It's amazing. >> They want to come complain and leave. >> We'll call the city commission meeting for Thursday, September 11th to order. If you would please stand for the invocation and the pledge. Dear heavenly father, we come to you
this evening. We ask that you give us wisdom to make the best decisions for the city of Leburg in your precious name. Amen. >> Amen. >> 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. Before we move into the uh note, if we can do a motion to approve the uh minutes from June 23rd, 2025.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Seeing none, roll call. >> Commissioner Peterson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Barry, >> yes. >> Commissioner Connor, >> yes. >> Commissioner Conell, >> yes. >> Chairperson Reeseman,
>> yes. And before we move to resolutions, Miss Brandy has a presentation for us. >> Yep. We just have one slide to kind of let you know where we're at. Um the draft that was presented to you did not have all the revenue in it because we didn't get the advalorum numbers till later. So there was a $81,000
increase to the revenue that you'll see in the package that was provided to you. The only change that was made was to increase the reserve. It was at 82 in the draft and now it's 164 in the draft. that will be going into reserve for the Carver CRA. Um the value for the CRA did
grow 12.5%. So just wanted you to know that. Um the other thing was the home grant is in again for this. You'll see there's the expenses. Same thing as usual that we normally do. Um the home grant program is at 600,000 the same as it is this year. I think we did about 20
houses this year. So I'm assuming it'll be about the same. Um, and I did want to note that the storm water pond improvements were budgeted in storm water and not in Carver. So that'll be in the, you know, the regular operating budget and that's 150,000 that Storm Water's putting into that.
>> Very good. >> So that's really all I have unless there were any other questions. >> Any questions for Brandy? >> Um, I'd like to Well, can I open up for discussion and add one more thing? The actually I have two more things I'd like to add. >> Yes, ma'am.
>> One was the proposal to update the Heights. Um, one I'd like to add or bring back to um, discussion the proposal for the Carver Heights Montlair CRA development plan.
We're working from a year of 2015 and I'd like to bring it up to date to present now with the goals and the um, changes with the economy as well as the district. And I would also like to include the ex um afterchool summer
tutoring program if I could. Um that is a request to bring um enrichment and education for the youth. Um I'm looking hoping to advocate of an allocation of 150,000 to that and that's a summer
tutoring program at the teen center slash maybe now looking at churches because of the um I guess the conversations we had with the boys and girls club and their structure and what they have there. But it is important to
provide some form of summer programs for the youth in the district 1 area. And also I'd like to bring up the development plan of updating it until today's date. And when I say today's date, at least to the plans for
incorporating our extension of our district has grown, the demographics have grown as well as stakeholders have changed within the district one. >> Do we have any idea how the tutoring
program would work? Any outliner of that? >> Um, actually I do. I have a I presented this before and I would I have some I would include incorporate teachers to um work with me. Some were
willing to do volunteer. We're going to concentrate on math and English as well as civics. Um bringing it to um kids to learn about the city and the structure and how the city works far as making decisions and running a city. Um, I also
would incorporate some summer fun of teaching dance, music, um, and a choir, a course. One of the teachers were willing to create a course for the area. >> And would this all be run through the Boys and Girls Club? >> I was hoping the Boys and Girls Club for
their location, but if not, I would consider churches. And I I remember talking about this before and I guess my only concern is yeah we we put a lot of money in Boys and Girls Club. I just I just like that just kind of tugs at me a little bit. I
mean we spent 2.5 million on Boys and Girls Club and I just would I guess I look at that as what they do and I was hoping you could work together with them. >> I was hoping so as well but they don't offer any um arts and enrichment. When I
say that it's the sports, but nothing going on with the that room that they have, the mixing room in there for >> How much money? I don't think I heard a number. >> Uh 120,000. That's what I estimated. And I also presented a layout of what
the um I can share that later on with you. But it was it would be just a 3h hour 2 to three hour Monday through Friday um summer program and after school for an
hour and I had teachers willing to volunteer some and some were willing to be orchestrating over overseeing one of the programs. >> Have we talked to Boys and Girls Club about this? >> I did. >> Okay. And what was
>> Oh, sorry. Um it's been how long ago? A year and a half now. How long ago from the boys and girls the meeting we had? Um they were going through Yeah, they were going through some restructuring themselves. Um and I'm not sure what the
outcome was, but >> I don't want to see give you rapid fire questions. I just the only thing that tugs at me is you know we there was all this support for Boys and Girls Club. We we put it where the community wanted it. We spent $2.5 million and it just troubles me to do go fund fund something
that competes against that >> unless >> there's really good reasons. I I I'm just struggling with that. I'm not saying I'm a no vote. I'm just struggling with >> No, I'm the discussion. >> We got so much investment in Boys and Girls Club. I just would think there's a way to work through this together and do
what's best for Carver Heights. >> It's not a going against it's adding. That's how I look at it. And what they pre presently have is nothing for the kids. In fact, there's not many children that's there that's within the district because it's more of a force of reading.
>> I haven't kept I was on the board, but I haven't kept up with it last year. >> It's not if you look at the numbers, you it's not they don't have many kids there. >> Well, is how much are you proposing >> for the
afterchool program? I have 150 and for the CRA development I have well [Applause] I think Al you had stated that the average price
of bringing you know to update it would be what 50 >> 100 >> 100 yeah >> 200 250 >> no 150 >> and that's going to come out of the CRA fund >> I'm hoping to I would like for it
>> and there there's money in there for that. [Music] >> There's 100 to 150,000 for after school activities is what you're saying. >> Oh, now which one you I thought you were asking for the plan update. Which one are you
>> the the what you're referring to? >> I'm I'm asking for two. The afterchool program I have for 150,000 to support the afterchool and summer tutoring program at the teen center in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club. If that does not work, which we have met before, I would want to go and
utilize the churches. Churches would be offering to what allow allow the kids to come in for three to four hours. The second one was the proposal for the Carver Heights Montlair CRA and that would be around 150,000.
>> I'm not going to push back on them if they're that important to you, but I hate to clean out the reserve. I I would support them both, but I'd want to pull a 100,000 out of the home improvement grant. I I hate to just wipe out the We have 280 left at So, we're going to take 270 out of 280. I just don't quite feel
so, you know, I'm just don't have an idea. It's a lot of money, but uh you know, pull a hundred out of the home improvement grant, it's still half million dollars. And >> but the home improvement grant is growing. More people are jumping in on that one, taking advantage and utilizing
the program. In fact, I got an update. I think it's over half of the homes that are almost completed and we have a list of people waiting to join. I don't believe in I don't want to wipe out either. So, >> what are you asking? I mean, what are you referencing to say?
>> What I'm saying is we have 280 left over and you want to spend two >> 250 >> 270 I've heard different numbers, but 250. So just for clarity almost you have you have 1636 of new money that's estimated to come in
for fiscal year 26 >> plus the 280 that's hasn't been spent. >> Correct. >> So that's not a wipe out. >> My my bad. I thought the 280 was total after the 160. >> You got to get all the way down. >> You're sitting on 280 now. >> Yeah. >> And then at the end you got 163 coming
in. So if you don't do anything >> it'll be 163 plus 280. I'll withdraw that comment. I I thought we were taking 250 270 out of the 280 and that was just troubling to me. Any other commissioner comments? Is there anything that you need us?
>> No, but I think if if the commissioner wants to change the proposed budget, a motion is in is in order. And I think the commissioner's motion would be 150 grand for the new master plan study and 150 grand for the afterchool tutoring
program. >> So the final vote for this would be on the 22nd. >> Yes. >> Before we make a motion, is there can staff get us a little more information on this? >> 22nd. >> Yeah. >> I could provide further detail. Would you mind see the actual plan and stuff >> like how the churches would handle it? What the oversight would be? There's a
lot of things that I have um >> impact on Boys and Girls Club and and their support. Yes, I could provide that. I did not go um Yes, I could provide it. I have a detail that was presented for boys and girls um because of the restructuring that
they were doing during the time that we met. I never got a follow Well, I did get a followback through and they were looking at utilizing the school as a title one school and focusing on that. Since then, the numbers have been lowered since we were there visiting and
it's not that much participation in the Boys and Girls Club after school program and definitely not the summer, excuse me, the summer is a little higher, but they're not kids from district one >> cuz we did a $100,000 grant last year for that and we didn't get any takers on
that. Correct. From the district. >> I I think you did that two years ago. >> That was two years >> and you and you removed that funding. >> You totally removed it. We took that back. Yeah, >> we put it there. I mean, we had there must have been 300 people in the meeting from that district that wanted Boys and Girls Club there. I'm just a little
taken back. It's not a criticism of you. I'm just taken back that we built a $2 and half million dollar facility and the the neighbor the community who wanted it. I'm just perplexed they're not using it or happy with it. I mean, it may not be their fault. I mean, I don't know. >> I think the building is beautiful, but it's underutilized. It really is.
>> I'm just tr I'm just a little troubled by that. Yeah, but personally if we can have a little more information before we make a motion and a vote on those things. >> I can provide you more info >> and then get it with Al and Al can disseminate to us. >> Okay,
>> everyone okay with that? >> Okay, >> I need to make the motion or do we just wait? >> Do they need to make a motion on that if they modify it now or can it wait until the 22nd? It can wait till the 22nd.
Do you um Al, do you still have the information or do I need to send you updated >> reports? Let's >> we'll get together send it to me and we'll get together offline. >> Okay. >> After the, you know, >> meeting.
>> Any other commissioner comments? >> All right. We'll move to uh resolutions 3A1 and two. If someone would introduce >> I'll introduce has to be read by title only. Resolution of the Carver Heights Montlair Area Community Redevelopment
Agency of the City of Leburg, Florida, approving the amended fiscal year 2425 budget, appropriating certain funds to specific redevelopment projects, and providing an effective date. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any
discussion? >> Seeing none for the commissioners. Any Oh, do you have something? Uh, any public comments? Seeing none, roll call on 3A1. Commissioner Barry, >> yes. >> Commissioner Connor, >> yes. >> Commissioner Alderman, >> yes. >> Commissioner Conell, >> yes.
>> Commissioner Bur, >> yes. >> Commissioner Peterson, >> yes. >> Chairperson Reeseman, >> yes. Would someone please introduce a 382? I'll introduce as to be read by Title Ling. Thank you. Resolution of the Carver Heights Montlair Area Community
Redevelopment Agency of the City of Leburg, Florida, approving the fiscal year 2526 budget, appropriating certain funds to specific redevelopment projects and providing an effective date. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any
commissioner discussion? >> Seeing none, any public comments? Seeing none, roll call. >> Commissioner Connor, >> yes. Commissioner Alderman, >> yes. >> Commissioner Conell, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bur, >> yes. >> Commissioner Peterson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Barry,
>> yes. >> Chairperson Reese, >> yes. >> All right, we'll do a roll call. >> Commissioner Peterson, >> nothing tonight. >> Commissioner Barry, >> um, nothing tonight. >> Mr. Connor, nothing tonight. >> Commissioner Alderman,
>> thank you. >> Mr. Connell, >> no. >> Commissioner Bur, >> I apologize for my tardiness, folks. My fault specifically. So sorry. >> Chairperson Reeseman. >> Nothing tonight. Take a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved.
>> Second. >> Meeting adjourned. >> All right. 510. >> Do we need to do any changing? >> Yes. Okay. We'll call the city commission meeting to order for the 510 meeting. We've already done the invocation and pledge in our prior meeting. If someone would
do a motion to approve the meeting from February 24th, 2025. >> I move that we accept the meeting minutes from the previous. >> Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Seeing none, roll call.
Commissioner Peterson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Barry, >> yes. >> Commissioner Ponder, >> yes. >> Commissioner Cono, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bur, >> yes. >> Chairperson Reese, >> yes. Before we move to resolutions, Miss Brandy has a presentation for us. >> All right. So, where we left off with
the draft, um, we increased the revenue 53,000 from the draft and that was because we got the advorum. The increase was 9.4% in the value of this CRA for this comparing it to last year. The only other change would be the contribution to the CDC went up because the revenue
went up. So half it's about 10,000 more that CDC got from the draft. Um and then the reserve went up 42 654. So that will actually it's the 118 now. The draft book was lower. So as we talked about before, this fund has the 518 and then
it would assume to put away the 118 at the end of fiscal year 26. >> Thank you. Any questions for Brandy? I have a question in general. Will this take care of the um the expenses of the marina? The additional expenses.
>> Is that included? >> No, we don't. We don't have any additional marine expenses yet. >> I thought that they would be though. >> Hopefully we don't. You know, we'll keep in touch on that. And and the marina stuff was coming out of American recovery money and so the marina is
separate and apart from the >> that would take care of everything though. That's what I'm asking. Well, I hope the allocation I can't remember what did you have off >> 200 >> I think it is 2 million I think I think we're about a million for the construction of the building and a million for the docks and so we're we're
right on you know as far as our >> progress over but again that's a different fund not downtown >> so if we did need additional we would have that from that other funding or would it come >> well technically I don't think the marina is in the in the >> CRU so kind of the I think I think the
overall concept that we discussed was there's about $636,000 there >> between the 118 this year and the 518 that's in the bank. Okay. >> So, whatever odd FSL grant may pop up and or if we need spillover money for
parking, that's kind of this is that's where this would go. >> So, if someone does apply for the facade sign landscape grant, we have this >> there's a couple of bucks. >> Okay. you know, >> and I'm fine with this budget, but and when I sit here and look at that those numbers up there, this is just a side
comment. I'm not sure why the this CRA pays for all the special events that benefit our entire community, and I don't want to juggle that this year. I'm just saying down the road, maybe think about that. That's just a side note. I'm not going to I'll support the budget. I had um a similar um question because I
was thinking about the home improvement grant hoping to extend it to this side and I know that when I asked in the prior meeting we were talking about there was a lot of funds being used for the special events and I'm hoping you know on this side if we can try to figure out how to include you know the
community on my side of town >> just and if I could just jog the commission's memory on that you know so when when we when the city took over for the partnership that we knew that we would need to provide those events that that were associated with the
partnership. So the the concept was do we want that to hit the general fund or can we let it hit the increment fund and to to avoid putting that expense and continually have the events we chose the incremental
fund. So if we want to use the increment in the future for something other than events, then we're going to have to juggle where that 400 grand for events is going to go. So immediately you've got two choices for the events. It needs to be a general fund expense or it needs
to be an incremental expense. So you've you've got a big block there. If so, if we decide we want to shift it, that's going to have to go general fund >> and that and that's a big nut for the general fund. I don't want to get bogged down on that. I was just throwing out an
idea. I spread it around more. >> That's why it's there. So, I'm just That's why it's there. >> Okay. I'm I'm I'm fine with that. >> It was We We wanted to The Long story short, we wanted to keep events. We wanted to take over for the partnership. We had an expense. The best place to put
it was in the incremental fund. If you shift that, it's going to have to find a home in the general fund. >> I' I've supported three years in a row. I just threw it out as for future reference, future ideas. But that's that's >> it does benefit the entire city, not just this downtown district.
>> Well, be careful with the way you say that, Commissioner. >> But okay, but um may I add a comment? >> Very important expense for the district >> and downtown and downtown >> district impact. >> And may I also add that it's a
possibility that it might not be there for the following year. CRA, >> your general revenues, your >> CRA. That's what I'm saying. There's all sorts of crazy stuff that could, you know, we pretty much know how our life is going to be until se September 30th,
26, depending on what legislation gets filed. >> That's so true. >> To be continued. >> Any other commissioner comments on this? All right. We will Thank you, Miss Brandy. We'll move on to 3A1. Would someone please introduce that? [Music]
>> I'll introduce must be read by title only. Thank you. >> Resolution of the Greater Leburg Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Leburg, Florida, approving the amended fiscal year 2425 budget, appropriating certain funds to specific redevelopment projects and providing an
effective date. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any commissioner discussion? Seeing none, any public comments? Seeing none, roll call. >> Commissioner Barry, >> yes. Commissioner Ponder, >> yes.
>> Commissioner Cono, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bur, >> yes. >> Commissioner Peterson, >> yes. >> Chairperson Reeseman, >> yes. >> Would someone please introduce 3A2? I'll introduce as be read by title only. >> Thank you. Resolution of the Greater Leburg Community Redevelopment Agency of the
City of Leburg, Florida, approving the fiscal year 202526 budget, appropriating certain funds to specific redevelopment projects, and providing an effective date. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. I have a motion and a second.
Any commissioner discussion? Seeing none, public comments? Seeing none, roll call. Commissioner Ponder, >> yes. >> Commissioner Connell, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bur, >> yes. >> Commissioner Peterson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Barry, >> yes.
>> Chairperson Reeseman, >> yes. >> Roll call. [Applause] >> Commissioner Peterson, >> nothing tonight. >> Commissioner Barry, >> nothing tonight. Commissioner Ponder, >> just wanting again to emphasize the need
on, you know, my side of town and just wanting to ask if there's anywhere that those funds could come from. Is it possible can CRA funds be used in an area that's not necessarily on their side? Can we pull it from anywhere else, >> general fund or the increment district?
>> So, it's it's this seat. So in on on the housing se part where there's where there's housing in the downtown CRA which obstensively is the east side of the CRA the only place you can use funding for the home program is the general fund or
the increment or this district those two spots. So if we don't take money from the increment then we got to take money from general fund. And for the audience benefit, we are
splitting the money. $530,000 is going to the Leburg CDC, which is the same same district. >> Correct. >> Yeah. And we we did make that ask of the CDC to consider >> that grant and we got the answer that
they would not do that. So, >> Oh, yeah. Right. But that's that was the decision that stated that they don't repair homes, they build homes. So >> that's >> that's what I took it and they would not consider being in the
>> So I well I will wait till >> No further comments now. I'll wait till then. >> Okay. >> Anything else miss? >> I I've asked I think this is my third ask and I I'm just figuring out how to navigate to see if we can do something
>> more than me just asking. >> Have you set up a priv a meeting with the city manager? >> I have not, but I can. I would recommend you set up a meeting with him. >> Okay. >> And then that way he can maybe help you guide you through the process of what how to ask and what what funds and things like that. >> We we have had some discussions on this
and if we pulled out the general fund, it will be for the benefit of the entire city. >> Correct. It' be the whole city if it's general fund. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Commissioner Conell. >> Nothing. >> Commissioner Bry, >> nothing. >> Chairperson Reeseman,
>> nothing tonight. Take a motion to adjurnn. So moved. Second >> meeting any changes you need to make out there any changes? >> No, we're good. >> Well, is Go ahead.
Thank you. We'll call the 520 city commission meeting to order. We have done our invocation and pledge in the prior meeting. Can I get a motion to approve the minutes from the September 12th, 2024 meeting? >> So moved. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
>> Seeing none, roll call. >> Commissioner Con? Yes. >> Commissioner Bur. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Peterson. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Barry. >> Yes. >> Chairperson Reeseman. >> Yes. And before we move to resolutions, Miss Brandy has a presentation for us. >> Okay. So, this is the highway 44127 CRA
from the draft. Because of the tax collector numbers, we got an additional 385405. That was not in the draft document. This CRA increased 17.1% in value. Um, everything was the same. The only thing we did add is a $500,000
Habitat for Humanity um for Penn Street for site development that was added and the facade landscape grants of 500,000. So that changed the reserve down to the 1.5 because it was like 2.2 but adding that money. So now we'll still have 1.5 going into reserve. Um it is important
to note this, you know, you can see the cash graph was at 4.7. We did transfer money for Susan Street and then now we're kind of growing again. So, >> thank you Brandy. Any questions for Brandy? >> Yes, ma'am. >> I'd like to propose and ask again for
1.6 is unallocated. >> Could we take 200 of that for the homes on >> 27441? >> Yeah. You know, we talked about that. We talked about that in the budget process.
So, we I think the number that you that the commission talked about was 50 because there's just not there's there's there's a handful of homes on the on the not many. It's a there's a little segment maybe the the district takes in
10 15 houses north of 441 over there by uh >> Johnson. >> Yeah. North on the No, no, no. On the north you're right on the north. I was going to say Holiday Marines. >> There's a How far back does it go? Not very. >> Okay. >> What's that? >> Almost like the railroad track that used to run through.
>> Yeah, that there's a street that kind of goes diagonal in there. >> Okay. I didn't know the last time we spoke and meeting it was to determine how far and how >> I I think the number y'all flirted with was 50 grand. >> Yeah. >> Not many houses really. And the houses
that are there are really newer than the houses that really need it. >> There's one person that completed her application is still on hold that lives right there on that street. So, and she's still waiting
in here. >> So, the grants are 20,000 each or 25 >> 25 >> 24 25, excuse me. Thank you. >> Someone Do you want to make a motion to approve? I just well I mean I'm just
>> I'm thinking the unallocated I know we have to have some in reserve for Susan Street whatever may come and um I mean I'm not trying to beat a dead horse but I do know that there are homes that needs
attention and if we don't give a one that's more than one more than none. So, >> I could be wrong, but I think the commission was okay with the 50,000, but you can't >> Well, I can I'll make a motion. I move that we I at this point I'm willing for
anything. So, I make a motion that we um allocate 50,000 to the um home improvement program through the CRA 44127 CRA for the next year.
>> Second. >> A motion and a second. city commission discussion now. >> I do have a couple. >> Yes, sir. >> You know, you got 600,000 for one CRA. Now you want 50,000 for another CRA. I mean, we got houses throughout the city that that could use a rehab program. You
know, I just I don't I mean, I just don't know what's absolutely fair to to put this program just in the CRAAS. I understand the CRAAS are paying for it, but I mean, you know, how much money we're going to allocate to just redo houses in the CRA? I mean, and I
understand the money coming out of the CRA, but still, I don't know. I I just feel like it it's I don't know, targeting just certain districts of the city and leaving the rest of the city out to dry. I've known people who want to have their houses rehab. They they're
not in a CRA. They can't afford to rehab their house. So, that's my two cents. >> And Jay, I agree with you. And let me just make a comment. I'm not just the the original goal for the the district one was rehabbing for district one but
because the east side couldn't be funded that's why nothing has been done over there but in the original issues of the applications it went across the entire district one without clear understanding. So now we have people thinking that they can get their house
remodeled and they can't because they were in the CRA block. I'm open to even allowing it within the CR. I mean, I'm asking for the east side of town because that was part of the district and original plan for district 1 because now it looks like only one side of the town
is being rehabbed and these homes are getting fixed versus the other side isn't. I would be open to allow it on 27441 of homes or whoever, but I can't speak on if it's that's not the district's plan for someone else's area. I'm not just going to say this one area.
I'm just reaching anywhere to try to get some houses done through the um CRA, but I can't request the area that's near say Beverly Shores and that's not my area. But I wouldn't mind I don't I mean the goal is for district
one, but if it's a house that's not in district one and they fit that and they put in the application, I mean can we not say no to them? I mean that would be unfair. I mean I I think it's if when we're dealing with the CA CRA budgets, the
money just has to be spent >> in a blighted area that geographic area. So >> to you know as long as it falls within the geographic area so if you're want us to fund the 44127 that's not just the John L.
up there. That's going to be any homes. >> That would be Susan Street and Pet I mean over that area. >> I'm not sure how deep if it goes all the way into Susan Street. >> Goes to about Penn Street. >> Pin I thought. >> Well, there's homes there. That would be there, too. >> Well, Penn is kind of the habitat that
where the new I'm not sure how deep it goes. >> That's it. It stops. >> Oh, it stops right there. It doesn't go any further. Okay. I don't know. Well, I'm just trying to consider an opportunity for the east side with which we've been asking, but um by no means am
I would love to see this go all throughout Leburg. So, it's definitely a benefit, but I know we have to stay within the CRA blocks. >> Is that something you would like to see, Commissioner Canal? >> Throughout the city? >> Yeah. >> I'd like to see what the estimated cost
would be. I mean, I don't know. Well, we're talking about how much you're talking about budgeting out of that. >> Just curious. >> Okay. >> I just think if you're going to have a housing program, it it should be citywide. Really? >> I don't disagree. >> I agree. I agree with you. >> It's just the funding. That's >> it's just how what was available within
the block. >> I would want to know how much money the the commission is thinking about putting towards that. I mean before I would want to make a decision but I said just I understand like I said the the funding in the CRA is coming out of that CRA. I get that but it just
seems like I' I have people call me say you know I'm hearing the house the city has a h you know rehab program and I'm like >> unfortunately you don't fall within that. So I can't you know you you can't qualify. It seems like people don't understand it's unfair to them
>> in their in their in their thinking. Understood. >> I agree. >> Maybe it's something have a discussion behind the scenes and go from there. >> Sure. All right. Where are we at? >> Presentation. Thank you, Miss Brandy.
>> Um 50,000. So we have a motion and a second. Sorry, that was a long discussion. Um any further discussion on that? Any public comments? Seeing none, roll call on the 50,000 for the home grant. >> Commissioner Barry, >> um, yes. >> Commissioner Pell,
>> yes. >> Commissioner Bur, >> yes. >> Commissioner Peterson, >> yes. >> Chair Person, >> yes. Would someone please introduce 3A1? >> I'll introduce as be read by title only. >> Thank you. >> Resolution of the US Highway 44127
Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Leburg, Florida. approving the amended fiscal year 2425 budget, appropriating certain funds to specific redevelopment projects, and providing an effective date. >> Motion to approve.
>> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Seeing none, any public comments? Seeing none, roll call. >> Commissioner Bur, >> yes. >> Commissioner Peterson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Barry, >> yes. >> Mr. Conell, >> yes. >> Chairperson Reeseman, >> yes. Would someone please introduce 3A2?
I'll introduce as be read by title only. >> Thank you. >> Resolution of the US Highway 44127 Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Leburg, Florida, approving the fiscal year 2526 budget appropriating certain funds to specific redevelopment
projects and providing an effective date. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Seeing none, any public comments? Seeing none, roll call. >> Commissioner Peterson. >> Yes. Commissioner Barry, >> yes. >> Commissioner Connell, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bur,
>> yes. >> Chairperson Reese, >> yes. >> Uh, roll call. >> Commissioner Conell, >> nothing. >> Commissioner Bur, >> nothing. >> Commissioner Peterson, >> nothing tonight. >> Commissioner Barry, >> nothing tonight. >> Chairperson Re, >> nothing tonight. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> So moved.
>> Meeting adjourned. [Music] >> All right, let me go to my notes. We'll call the city commission meeting to order. The tenatively adopting the proposed millage and proposed budget on Thursday, September 11th at 5:30 p.m. We've already done the invocation in the
pledge. We'll move to public comments. This section was reserved for members of the public to bring up matters of concern or opportunities for praise. Please note that issues raised during this time will not be discussed in detail during the current meeting. They will either be referred to the appropriate staff or scheduled for consideration at a future city commission meeting. Each speaker is
allocated three minutes to provide their comments. Kindly adhere to this time limit to ensure equal opportunity for all participants and to support the efficient conduct of the meeting. Thank you. Are there any public comments this evening? Seeing none, we'll close public comments. We'll move to public hearings and non-rine items. During public
hearings and non-rine items, the commission requests that those in attendance respect the process and maintain order. As such, in accordance with Robert's rules of order, please refrain from speaking out, cheering, or applauding during these proceedings. Your cooperation helps ensure a fair and respectful hearing. And we'll and before we move on to the rest, Miss Brandy has
a presentation. >> Yeah. Just wanted to hit what what we had in this budget. Um, nothing changed as far as personnel. There are nine new positions in the budget, but I will bring to your attention that four of them were the meter reading division that was brought in and 25. So, you're
down to five and then three of those are in the gas department. So just wanted you to be aware those are the new positions that we have for 26. >> Thank you Brandy. >> Go ahead. >> There let Brandy there's a couple SL there's a couple of changes. Remember
when we left last we've done a couple of things throughout the course of the last couple of meetings where we've added stuff and approved stuff. So you a lot of these the big debate was kind of the roll back number versus the existing
millage rate and that brought in roughly about 400 grand. So I wanted you know so the this portion of Bry's presentation is pretty much a repeat of what we did the 5% increases for personnel the changes to the the PBA and IFFFCBA
the 3% match that we're adding for the 457 retirement program. That's that slide. Hit hit the next one. >> Okay. >> And then >> uh fire assessment fee, the health insurance contribution, the education program, all those things stay the same.
Hit hit. So this this slide in particular, I just I this is so this is this is kind of the one you want to look at a little bit um because you know if you want funding for the home grant um throughout the community, this 400
grants where you would look for it. Okay. Um or go to cash. Brandy, what's our cash number in the general? >> We're about 11 million. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So there you can throw cash at that option if you would want as well.
So you know for so for the purposes of where we went based on discussion. Uh here's our recommendations from staff where you are to shift the civic funding um as you know it. We shift that from
solid waste to to to make this a general fund liability versus um an enterprise liability uh because we needed to increase the solid waste rates this year. We didn't think it was justifiable to increase the rates while we were
skimming money off that to do general fund things. So with the room in the general fund, we slid that over specifically too towards the civic funding. Um we increased that by 50 grand. We we we'll show you another slide on that. So, just to bring that and highlight that to your attention,
the 50 grand increase on the civic funding takes over for the chamber. Um, so basically what we did with with with the chamber funding was um because we ultimately decided a couple meetings ago that we thought we needed to go it alone
and could do an outside source because we had all those discussions about al alcohol sales at Bikefest. we really still do have a liability of of of keeping the chamber whole. Um, so our suggestion is to put that into civic funding. Now, even having said that,
there's options to fund the chamber later. I think what you need to do for the start of the fiscal year is determine how much you want to fund the chamber by. We use the number 50 grand because that's ultimately what we paid. That's where we were um
from Bikefest. Um my suggestion for you is to to keep the number at the 50 grand so that when we go into October one they know what their operating budget is. We have the option later on to shift the wires and the shift the wires would be
if we do go to bikefest you know we could probably grab some bikefest monies to fund that and and then put those monies back in the general fund. So chamber, you kind of there's there's two options for funding in the future, but moving into the fiscal year, we they need their number set. So this is how
we're doing. And then and then your cemetery number. Um let me go back to that other slide. >> Um the other is the the beautifification committee. The mayor petitioned y'all during some um uh the budget hearings to to carve up some money uh to for
beautifification in and around the city. Um, and then there was 40 grand left, you know, and kind of, you know, that would be a general maintenance number for public works and recreation because typically when we're at the end of the day when we're balancing the budget, we go to the public works and the
recreation operation numbers and we just start cutting them. So, I can't tell you specifically what the 40 grand is going to be, but but basically it's operations. So, you know, it could be uh Travis has something blow up and he needs a new
mower. Uh Cliff has plants that die because it got too cold in the winter, you know. So, those so those are just and and 40 grand's not a whole lot for that. So, those really in a $40 million budget, that's you got a $392,000 of
flexibility. We did have uh quite a bit of discussion regarding the cemetery at a previous during the budget sessions and I see we're going with 16. >> Yep. Yep. >> 161. Yeah. >> Let me touch on that with you publicly.
I have reached out to the the cemetery. Um and and at this time the cemetery said they're good. So, they intend on keeping their 161 and they they have told me informally um through verbal
conversation that they're good at 161 um and maybe they were premature and asking us for money back in the summertime. So, with that information, I would recommend that you keep it at the 161760 and get on down the road. >> Okay. >> I have one question when it comes to the
booster club. Um, I was asked if the commission would be open to splitting that half and half. Uh, 2500 to the sports and 2500 to the band if you guys would be open to that since they come and do all of our parades and things like that. Um, I know the booster club funded the band out of that last year,
but just so it makes it a little black and white on our end. If you guys would be open to funding half and half out of that. >> Okay, that would be my only thing. >> Which CDC is this? >> Is this general fun? It's just >> Oh. Oh,
>> that's been a distinction and that kind of stuff. >> Okay, that's fine. >> Well, on on that with the splitting of the band, I mean, the booster club I I I'm assuming supports all of the high schools sporting. >> Just the sports, not the band. >> Just the sports. Okay. So, you got
probably eight different sports versus one band. And we're going to split it 5050. >> 500 kids in the band. 500 kids in the, you know, >> you got 500 kids in the band. >> Like 250, 300 kids. >> How big a band do they have? >> It's a big band. >> Well, the whole senior class is in the band.
>> I mean, 500 people in a high school >> band and 12th in there. >> I can't believe there's 500 people in there. The band >> it's probably not that many, but >> um but so you >> you go to their football games, you can see them. >> So So you've got you've got like I'm just going to take a shot in the dark about eight different sports and you got
one band and you want to split it 50/50. It doesn't seem right to me. homorphic ideas. >> Well, then put the ban in if you got eight sports and one band, then just simple math. I mean, the band would get that percentage, one ninth of of the
money you're contributing to them. >> Well, I don't think the booster club divides the $5,000 evenly up between each. Well, they may not, but I mean you they still they're still supporting say I'm I'm guessing eight different sports without sitting here adding them up. But I just don't know it's fair to to to to
say 5050. >> I would support additional 2500 to the ban >> on top of the five on top of the five. >> Can you make that happen? >> I got a question. Does the band still travel to go to state and everything?
Yeah. Okay. They come to all of our parades. They're at all of our events. >> The original funding for the band came about >> longgoing going to Washington to march in >> whatever big parade there was >> and we started funding it and then we
just kept on funding it and I think towards the end they changed band directors and didn't even know we were funding it. They >> Yeah, correct. >> So, we stopped funding it and now >> Okay. >> Somebody's asking. Do you need a motion on that, >> Al?
I think so. Yeah. >> Motion to increase the civic funding by $2500 to the Leburg High School band, marching band. >> I second. >> We have a motion in a second. Any discussion? Any public comments? Roll call.
>> Commissioner Barry, >> yes. Commissioner Ko, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bur, >> yes. >> Commissioner Peterson, >> yes. >> Mayor Reese, >> yes. All right, we'll move to [Applause] Miss Brandy
the announcing days. Let's get there. >> Okay. Name of taxing authority, the city of Leburg, Florida. The current year rolled back rate is 3.3131. The proposed millage rate of 3.4752
is 4.89% higher than the current year roll back rate. The millage rate to be levied is 3.4752 mills per 1000. On July 14th, the commission approved the tenative millage rate of 3.4752
mills per 1000. This is the same rate as the prior fiscal year. Whereas the proposed budget was developed using 3.4752 mills per 1000. Therefore, the tenative millage rate of 3.4752 mills per 1000 represents a 4.89% 89%
increase from the current year roll back rate which is attributable to additional expenses and is a tax increase under trim guidelines. >> Thank you Brandy. Requesting comments from the public regarding of the adoption of the tenative mill rate. >> I have one question. Can we go to that
slide please? >> Which one do you want to go? >> What you just read the mill rate? I think it was the first one. >> Oh you want to see where I had it >> t? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. So yeah, >> are we in the public comment or is
>> it says to go to public comment first? >> Any public com? Yes, sir. Please state your name and address for the record. If you have any public comments, you have three minutes. >> Thank you, sir. >> Uh Robert Bolick, 1206 South 8th Street, Leburg, uh Florida. Uh currently I'm
part owner of three properties, 48,470 ft of office. I'm sorry, of retail warehouse space in the city of Leburg. Our current tax proposed bill is $41,963.86. Uh I am not a proponent of the current rate. I want the roll back rate for what
we're doing. We're paying far too much taxes now on what we're doing. The inflation for everything we're buying and all these costs get passed along to our tenants. So, it's critical that we use a roll back rate, not the rate I would love to see that 4.89% 89% back in
our budget. We developed the budget on it. We need to keep that number. Stay with the roll back rate, please. >> Any other public comments? >> Seeing none, we'll close public comments. Commissioner comments. >> I do I I actually absolutely agree with
him. Um that I I I think we should go with the roll back rate. Um taxes are getting out of control. Um we should do the roll back rate. Let our citizens keep more money in their own pocket. um we can figure it out um on our end. Um
maybe we don't have as much money to waste on nonsense stuff sometimes. Um so I would like to make a motion that we we go with the roll back rate. So we have a motion motion for the roll
back rate. Is there a second? There is not a second. The motion fails. Any other commissioner discussion? I want to comment for the uh audience or public that uh our the millage rate we're approving if you take Mont Verd
out of the equation we have the lowest millage rate in Lake County uh including county and all municipalities. >> Any other commissioner comments? >> Only thing I would say is we that that may be true Mike and it is but the the cities we shouldn't base oursel off the
other cities. I mean, I just think in general the cities are collecting way too much money in property taxes anymore. I mean, property values continue to go up and cities do not lower their miller rate. They continue to either leave it, which is a tax increase, as this year almost 5%. Or
they even raise it. I don't know. We set our standard based on what everybody else is doing. I I would really like to see us do the roll back rate. I know the motion failed, but that that's my stance. I I just don't think we should continue to to tax our citizens for additional money. We should let them
start keeping a little bit more of their money. >> I want to make a comment. I asked just when we had this discussion before, we were lower. I mean, we were at a rate that was pretty decent if I ever do recall. >> Well, it is it is across the board if
you look at the whole county, but I don't know that we need to base oursel what other cities are doing. I mean, you know, >> I thought that was just a benchmark to see where we were. I don't think that was the determining factor that >> Well, it was a benchmark to see. I agree. But just because somebody else is
charging 6% doesn't mean or six mills, whatever, it doesn't mean that's what we need to do. I mean, we we need to do what's best for our city. And I said, I I know it didn't pass or I didn't get a motion to second, but I really think we we could roll the rate back, let our
citizens keep more of their money, and we would still be perfectly fine financially. >> Any other commission? >> My only comment is as the population grows, we add new policemen, we add new cars, we add, you know, our expenses do
increase, but we're keeping the rate at which we're billing the same. Well, so it is increased. I mean, the expenses increased, and I agree, Jimmy, but so so was the amount of taxes you're bringing in with the amount of property that the city continues to annex in. I mean, so
you know, you say I mean, you you know where I stand with all this annexation, everything, but if we have to keep increasing the property taxes on our existing citizens to offset the cost of growth, and growth's not paying for itself. the existing citizens
are paying for this growth. I mean, and that's the problem. The growth should pay for itself for more policemen, more firemen, and it's not. That's why we're not having that's why I guess what I'm hearing is why we're not lowering the property taxes because we have to pay for these additional services for all these people coming in.
Well, these people should be these new people should be paying for theirel. Growth is not paying for itself. We're we're charging the existing citizens to offset the cost of growth. And that that's a problem too. So either these the if you're going to continue to annex
all this property in then they need to start paying their fair share and not put the burden on the existing taxpayers to offset the cost to pay for this growth by not lowering their property taxes. >> I'm not sure that's an honest fair statement. I'm not going to sit here to argue it. But you're going to just get our community stirred up over what I
don't deem to be a completely accurate statement. Um >> well you're raising our taxes by 5% Mike >> and and and I don't take that lightly. I I respect I respect your comments. What I would say on the record is all our you all our enterprise funds all our
utilities cityrun utilities are in the top quartile that would be the good quartortile for the so the lowest cortile. So we have the lowest rates in the county. We have the lowest millage rate and I'm I'm happy about the progress our city is making the beautifification efforts all the things we're doing. So I think the fact we're able to do that and have the lowest
utility rates and the lowest tax rate is a compliment to the city. I would yeah I I don't take it lightly increasing taxes but uh our city is going in the right direction. I think we're spending our money wisely >> and and I like the direction of our city. We're going to disagree on that. I'm sorry.
>> I guess we will. >> I just remember and Al, I'm going to ask you to just refresh. when we presented it was all in line with all that what we were expanding far as
from the growth of the city. True. Um, I don't want to say we're intentionally increasing taxes to to be compared to someone else, but in our presentation, it all made sense. And I just maybe if
we can you just give us a highend I know. >> So your question puts me in the spot. You know, rather have the the fathers argue amongst themselves without the manager intervening. Trying to do that. With that said, let me just so just at
least from the manager's perspective, what I think are reasonable and not so reasonable comments. >> Commissioner Canal said we have plenty of funds to operate at a roll back rate. I would agree with that. I I think you
could probably keep your rate at 3.3 operate fine. And that's how the budget for 26 was presented to you. It was during the budget workshops where the supermajority of the commission said what would it look like if we just kept it because the step from the 3.4 to the
3.3 financially was was not very significant was $392,000 as you see and I would say for the record that's a 3% increase not a 5% increase okay because that that's you
know for a business like Mr. Bulock said that may be a little bit different because they don't have the homestead cap on there. So, everybody's a little bit different, but I think for the from a homestead perspective, it's a 3% increase if you're homesteaded.
On the comment about growth, I think anybody can argue that as your manager, I would not say that growth is causing the consideration of keeping the current roll back rate. In fact, I would argue the opposite. the biggest increase in
our in our advalorum revenue has come from the villages development not all the PUDs um and and that that saw your that and that is the number one reason why that we're the fastest growing community last year not not every little
PUD that you look at specifically villages I would point to that and I think every fact and statistic will will support that as far as why you all in my opinion considered a rate increase it was to fight inflation, you know, and
and as we go moving forward, you know, just like every business out there is paying more for gas, paying more for electricity, paying more for these things, so is the general fund. My my my reflection of your discussions from the
summer would be, look, if we continue to stay with the current rate, the city gets behind. We're paying our people more. We're paying more in utility bills. We're paying more to buy fertilizer. So all the things and I don't mean the
business is struggling with >> we're struggling with too. >> Yeah. And the big one was police and fire and that that's important and yeah that become very competitive. >> You know the number one the number one expense in our general fund is police
and fire. That's not a pinpoint at police and fire. They're the number one thing that we do a and they're an expensive service that, you know, the the guys and ladies who work in our public safety, you know, they do missionritical things, they they they're
highly soughtafter positions. We have to renumerate those correctly and we have seen the continued decline in the police department in terms of numbers because we haven't keep pace with what that is. So, I think those are the factual issues that I would put out there and it's for
your all's collective wisdom to have that discussion and that's why I kept quiet until Commissioner Barry asked me to provide insight. >> I'm sorry not to put you on the spot, but that you answered my question with the first line jargon my memory. I that's what I needed to know.
>> My recollection was correct. >> Thank you. Any other commissioner comments? Would someone please introduce 3A4 to be read by title? >> I'll introduce I'll introduce and ask be read by title. >> Thank you.
>> Resolution of the city commission of the city of Leburg, Florida. Tentatively adopting 3.4752 mills as the fiscal year 2526 millage rate for the city of Leburg, Florida representing the current year
proposed aggregate millage rate of 3.475. 4752 which is 4.89% more than the current year rolled back rate and providing an effective date. >> Motion to approve. >> We have a motion and a second. Any
further discussion? Seeing none, I will ask the comments from the public regarding the tenative 2025 2026 budget. >> I think do we have to do a roll call? Yeah. Okay, >> I think we need to have a vote. >> Yeah, roll. Sorry, we have to have a
vote. Sorry. Make sure. >> Roll. No discussion. Roll vote. Roll call. Sorry. >> Commissioner Conell. >> No. >> Commissioner Bur? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Peterson? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Barry? >> Yes. >> Mayor Reese? >> Yes. >> Request comments from the public regarding the adoptive adoption of the
tenative 2025 2026 budget. Any public comments? Seeing none, would someone please introduce 386? I'll introduce as be rebel title only >> resolution of the city commission of the city of Leburg Florida tentatively
adopting the fiscal year 2526 budget for the city of Leburg Florida and providing an effective date. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> Seeing none. Roll call.
>> Commissioner Bur? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Peterson? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Barry? >> Yes. Commissioner Po, >> no, not using that tax rate. >> Mayor Reeseman, >> yes. >> Miss Brandy, >> yes. The tenfully adopted millage rate to be levied is 3.4752
mills per 10,000. The date to finally adopt the millage rate in the fiscal year 20ou I'm sorry, 202526 budget is scheduled for Monday, September 22nd, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the city commission chambers at city hall.
>> Thank you, Brandy. Mhm. >> Would someone please introduce 3B? >> Introduce has to be read by title one. Thank you. >> Resolution of the city commission of the city of Leburg, Florida, relating to the provision of fire protection services,
facilities, and programs in the city of Leburg, Florida. Imposing fire protection assessment against assessed property located within the city for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025. Approving the rate of assessment, approving the assessment role, and
providing an effective date. >> Move for approval. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> Yeah, this is going my understanding is this going to it's going to increase residential by which was it $5?
>> It's going from 165 to 170. >> But how's it how does it affect commercial overall? What's a percentage increase? >> 3% on commercial. Mhm. >> Any idea what that comes out to, Brandy? >> It's it it's it the rate is sense on the dollar.
Yeah. how that how that compounds. I I would take your since it's all >> since it's all prorated, you know, equal equals whatever your f if you're a commercial entity and you paid $300 on square foot on the dollar and your bill
was 300 bucks, you can count on a 3% increase on that 300 because everything is a fair ratio. 3%. >> Any further commission discussion? Any public comments? Mr. Burke? [Applause]
Uh, regarding the the I'm sorry, uh, Robert Bolic, 1206 South 8th Street, Leburg. Regarding the fire rescue industrial warehouse tax, uh, again, back to the 48,470 ft. This amounts to 1,942.40, which doesn't sound like a lot of money,
but again, it continues to add up the inflation that we're experiencing. Lake Glass and Mirror is my business. We occupy 24,400 square ft of those 48,000 ft. So, we're just going to have to absorb that andor pass it along to our customers and our tenants then will have
to do the same thing. So, again, we're talking about increasing taxes. We we're not going to agree on the the roll back millage rate. Now, we're going to add another fee for the fire. Uh it it really concerns me. You know, what was it less than two weeks ago? We gave away
city property that was of real value that we could have sold potentially and used to offset these expenses for the fire department. So I think it's foolish of us to continue to add taxes to the public burden and then and then and then spread it around here and there when the
city has ample land clearly that they can either give away or sell to offset these expenses to the community. So I'll end it with that. Please vote no on the fire rescue industrial warehouse tax. Any other
closed public comments? Any further commission discussion? Seeing none, roll call on 3B. >> Commissioner Peterson, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Barry, >> yes. >> Commissioner Conell, >> no. >> Commissioner Bur,
>> yes. >> Mayor Reeseman, >> yes. >> We'll move on to roll call. >> Commissioner Barry, >> nothing at this time. Thank you, >> Mr. Con. >> U a couple things. Um I had to step out early last Monday, so I apologize for
that, but I was able to uh catch up and watch the end of the meeting. Um it was brought up under roll call Monday night about doing away with our PNZ board. I absolutely disagree with that. I agree with you, Commissioner Barry, that it's
important to have our a plan and zoning board that is made up of our citizens that can give us recommendations. Um I I think it'd be terrible to turn this over to some special magistrate
um as it was brought up I think Monday night to also with u with the um broker realtor. I mean, we didn't want to we didn't want to hire a local realtor or we didn't we we didn't want to hire a a realtor that wasn't local
broker, but we're going to maybe hire a special magistrate that's not local that doesn't know the area, as it was told to me Monday night on real estate deals. I think this is a terrible idea. I do not hope it passes when I'm
assuming Al's putting an ordinance together to to change this Yeah, we're going to bring you a presentation presentation, >> but I I would hope the commission would really consider the plan zoning board is extremely important. Unfortunately, this board doesn't generally listen to their recommendation, which just is
discouraging, but I I don't think this is a good idea at all. Um, my second question is there was an article that came out today in the Daily Commercial and I just wanted clarification. I don't know the accuracy of the article. the the the Daily Commercial article said
that we, the city of Leburg, are going to pay for the demolition of the shuffleboard courts. No. >> Yeah, that that that was incorrect. >> Okay. I just want a clarification of that. >> Um >> that would be like one example of about 12 inaccurate statements in this community. That's not directed at you.
That's directed at this community who's just spewing false information on that one. I'm sorry. I am fired up about it. >> Okay. I just want I want clarification. I read the article. >> That was not My anger is not directed at you. >> Okay. That's that's the only two things I had tonight. >> Commissioner, >> Commissioner Bur,
>> nothing tonight. >> Commissioner Peterson, sorry. >> Nothing tonight. >> Nothing tonight. >> Mayor Eastman, >> nothing this evening. Take a motion to adjourn. Hopefully, >> could I maybe sorry jump in and and add a couple of comments? Uh,
>> no. I want to get something on the budget before we go. >> Uh, okay. Thank Thank you everybody. Just I just wanted to make a couple of comments on two existing claims that have been brought against the city and kind of get some direction from the commission as far as what you guys want
to do. So we have the Venice at Lake Harris which we kind of talked about a little bit on Monday night which was a request for relief in response to the city denying a request or an application for annexation of the property the Corly Island around around that area. Um the
other case, uh as you guys were just talking about, the Shuffleboard Club has filed a lawsuit against the city. Uh we've not been served yet, but we did, uh pull a copy of that lawsuit off. So, we have these two claims. The city does have insurance coverage that would
potentially provide uh for an attorney to represent the city and pay for the cost of that representation. So, it would be I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't tell you guys that there might be an avenue to save some money in terms of paying your, you know, deductible and
getting coverage for that. Um, I think that there's a couple of ways to look at it. You know, I'm not offended whichever way you guys want to go. I certainly understand saving money. It makes sense for everybody. Um, but there may be an
opportunity, I guess, to sort of take a hybrid approach perhaps where we're not on the insurance company defense list. So, if we do file the insurance claim, it would not be our firm handling it. Um, the insurance company might be on
board with the concept of letting us perhaps start and seeing how things go. And for example, if we look at the special magistrate process, you know, there's a mediation that occurs. Uh there's a hearing after that. So one way
to look at that might be if you guys feel comfortable with us, you would rather have us, we could perhaps handle the mediation side of it. If we're not able to resolve anything there, then perhaps bring it, you know, file the claim or just not file the claim. whatever you guys feel comfortable with
the uh the shuffleboard lawsuit. I think we have I don't want to get too deep into strategic discussion here on that, but I think we've got some opportunities to maybe uh try to get rid of that or at
least test that claim pretty early on. And I don't think it would be too costly to at least make some initial stabs at that. Um, and kind of see where things go. Again, insurance company might be on board with this sort of hybrid approach
of let Grant and Stone and Geren start. If it starts getting a little heavier on the expense side than than what we're looking at or what we're thinking, if we're going a little bit deeper into litigation, the expenses start getting a little higher, then maybe shift over to
to insurance. But, um, that's really kind of what I had as kind of summarizing again. I think that under the insurance policies that the city has, there's probably an ability to file a claim for the request for relief on
the Venice at Lake Harris and for the shuffleboard uh case. If you guys want to do that, uh go ahead and do that now and get insurance involved, then, uh let us know and we'll go that direction. Uh if you want to just have Stony and
Girkin handle it, um you know, we can do that, let us know. Or if you want to maybe sort of take that hybrid approach where we perhaps start out with me, see how things go and if the expenses start getting heavy, then perhaps shift over to the insurance attorneys. Um but I
think those are sort of three options that how you want to look at this and just like I said, want direction on what you guys want to do. And so on the insurance direction, what you're saying is you would not be on We would then be moving to a a different attorney.
>> Yes, sir. That's right. Whoever is on the insurance list. Now, we would potentially have a couple of attorneys that we're familiar with and maybe some people that have that have represented the city before. So, it may not be a complete stranger, somebody we don't know. Um, but it but we're not on the
insurance company list. I know >> any recommendation. What? What is your re Yeah, I was going to ask you what your what your recommendation I know it's unfair and I I have some thoughts. >> Do you want me to give you the recommendation because >> that might be more fair. That might be more fair. I completely agree with
Grant. Um and I don't want to I don't want to talk too much about the the the the cases, but I I I am going to say this about the cases. Um the one case with with the Venice seeking relief, that's a very interesting case because
it really attacks really the core legal principle that's grant advised this council on which is annexation is a legislative prerogative and and so we're getting attacked on that. So we've heard all and I and this is why I think it's important for me to say a little bit in
this frame about this because we hear all throughout the county all cities have to do is say no. just say no to annexation. Say no to annexation. Well, you guys did that. >> That's correct. >> And you're getting sued for that. And so that's what I wanted to say publicly. So
I think that comment needs to get out there in the world in the county. You guys said no under your legislative prerogative and you got sued. The other case, I'm just going to say is an interesting interpretation of our
charter. So, with th those two things being said, um the last time we were sued, we did have to go to special counsel um on the Sunnyside issue, and I think we went for good reason. But at least in this initial start with these two cases that Grant brought to our
attention, I really think the right place to start this is with our home council and let Stone and Girkin do that. We have had initial conversation with Brown and Brown about the hybrid approach. They seem okay with it. So I would encourage the commission to take Grant's recommendation and start it with
the hybrid approach. >> And the hybrid approach being that they will fund they will agree to fund grant like to a small amount. >> We would need to pay grant to pay Stone and Girkin as we pay Stone and Girkin. They take care of us. They do well. I think we need to start our
interests are best watched after with Stone and Girkin at this time. And I think if you're reading between the lines, you hear what we're saying about these suits. Um, and so Stone and Girkin to start out is best. If we see this getting more intricate, then we need to come back to you and say
maybe we need out outside counsel. >> Are we talking about a number like what is in intricate means? How many dollars? >> I think it's something we can kind of keep everyone apprised of as as we go along. You know, things develop in
different stages. Again, I you know, we don't we may take an initial shot at at one and and get rid of it. Uh we may take an initial shot and end up having to take the same shot a couple of times and then sort of see where we go from there. But I think that, you know, we can certainly keep everybody updated as
far as uh the depth of of litigation and how heavy it's getting and then kind of evaluate, you know, as we're going along if if we want to shift gears, I guess, at that point. Um, >> and another reason too, especially with the Venice issue,
um, I think you're going to see that particular case start popping up a lot where where developers are going to start pushing the edge of how they interpret how governing bodies uh, how polit political subdivisions and municip
corporations act. So that that that's a one to keep your eye on. I want I want to be very careful what I say here. Um, great. Obviously, I'm very happy with you as our attorney. Uh, I don't have very I'm not very happy with the shelf board
people right now. They have, you know, let let me be sure the audience is clear because once again, false information going everywhere. 73 members of which seven maybe five, five to seven live in our city. They have they came before us.
Um, they came before us five times that, you know, residents think, you know, we we had a meeting in the shade or something and approved this in one meeting, but we they came before us five times. Um, I' I'd like to turn the I'd like to let the insurance fund it and turn them loose. Let them have their fun. I mean, they picked a fight with us
and they're wrong. And I I'm not even a lawyer. I read the lawsuit. I think it's a joke. Um, but um I just I' let the let the insurance company have fun. I mean, the shelfware people have just I would tell I would say I I think they've handled it wrong.
>> Well, and as far as their lawsuit, I'm not going to weigh in on that, but I I don't think they're wrong from the standpoint that they're upset that this commission sold the property they've been utilizing for over 50 years. They do bring tournaments. In fact, they got three tournaments scheduled before the
closing date coming up of November or whatever whatever it was posted at. And and we're being nice and giving them time to host I believe their first tournament. >> Nice. Really? Seriously? You sold their property. It's sold when we say it. You
didn't sell it. You gave the property away, Jimmy. They were using They were using for 50 years. >> We're going to be cordial. >> Okay. Well, thank you. >> I'm not It's not their property. >> You keep saying property, but you and they were maintaining it. >> Commissioners, thank you. >> I'm just not going to listen to it
anymore. listen to this nonsense no more either. You're right, Jimmy. >> You're right. >> It wasn't their property. >> It's the city's property they were using. >> What? >> You're giving misinformation. You are
not saying the truth when you say >> they were using this property that belongs to the city that we gave away for nothing. >> That they requested $400 to $500,000 for us to fix it. You leave that.
>> They asked for like $27,000 to redo the porch. >> You didn't ask was then >> because they said >> there was a proposal in the in the budget. >> I'm telling you what $1 million complex to spend to to build the to reuse jump
ball courts, tennis courts, and pickle ball court. >> Stress out enough. Thank you. So, city manager, do you need a recommendation from us? >> Yes, sir. That I think that's what we're looking for. maybe a poll here to to see what you guys feel like as far as either
going with the and if you want to make a motion that would be fine too. >> I can't make the motion but >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Not you. I'm sorry, Mr. Mayor. But if if somebody wanted to make a motion, like I said, I think there were three options here. Sort of a uh turn it over to insurance, go hybrid,
or just let Stone and Gerkin roll with it. >> Does it have to be done tonight? >> Uh no. I don't think there's an immediate crisis. Now, we do have some scheduling things coming up with the request for relief. The magistrate is going to be back in town on Monday. He's
been gone for two weeks, so probably be catching up for a couple of days, but we are going to start moving into scheduling with that pretty soon. So, I think there's more urgency there. The other lawsuit has been filed and sent to the newspapers, but we have not been served or sent a copy. We did pull a
copy off of the the docket, but we our 20-day clock to answer has not started there. Does the lawsuit interfere with conveyance of the property? It has no legal bite to uh >> they couldn't stop it. They could unwind it. >> They have included a claim for injunction whereby they would try to
stop uh the sale of the property. They would need to post a bond for that. Um which we we would be asking for, but um you know how that that ends up shaking out is unclear. Um but but they're going to have to come out of pocket to get an
injunction. Well, they they picked this fight. I think they're out of line. I think they've treated us. I think they've been very hard on us for a bunch of non-residents. Um, and I I would make a motion to let the insurance company since we have $100,000, why should I pay for it? Let the insurance company have
uh their lawyers have fun with them. >> So, we have a motion to let the insurance and what was your recommendation? Your recommendation or Al's recommendation was the hybrid. >> Yeah, I think Yeah, I think uh Al had suggested the hybrid. I think that approach makes sense, but like I said,
I'm I'm flexible. I'm I'm comfortable. However you guys want to go, >> I think our recommendation on our approach indicates, again, without talking about litigation, it indicates how we think we need to tackle that before we go to the
insurance route. >> Okay. Okay. I'll withdraw my motion then. You know, I I don't have a strong opinion on it. I just threw it out there and I have my reasons, but I I need to be careful what I say, too. I mean, I can't say everything I want to say right now. I'll withdraw my >> and and I think we're I hope I have a reputation of being good
stewards of your money. So if grant starts getting too expensive, we'll be back to you real quick. But I So again, I I I think the hybrid approach is best because I think handling it this way, we have our best chances to end this in the city's favor
as quickly as possible. >> You you know, I'm completely happy with you and your firm. That was not that was not a function of you. as a function of >> said I I wouldn't like I said I I wouldn't be doing my job I don't think if I brought if I did not bring up the fact that you guys have coverage and the
ability to to move forward without paying out of pocket for legal fees. So I'm not offended at all. >> All right. So, >> so I'll I'll make a motion that we go with Grant's hybrid >> hybrid recommendation, which would be that his firm will begin with it, and if
the fees start getting excessive, we'll go to the insurance company. >> Second. We have a motion and a second on the hybrid option. Any discussion? >> Seeing none, roll call. [Applause] >> Sorry, Commissioner Barry.
Um, yes. Commissioner Kell, >> I'm not voting to spend any money to defend herself on this. >> Yes, sir. >> I'd like to know. Okay. >> Commissioner Burray. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Peterson. >> Yes. >> Mary. >> Yes. And just to clarify, that's the
Venice lawsuit as well. So, >> all right. Thank you, Grant. Is that everything? >> Yes. Thank you all. Appreciate it. Andrew. >> Yeah. I hate to revisit but just in the spirit of full disclosure transparency there was one slide we we kind of zipped through go to the the the project slide
that >> that one capital project. So remember we we did approve everything in the budget tonight as as kind of SOP we always focus on the general fund more than everything else. So just super quick and and again you got another bite at the apple on this on the 22nd. So the way it
is tonight, which is changeable on the 22nd, everything in the electric fund, water fund, sewer fund, all those enterprise funds remain the same. So just with the capital projects fund, just wanted to throw out these numbers. So you've got the equipment numbers that we talked about and then the special
projects money or coming from the DST, the way the the way the priorities are set up is there's a million dollars what we're calling Palmetto Sports Complex. That is pickle ball. the way the the direction we're headed now. And then there's the the 200 grand to fix the
gymnasium floor. So with that, you've done a pretty >> That's a tennis court resurfacing and pickle ball. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Thank you. >> And it this is the same as was presented in the draft. We did not change anything. If you go through your book, you're
>> just wanted to hit it one more time. >> Nothing changed. >> It it's out there. Nothing's changed since the summer. Well, well, it has changed. >> When the Pawn Meadows Sports Complex was first spoke about, we mean you spoke it included re refinishing the shuffleboard course. So, it has changed some.
>> Yes. >> Okay. And the downtown parking for the 1.5 is if it's in the budget, but it would come back to us >> for a final >> before before any money is spent. Correct.
>> Because I think that's outrageous. I'm still real curious how many spots you're actually going to get out of that $1.5 million. >> It was 250. You had the power. >> I know, but that's because you're tearing because you're tearing down the the uh >> the building. >> Yes, exactly. So,
>> I think the delta wasund like 150 spots or something. >> It was around 100 to up to low 200. So, I don't want to forget. We picked up well over 100. I picked up. >> Okay. So, you're tearing a building down. So, you're getting the lion share of your spots by just tearing a building down. >> Yes.
>> So, I said 1.5 sounds outrageous for some you could tear down and just and and get the lion share of the spots. Um, but I'll wait for that representation. So, good. >> All right. We already did roll call, so
we'll take a motion to adjurnn. So moved. Second. Meeting adjourns.