11th. I now call to order the town of Lake Placid Government Center regular meeting. Um today for the invocation, we're pleased to have Father Clemente from St. John's Catholic Church.
And then second for the pledge of allegiance, we're very proud to have Rod Dylan, uh, who is actually, um, Rod is the president of the Highlands County Fraternal Order of the Police. Um, and also he's a prior
Lake Placid policeman, but more important as a veteran. Um, Rod is from the Navy. He was shipbor radar. He had uh for six years of service active um duty in Vietnam and in 1969 he was
honorably discharged. So we'll start off with Father Clemente for the invocation and then we'll ask Rod for the pledge of Elise and if everybody can please stand. >> Dear heavenly father, we thank you for having given us an opportunity to serve
you. Be aware be we aware of your greatness and your love. We pray that we appreciate all you have given us especially in this town of Lake Pleasant. We observe your great blessing, grace and love for us. May we
never forget that you are the author of the universe and of our lives. We are limited many ways. However, through your love and infinite goodness, we can obtain many graces that you bestow upon us. We pray that we may always remain
faithful to your abundant love and blessings. We pray also that you enlarge our hearts in making us more capable of your love and grace so that we share your love in each other. We especially ask to bless each member of this
council. inspire and guide them so they reflect your gift in such abundance the whole town of Lake Plazet benefits. We thank you Lord for you have endowed us with many blessing and graces
through will never fully understand. We know you are constantly loving and inspiring us through your ways. So we ask you to open our hearts and minds so become the best version of ourselves. I ask you with humble prayer and
intercession through your beloved son Jesus Christ who came to the earth as suffering die for us so we may obtain eternal glory in Jesus' name our lord and savior. Amen. >> Amen. >> Please join me in the pledge to the
flag. Military veterans may render a hand salute. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> At this time, I have one request to speak at the meeting. um is Margaret Deer on downtown activity. >> Mayor, mayor, we need to do a roll call first. >> Oh, yeah. >> I'm ready to go, aren't I?
>> Um, so Eva, take the role. >> Mayor Charles >> here. >> Council member Hayes >> here. >> Council member Sat >> here. >> Council member Everheart >> here. >> Okay, moving on. At this time, we have a
request to speak from uh Margaret Deer. >> Good evening, Margaret Deer, 1504 Friend Street. Um I'm here just to make you all aware of of some downtown activity. Cuban Sabor that received the parking varants. Um has had an unbelievable
amount of interest on social media. They are having a soft opening next Saturday. I have been inside. It is fantastic. Um, what they're trying to create there is really going to be special for the town of Lake Placid. So, um, I can't speak for the owners, but I'm sure that
they're very appreciative of your support. Next door to them is going Geronimo Beats. They are expanding their current location in Lake Placid as a recording studio, plus music instruction for kids. On Inner Lake, there's activity of the cigar store. It looks
like there's some movement there. And also at Tower Plaza, there is going to be a new Pilates studio. So, um these might not be all big businesses, but they are small businesses on what our country has
founded on. And um our town is absolutely not stagnant. Um that there is activity for the Lake Placid Historical Society. This Saturday, we are welcoming back Sugar Express. I believe that the train
is um Patty, is it sold out? I'm fairly certain that it's sold out, which means they're bringing about 300 people. We will have live music once again as we have been having on the veranda. We've got about 15 to 16 vendors coming with crafts, food, treats, all kinds of
things. It's a big day. So, I want to personally invite you all. Um, US Sugar has expressed their gratitude at um, us providing something for their passengers, but we'd really like some community support because this is about these people that are out there working
really hard to try to bring something to the community, too. And that's it for me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there any other request to speak from the audience? Sir, >> if you can state your name and your address for the record, please.
>> Rod Billing. I live in Silven Shores. What I don't see on the agenda, this is National Police Week and the memorial being held in Washington is this coming Friday. I just wanted to make that announcement. >> Thank you for that.
We'll note that for future Anyone else? So, at this time, I'll take a motion for the consent agenda. >> So moved. >> I did. Sorry. Second. Second. Second. I
add it on. Any comments from the DS to the audience? Bring it back. Eva, take the role, please. >> Council member Sap. >> Yes. >> Council member Eberart. >> Yes. >> Council member Hayes.
>> Yes. Moving on, we have a couple proclamations uh that I wanted to go ahead and read. And um on the the first proclamation, it's 20264 of the town of Lake Placid
proclaiming May 26th historic preservation month in Lake Placid, Florida. Whereas the town of Lake Placid and Highlands County share a rich and fascinating history, and whereas the cultural heritage of our community reflects this
presence and activities of people for more than 12,000 years. And whereas this heritage is emboded in historic buildings and structures, prehistoric and historic archaeologist sites, artifacts, documents, public records,
and in the traditions and customs of our diverse citizens. And whereas these historic and cultural r resources connect us to our past and help preserve the unique identity and character of the town of Lake Placid.
And whereas preservation of historic resources contributes to economic vitality, strengthens neighborhoods, enhances quality of life, and together with the area's unique natural beauty, attracts visitors from across the region and beyond. And whereas in the year
2026, as our nation commemor commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, it is especially fitting to recognize the importance of history in our lives and honor the individuals and organizations
dedicated to preserving the heritage that has shaped our community and our nation. And whereas the town of Lake Placid proudly supports Highlands County in recognizing and promoting the preservation of our shared historical and cultural resources.
Now therefore be it proclaimed by Mayor Charles and the town council of the town of Lake Placid, Florida. that the town of Lake Placid hereby supports the Highlands County proclamation declaring May 26 as historic preservation month and the town of Lake Placid in Highlands
County, Florida, and encourages all residents to recognize and celebrate the rich heritage and historic resources that contribute to the character and vitality of our community on this 11th day of May, 2026. signed by the town of Lake Placid of
Florida Municipal Corporation. And I wanted to note that we have some distinguished guests here um from uh the H Heartland Cultural Alliance Museum Committee. Uh Gayen Thomas, if you can just acknowledge uh Erica Robertson and
Patty Flynn. And Patty is also with our own Lake Placid Historical Society. Uh then the the second proclamation that we have for tonight is for the town of Lake Placid proclaiming May 2026
historic preservation month. Backing up observation of International Museum Day in Lake Placid, Florida. Whereas museums throughout Highlands County, Florida, the town of Lake Placid, Florida, and the United States of America,
and the world serve as custodians of c cultural heritage, educators, and community hubs throughout the following services. Preserving history by safeguarding artifacts and stories for future generations. Fostering education by providing
learning opportunities for all citizens. encouraging dialogue by creating space to discuss social and cultural issues. Support communities by contributing to local economies and community development. And whereas Highlands County Museums will celebrate
International Museum Day on May 18th, 2026 in numerous ways, including offering special hours and hosting guest speakers. And whereas with the theme museum museums uniting a divided world,
the May 18th, 2026 observation of international museum day focuses on how museums can adapt and thrive amidst social, technical, and environmental changes. Whereas all town of Lake Placid residents are encouraged to recognize
the importance of our museums to our communities and to work together to preserve these valuable institutions for our enjoyment and benefit and in the future. Now therefore be it resolved that the town of Lake Placid along with Highlands County desires to recognize
and commend its 11 museums including Avon Park Historical Society Depot Museum Charles Fw We Waggle House Museum Children's Museum of the Highlands Florida Medal of Honor MU Memorial Highlands Museum of the Arts Lake Placid
Historical Society Depot Museum Military Sea Services Museum Museum Museum of Florida Art and Culture, Peter Powell Roberts Museum of Art and Culture, State of Florida Civil Conservation Corps Museum, and Toby's
American Clown Museum and School. Now therefore, be it recognized and commended that our museums contribute to the health and vitality of Highlands County and the town of Lake Placid being open to all residents in addition to welcoming tourists and visitors from
around the world, bringing revenue to our county and its individual towns. Now therefore, be it resolved that we hereby recognize all our museum's board of directors, staff, volunteers, and members for their diligent, hard work, and personal efforts to keep these
cultural foundations vital, attractive, and open for business in our communities. Now, therefore, Mayor Charles and the town of the town and the count town council of the town of Lake Placid do hereby proclaim May 18th, 2026 as International Museum Day. this 11th
day of May, 2026, signed by uh Colleen Charles, attested by Eva Cooper Hapman. And I have the two proclamations here that are signed. I'd also like to recognize from the historical museum depot, Margaret Deer, um who's on the
chairman, uh who's on the um the board of directors, and then um the other volunteers that we have um with um Patty, Erica, and Gayen. If you stop in there, you always have a face that gives you a lot of history of this town. Um,
the only thing we didn't I was thinking is Charlotte, Eva, we've got those old minutes. Eva has books of minutes of the town all the way back to 1927 that she's working. And then also the big safe out here is another historical
um gem that we have u preserved. So, thank you So, we have no public hearings and we'll go ahead and move on to um action item one, town council appointment for the open council seat. And then right after
that, we'll swear in that individual. >> I would like to make a motion to appoint Ray Royce to fill the vacant town council seat and also as vice mayor. I'll second. >> Any other comments from the dis?
>> I believe we should have the under other candidate at least have an opportunity to speak. >> Okay. You okay with that? >> We have a second a motion. There's no point. But if he wants to go up to speak, there's I have no objection to that. But there's no point in doing
that. I just have a question. >> Madame Mayor, are you okay with um the vice mayor and the appointment going together in one motion or would you prefer to have two motions to that effect because the motion that was made included um Ray Royce as the town
council person and as the vice mayor? >> That's a good point. Um we have them both in separate A and B. So I think probably proper protocol would be let's do A and then we'll move to B. >> I think I think that's probably the right protocol if you don't mind.
>> Mr. Attorney, do you have any comments on that? >> Matter. >> If the council so chooses chooses, then Councilman Sap would just amend his motion. >> I object because I was going to nominate you for vice mayor. >> I have no interest.
Thank you though. Thank you though. >> So are are you are you going to amend your motion to just one and then put and then make a motion again and number B. So >> I move to appoint Ray Royce to fill the vacant town council seat and administer the oath of office.
>> And I'll second that. Okay. Are we good? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> It's number one. Right. A >> more discussion. >> Yeah. Um, >> I don't like it that you didn't even give the other person an opportunity to speak. And um, I
would prefer that Ry remain an advisor to the council. He can do more good on the citizens committees outside of Sunshine Law and advise us outside of Sunshine Law. The other point is there
was an election between two unknown candidates and Mr. Mr. Roy. And Mr. Royce came in third by 3%. I consider it an affront to the voters that voted did not vote for him to have him take that
position. Now, again, without giving the other person even a chance to speak. >> Well, I I think we can go ahead and ask Mr. Heath to come up and speak under the discussion of the motion. And, you know, and the motion doesn't have to pass. So,
you know, there can be another motion, but with reference to um while we're on the subject, with reference to the the fact that the the you know, the election and and that Ray was defeated. Well, Deborah Worley was also defeated when I was elected and then she was
subsequently appointed to town council. So, I think that might even set some precedent. But let's ask Mr. Heath to come up if you don't mind, m Madame Mayor, if we could do that. >> Yeah, I mean, we probably should have done that. the first paid had each candidate just for the audience also to
just come up just take a minute. >> Sure. >> Um so if we want to do Mr. Heath first >> can I before we get Ray Mr. Royce um we've known each I we have no animosity between each other. We were neighbors at Lake June Point for years. Um we've been
at social events and you've consulted me. You've given me good advice and that's why I would think you'd be more valuable as an outside advisor, especially if we form the citizens groups than being constrained by sunshine law.
Mr. Heath, Mr. Heath, please. Hello and thank you for allowing me a chance to speak and just thank you for a chance to um apply my name for the position uh for council member. Um first and foremost um
I do see it as an honor to have this opportunity and I do see that um any chance when it comes to um politics that there is competition for every role as it brings forth the best and uh
uh brightest um into those positions and that um when it comes to this town I want to see whoever is most qualified who has um the best ideas, the best um uh site for this town to be the one to
get the position. And um I guess thank you for your time and consideration on this. >> Um there you did respond both of the candidates responded to questions
um through the media sources. There were some good questions. Um are there some would you like to reiterate some of those things that you your positions? >> I do uh believe that uh the city should u put some emphasis towards the
maintenance of um our infrastructure. We have a hurricane season coming up and we have been lucky the past few years and I believe that our efforts should be first and foremost towards m making sure that our city is protected and well-maintained so that if we do get a
bad hurricane that we can endure it without any significant issues. Um, additionally I think that um Oh, hold on. I just had a brain fart there.
Um I think that uh the city is doing a fantastic job with um its growth, but um when it comes to the uh opportunities the city gets in where this growth goes, such as large corporations, I think that
large corporations might uh push out some of the mom and pop stores that are a founding part of this town. Um, and those are like my two main concerns that I wanted to address.
Thank >> any any other positions that you want the people to know you about, know about? Um, maybe what you see the town is the town's strengths, the town's weaknesses. I mean, this town's strengths definitely
would be um how it's located in such a nice central area in Florida that allows for the traffic to come in um and bring in commerce to this area while still being relatively secluded enough to be
picturesque, not have all of these um problems with like large population areas in Florida, as well as having, as it was put earlier, a vast amount of uh history in the area. Um the strengths of the community is
basically in that it is a very close-knit um community and not some um vast city that uh doesn't have uh these ties within itself with these um senses of
identity within itself. >> Okay. Thank you. And uh Mr. Royce, just if you want to introduce yourself also for just a short minute. >> Madame Mayor, members of the council, uh Ray Royce, I I believe I know all of you
all. I've spoken to all you all are in receipt of my letter of interest of April 10th. I think we're in a new era of of the town under new leadership, heading a different direction. And I think the experience I've had after being involved with everything from
growth management, kin committees, LPA, time served on town council, uh, lends itself to me being ready to go day one moving forward. We're going to do some the town is going to embark on quite a journey. You have to re uh, review and
revise its comp plan. We're going to have to be more cooperative with Highlands County and working towards things. And I think these are things I'm well suited to be part of. I I pride myself both on having always been a conservative fiscal steward of the town
and have always moved towards, you know, lowering our, you know, millage rate each year. Uh, I think I've always worked very cooperatively with a number of different town council members over the year. So, I think I am well prepared for the position and I appreciate your
support. Thank you. >> Any other questions? Okay, out to the audience. Any comments? Bring it back and take the vote. >> Council member Sat. >> Yes. >> Council member Hayes. >> Yes.
>> Council member Everheart, >> no. It passes. >> Yes. Motion carried. >> Do we want to do the >> Yeah. So, we'll do the swearing in now. Mr. Mr. Royce and Mr. Heath, thank you
very much. And we're right now going through a lot of our agency boards, uh, looking at probably having some openings, uh, whether it's utility board, the planning board, um, and so we're looking at the membership and the terms and so there might be an
opportunity for you to get involved in all in those also. So, thank you. >> I I also wanted to thank uh, Mr. for coming up. And I think that a new younger perspective would be a great opportunity for us to have on our
citizens advisory board if we can get that together and I would love to see you step up and do that for us if you would. Thank you. United States of Florida United States. Office.
Welcome. >> Welcome, Mr. Royce to the council. And now we'll move on to action item B, appointment of the vice mayor. >> Madam Madam Mayor, do you mind if I take just 10 seconds? >> Is that on? >> Madame Mayor, if you don't mind, let me
just take five seconds to say thank you. I appreciate u the support of the council and I look forward to working with all of you. >> Thank you. Okay. Do we have a motion and a second for vice mayor appointment? >> I move to appoint Ray Royce as vice
mayor. >> I'll second >> comments from the dis to the audience. Bring it back. Eva, take the role, please. >> Council member S. >> Yes. >> Council member Hayes. >> Yes. Council member.
>> Yes. Motion passes. Congratulations again. >> Thank you very much. Again, I appreciate the uh support. >> Um now we'll move on to action item C, Lake Placid Regional Utility Update. I
think um Charlotte, you're taking lead on that one. So just for clarification for the record, it does outline um Mr. Roger Homeman with Penoni as town engineer. For clarification, he is the engineer of
record. This item is really forformational purposes only. There will be no vote needed. Our goal is to bring this back in June with an update on the 319 grant. It currently remains in a holding pattern pending a receipt of the formal
award letter. We will also bring back bring back a statement of the regulatory ordinance and grant framework. It is um pending additional information at this time. We do have Brandon and Roger with Penoni and also Rachel is
available to answer questions. We have an update on the plant and also to discuss some of the finances. So I will turn it over to the gentleman in the back. So, did we move to uh agenda D?
>> No, >> we're on C. >> We're on C with update, Brandon, of where we are with the advanced wastewater treatment plant. >> Okay. >> And then we'll move into D for the addendum. >> Okay. Um where we stand with the advanced
wastewater treatment plant is that uh we switched the headworks over. So the plant is taking now all flow. They are working on the digtor the original wastewater treatment plant to convert it into a
digtor to a contact uh tank. And uh we're getting the filters online and so I'm not 100% sure exactly what percentage rate we would be at, but it would probably be up there.
>> Yeah. Percentage wise, you're probably 85% finished. Um the overall project, the existing plant, a big a big step. We we repurposed that plant with our design. And that's what Brandon's describing is the conversion of it to a
digtor and to a chlorine contact basin. Um the um the new plant had to be taken fully online before that could be um the flows were all flows all now now go to the the new plant. That had to happen before the old plant could start to be
refurbished for its new purpose. Um but yeah, there it's looking like well right now the contractor is giving us a schedule of July or June 7th is their date to be fully complete and we'll July I'm sorry July 7th. July 7th um we're
going to address that in the kind of the next agenda item here with another uh contract amendment uh that we want to talk over. That's about it. So, so Charlotte, I I just have a question. Is so you said this is being pushed till next month because I thought
we had talked about pushing it to next week. >> We did talk about moving it to next week, but we don't have all of the information to be able to bring it forward. >> Okay. So, you're going to push it and would you go to the uh utilities commission meeting first and then it would come to us after that? Is that
what your plan would be? They already made a recommendation at the regional utility meeting. So, we'll provide an update to them letting them know that it was pending additional information and then come back before council >> and that would include the financials where we are with the financials. Exactly. >> Yes, ma'am. And for the record, we will
um advise that right now we are $363,92.94 over budget. We have reviewed that um line by line item with Penoni and also with our financial financials and at this time there are a lot of there were a lot of variables with unforeseen items
and then also price increases that contributed to this and again Rachel has reviewed that we have I did talk with everyone on council about that and and then we also met about that as well. Okay.
So this isformational tonight and in a month you'll come back with and I guess in June we're like a month away from completion the date that we need to be. Um any questions from the dis on this item? >> So the packet indicates that you need a
motion to table. Do you? >> No. No. Just information. >> Okay. >> Any questions from the audience on this? Mr. Calmly state your name and address for the record. Jack Conley, 607 Sunset Point Drive. I
just have a question on the uh from what I understand the original contract was about $34 million and and some change uh for the construction of the plant, not counting engineering and construction management and all that
stuff. And I was wondering I saw some place where the the price now is down to 30 or 32 million or something like that. I was just wondering if maybe the engineer could explain where the savings came in. Was was something deleted? Uh
or I know there was a uh there was an allowance for some electrical work and they didn't use all that. So that that helped a little bit, I guess. And I think we uh I believe the city purchased some equipment directly. So I guess we
saved uh sales tax on that and maybe the contractor's markup too. I was just wondering is there anything else that major things that contributed to the savings? >> Yes. So the items that you mentioned those are the major items that were savings. There was a electrical
allowance that was at the beginning of the project and that was not all used. So that was a savings. And then the owner direct purchase. And what that is is that the town purchased a lot of the big equipment items themselves and then that exactly like you said saved on the
sales tax is about $180,000 of savings I believe because of that owner direct purchase for the sales tax. >> Okay. But that that doesn't seem to come up to whatever the total savings was $2
million or something like that. I was just wondering if there's anything else that I was missing there. There was nothing. Uh >> that's the major deductions on the project, I believe. I don't think there are any major things. And the owner direct
purchase is not that's not a contractor item. Whenever that happens, whenever that that that's turned over to a town expense, so maybe that's what you're looking at. the actual contractor's contract was reduced by that amount of the the equipment that they were not
purchasing as part of the project that the town purchased directly. >> Okay. >> If I may, mayor, >> name and address for the record, please. >> Bert Harris. I live on Lake Mirror Drive.
First, I'd like to know that or like everyone to know that my comments are not directed to Rachel. I don't think Rachel has been as fully involved in the utilities and the utility project as appropriate, let's say. >> Maybe closer to the mic, please. Or
Yeah, >> I don't think Rachel has been as fully involved in the finances of this $40 million grant as would be appropriate. Not her issue. I absolutely believe Rachel is
good person and a and a good financial person for the town. I however am concerned about some of the representations that have been made by Charlotte, your administrator, over the past. If you recall, I was the one that
brought forward the request to remove the pathway out to Placid Lakes. That was because I was told we were $4 million over spent in the $40 million grant.
There was no change or amendment to the contract for water and sewer. I believed her. Then we come back just a couple of months ago that we were $3 million to the good and encouraged you to spend an
extra 1.7. and you said, "Fine, provided we've got it." Now, a week or so ago, she reports to, and oh, by the way, Lisa and I both were saying, "You better check your math before you spend that 1.7."
A week ago, she announces that you're 365 365,000 over spent in the 40 million. I'm glad she's taking a month because this really needs to You got to get it right. You're running out of time.
And I'm not confident in the numbers that the numbers that Charlotte has presented are not consistent. You should be uncomfortable. Interestingly, at the most recent utility board, she came out arguing that
the 319 grant should be used in town. Exactly what I'd argued a month before. And she said, "Oh no, my god. It can't be done in town. a 180. I don't understand. Somebody needs to look behind. You got a good lawyer. He's
doing his job. Be careful. Thank you. >> And thank you for that. And I'll I'll just make the comment that um we have been in the last couple days digging into kind of the progress of the numbers moving and reconciling them from where
they are now, where they were back in March when we made that decision to spend more money. So that's something that we're diligently digging into. Who knew what when so that we can walk across from 40 million to
taking money out year and a half ago to putting it back in two months ago to being um not just over the grant, but then where will that money be come from? Right? So it's not just we overspent, but it's got to come from some other fund. So those are the things that I
personally am digging into with the staff and that's why we need the I guess I was ambitious to push him for one week but realistically because of the moving parts and the pieces and the history um it will be one month. So thank you.
Good. Any other comments? Okay. Now we'll move on to one's going to be a little more technical language involved um on the next one, but pretty straightforward once um the experts will kind of pare it down in layman's
language versus technical language is 7D. The information has be been presented and discussed with council as it's presented here. There is a consideration of construction contract amendment number one is conditional with
liquidated damages waiver with pool and Kent company of Florida. This will allow us to secure a finish date as referenced earlier of July 7th. At this time the staff recommend moving forward to secure with a vote of option A.
You can see it here on the screen. Authorize execution substantially in the form presented subject to contractor and shurity acceptance and final town attorney review. And I will defer to our town attorney and also to Penoni with any questions
that you may have. So the motion here is for the addendum. >> Correct. >> For the addendum here. And and this addendum is um and I think we talked about that a month ago that as of March 11th, the $1,000 a day liquidated
damages kicked in. And in discussion, this is getting to the same place but just a different way. So rather than deducting liquidation damages on the invoices, it's basically um a contract
with pool and Kemp in order to um invoice them for the damages, the the late the late things that aren't being done. >> In fact, uh Mayor and Council, Mr. Harris, your previous town attorney, um
along with the uh project engineer, negotiated liquid damages provision into the agreement and Mr. Harris, um upon retiring and leaving office did put the contractor on notice. Um and that was
processed through the project engineer and we had about $26,000 in liquidated damages. the engineer wasn't happy with the context of liquidated damages probably for obvious reasons. See Mr. Bradley in the office as well in the in the room as well and can explain that.
But at the end of the day um our project engineer Roger Harmon was able to negotiate with this particular contractor and he's done this in the past whereby we just zero sum this out. The liquidated damages become an invoice. We basically uh we pay the
entire invoice to the contractor. We send the contractor an invoice at the same time and they reimburse us with a payment on that amount. That's what's recommended. That's what's been negotiated. Mr. Harmon may have an update. He's had some communication I believe with Kentpool today and that's
where essentially we are. It's it's not where we'd like to be. It also has a relation back or snapback um if they want to argue. I understand the liquidated damages provision was primarily for additional engineering cost, not for any costs that the town would absorb as those may be sunk costs
at the end of the day. >> So, I'll entertain a motion um and a second on this item. >> Yeah, I was going to say there she's got it the mouse on it. Motion would be Yeah, I'm computing what the town
attorney said versus what's on here. Look at the ABC choices. A >> one of these a Az. >> Yeah. To execute the amendment. Then I make a motion to uh authorize execution substantially in the form presented
subject to contractor and was it shy acceptance. Is that right? Next line. >> Um and final town attorney review. >> Second. >> Any other comments from the council
out to the audience? Bring it back. Eva, take the vote, please. C. >> Council member Sat, >> yes. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council member Hayes, >> yes. >> Council member Royce, >> yes.
>> Motion passes. Thank you. Uh, next up is action item E, Lake June pickle ball court project. The historical background has been provided. After um our August meeting, it had been determined that we would use a
piggyback. It went further for legal review which was included in the packet. At that time, it has been determined that we would have to go out for a formal bid to be able to move the the pickle ball project forward. At this time, we are at approximately 60,000 in
the project match funds that have been used and staff are requesting to proceed with a formal competitive bid process to allow the town to obtain obtain competitive pricing, establish qualified contractors, and ensure compliance with applicable procurement requirements and
GR grant conditions. There was also a request for us to obtain a written approval from ARPAC that the paving to the pvious parking changes would not require an amendment to the ARPAC agreement. I make a motion that there be a third
option and that is that we abandon the project for the following reasons. And October 13th of 25, we were told the project was $100,000 over the $200,000 that we had committed and that had not
included a $7,500,000 $7,500 traffic study. There was another meeting where it was discussed whether or not to borrow the funds that we'd have to float that the the difference between what we had uh on hand and what the contractor
costs were. We We would have we would have to we lose it. >> Try it again. >> Try turn it on. >> Mine's working here.
Okay, I will start from the beginning. Um I propose a um a different motion and that is that we abandon the project right now and for the following reasons. In October of 25, we were told that in
addition to the 200,000 that we had committed in the budget, it was expected there'd be another $100,000 extra and another $7,500 for a traffic study, which I don't I don't think has been done yet.
Then at another meeting it was uh discussed whether we would take the money the additional money 100,000 or so out of reserves or borrow from the bank. I think it's crazy to borrow from the bank for something that's not nec not a
necessity. Um you couple that with uh let me back up. We would have to borrow not just a h 100,000. we would had to borrow the full amount because we had to pay the invoices out of our town coffers and
then be reimbursed when the whole project is done. Um, which would then cost us interest of course. Now, you add to that the current situation with the town finances. We have a police station that's under construction. We do not know if that's
going to overrun. So, we need our reserves. Add to that, we have no idea what's going to happen with the government with the Florida property tax situation, whether that's going to cut our income down severely.
Then we get to the timing of the project. We found out that the pickle ball piggyback, which is borrowing a contract from another town, will not work. We would have to have staff put in time to put together specifications
and go out for a bid and get the bids returned. The due date for finishing all of this is April of 27. I don't believe we can go out for a bid and get it done in that time. If we don't get it done in
that time, we lose all our money. Um I think those Oh, last item. We were told many times that if we give back this grant, we will never ever ever get a grant again. And I did research on that. And that is not quite correct.
There are many times. In fact, it specifically says in the regulations that if you have to give back a grant for financial reasons, it will not be held against you. Therefore, I'm proposing an alternative motion that we cut our losses and kill the project
right now and save it for another day. >> Is there a second? >> A second. Motion fails for a second. Um, we'll go back to there's two recommendations
here. Um, or a fourth. Um, so we need a a motion. >> Madam Maya, I'm prepared to make a motion for consideration. I move to request staff to receive written verification from county staff
on the design changes not requiring a grant amendment. And if that is provided then to have staff publish an RFP. >> I'll second that. >> And and just aation you're saying for ARPAC, right?
>> Yeah. I mean our AR our PAC it it's it's county staff that works. The reason I say county staff is it's not up to the committee to verify that. I mean you're going to be dealing with staff that services are packed. >> Okay. Fair enough. Thanks for the clarification. Any other comments on the
dis out to the audience? Good evening. Charles Wilson for the record 763 Sunset Point Drive. Um, as I the the money is there, there is
enough money with the grant for the pickle ball courts and the lighting if you pair back the project like I suggested seven or eight months ago. Just do non-pervious, forget the asphalt. There is money I
believe to do the project with what Niti and the subcontractors have already said. No one has a problem uh pairing it back with the initially wasn't even the original intent was not to pave it. That just got kind of put in
uh at the last minute. But with that being said, we've already spent as of I believe it was May of last year $65,000. That's not counting the traffic study, which I believe has already been paid
for, has it not? >> We held up. We did not. We didn't. >> Well, this the traffic study that'll go towards the match. You're going to have to pay that towards the match anyway. Then you've got attorneys fees from our previous and current town attorneys that are not
inclusive in that. So, you're you're at 75 $80,000 currently towards the match. So, you're talking about walking away from $85,000 to get nothing where if you pair the thing back, you can still do the project
if it's allowable, which I believe it is, and you can get it done quickly. I've seen other municipalities from the time they've gone to bid and get it out with contractors can have it from the time the papers are done. We've got the swift mud and that wasn't counting the permanenting cost that is in. We have
the swift mud permits. Um so if the money is there go out for RFP and if we have the money to do it pair the project back FDRAP will pay pay only if the pickle ball courts go in we don't have to have the other portion of
it is a requirement for fur. So there's the 200 then the 500 from our pack and then our match. Is it five or three from ARP? It's three, wasn't it? From ARPAC, I can't remember. >> It was 500.
>> 299. 300. >> Yeah, 300. So, it's 500 total plus our match, which we're almost at halfway at currently. Not to mention all the staff hours that have had to deal with it over the last three years. So, I would
appreciate if you'd consider that as a as a motion. Thank you. Boy, I almost don't want to touch this one, but >> uh I agree with Charles. >> Name and address for the record, please. >> Harris, Lake Mirror Drive, former town
attorney. I don't recall what the impact of pulling out the parking, be it paved or pvious, does to the grant. And that's the one thing that we'd have to look at to see. But I totally agree with
Charlie. pull out the parking that's been controversial. It's down by the lakefront. It's where you probably don't really want parking. Pull that out. Build bid a pickle ball court provided
it goes along with the with the grants. That gives you a lot better chance of getting it done as financially and not having to borrow money. Totally agree borrowing money is a bad idea. Either we can do it in the grant or we can't. Um,
period. Thank you. >> Deborah Worley, 380 Eastern Lake Boulevard, Lake Placid, Florida. Um, I just wanted to congratulate Mr. Royce. I can tell you we need somebody at the meetings and he has been there for us even though he wasn't appointed, but he
stands up and stands up for the town. So, congratulations. And then on the pickle ball courts in the beginning when I got back on the council, um I supported it because the town had made commitments and I believe in commitment. I'm a commitment kind of girl. So, we
had made a commitment to a lot of people like you do in your personal life and I don't think that we should back out of our commitments. There was a lot of controversy obviously. Um, but I want to remind you as well that this as it's
come along and through the years, it's very important for our schools as well. Pickle ball is the fastest growing sport in our country. Our children will need pickle ball courts to keep up with
the scholarships in competition with other schools and and and get those scholarships and go ahead and succeed and have pickle ball courts to play on. It's it's very popular and it's growing in the schools. I've researched it and
um it's important for that. And then the other thing is is that you have to remember, I know there was a lot of talk about moving the pickle ball courts. You can't have pickle ball courts without a bathroom. So when you consider this, you think, "Oh, we'll just move the courts to somewhere else." Where are you going
to move them where you have bathrooms to facilitate the pickle ball courts? Thank you. I'm going first. Marlene Margaret, dear 1504 French Street. First of all, there are no collegiate sanctioned pickle ball scholarships in this country so far. I
just want to be clear. We're $365,000 on one budget. Are we going out for an RFP or is this motion simply to pursue pursue our pack and then accept all comers, go back to the 90y contract that's already there and excavation
point? What I I'd like to be clear on what's happening here because it sounds like same old same old is what it sounds like. Okay, we're just going to go to RPAC and make sure that it's okay with RPAC that we make the pvious parking changes. Are we going to go through with
a competitive bidding process or not? Are we just stopping at number one or are we going to go to number two as well? >> The motion was both. Thank you. Good evening. Marlene Berger, 760 Sunset
Point Drive. I have to agree with Council Member Everheart. It's about the money. How much is this going to cost? We already know, let's just take the emotions of pickle ball out of it. What is the overall cost going to be? And I think before we make a decision, even
before we go out for a bid process, somebody needs to sit down and take a hard look at how much in debt is the town and can we afford it? I think at one time, didn't you say you had to take out a $500,000 loan in order to execute
for the pickle ball courts? Is that correct? or >> I think at that meeting there was a discussion of whether to take out a loan or take the money out of reserves. >> Either way, >> what is in our reserves? We don't know
what the total cost is going to be for the police station building. I mean, I if you're running this your home this way, would you go out and make a major purchase if you haven't paid your mortgage?
I think Rachel, you've already confirmed previously that the $699,000 is encumbered for the pickle ball. Is that correct? Okay. If if that money is encumbered, if it's
in the piggy bank somewhere, why was there discussion about going for a loan? I just wanted to add that that price that you see now that number changed with the with the cost of the project.
So it could it could have changed, >> but you won't know till you go out to bid. That's correct. >> Right now it's still all estimates. >> That is correct. >> Based on years ago estimates, I think the town administrator has said
that, you know, the feeling is the costs are going to be higher, but you don't know until you get you get the bid information back. And that was what this is trying to do. move it along to say we can speculate, we can speculate, we don't know where will it come from, but until we get a real good
number that we could make a decision from, that's what this is trying to do. >> Madame Mayor, if I might. >> You sure? >> Uh, let me say in support of my motion, the intent is it's a two-step process. We're going to go back to county the
county staff and say we would like verification that we can modify the nature of the project in dual way with the majority at least of the parking component. They say yes that's fine then we go to RFP and then that'll be the time that we
will have to do the financial analysis. That's when we'll have another bite at this apple to either accept or decline the projected contract. And then for the first time, we'll really be knowing what hard numbers are.
>> Exactly. And then at that meeting, we'll have the discussion of modification of parking, anything like that. Eva, can you just scroll to the two maps there real quick? Maybe maybe this will just help a little. So the first when we went to
RPAC, I think you have to when we went to Arpac, this was the first design that RPAC approved was that we were going to pave in front of the boat ramp. We were going to put a lot of paving, you know, um to kind of
smooth out a lot of the potholes. So that's what our pack approved. This right here, this was going to be, you know, um I So over to the left is the beach there. There's the four little pavilions on the beach over to the left. So this was what went to ARPAC. Then scroll to
the next chart. This is what we're designing right now. So, all of that paving over there on the left is completely gone and it's only pvious parking um with bumpers um up to the pickle ball courts. So, staff just needs
to tell us I would like in writing that we don't have to amend it or if we have to amend it, we amend it. That's all. That's step one I felt. And then step two is go out for the RFP and then we'll now know numbers to make a decision
from. Anything else from the audience? It needs to be quick because your three minutes was up. >> Uh I'd suggest looking at the cost too, but the paving up to the parking >> the other one the other chart. No, the
the one there where you've got the parking up to the pickle ball court. >> There's no paving in this one at all. >> Okay. No. Yeah. Do not pave that or you don't even need to do it. A sidewalk to the pickle ball courts would suffice. >> I that would reduce the cost if you needed to.
>> Yeah. I think that's where once we get the RFP back, then we'll be able to have that discussion. I mean, maybe we'll be wowed. We'll save some money. Right. >> Right. >> Or we'll have that discussion of what do we do with that? Okay. Any
>> one more? >> I'd like to know how much in debt we are. >> Name and address. >> I mean, we're in debt with the sewer plan. >> Uh, your name and address for the record. >> Sorry. My name is Rosemary Heath and I live at 588 Sunset Point Drive. I'd like
to know how much in debt we are, especially. >> So, we're not in I don't think we have any debt. I think >> Well, you have debt with the sewer line. No, the old No, that's all grant money and money that we have. So, we are not in debt.
>> Well, what's the 400 or 34 368 whatever it was,000 were behind. >> That's over the budget for the $400 million grant. So, the $400 million grant, the $40 million grant for the new wastewater treatment plant is forecasted
to spend $365,000 over. That's not debt. That's where we'll see what other reserves we have to pull that to pay that money from. >> Which bucket does it come from? >> Okay. And how low are our reserves?
We've taken so much money out of the infrastructure. We don't have that answer right now, but we are not in debt. >> Okay. I'm just >> Rachel. Right. >> Not at this point. Okay. Thank you.
>> Anything else? Bring it back. Take the role. >> Council member Royce. >> Yes. >> Council member S. >> Yes. >> Council member Hayes. >> Yes. >> Council member Everheart. >> No. Motion passes.
Um, last item on the agenda is G. Um, no, I'm sorry, is two more items. F, the piggyback contract with the city of Sebring. Um, from from the city of Sebring's contract with Esavation Point. Thank you.
Previously, whenever we were looking at the piggyback for the pickle ball project, it was identified that we use the same um piggyback from the city of Seabbring contract for road work and repair related services. As it has now been determined that the town can no longer utilize the Sebring contract as a
piggyback contract due to the expiration date of the base contract, the town needs to establish its own general services contract through the formal competitive bid process. This would be for both public works related improvements, roadway and utility related work. So we're requesting for a
vote for us to go out to publish an RFP for road work and repair related services. >> I make a motion to authorize staff to publish an RFP for road work and repair related services. Second
>> comments from the dis out to the audience. >> Bring it back. Eva, take the vote, please. >> Council member Hayes, >> yes. >> Council member Everart, >> yes. >> Council member S, >> yes. >> Council member Royce,
>> yes. >> Motion passes. Um, and now we'll move on to 7G, a budget amendment request for um the fireworks. Thank you, mayor. There is a request before you to consider increasing the
budget line item of 001572492 at a fund balance for fireworks. There is a correction here. It says a current allocation of 3,000. It is currently budgeted for 4,000 and we request to be able to move that to 5,000.
So we are requesting for an increase of a hundred,000 I mean $1,000, I'm sorry, of $1,000 to line item 001572492 resulting in a total allocation of 5,000 opposed to 4,000. And Mr. Clark is here
to answer any questions. Just for um some context, previously this was handled by the JC's. Historically, it was allocated for $5,000 and then it changed over at some point to the JC's from Mr. Clark being the one who handled
it. There was a standing um by request by Mr. um by Phil Williams that if you were not present, then you didn't present then it it would be whatever was allocated. So now that the JC's are no longer handling it, the legacy committee with Mr. Donald Clark have accepted the
responsibility, thank you to be able to help us pull off our firework show. And so it would be $5,000. Again, $1,000 added to the current budget. >> So I' I'd like to ask for a motion and a second and then we'll uh address any
questions they might have. Please. I move to approve increasing budget line item 001-572-492 for fireworks from 3,000 I'm sorry from 4,000 to $5,000. >> Second comments from the dis.
>> Um I just I just have a question u for Mr. Clark. Is is that going to do it? Are we going to be okay with that? Um, well, if there's any more, it would greatly be appreciated. >> I'm just thinking, are we coming back every month here? >> So, a little history. Um,
years ago, we always was ahead of the game. We always had enough money a year in advance. Now, we're taking this over and there's, I think, a couple hundred dollars in the account. We're starting off from ground zero. Um, traditionally, the town always donated 5,000 a year. If there's more eligible, we would greatly
appreciate it. We're going to pull it off one way or the other, but um I appreciate the increase back to where it has been for years. It was at 5,000 for years, so if we could get more, that would be awesome. >> I don't know what Mel's thinking.
>> I just I I just, you know, I'm I'm used to uh Dana Dana coming back and saying, "Oh, but we have to do this. Oh, but we have to do that." So, I'm just, you know, trying to check here, but I think 5,000 is where we ought to stay. I don't think we have any more. So, >> yeah. And it was at 5,000 for years. Um,
it went down for whatever reason. We weren't in charge at that point, but um, like I said, any anything would help at this point because we are starting off from ground zero. No funds at this point. And >> that's just around the corner.
>> I don't think we can answer right now if there's any more. Okay, thank you. >> I guess we can we can always look at that. Any uh comments from the um audience? >> I I tell you, I read that Sebring is
going to spend 35,000 and they they're really jazzing it up for the 250 at the anniversary and some of the I think the fireworks they're looking at a flag and things like that. That was pretty creative what I read. >> And I think the city of Sebring pays
almost the entire amount. >> So, >> um, do we need any sort of as far as park closure? It's going to happen on the 4th, anything like that. Do I need permission to go with staff and police department or And it's going
to be the exact same thing we've done years past. >> That's in the budget. >> We we've already got that slated. Okay. >> Yes, sir. >> I think you have another comment. Okay. >> Miss Worley. >> Deborah Worly, 380 Eastern Lake
Boulevard, Lake Plast, Florida. Um, it is very important. This is and I know um it is a big year. 250 years a celebration. Miss Everheart gave me some decorations. I'm going to decorate my home right on Inner Lake. Um, it's a big
deal. So, if we're ever going to go higher on this budget, I would say this is the year to do it. Thank you. >> May I Mr. Mr. Clark, do you have a place for donations? >> We do. We sent out letters to
>> Go ahead. Microphone for all those listening with money. >> We have sent out letters. The Legacy Foundation is being run through the chamber and we did out letters to businesses and individuals that and and other organizations that donated in the past. So, those letters are out. Um, if
you need a letter or need opportunity, you can contact the chamber and we'll get that to you. >> And, um, this >> name and address, please. >> You, >> Bill Brantley. Uh, Homes Road 436. Um, as far as it's around $13,000, so
obviously $5,000 is a great way to get to that. But yes, as far as any kind of donations, as far as community can help us to come out to be able to do that. Um, this was dropped in the dropped in the lap at the very last minute. Kind of like the chamber of commerce, I think, is kind of just getting everything from the arts and craft festival to, you
know, we do a lot. I just want to let you know, like I said, we don't want to come here and ask for money every time, but between the parades and the arts and craft festival, cladium festival, the mural society, now keep class beautiful. It's it's a very we have a hard time asking for donations because we're seems like we always have our hand out. But if
anyone could help us this year because we did get started so late. Thank you. >> Marlene Berger, 760 Sunset Point Drive. Um I agree it's important to celebrate for the fourth of July but at the same time I I guess my concern is if you all
recall rec call about two years ago resident tri residents tried to raise a lot of money for the town fireworks on the 4th of July. They put out a lot of their own money. They were not able to collect the amount of money that they
wanted. So they took it out of their wallets and I think there was well over $10,000 that they paid out of their own personal funds. The question I have now with regard to the Legacy Foundation is money coming out of the Legacy Foundation because if that's true, my question would be what's the separation
in the Legacy Foundation from the money that was taken from the Mural Society? At the time that Harriet Porter left the Mural Society, there was $87,000 in the pocketbook for murals. I would not be happy to see any of that money
spent on something other than preservation of our murals. So, do we know where the money is going to come from? Because we're paying that 5,000 from the town. But if we're not able to collect all the money within the town and volunteers, perhaps we ought to talk
about a joint effort with the town of Sebring and make it a Highlands County celebration for the 4th of July. Just something to think about. We're going to do fundraising. Obviously, the Legacy Foundation has multiple entities.
>> Put that up higher. The microphone just please. Thank you. >> The Legacy Foundation is going to have multiple entities. Obviously, it's going to be a separate budget item. Um the murals are on top of our priority and obviously we're going to be doing fundraising for the murals so it's not going to inhibit any of that budget. >> Okay. Yeah.
>> So, and I think the town of Lake Pleasant needs her own display. We have a lot of a lot of waterfront properties and a lot of visitors and a lot that enjoy that display. So, >> okay. Anybody else?
Uh, bring it back. Eva, take the vote, please. >> Council member Sap, >> yes. >> Council member Hayes, >> yes. >> Council member Everheart, >> yes. >> Council member Royce, >> yes. Motion passes. And I think we'll see if
there's any leftover money because it is an important year. I know Allen has ordered some 250 year flags um for different of the flag poles, Devain Park, Stewart Park.
So, so it's a very important year um for us also. Um okay, that concludes the AXO formal agenda. We'll just kind of go around uh with staff and counsel if there's anything. I'll kind of start
over um with staff of Harry. Anything from you, Alan? >> Uh yes. I'd like to make a couple quick public service announcements. Um, Waldo Alith A, which is the road behind Dollar
General, uh, running between Dow Hall and Inner Lake, is due to be repaved starting Monday the 18th. They're going to be, uh, milling that day, and then it'll be a full day of repaving the following day, Tuesday the 19th. Uh so
anyone any motorist traveling uh between Dow Hall and Interlake, we ask that you utilize US 27 as a detour or the other direction if you want to go around uh down Main Avenue. Um separately, just a quick update on
the US 27 flag pole. Uh Glaze Electric has responded to our request for temporary use of their 100 foot uh bucket truck. Um they are verifying their approval through their uh public outreach representative. Uh but pending
the approval uh we may be able to schedule that as soon as next week. U it'll be 9:00 a.m. I'm not sure exactly of the day yet. We have to nail that down. It'll either be Tuesday or Wednesday. Um, and then we will need to temporarily
close a lane on US 27 just probably from 30 minutes to an hour. I'm not sure exactly how long it'll take. That's all. >> Thank you. >> When you said
>> May 18th and 19th is going to be for the Waldo. I don't say that road right, do I? Yeah. um paving and and the preference, you know, is to use US27 and then they're going to contact the three businesses along there, the credit
union, the Dollar General, and the gas station. Just so, you know, the concern is the big trucks coming in to unload. You know, they that's a quite busy road sometimes. >> And the talking about the traffic.
Oh, so and Allan's done a great job trying to get the flag on 27 replaced. And typically you just use the pulleys and pull it down and you put the new one. He's got the flags, you know,
interesting is or what's the size of those flags? 50 by >> 15 by uh 25, I believe. >> 15 by 25. The problem is the bell at the top and the pulley stuck in there. So now they had to order parts and that
last one just came in. And then the it's 80 feet up. >> Yes. >> 80 feet up. The Lake Placid ladder truck is has hydraulic problems. Highlands County ladder truck had some problems. Sebring wasn't certain if they were going to let us use it and Brandon
tipped them into Glades Electric. That's what More Haven used to use. And that was just this morning's meeting. and you already have the connection to they will come out and allow that bucket truck. >> I was >> bud's not a bucket truck but the ladder. I don't think we have a date yet. That's
what he's saying. >> Right. >> And then and then they'll be >> they were very helpful uh very responsive and seemed enthusiastic to be able to help. Uh the guy I spoke with uh just wanted to do one last verification with their
public outreach, but he seemed very hopeful that they'd be able to help soon. >> Yeah. Long overdue. Thank you. Another fun fact, Allan says that if the flag is flagging straight out, that's a 25 to 30 mile wind that's taking place. So see what
you learned from a town council meeting. Okay. Uh Brandon, Rachel, Eva, um Charlotte, we have been talking extensively about a priority list for as long as I've been
here. And so now that we have a full new council, we will be bringing that forward in June. Um Eva has provided a list, I have a list, and we have bombarded the town attorney with a list. So, we plan to bring that forward in June and we'll need you all to set the priorities. So, that's forthcoming. We
also have an update for the police department. It will be dried in before the end of the week. It is ahead of time and it's under budget and Mark said he will be back next week and he will give you more of an update. >> Okay. And Captain Troutman, anything from the police department update from
you? >> Okay. Mr. Turney, Councilwoman Iart. put on your to-do list. We don't forget the Boys and Girls Club re because they and if they're listening that they don't
we haven't forgotten them because I I know their grant was depending on getting something from us. >> Is that on next week's agenda, Charlotte? The Dell Hall building. We already can.
>> Go ahead. You you were thinking June as well from your notes >> based on >> is that June? >> Yes, June. June. >> And that's going to be broader than the Boys and Girls Club because two years ago the council made a decision
to purchase the Dale Hall building and the playground and it was based on so that was April 2024 but it was based on October of 23 where the prior council had made a decision to go ahead and buy it. So then we finally closed the deal in April. So we really need to look to
see what was the decision made of why we purchased that so that we can have you know a discussion is it the boys and girls club or what will the use be so so it's it's broader than just the boys and girls club it's we need to go back and see what decision the council made to
see if that decision needs to be changed which it may and then um go from there. So we we're collecting that information so that you can come forward. I think you're saying in a June meeting in the June June June agenda is getting loaded up. So we're still planning for two two
hours two and a half at most for a council meeting. So that'll be June. >> I just if we can push that up because as I understand their grant application was very timesensitive. It should have been they needed it a month ago. And then the last thing is
thank you Harry going to miss you. Councilman Bur Sap, >> I just want to second that. Harry, thank you for everything you've done for the town for as long as you've done it. I appreciate that. I read earlier your letter and I didn't realize you were going so fast. I heard something about it, but I didn't
realize it was so quickly. So, you'll be missed. >> Councilwoman Hayes. >> Also, I want to go on record saying thank you, Harry. We appreciate all that you've done for the town in the long time that you've been here and we appreciate you hanging in in there with
us. Um, a couple of other things. Um, we decided tonight that we'll go out for an RFP for the pickle ball courts. What I would highly recommend that with our new leadership on council that we stick to
what was mentioned early on that we need to stop just going over and over and over and over things. We need to look at things. We need to make a decision and that decision stays. Whatever decision we've voted on, it stays. We don't bring
it up 37 times because that's how we got over budget in the police department. That's how we're still on chapter one with the pickle ball courts because we started that when I first came on council and I'm in my second term. So I think we need to learn from our past mistakes and when these things come into
us that we make decisions we decide one way or the other we decide and we move on. I think that's very important. The the next thing is I think we have to address fees. That's probably on the
to-do list. I I'm I'm hiding from Charlotte right now, but it's probably on the to-do list. We need to address fees. We also and I don't know whether it's going to come under CRA probably but we need to address some things like um flags and banners things like that in
the town because and parking because what we end up doing is we end up making all these uh exceptions and if we continue to make exceptions on a particular thing be it parking and banners are the big things that come to mind then I think we need to go back and
see why are we having to make these exceptions maybe we need to rethink how things are written so we don't have to keep making ex exceptions. So, um that's another thing for the to-do list. So, and I think that's all. Thank you.
>> Thank you, >> Council Member Royce. >> Yes, Madame Mayor. Well, first again, thank you all for um your support. Bring me back on the council. I want to say thank you to the members of the community that called and reached out and encouraged me to to make application
for the position. That means a lot. I look forward to it. My one ask is I'm assuming we are just about to get knee deep in the budget season. And so at one of our upcoming meetings, if someone can provide us a a sheet of when all the
meetings are, if there's going to be additional budget hearings in addition to regular meetings, just so if for no one else, I can get them on my calendar. Thank you. >> Yeah. And and the budget meetings haven't been established. Typically that'll be the end of July was let in
>> Mayor. So typically in June is when I bring a calendar so we can schedule for our either June or July but we start talking about it in June. >> Um we get our numbers at the end of June. So >> for the July meeting first number
>> and just to note also there is a new state statute that was adopted that the budget process is going to change next year. There's a little bit more involved. You'll be educated on it. there's more uh requirements, more advertisement requirements, more
calendars. Calendar has to be set in January of every year of your budget cycle for that year. So it gets adopt it gets looked at and there has to be a separate web page for your budget
established um separately. So there's a lot more coming on the budget uh requirements that's going to be changing. We'll do a couple of test runs this year on a couple of those requirements just to start getting ourselves acclimated to what's going to be required.
>> But but the short version is this. No, no, not on the budget. That's good. The second and third Monday of each month is a council meeting. Now, now of course the goal is to try to get back to one meeting a month again. Uh but we've got a lot of things that we've
got to catch up on. Um >> Thank Thank you, Mayor. >> Yep. Um, and so there's been a lot of comments about Harry. Let me just clarify for those of you who may not know, uh, Harry turned in his resignation, uh, in April and May 18th. Don't know if we'll see you at next
Monday's meeting or not, but is Harry's last day. Um, he's he's got another job. Um, and again, I personally also appreciate all the work that you've done in the nine years, I think it's been since you've almost 10 years that you've been with the town. um the basketball
courts and to Allen too. Um that the it's not just the kids that are using them, adults are using them at night and it's interesting because they're creating them as multi-purpose. They're using them as soccer too. So you'll see somebody playing basketball on one end and two playing not two, another group
playing soccer um on the other end, but when the basketball leaves, it becomes a full soccer court and and back. So, it's painted. The backboards are all fixed. Um, there's benches over there. Um, and the people that do play are then sending
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, um, on that. So, wish you luck in your new job. Um, Harry. And then what we will look at between Allen's group and Harry group, Harry's group, are there some um areas that we can combine, you know, um
underneath maybe a different type of a structure. So we are looking at what's the best way um to take a look at how different work that's overlapping the two work great together helping each other out. One does irrigation, one over here, one cuts grass here, one over
there. So they they do a great job working together and I appreciate that. So I don't have anything else. I would Oh, I have a hand from the audience. Marlene Berger, 760 Sunset Point Drive. I want to thank Harry for all of his efforts done at the park. I know he's
worked very hard. But I also want to take this opportunity to do a shout out for Nicole and Jennifer from the Chamber of Commerce. They have delivered many, many years of great service to the town, to the chamber of commerce. They've done a spectacular job. It will be very
difficult, if ever, to replace their talent. They worked cohesively as a team, and we certainly appreciate their efforts. Thank you. >> Thank you, Harry. >> Okay, it's 7:05. I