19 Avocado Street. Their standards for reviewing docks and granting long dock variances. I'll briefly go through those for this
proposed dock. Uh, one will be consistent with the community character of the surrounding area. There are 17 pier style docks within one mile of the subject property that are in similar design to the proposed dock. These docks range in length from approximately 30 feet to 165 ft. The two docks exceed the
two docks exceed 100 ft in length measuring 154 and 165 ft respectively. Several docks within one mile north and south of the subject property extend north from jetties or peninsulas. When measured from the shoreline, these docks together with the jetty or peninsula
extend out into Florida Bay up to 300 ft. The property to the southwest of the subject property has a dock that together with a jetty extends 145 ft into Florida Bay. A property to the northeast of the subject property has a jetty that extends 170 ft into Florida
Bay. The second criteria will not interfere with public recreational use or in public uses in or in or on adjacent waters including the obstruction of saltwater flats. The proposed dock does
not interfere with public recreational uses and there are no saltwater flats near the proposed dock footprint. Third criteria will not be detrimental to marine resources. The benthic survey submitted by the applicant describes a seaggrass community consisting of macro
algae and seaggrasses that is typical to the surrounding bayside nearshore waters of upper Madak Ki and the upper keys. Several coral colonies are located on the existing boulders underneath the existing dock. Any corals impacted by the proposed dock will be required to be relocated or mitigated through the
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The dock is designed to be elevated 5T above mean high water to reduce shading impacts to seaggrass. The proposed dock terminates over seaggrass and meets the requirement of minus 5 ft mean low water depth at the terminus in order to
protect seaggrass. Uh criteria four will pose no navigational or safety hazards. There is open and un unobstructed water beyond the proposed dock terminus. The proposed dock terminus does not extend further beyond the jetty northeast of the property or the dock to the
southwest. The dock will not impede standard vessel operation. To summarize, the reason this item is before you tonight is that upon public notice of the notice of intent to issue this variance, the neighboring property owner to the north requested a public hearing. The proposed dock meets the
required criteria for granting a long dock variance. There are neither budget nor staff impacts. Staff recommends approval of this variance. Um the additional note, we did receive five emails from property owners in that neighborhood that are either that state they're either in support or do not
oppose the variance. Uh that concludes my presentation and I'm happy to answer any questions. >> Thank you, Daniel. Um well, I'll ask you questions in a in a minute. Uh why don't we go on and open testimony to those
that are in favor of this application. >> That would be Ty Harris. >> Stand up, Ty. I'm working on that. >> Thank you. >> Good evening, everybody. And with that, Zinger, um my office is at at 110
Plantation Shores Drive, U Plantation Key, Florida. and I'm here on behalf of the owner of the property. Uh I'll save a little bit of time for rebuttal if I need it. But I I thought one of the interesting things that we really haven't talked about with doc
variances before because we don't really see a lot of challenges to them is that if you look at the criteria for the variance for a doc, it is completely different than the criteria for a general variance in our code. Um, you
know, one of the things that you have to demonstrate with a typical variance is that you, it's not a self-created hardship. Um, it's a much different standard. What our variance criteria for a long dock does is it actually meshes the considerations of department of
environmental protection along with the army corps. So when you see the things about navigability that is army corps when you see the things about protection of benthic resources and Daniel mentioned corals and seaggrasses that's the part that
comes from D. So before you even see this project, it already has approval from both D and Army Corps just to get to the village. And the other reason you see variances in Marada is that we require you to go out deeper and have
more clearance between the seaggrass and um and the the dock. Uh so you're going to get longer docks if you require 5T. The standard in Florida, I believe, is three. Um, so we're making you go out two feet deeper. So you're
gonna have 145 foot docks and even longer docks. Um, so that's why we have this variance process in place. And for properties that are on the water, uh, when you buy on the water in Marauder or anywhere in the state of Florida, if
your property line touches the water, you have what are known as repairarian rights. And part of those repairing rights are the enjoyment of swimming and waiting uh navigation. But there's one that that goes to docks. It's called the
right to warf out. That's the legal term for it, which means for most people a dock. Um on lower mat it may mean you get an observation tower or a little platform, but in the rest of Marada, it's the ability to get a dock. And so
the dock that's before consistent with all the other docks in the area and goes out to the minimum depth to achieve that 5 ft of of distance between the seaggrass and and the seafloor and and where the dock
would has to be. So, um, I would ask that you approve it because, as your staff has pointed out, it it meets the criteria for a variance, and I would reserve a couple minutes of rebuttal time if I need it. Thank you. And I'm here for any questions. >> Thank you.
>> All right. Is there anyone else in favor of this application? >> I have no other speakers signed up. >> Okay. Is there anyone opposed to this application? >> I have no speakers signed up for that. Okay. >> Uh,
>> I don't think he >> I'm sorry. What? >> That's fine. That's fine. You are imposed. You're opposed to this. If you would please come identify yourself and just either one of y'all or both of y'all. Come on. >> Okay. And uh um uh your name and
>> address. My name is Matt Suzinski. My wife Suzanne. We just moved here six months ago from Sedona, Arizona. And uh we're going to oppose. >> Welcome. Okay. You can pick it up. do whatever it is to make you comfortable. >> Thank you. >> And we're opposed to the dock extension
at 19 Avocado, the clearcut uh lot next to us. So, we purchased this home six months ago, being kind of, I'd say, naive uh not being from this area on docks and boats and what have you. And
we purchased this property that was very expensive to us and was our life savings. And boom, a month later, surprise. A giant dock's going to go in right next to us. And I and I have a picture here. I like >> of our home.
>> But if you can if you can present it to the clerk, >> you need to give it to the clerk. And >> our home and the existing package there >> you on your your testimony needs to be on. I'm so sorry for all these silly rules, but No problem. >> It needs to be on the on the record, too. So, thanks for your patience. Yes,
sir. No problem. Uh so I have a list here of uh just a couple things that I'd like to say why I oppose this. Uh getting out of the basin with my 25 foot fishing boat is an issue with is going
to be an issue with wind. Uh I swim there every day and it is 5T at the existing dock on that picture at low tide. So, I don't see why it has to go way out. It's going to ruin the most
beautiful sunsets in the United States are right out our back door. I'm not happy about it at all. Um, property values and that that's a start, but >> and then we have um
some protected we have horseshoe crabs right now nesting in our basin. And I don't know how thorough they were with checking everything, but it's just really sad that that there's something there that they could just make a little better, you know, >> and not have to go, you know, make this
whole thing with I don't know how many boats. I don't know exactly what it's going to look like, but because I never saw a picture. I never got anything like that, but it's just I just see, you know, the boat sitting up in the air instead of and and just wrecking underneath.
>> Yeah. >> It's just Yeah. At least weren't expecting it, you know, and we're already done. >> It was a surprise. So, just thought we'd try and see what >> because we're making our basin work, you know, and our vote no is nothing is in anyone's way. Our neighbor to the right of us the same thing
>> and yeah, we just >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you'all very much. >> All right. Um, council, any discussion amongst council? Any questions for staff or um or Tai?
No. Is there anyone else that would like to speak in either opposition or in favor of this item? Okay. So, I'm going to go on and close the the commentary for now. Um Daniel, I had a just one question I
had was uh the comments that's been made twice now about a clear cutting of the lot. Has the lot been clearcut? >> Yes. the Yes, the lot has been cleared. >> Is there was it cleared without a permit?
>> It was cleared prior to the permit being issued. Yes. And uh I would like to remind everyone that that has it's not a part of the current application that's before you. >> Is there a current code case on this on the property? >> No, that that that issue has been handled. >> Okay. So, there's no code case.
>> There's no open code case. >> Okay. That's That's really all I was really wondering was is there is there are there any open code cases? Okay, awesome. >> Um >> I I'd like to Well, I guess this is not the time, but
>> I'm right across the street and show up one day and I can see the ocean from CVS. And so you handled that already because I have been asking Ron what's going to happen to them. They clearcut that lot, which I have a huge issue
with, and just sort of went away. >> Well, if there's a if the code case has been satisfied, then obviously they've done something with it. So, what's the what was the outcome of that? >> Yeah. I mean, I I'd like to know because it it was pretty bad. You could see the
ocean from the parking lot of CVS, >> right? Well, the way that was handled was there was a stop work order. the contractor came in to to see what they needed to do to correct the the issue. Um the what the code provides is that
all the mitigation and fees are doubled from what they were originally for the house. And so we put that onto the building permit. So all the mitigation must be satisfied before a certificate of occupancy is issued for the house. >> Okay. All right. Well, and that's the only thing that concerned me was the the
fact that you know we were processing something when there's a code case. But if the code cla have been satisfied then then we're good that way and we're stay staying within the code. I'm sorry sir I do see your hand but the testimony is closed. >> Okay. >> And and so we've given you a chance to
speak in favor or in opposition and we've given the applicant that the same the same benefit. So, we're really just right here now uh up here with council and then we'll probably entertain a m motion. Uh if there's any other
questions from staff. Is there anything else? Anything from Ty? Okay. Is there a Ty? Would you like to rebut? You have the right. I'll be brief. Um the navigation issue
was addressed by Army Corps. I I too was also upset when I saw the the lot and I got a lot of calls. I was not representing the property at the time. Um and I think that in the future what we should look look to is a code change
uh that disincentivizes people jumping the gun. The permit was in. It hadn't been issued. So, but it leaves everybody with a bad taste in their mouth and it makes looks it looks like somebody got away with something and nobody likes
that. So, what we need to do is disincentivize that in the code in a way that hey, you jump the gun, you're going to get a six-month timeout. You can't apply for any permits. you you've got to make it to where people are not going to do it because if
it's just a money thing, they're willing to pay the money to to keep moving forward. But that's that on to me is the fault of the contractor. >> That falls on the contractor. You're the local guys. You know the rules. So, we
need to make that where you're not saying, "Hey, I can I know the permit's in, but you're pushing me to do this. I'll I'll just go ahead and do it cuz that's that's just not a good practice and it makes everybody look bad. >> Yeah. >> So, I mean it's not part of this and I'm
sorry that it's being interjected into a variance application for a guy from Atlanta that asked if they could move forward with the the permit. >> Yeah. >> But I understand why everybody's concerned about it and I I am too. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you, Ty.
Uh yeah I and I I really I don't know I with what you go through the yearong over sometimes over a yearlong process with Army Corps D and and the Army Corps sends it out to all the other governmental entities. I I think it when you're all totaled by the time that
they're able to build this dock is is probably been about 15 governmental entities that has reviewed the dock application. Um so um uh I I think that
if they've met all that criteria, I don't know. I'll entertain a motion if if anybody's got one. >> I'll make a motion to approve as presented. >> Okay. I've got a motion to approve the long do variance.
>> I'll second it. >> And I have a second. So, um, BA, uh, John, I suppose that based on the evidence presented tonight that we've got a motion on on a second on the, uh, up here to approve the long dock. So,
uh, Marty, can you please call the role? >> Council member Deb Gillis, >> yes. >> Council member Anna Richards, >> yes. >> Council member Steve Freriedman, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney, >> yes. >> And Mayor Don Horton, >> yes. >> That motion passes. 5-0. >> Mr. Ma'am. >> Yes, sir.
>> Real quick, can can we just have a quick discussion on what Tai was just talking about in terms of maybe putting that into an act after action? >> I think it'd be I think it be would be great to have a discussion about that and maybe look at our code and make things to where there really is a a detriment to that. I've been talking to
John about uh finding a way to do what I would call a super fine. >> Yep. Uh, and I think that there are some egregious actions that take place and of course just going on a piece of property and clearing without a permit is in my opinion an egregious action. So I I I
would go for that Steve 100%. >> Yeah. So >> I agree instruction to see if we can put that on the after action and keep that on on maybe into some sort of discussion in terms of changing it to what we feel is more appropriate. Uh in in fact,
while we're still working on the comp plan, maybe there's something in the comp plan that we could that we can actually plug in there right now. Yeah. >> That would that would even give it a little bit more of an oomph being in a comp plan than in our LDRs. >> And you have to admit that uh our
contractors know the rules and so 100%. >> And I know the co the lot was cut on a Sunday because I was down at my shop. Yeah. and Wendy Day Plumbing came and got me and said, "Look what they're doing." >> Oh, wow. >> So, it's it's pretty bad that we they cuz a lot of people have the money to
just pay the fine and do whatever they want to do and we need to put a stop to it. >> That's just it. You just got to do it. >> You You have to do I like Tai's idea more of a put yourself in a you know, slap the hand timeout period or something more than just a um a money
thing. >> Yeah. >> Because people can pay the fines. All right. Um, okay. Let's see. Uh, was there there was some followup we needed to do tonight. You wanted to talk about >> be free.
>> Okay. >> Thank y'all very much. >> Have a good day. >> Thank you, sir. >> Ron, what are we talking or Sharon? It's your idea, your thing. What do you want to talk about for what do you want to say? Well, first of all, I want to know
uh it's supposed to be ride share. Why isn't a van included in the contract? >> Why is it just cars? >> We're not there. >> Nope. >> Nope. >> He needs notice to bring a van down. And right now, he's using a sedan and not
the van. >> Has there been was there a van before? >> There's been a van sitting there for a long time. I don't know how often it it's used, but in the contract, uh, it doesn't mention a van, and it's supposed to be ride share. So, that's something
>> I wanted to address. >> The agreements, the agreement states that it's going to have one Toyota Sienna hybrid 2023 XSSE designated for ADA accessible service. >> That's a car. >> Yeah. And then two Tesla sedan vehicles. >> That's a car.
>> I know. >> Yeah. So what you're saying is you want to have a specific thing for >> hence the word is let me quote Jamie ride share >> right >> I mean how many people can you put in the cars >> I rode with somebody today
>> well okay two >> no three >> okay three but >> five I think plus the driver is one of the five and the van should be able to carry eight >> something like that so that's >> and ADA right >> well and I know the sedan I think is ADA
and that's how fixed a problem. >> The car is 88. >> And little birdie told me he needs batteries in the van and that's why he brought down the sedan cuz he doesn't want to get the batteries in the van. And now whether or not that's true, you can find out. >> And the other thing about the van would
be that's something we're talking about as far as the loop service multiass. >> Yeah. Yeah. Multi-passenger. Are you uh are you still negotiating the contract with them? Right. Now, the contract had to be executed because we were in we were not in compliance. And so, we have the contract, but I had discussion yesterday with Jason that there may be,
as I said, some additional things that we can still >> talk about and he's willing to keep it up. We just had to have a contract in place because we had to send it to DOT yesterday. Okay. >> And they're reviewing the contract. So, it still has DOT review. But, he's agreed that he wants to work with us and
if we have something specific like a van or something, he's willing to look at it. It's just that we wanted to make sure what we had was sufficient to at least have a contract because we could have just renewed the existing contract that's been done before. It was just kept being amended and and adopted. We
wanted to go out for an RFP. I think that was the consensus of the council. We did that. We had two applicants and we had a public meeting to hear both proposals. We had a workshop. So, all these issues have come up. But now that we actually have a contract, now we have something we can start and say now what
else do you want to see included or deleted etc. So I don't think he has a problem having a van is I think the question is what does the re what is the wrership just >> I was going to ask the same question is have we ever have have they ever driven away saying I'm sorry there's too many
people I can't take you. >> Yes. >> You we we've got that documented. >> Well I don't think we have it documented. I was told that yesterday that uh during the University of Miami tournament that uh they six of them needed to go to lower mat and they sent
two cars instead because the driver told them there's no batteries in the van, >> right? >> So to me that's a problem number one. Number two, we need to decide do we want advertising on the vehicles because he's supposed to be giving us $60,000 in
advertising. If we do or don't want advertising on the vehicles, I don't think it looks good. I'd rather see the 60,000 come from somewhere else, which I'd like to see as marketing plan, too. >> But that's guaranteed. And I think that's interior advertising. >> No, I've never
>> No. See, this is why we need to straighten all this out. >> And I have an update on the advertising because that was an issue. We we were concerned during the process with the task force and all that advertising would be prohibited. uh freebie told us it would not be prohibited and we went
directly to DOT and found out it is as long as we're not using grant money for the advertising which we would not be that advertising is allowed. So because of that freebie has agreed to go ahead and start with the credit for advertising even though they don't they're not collecting it right now. So
that will reduce our monthly amount according to Jason we talked about it yesterday. Now of course the type of advertising and all that that remains to be seen. uh he said that there wasn't a lot of demand for the advertising. I think three Waters was the only one did it and they stopped advertising. So
we're not sure what's out there because they really haven't pushed it. We probably want to partner with them and see if we can help you know get the word out too. Uh but at this point advertising is permitted as long as we do not use grant money for the advertising. >> But don't shouldn't we decide what we
want? Do you want the cars to be covered in advertising or do we want to keep them clean looking with just freebies? so it's identifiable and get our money maybe on off the app advertising or something. I mean, shouldn't that be decided?
>> I I don't think it should be, you know, goddy advertising and all of that, but I I I think that if it's tasteful, I I suppose it's I wouldn't have an objection to it. >> Um I mean, that's like there's there's a few of these trucks
that are out there, you know, businesses that really look pretty bad. We've got a nice one with a big spleaf on top of it in downtown Alamrada and it's not that's not so nice. But John, you had something you want to say? >> Yeah, I was just going to um let you guys know that that the um advertising
is subject to village council approval and it's in its um sole and exclusive uh discretion. So, um for for for advertising to start, it will it would need to come back to the council and you all would need to approve. >> That's a good point. So I mean I guess there needs to be a consensus on the
council as to >> when early in the process early in their process here they had blue marlin >> wrap their car and it was gorgeous. It was absolutely gorgeous. So uh
advertising on the cars can do been done tastefully. It can be. >> Yeah it can be. I mean there's some there's some businesses out there where they advertise. Part of the problem in the past was that the the cost of wrapping a vehicle it was very high and because we have a lot of small
businesses in this town. We live off of small business. Um they didn't get a lot of takers but they've been adjusting their prices over the years and we'll see how that goes now. >> All right. Well, why don't we why don't we open it up to public comment if there is any and and hear what the public I
mean there the house is full tonight. Let's talk. Okay, first up we have Jamie Engel. >> Jamie, how'd you draw number one again? >> I don't know. I always do, right? Jamie Angel, Plantation Key, Venetian
Shores. Um, I I do want to say because there was a question as to when the $2 fee should start. Um, the RFP was put out in March. So, it was determined in March by whoever did the RFP and whoever
approved it that whoever got chosen was going to be charging $2. So, the village council manager, everyone has had the opportunity since March to put together a marketing plan, an advertising
program, talking to the citizens, mentioning it at the council meetings, having it in the newsletter on a weekly basis, doing a social media campaign, pushing out this information so that nobody should be surprised that this is
going to happen. We had what I basically am considering another theatrical performance when we had a task force or a committee that came here and sat in front of everyone where you guys are sitting on television and gave all these
recommendations and uh basically a lot of that is not in that contract that's in you know that if you've seen it or haven't seen it there's not a lot in there and the fact that we are behind the eightball right now and having we have a signed contract and yet we're
going to make amendments to it and we're going to make letters of of understanding and we're going to do that should I I write contracts for a living in real estate we do not do that you sit down you figure it out you negotiate it you put it in writing you answer you ask
the questions you get the questions answered and then you all sign and execute that contract so I think that with this it's it's something that just having this conversation as to how advertising is going to take place,
who's going to do the marketing. Well, we were told at the uh task force meeting or committee meeting that Alyssa is in charge of the marketing plan. The contract says that there's supposed to be a collaboration and the last contract said the same thing. There's supposed to
be a written marketing plan that was collaborated and put together by someone at the village and someone at freebie. And I challenge you to go find that marketing plan from seven years ago, from a year ago. And so moving forward,
I just think like with uh conversations like this should not be happening because they already should have been decided. The the tees should have been crossed and the eyes should have been dotted and we shouldn't be having this conversation. Is well gee, when do we start the $2 fee? In my opinion, the fee
should start August the 1st. It should have started the day the contract was signed, which was Tuesday, but give them till a August August the 1, and get it going. It's $8,000 a month out of our pockets in this village as taxpayers if we don't do that. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Jamie. >> Next up is Sue Miller. >> Sue Miller representing the Marada Community Alliance. I guess the count council hasn't seen this contract yet. According to your conversations,
the $2 fee was in the RFP. It was in freebies presentation. >> They all got it. >> The village expects to receive about $8,000 per month via the fees. The delay that's already occurred since July 1st
is already costing taxpayers money. The freebie cost of this service went from the current $553,330 to $665,000, an increase of over $111,000. The taxpayers should be expecting to
offset that with the $2 fees. Don't delay it. Every day means money to the taxpayers. And when it comes to the contract, I have other cont concerns. Mr. Saunders appointed a committee to
address the contract terms. A ride share contract task force workshop was held on June 24th. A lot of effort went into the contract provisions process by the committee members discussed at that
workshop. Why aren't the members given a chance to review the contract before it was signed? There are a number of the number of vehicles in the service is questionable. Freeb proposes
four vehicles on active service, one backup and two standby. The contract sign says four vehicles and one standby. Who is it that can't count? Is it me or is it Jason Spiegel? Days off for holidays. The freebie proposal didn't
provide days off, but they now are part of the contract. Four days off. Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Calculation of costs. The contract states 12 payments at $55,416
per month plus credits for rider fees and advertising. um if advertising is authorized, but no mention of adjustments for holidays off, for weather, for hurricanes. We get reduced fees if we are not
provided at least 95% of the contracted number of hours per day. Does that include the days off for holidays and weather? Doesn't seem to say so in the contract. Freebie is now to provide a procedure as to how we can calculate
whether 95% of the vehicles are available as per the contract. Why doesn't the village provide the procedure? We know how to subtract notice to change in vehicles and costs. The council was given the right to
change vehicles to larger vehicles in the freebie proposal, but in the contract, the village must give 60 days notice to change vehicles and pay $1,200 per vehicle to change. Neither are mentioned in the proposal. Yet, a few
months ago, freebie changed vehicles without council approval or even notification. Advertising confusion. the council was to get $60,000 guaranteed advertising credit. Yet now you're talking about whether that is for
the outside of vehicles or not or whether you know what what is it that we're getting our $60,000 or are we the I couldn't read the contract and decide
the net fee revenue. The $2 fee is in the contract as net fee revenue so that they are to provide their revenue to us after credit or debit card fees are deducted. How do we verify this? On page
14 of the contract, net fee revenue shall not include fees, commissions, search charges, or amounts retained by freebie. What fees might they be retaining? Second charging station. We discussed a second charging station to reduce weight
times, having some vehicles closer to frequently used pickup and drop off locations. The contract gives freebies sole discretion as to whether a second charging station will be utilized. There are so many decisions now required by the council. The impleation
implementation of the $2 fee, change in equipment, freebie advertising. Why aren't they just simply included in the contract? I'm not a happy taxpayer. You decided you won't ask for a council pay increase. Yet, as council, you're making
decisions that cost could cost a whole bunch more than than what your pay increase would have cost. Thank you. >> Thank you, Sue. >> Next up is Mr. Wishmire on Zoom. >> Joe, you're up. Okay, let me get him.
Give him permission to go ahead, Mr. Bishmire. I think you're all set. >> Nope. >> Okay, it just came up. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Joe Wishmire. Plantation Key. >> Boy, you'd think there wouldn't be a
whole lot that I could add to what the previous speakers have said, but I do have a couple concerns that they did not bring up. One of them was the fact that it it says in the contract that uh freebie will
assist the village in a marketing plan. I don't know why, you know, they it's I thought it said before that they were going to have one already in place and yet we haven't been to any of the resorts or hotels or places that we
think we could get a lot more business out of if they went and tried to sell them the coupons. The next thing that really concerned me about that on the same thing was it said it will sell coupons at full rate or
discounted rates. Well, why would we want to sell the coupons at the discounted rates? I believe that the the $2 fee per person should be coming for every person that's on there. Now, if they want to sell them for cheaper and take a loss, that's fine. But the
village should make sure that we get the full $2 for every passenger that is going to be on uh for a ride. The next thing is in in the con in the uh county contract, I know there was a
lot of provisions for how to collect fees and things that we discussed at the workshop. And it's just amazing to me how a lot of that stuff did not get discussed. Uh even tonight the manager says that oh well we need there's still
stuff we need to talk about yet nobody was contacted about this. So I believe that uh there was a lack in there somewhere and I really hope that this gets corrected. Thank you very much. >> Thank you Joe.
>> There are no other speakers. >> I'm sorry what? >> There are no other speakers. >> Okay. Um, council, >> I think August 1st is fair in order to get the word out and make sure that all the writers
um to start the fee. I'm sorry, I started in the center of my subject uh to get the information out there. Um, I've seen the uh communication plan that uh freeb be free is suggesting and
it it sounds very thorough in order to make sure the people understand that it's not free now that it is $2 and August 1 seems like a fair starting date for our citizens.
They have to they weren't notified ahead of time. So, >> okay. >> That's our fault that they weren't notified. >> Well, they kind of were because it was in the >> Well, it's been out there since March, >> right? >> I mean, come on.
>> That's why I said it kind of has been out there. It was at the meetings. It was It's been talked about everywhere. So, >> start >> to me. I would start it like >> I would give you a week and then start it because then we're going to have many seasons. So, why not? >> That's a good call. >> Do it for that. start it that week
because that's when we're going to have a lot of people here. >> That's a good call. >> Just my opinion. >> We got to start doing better when it comes to these contracts and stuff. This is crazy. I mean, now we're just now and I've been on this for four years with
this with trying to get this a better service and get it. Somebody has to oversee it and they you do. It's like any business. If you don't know what's going on, you're not doing a very good job. So, Steve, any comments?
>> Yeah, to me I think the the start date could really be just about any time. Uh we've they've had plenty of notice whether it's um the notices about these meetings and the negotiations. Plus, anybody that's going to be signing up for this service, they're going to get their app can give them that notice
right then. Hey, by the way, this is going to be $2 a rider. Um, so, um, to me, the start date I think could happen at any time. I'm fine with August 1st as well. Um, so that's just where I'm at. >> Thank you very much. I I'm good with
that, too. I mean, it it a notification come up on the app and the app say that it, you know, that the there's a $2 fee. Um I I we know that we know that the last time we had a discussion at this council about uh the
possibility of losing freebie um or the ride share program, this house was full. So people are still paying attention. I don't think that this is a surprise. We've talked about having the fee structure behind this for a very long time. And I think that you're
exactly right, Steve, is is that when there's a when you're scheduling the ride, the popup says that there's a $2 ride, a $2 fee. Um, I don't think that I think that any tourist that's down here that's going to utilize a uh their
service is going to be surprised that it's only $2 because it's it's more in some other areas. So, I think we can I agree, Anna, a week immediately. I just don't think it's going to hurt a thing to start
charging now. Um, that way we're not losing $8,000 a month. We're we're losing, you know, two weeks, I guess, at the very most of of what would happen there. Uh, >> I had a question for council. Was it a
discussion because I caught the tail end of it that you would like to move it up because of the lobster mini season? Was that what you were saying or was it clear about starting to charge >> the start charge next week? >> Yeah. I said >> I'm saying I >> give it a week and in a week if anybody uses anybody uses this in the next week
it's going to pop up. >> They can send out push notifications and everything. They're going to have you got a week's notice to go get yourself a prepaid card if you need that. Otherwise, everybody's got debit cards. Everybody >> just going to make sure it pops up. Are you you gonna make sure he does that? >> Yes. >> Okay.
>> I'm holding to it, too. >> Well, it's not a difficult thing to do. You just go on to the app and look at it. It's gonna pop up. >> And once again, I'm not sure the public seen it, but I did furnish you all this afternoon with the marketing plan with the recommended. It's a recommended
schedule. And so, if you want to move it up and get more revenue, I don't think it's a problem. I just want to make sure that that freebie can implement it. And he says he can. So, if you want to move it to a week or whatever covers that time frame and make it the a week before August 1st, I think we could try to do
that. That's more money to us. I'm fine with that if you want to try to do it. >> Yeah. >> So, it would be the 20 >> the the 19th. You can do it on Sunday the 19th. >> I was going to say started on a a standard work week. Either a Sunday or a
Monday, something Yeah. either the 19th or the 20th. commence the $2 fee. Um that gives him between now and then 10 days maybe there can be on the app of uh now a notice 10 days there's going to
be a $2 fee. >> Is you looking at Monday July 20? Is that what you're saying? >> Yep. >> Yes. Monday July 20. >> Is there is there a um um I don't think so. But is there a bookkeeping >> because it's in the center of a month?
July 1st or August 1st would be the first of the month. >> Is there going to be a um >> I don't know why that would be >> invoicing issue credit issue. >> I believe the way this works is they're going to they're going to invoice it the first of every month and so they they would just adjust the invoice. Did we we
already agreed today invoice question >> when we realized we could do the advertising? he agreed today to adjust the invoice to give us the advertising credit even though we haven't started the advertising. So that that's subject to us going back and forth on it. And and once again, we're going to have a
new dashboard that council member uh Mahoney wanted and and some people in the public and I've by the way we also are asking freebie to come in and maybe do a training and I would like to schedule maybe a public workshop where anybody wants to come in and learn how to use the the dashboard and we'll make
it accessible to the public. you want to monitor them or follow them around all day, whatever. They're they know that they're gonna be watched and we're going to hold their feet to the fires, but we want to make sure people know how to use that dashboard because I was asked to get certain information today and it's not accessible. So, we need to find out
what do you want to see, but when we start the advertising, that's going to give us a lot of information. Uh we we get ridership information. I gave uh one of the members that asked tonight a whole month's worth of information. So anybody needs information for your own, you know, knowledge, we want to make
sure that that's out there. So I I think freebie is willing to work with us and all that stuff. I'm very open to provide as much information. I want to make it as accessible to the public as possible. >> All right, Anna, >> I'm good. >> Oh, your mic's on. I just thought you
had something to say. >> Council, anything else? >> Randy, yes. I was just going to say just uh to uh to start implementing the $2 fair um under the agreement uh from the the village manager has to advise
freebie in writing uh of that. So um that's something that uh with the direction uh from tonight we can take care of getting that out. >> Go home and write your letter. Ron, >> I think we have I think we have you have plenty of direction right now, right? Is there anything else we need to cover for you on this, Ron? I think I would
recommend just to have a motion adopted just to be clear that we would implement the $2 fair on Monday, July 20th. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second, third, fourth, 5th. >> Okay, there's a motion in a second. Is there any opposition? There is opposition. Marty, will you call?
>> I oppose. >> Okay, Mary, will you call the vote, please? >> Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney, >> yes. >> Council member Anna Richards, >> yes. >> Council member Steve Freriedman, >> yes. Council member Deb Gillis. >> No. >> And Mayor Don Horton. >> Yes. And >> that motion passes 4 to1.
>> What would you like to see? >> I already told you. August 1st. >> Oh, okay. >> I already told you. >> Well, you just sat there and said I don't care when it starts. So, >> no, I did not. I said August 1st. >> It's all good. It's all good. >> I think it'd be interesting too to get um maybe in the first six months get
like a monthly report. >> We should be getting have them come up and say, "Hey, we had this many riders and this is the revenue." Well, I think that's the dashboard that Ron was talking about. So, we should be able to have >> public meetings. It would be >> really real time at that point. I think that's important to especially to start
with, but it's for all the time. I think we need to have that dashboard that we can look at. >> Yeah. >> And on that, the plan would be just as we implemented with the acquatic authority coming every month to give a report. Uh I would plan on having a monthly report, not maybe by our staff. I'm not saying freebie has to come every
month, but I would plan on giving a monthly report and just give you the numbers of how many riders, how much revenue, any advertising changes because this is all new and freebie said they're willing to give us any information that we require. And so, anything you want to have reported back to the council, be
specific and let me let me know and I'll be happy to ask freebie. And once again, I want to have a workshop with the public where they learn how to operate the dashboard and access whatever information they want to. >> Yeah, I think that'd be great. Yeah, I don't think we need a workshop. I think that we just need to have a discussion
about it and and that W word just keeps going on. Um, is there anything else that we need to talk about tonight? >> I I just I wanted to leave us on a light note if I could because everything always seems Yes, Deb, >> I we don't have anything firm about the
21st meeting yet, right? >> You want me to do an update on the school on the I assume about the baseball license? >> Yes, please. We >> No, it isn't. Let him finish. >> So, we're still going to end with my light. So, let's talk about the ball field again. What will be a night
without the ball field? >> What seems like a long time ago was this Tuesday night, two nights ago, we had the discussion about how we bring that license agreement home. Uh probably what day was I think it was yesterday. Uh superintendent called me. He had heard about the meeting and we spoke. I filled
them in and then we spoke again today about process how we would do this. Uh there was concern by some members that we were if we met with the school board they didn't want to wait till at the end of the meeting which is very unreasonable to do to meet after the meeting. So we talked to my suggestion
was their their meetings at Marathon High School. I've been to their workshops before. I went to the last one because I got there before the rest of y'all did and they were meeting in a workshop on capital assets. And so my thought would be they started at four o'clock with a workshop publicly noticed
with this council and the school board. It'd be on Zoom, a public meeting. Uh hopefully by then we would already have all the questions answered. I've asked you all for questions. I got them from several of you. We'll get answers to those. We have some internal questions about insurance and all we'll have answers to. And then when we meet, we'd
like to actually have something in writing that says theoretically this could be the proposal. Everybody has input on it. And let's say for argument sake, everybody said, "Yep, we're good now." Cuz we keep hearing how close we are. Let's say we close it. Then they would say, "Okay, we're good. You all say you're good." They would go, my
thought was they go into their meeting, their notice meeting, and they vote to pass it. Then we could have a special call meeting >> whenever we want to to take it up and pass. At that point, we have a deal. >> If they don't want to do it on the 21st, they have another meeting on the 28th because he said, Mr. Tierney said, "We
may not be ready to do it. Then I can't control what they do or don't do." So they can either do on the 21st or the 28th. He was supposed to talk to Keystar to say, "What is the absolute drop deadad date? We have to get this thing done." And despite what we heard the other night, apparently it's not like right now. And so my thought would be if
we can get a joint meeting on the 21st, you know, a premeating, and then they do what they're going to do, hopefully pass it, then we would have a special call meeting only for the license agreement. We pass it, it's over. It's I mean, it's not over yet. >> Can I ask you a question? Where is the 28th meeting? Don't tell me Key West.
>> I think it is. >> No, he said the 28th. >> Oh, the 20. >> Not the 28th meeting. It's not in Key West. It's not in Marathon, is it? >> No, no, the 21st is in Marathon. I believe the 20th is in Key West. So, they had they wrote because they were just here. >> There's Coral Shores, Marathon, >> Key West. >> So, we're not supposed to go to Key West
on the 28th. >> No, that >> that would be when they would I guess >> that that's when they would have to take it. No, of course, we could if there's consensus. That's the whole purpose of meeting on the 21st. If the two bodies agree >> that this is the agreement then we it doesn't matter who goes first. So for
example after the 21st we could meet we the council we the village could meet approve the the the one that we've all agreed on we could pass it first or they could do on the 28th or they pass on the 21st and then we do it. I don't think it matters who goes first just matters we both have to agree. It's like a
legislative bill. Everything has to be exactly identical. You can't you can't have two different versions. So, whatever version is agreed to on the 21st, they can go first or second, but that's the one we would be planning on approving uh by both bodies.
>> Okay. And Steve, you said you would be available on the 21st, right? >> I still am. Y >> fantastic. Okay. Yes, Jerry. >> Before John, before you jump in there, do we have to do a time certain with them? What happens if we go at 3 or 4 and we're not done at 5? Are they going
to postpone their schoolboard meeting? I mean, how would that work? >> The the the way they've happened before, they could carry things over into their real into their >> into their meeting notice meeting. >> Okay, >> that that's at their discretion. They have their rules. The rules were that we
nobody can speak after public comment, but as you all as you two noticed, when I when I kind of objected some things and got asked a question, I asked for permission, they allowed me to speak, which could have happened the whole time. >> So, I think now they they really do want to get this thing done apparently. I think if they have rules that would not
let usually do something, I think they're going to be flexible as far as I don't anticipate taking more than an hour truthfully because hopefully all these all these questions will be answered prior to the meeting. Hopefully our attorney and their attorney will have worked out the details on what specific language. Hopefully all of you
will have it before the 21st. And so when we go there, I don't I don't think there should be a lot of discussion because we'll already have seen the language and answered the questions. and then what is there to talk about if you've had all the questions answered. So assuming that's the case, then we would have it and we' get we would get
on our website. We would have public input from our side of it. But until each body votes on it, it's not official because people said, "Why did you take out something?" We haven't changed anything since our 50 vote. That's the only official thing we've ever passed was the 50 vote. Y >> and the only thing they've offici the
last thing they officially passed was the one that made changes to our own lawyers u agreement. So those are the two official versions that we've been working off of. >> Right. Yep. >> Yes, John. >> I just wanted to just one thing for
logistically speaking um what we were talking because I know the question was asked of me on Tuesday. Can we meet outside of our boundaries? And and legally the answer was yes. uh as we as I was thinking about that more and Ron and I spoke about this earlier today that in terms of like a better practice
what we were talking about logistically doing was having the meeting with the schoolboard VA workshop and then the special call meeting will be here in Isa Marada whether it's on the 21st or some other day where we are actually meeting and taking up the substantive and approving it here within our village
boundaries that way >> we're not outside the boundaries we don't know what their um their IT cap capabilities are in terms of remote attendance, things like that. So, I just wanted to make sure part of that's for for you five, but also part of that is for the public listening so that they're aware. We're going to them so that you
all can roll up your sleeves, talk to them, see if we can get something done to then bring back here to Founders Park where we'll consider it. And >> I've already sent all of my questions that that I had or whatever needs to be on the agenda. But another question that
popped up in my mind and I just maybe maybe I can ask it now to be to be discussed or to found out before is when they do their maintenance uh when they pay for their maintenance and and and all of the other things, do they pay
that out of their operating fund or do they pay that out of their uh capital improvement fund as well? I would like to know that how where that where those funds come from. But to me that's important question because if it's coming out of the
capital improvement fund then we've actually helped pay for part of that. >> Yeah. Okay. Jamie, you still had some you're itching just >> can you just will you just say it now? I I first my first question is when you
meet on the 21st which version of the agreement are you going to be reviewing because you have all agreed two times now unanimously that you weren't changing the council agreed you weren't
changing any version I heard Sue Wulansky the other day say the only reason the only way she would meet she kept if you go back and watch that meeting which I've done. She insisted the only thing she wants to discuss is the school board's version. So, first of
all, I think you all need to come to the conclusion of are you going into the meeting on the 21st with the two-time unanimously approved village vile Marada version because you have never voted on
any of the changes that that were actually done outside of the council. They were done between, you know, they were done. So you all have to really you're going to have to you can't okay I don't see how you can go into that
meeting on the 21st unless you all get together and go through the contract that they have sent over and agreed voted publicly to make those changes to then
>> and I I get what you're saying and I you know in normally public comment I do not interrupt anybody but I want to have a conversation about this. >> Yeah. No, I do too. >> So, so >> we it doesn't matter. >> I mean, it does matter, but it doesn't
matter what version we go in there with. We know what we've voted our 50 version, >> right? >> If we go in there and we have a discussion with them on a completely different version, >> it we're still going to have a discussion. When we come back and and at
that night, we will know. I hope we will know if we're if we're okay with whatever version comes out of that workshop or if we're not. And there's no reason for us to have a special call meeting if we walk out of there that
night and go, >> we can't do this. We can't do this. >> I I agree. I I abs But that's why I guess I was sitting here just thinking >> we're going back in. I believe we're going back in still standing behind our
50- vote, but willing to negotiate if there's something that we can negotiate with. >> If there's not something that we can't negotiate with, then we'll all know at that moment >> and and I agree with you, Don. I I do agree with you, but I just think every
council member needs to have reviewed both of those documents with the understanding, with everybody's questions online. because you're not going to get I I've been to those meetings. I don't see how in one hour you're going to be able to get through
especially listening if you watched the last schoolboard meeting and we were all there >> and I watched it from start to finish on TV. >> Exactly. We were there. We've watched it. So it it's like I don't understand how in an hour you're going to get through all of the questions that were there. And I did mention this to Ron and
so I just I'll just say this before. One of the areas that I was talking about and I would like all of you to just be as concerned about as I am or maybe John can help us better understand is the insurance issue >> 100%. Because in the in the agreement,
either one of the agreements, the casualty insurance says that the lency and the license shall each during the term of this agreement ensure and keep insured to the extent of not less than 100% of the insurable replacement value
thereof. the improvements, including all building structures, fixtures, and attached equipment on the property against such hazards and risk as may now or in the future be included under standard form of fire and extended cover insurance policy of the state of
Florida, with a deductible not to exceed $25,000. Well, if the current value on their gr guaranteed maximum price is $4 million, >> Yes. And the deductible is can't be
more. We have to have our own and they have to have their own. >> And if the deductible is $25,000, and I'm not an insurance expert, but I deal with it. >> That's 0.625%. Basically, that is way below what the
normal 2% or 5% or 10% deductible is. That's right. So, when I went on and did my little AI research today and was looking, Tony Hammond made a point. Yes, correct. You can get insurance for artificial turf, but this is not only calling for the turf. It's calling for
the the field, the fence, the all of it. Right. So, the the premium I got, and I just really want you to go and look into this, >> it was outrageous. Like $80,000 a year for a premium. Yep.
>> To cover that project. And I don't see if again these are just the one couple little things I was talking about. So, Don, when you guys go in there, those are the important things I think too, in addition to all the other questions we had, those are the most important things
because those are the budget issues that we as taxpayers. And you're right, we are getting double hit because we as taxpayers, we pay Monroe County, but we pay the schoolboard taxes. And so no other pro, and David said this the other
night, none of the other schools, none of the other baseball fields, if they get damaged, the school board pays for it. But we're going to get paid, we have to pay our schoolboard portion. Now the village is going to have to come up. So the residents of the village violates actually getting hit twice. But
remember, in all fairness, the the dollars that we pay out of our Avalorum taxes that we don't get exempted out of there, that doesn't go into the capital improvement fund. It's the half cent sales tax that pays to build that. So
the the the other is their operating account to run the schools. So the the the part that we get double dipped in is when we buy something in Monroe County that that half cent. So I I don't want
there to be confusion to anybody that the dollars that they pay out of when they pay their Avalorum taxes is is goes towards putting that field in because it doesn't. >> But when we was question but out of their operating do they pay to operate
out of their capital or out of their operating because then we do get double dip because we're also paying for that, >> right? But the part that really as as far as the insurance goes and and this is right up your alley because
you're a realtor um is is that the way I look at this thing is this Sue Sue stood up there the other night and she said this isn't this isn't a a business relationship. This is a partnership. But when I read that
contract, this is a a commercial land lease. Yeah. it. We are the lease and they are the lease and we are the grantor and they are the grantee. And if that contract's written that way, then it's written like a commercial land lease. And a commercial land lease
>> the the entity leasing the the the the lease the lease or normally doesn't have to pay for anything including insurance. >> Exactly. >> And and so and and I'm not a realtor and I understand that. So for somebody to
think that that it's not that it's not a business relationship this that it isn't what we continue to say is an owner renter relationship it then that contract needs to be written different right >> because it is a commercial land lease
>> and that is exactly the way that I was looking at it and I think several of us >> that's the way I look I've been looking at it the whole time you and I have talked about it before and I just but I think just from where we We're starting with this. I think all of you guys have to kind of be on the same page as you're
going in there to know what it is you're talking about because my understanding from what Sue said was it was only about their version and the one that they sent us. It had nothing to do with the version we sent and truly the version we sent on cuz I worked my butt off on that
version with many other people for hours all over this time >> was to protect the village of Isa Marada. Yeah, >> that's who we're supposed to be here protecting. And I know you guys work really hard to do what you're doing. But I do think that that has to be the hat that has to be in there. And we have to
have those protections. And again, just the budget and the finance numbers and like Ron said tonight that we they're going to do they talked about doing the security cameras that I brought up the other night, but he said we're paying for that. I don't think we need to pay for that. That again is part of their
field. And even though we should both have ability to access the monitoring, little things like that, I guess is what I'm saying, there's a lot of little things that really need to be cleared up in that contract. And I just think before we sign it, I just hope you know,
we go down there, you have absolutely have a great conversation with them. You've been begging them to do this for so long. So if they will finally do it, it'll be great. >> I hope that they do. I mean, we've been wanting to do this for a year. Yeah, I know you got you all have. We've all
been saying it. So, I'm on I'm all behind you guys. I appreciate what you're doing, but I definitely think we need to look over that contract with a fine tooth comb, our version of it, >> and have have the reasons why our version is better than their version basically, and then come to a compromise
because that's what you do in negotiating. But we can't give that that deal they gave us the other day, Don. I highlighted all though all the red lines in that version were not all of the red lines. They didn't include all of the things that were literally removed from
your version of it. So anyone I literally sat there and took both versions and went line by line by line by line. I actually will send you the one I did which filled back in all of the parts that were taken out that are not shown when you just look at what
they presented. So I think that's important. But I appreciate what you guys are doing. I appreciate you letting me talk. But the insurance issue I think is a huge issue if both of us if we have to get our own insurance and it's going to cost us that much for a premium and I
don't agree that we should have to do that because they should be paying for it. Basically, we're giving them a $10 million field for $10 a year, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Jane. >> Okay. And you you've got to admit that their
attitude Sue stood right there and said we don't want to talk about anything else about but this agreement. So I think that's that's a problem going into this. She was pretty >> that's >> well we are going to talk about that agreement. >> But but part of that the the the
background of that agreement is our agreement. So we have to talk about our agreement. >> I'm just telling you she may >> I think that I I think we all got our homework to do. I mean, I've read >> everything that's come up and come across and come across and and um I
haven't taken the time to highlight it. I actually used my AI >> and I I plug my AI in and say you figure it out for me. Yeah, Deb. >> No, I was just going to say is is we we
have to use you have to limit where the talks go and the agreement is where they were trying to limit that, >> right? And that's the way I took Sue's comments is that it they took our version, they marked up our version.
Maybe they deleted stuff, too, but they marked up our version. And and they want to stick to what that piece of paper is, not go back five versions ago. Yes. To stick with that piece of paper. That's what I heard her trying to say. >> I think she was. But but I think that
there are things that are that are uh complete deal breakers or no-go or whatever in our 50 vote. We need to talk about that and those need to be in these comments that that John or or or Ron whoever is going to get to them because those are our talking points and we'll
go in there and say here's our talk and I think that's and I've sent I don't remember it was a list of eight eight or so items to to John and to Ron uh yesterday >> and I I kind of agreed that I don't see how that can get done at in an hour
before the meeting >> as a two o'clock in the afternoon sit from two to whatever time they want to start their meeting. I don't care. I want to get this done. >> I don't see how they can possibly get done in an hour. >> We've been trying to do this meeting.
I'm a I think we just need to do whatever we need to do to get down there and have this meeting. And if they see that it's going to take longer, then they need to give us the time to do longer. And knowing what we've seen in the past, I would like to walk out of there with a
vote from each of the entities, us and them that night. We don't need any time. Well, we need the time, yes, of course, to think about things, but we've seen it it come forward in the past that, okay, today, well, yeah,
okay, that's okay, but tomorrow it's not okay. So you need you think we need to have an official vote by this council in Marathon. >> I Well, I heard what John said though. But yes, I think it No, but not just by us. >> I Yeah, by them too. >> By them too.
>> Marne, how how many how many hours notice do we need for a special call meeting? >> Uh, generally we go with 72 unless it's an emergency. >> 72. Okay. >> All right. >> How about this thought? >> This is a stupid thought. Yes. How about
this side? >> I'm sorry. >> What about this side? If if if they're recommending a workshop that we have a special call meeting here that night, but we have to have the school board's decision because I would like to make
our decision after the school board. >> So, we leave the school board, we all drive here, and we have a problem here on the 21st. >> I know that's crazy. I don't want to do that, but I don't think it's >> okay. >> And and to clarify, I'll know by
hopefully tomorrow whether from Mr. Tierney whether what the drop dead date is. So if we have a little bit of flexibility is one thing, but I I don't think >> for what to do the field >> to have an agreement in place. >> Oh well, we were told a year ago that if we didn't do it that night, it was gone to go away. So there's not a word that
comes out of somebody's in particular's mouth that I particular face. But but going back to I think John and I talked this afternoon. We we have some reservations about us the village council taking any official action outside of so I think what I think what
you're saying is a consensus not necessarily an official vote but let's say at the workshop we end up having one product that both sides have seen before the meeting and after the discussion it could start at 1 2 whatever time you want to then we go around and say are are you all okay with it informally and
then they take a vote then we come back and have a special meeting the next day or something then then we will vote. That's >> I I'm not as worried about us taking a vote and having a consensus among us as I am about them not taking the vote and changing their mind next week.
>> Okay. >> Okay. That's where I'm coming from. That's why I >> push for them to have the vote on the vote on the 21st and then we immediately so that they know we're not going to change our minds. That's why I was pushing that and I understand what
you're saying. And if you advise that we shouldn't make those official acts outside the village, then we shouldn't do that. >> Then we can have a special call meeting the next day, for example. That's already we've already set our meeting assuming that they pass it the night before. >> If Marne wants to call this go on and do
get it scheduled skewed up to have an the advertisement 72 hours before, >> if we if we skew it and then don't have it, it's no big deal. >> You won't be here. Anna won't be here. I don't get back to the 21st. >> Yeah, you're back the 21st. You're back the 20th. >> 20th. >> So, you can meet on the 21st. You're
gone on the 22nd. >> Yes, I can meet on the 21st. >> When are you back from Can I ask that? >> I can meet on the Monday. >> Okay. So, so that would be the 28th. >> 28th. >> 27th. >> Are you okay? The 28th
>> or 27th? The Monday. 27th. Yes, >> I'm fine with that, >> Steve. >> Uh, yeah. >> Yeah, in the afternoon, right? Yeah. >> Yeah, it'll be at 5:00 meeting or 5:30. >> I can do that. >> Are you then, >> are you guys okay with us asking Marne
72 hours? >> Before the 27th to put the notice out. >> I was going to say we could always notice it now. And if if if nothing comes to fruition on the 21st, we could always cancel it. So, >> but aren't they meeting on the 28th again? What happens if they don't?
>> They need the 28th. >> Yeah, they're meeting the 21st and the 28th. So, >> okay, >> we'll walk out of there on the 21st knowing if we're going to be able to work with them or not. And then we just need to >> I'll take it. >> We need to officially
whatever the word is, codify is it? I don't know. We need a vote on it. >> I I think the direction I'm getting is that I'm looking at their schedule again. They meet on the 21st at Marathon and the 28th in Key West. I would prefer when I talked to Mr. Tierney, my strong recommendation would be you vote on it
on the 21st. Then we're going to have our special call meeting the next Monday. I think we're talking 27th >> 27th and then we're we have a deal. If they want to delay it, I think at that point it becomes clear who's been the who's been mishandling this from the beginning. And >> well, if we want to if they want to
delay it to the 28th, then we'll have we'll Yeah. I mean, first we're going to walk out of there on the 21st knowing. And if we know on there and if they change their mind on the 28th and then then it's they're it's on them. It's on them now because we're finally
>> today being told that we may still we still don't know if we're going to meet with them. >> No, we don't. >> They haven't said yes to your meeting, right? >> No. >> Mr. Tierney said he's going to recommend it. I talked to the school chair John Dick who called me who had some
hesitancy and I strongly recommended that he agree and he I think he agreed. He was going to he was going to talk to his members today and make sure they're okay with meeting with us cuz they said it publicly. We were there and heard it and so unless they're changed their mind which I hope they won't and if they do
then >> they wanted they wanted the public meeting three months from now though we want it next week. Yeah. Well, it's election season. They wanted to do it after the election. >> Can Let me ask Marty a question while we're all still here. >> Yes. >> The what you sent us today, those are
all the dates for August and and there's no meeting on September 8th anymore, right? >> Uh no, there still is a meeting on September 8th. All of the um because the budget hearing is on the 10th, the 8th will be everything else.
>> God, sorry. I'm sorry if I was unclear there. >> Okay. Glad I asked. >> September 8th. I don't even have that in my calendar. >> I don't either. That's why. >> Can Can we ask a favor to correlate those calendars into ours and give us
one similar to what that chart that we've had in the past. It was a calendar with the days marked up. >> That's because September 8th on the one we had on my on my refrigerator. And now I asked because I didn't see September 8th on
>> Yeah, because it wasn't related to budget that I noticed that too. >> Very confusing. >> Okay. >> All the meetings going around. All right. >> Is there anything else, guys? >> Motion to adjourn. >> Well, okay. >> Second. How How are we going to know
about the 21st? Because we don't meet I don't think so. Do we meet? No, we don't meet before then. >> They'll notify us by an email. Yeah, Ron, once Ron gets confirmation from uh the school board or the district, he'll advise all of us and then we'll get a um we'll work with Marne to get a notice
out so that there's it's properly noticed. >> I just want to let you know that that that I told Marne earlier that that you know with all of this heat index and everything, we all need to be really careful about the heat. But the fella that invented the heat index, uh he
passed away last week. >> That's right. >> But actually, he was 80, but he felt like he was 95. Motion to be motioned to adjourn. Good.