WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=S1E_8LJY_tU Part: 1 1 00:00:01.040 --> 00:00:19.960 And we all rise for the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God and liberty and justice for all. 2 00:00:32.960 --> 00:00:49.440 Thank you. And roll call, please. >> Council member Coleman, >> Council Member Kaine, Council Member Steven, >> Vice Mayor Sud, >> present. >> And Mayor El Rainey, 3 00:00:49.440 --> 00:01:10.880 >> present. >> Acting town manager Oak >> present. >> Town attorney Kurtz >> here. >> And public works director Law >> here. Thank you. Uh any additions, deletions, and modifications? No comments from the public on 4 00:01:10.880 --> 00:01:26.799 non-aggenda items? >> No, ma'am. >> Thank you. Okay. So, we have a a single agenda item. >> Approve the agenda. >> Yeah. Motion to approve the agenda. >> So, moved. 5 00:01:26.799 --> 00:01:43.600 Second. >> Asking I thought you were asking a question as well. >> Anita's motion. My second. >> Thank you. >> Sorry about that. >> Motion by council member Kaine to approve the agenda. Second by council member Coleman. All those in favor? >> I >> I >> I 6 00:01:43.600 --> 00:01:58.159 >> I >> opposed. Hearing none. Mo motion passes 5-0. Thank you, Anita. So, singular agenda item tonight. Uh hopefully everyone uh was able to satisfy their um interactions with the proposed 7 00:01:58.159 --> 00:02:13.920 negotiators. Uh, and I I do want to bring to light that uh, town attorney Curts and I had a conversation this morning about my concerns regarding the the motion to 8 00:02:13.920 --> 00:02:30.800 recuse the town attorney from all issues associated with the town manager's contract. And I wanted to get any other input from other council members on his presence at this meeting. I am fine with whatever decision council makes. I just 9 00:02:30.800 --> 00:02:47.840 wanted to bring it to light. Council member Coleman, you're >> Yeah, I I I think he should be here whether he's in the middle of the negotiation or not. I He is our town attorney. I think, you know, he advises us regardless. So, I mean, I think that's a important room to be here. >> Okay. I I think he has a responsibility 10 00:02:47.840 --> 00:03:03.920 to the town to make sure that what we're doing is legal, prudent. I I don't disagree, but I just want to make sure we were all on the same boat. Okay. Vice Mayor Sue, do you have any input on that? You're muted. 11 00:03:03.920 --> 00:03:18.879 >> I'm good. Thank you. I think he can be there. >> All right. Thank you. So, uh I I have three negotiators that were considered. Do I have a motion from any of the council members regarding 12 00:03:18.879 --> 00:03:38.959 any particular individual? Yes, I do. Um, I would like to propose a motion to move forward with Miss Gray Robinson. >> All right. So, you would like to make a motion to 13 00:03:38.959 --> 00:03:53.280 uh >> to hire her. Yeah. Her her name is uh Miss Jenica Simpson. >> Oh, yes. Miss Simpson Law Firm Robinson. I apologize. Yes. Miss Simpson. Yeah, 14 00:03:53.280 --> 00:04:09.920 >> we we have a motion uh to engage uh Miss Janica Simpson of Grey Robinson. Do I get a second on that? >> I'll second that. >> All right. We have a motion by Vice Mayor Sud and a second by Council Member Stevens to hire Miss Janica Simpson of 15 00:04:09.920 --> 00:04:28.160 Gray Robinson. Uh discussion. >> May I? >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> I need light on >> I'm sorry. You want to let Mr. S go first? Okay. Thank you all. Thank you colleagues. Hello residents. Uh I think all three 16 00:04:28.160 --> 00:04:43.360 candidates are qualified. Uh the question is who is best prepared for this situation we have today. I think it's not just an employment matter. It involves negotiation, governance, public scrutiny and 17 00:04:43.360 --> 00:05:00.720 potential litigation if required. That's not our primary objective but if required. What stood out to me in this process was that Miss Simpson had already done her work. She had reviewed the full employment agreement. She had began thinking through a negotiation 18 00:05:00.720 --> 00:05:17.280 strategy and she had clearly invested time in understanding the specifics of our town situation. So this level of preparation matters to me and I believe it also shows to all of you that she has invested that time upfront. One of the 19 00:05:17.280 --> 00:05:32.960 law firms mentioned that if this matter goes to investigation, they are busy. They would not be able to engage in that matter. So they are purely a negotiation at this time. So in my mind, it's between 20 00:05:32.960 --> 00:05:51.440 her and one other law firm and I believe at this stage we need a law firm that has uh Gray Robinson type credentialed. They are one of the top firms with depth and experience to step in immediately if this escalates. Uh uh Gray Robinson have 21 00:05:51.440 --> 00:06:07.039 handled complex high-pressure government uh matters across Florida from election related litigation to public sector disputes. So that tells me that they understand how to operate when legal, 22 00:06:07.039 --> 00:06:21.440 political and public considerations all come together, which is exactly where we are. So I think if we hire her uh we have the benefit of her the full weight of her law firm and her senior partners 23 00:06:21.440 --> 00:06:38.560 to be involved if this matter goes to uh litigation political or public consideration. So with that in mind I would highly recommend all of you to support my motion. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? 24 00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:55.039 Well, I I actually came at this from a different angle because remember I'm a numbers girl. So, um so I'm looking at the way to avoid any litigation and avoid engaging any council um and spending and expending that money 25 00:06:55.039 --> 00:07:09.280 because we know that even if it's just for negotiation, it's5 to $10,000. That's what they all said. Um, so I took a look at the two options and I used my time talking to these attorneys firms to talk about options that might work and 26 00:07:09.280 --> 00:07:25.919 would be the best uh wins for the town um and allow us to walk away with some dignity. Um, the two options that I looked at, one was just to pay out the to do exactly what we're doing now and pay out the contract until September 30th. Um, that's the cheapest way to go, 27 00:07:25.919 --> 00:07:40.639 but it leaves us to some legal exposure because we don't get a release from that one. Um, the other is to terminate her contract without cause right now, giving her the 30-day notice. Um, and terminate the contract without cause. uh that 28 00:07:40.639 --> 00:07:57.199 would uh take us to slightly beyond what the contract date is now with the 20w week severance but it would provide us with the release which would keep us from getting into any potential litigation in the future. In other words, that's part of the contract of 29 00:07:57.199 --> 00:08:13.759 the out in the contract. So with that in mind, I was really looking at not engaging an attorney firm at all and just going with option two and taking a vote tonight to terminate without cause and get a release from Francine. I think that's the most prudent option 30 00:08:13.759 --> 00:08:29.919 for the town. I think it allows everybody to walk away with some dignity and I think it's a win-win. But that's just my opinion. >> Okay. And oh, Council Member Cole, your lights on. >> Yeah. Again, I I I 31 00:08:29.919 --> 00:08:47.519 I realize that if we decide to go to investigation that one firm was busy, right? That that kind of throws that one out. Um I don't think that at this point where we are it it's prudent 32 00:08:47.519 --> 00:09:04.000 for us to go that route anyway. Um we go into investigation. We the hypothetical you you try to terminate with cause. We're looking at an uphill battle because of no concrete evidence like solidified concrete evidence. Um looking 33 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:19.200 at uphill battle that's going to take us past the contract. She's going to continue to get paid. Um mounting attorney fees, etc., etc., etc. The most fiscal responsible thing to me um again what Anita said the one option is 34 00:09:19.200 --> 00:09:36.320 actually a couple thousand less than paying out the full term to September. would give us clean break or to allow them to negotiate maybe we pay 10 weeks instead of 20 or you know on the seance end of things what if they if they able to >> well if I might the only problem with so 35 00:09:36.320 --> 00:09:52.240 you're going to pay them5 or $10,000 to >> stay five or 1000 >> that's where I was that's where I was going is we're going to pay to negotiate a reduction that's probably only going to get us what the bill is so I mean at this point in time um knowing what the I 36 00:09:52.240 --> 00:10:07.200 mean I whatever we can do to get the cleanest break possible that that that is you know at this point amicable for everyone involved including the town uh fiscally etc. Um, you know, I tend to lean lean 37 00:10:07.200 --> 00:10:24.079 with Anita and saying that we I I think we go with the one option that's gives us the um not sure what the term is like a hold harmless or a uh India or the release. Yeah. That gives us that legal document to where we don't have any 38 00:10:24.079 --> 00:10:39.200 further action from her. We don't do any further action from us. It's just a clean deal. We can all move on to the new chapter in our lives. And that's kind of where we're at anyway. This this is a kind of commonplace thing that all these all three of these firms, let me be clear, all three of these firms made 39 00:10:39.200 --> 00:10:54.480 it perfectly clear to me that they have dealt with m all these multiple scenarios that everybody has put forth. Um they're all equipped to do so. Um they're all, you know, we had senior leadership talking to us on Tuesday night. Um so I I don't think that one 40 00:10:54.480 --> 00:11:10.800 firm is equipped more than another. They were all very complimentary of each other. um you know and we were in private talks, not on public record at that point. So I would think at that point if they had something to say they would have said it. But I you know um at this point I don't support that. I think 41 00:11:10.800 --> 00:11:26.720 we I think we cut ties like you would do with any charter employee at any municipality or around the state or the country, whatever. We cut the tie. We move on. New chapter for everyone. And let's let's cease this 42 00:11:26.720 --> 00:11:49.200 right now today. Thank you. >> Joe, any comment? >> So, all three um >> talk closer to me. >> Excuse me. So, uh all three attorneys were just wonderful to speak with and and I do agree with you, Mr. Coleman, that one of them is just super busy. So, 43 00:11:49.200 --> 00:12:05.040 I narrowed it down to two. Um, either one of those two in my mind would be would be great to work with. Um, I think I let the cat out of the bag last week when I mentioned mediation. So, it's not that I I disagree. I just see it as a different route to get there. And of 44 00:12:05.040 --> 00:12:20.399 course, I'm biased. But, um, uh, I do think about time. I do think about money. But, um, at this point in the game, um, I want to be a team player. Uh, I like Councilman's Suds nomination. 45 00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:38.560 I second it obviously and um we'll just go from there and see what happens with the vote. >> Thank you. Are you going to say something else? Go ahead. >> I would just like to point out and I'm not trying to like you know shoot daggers or whatever but there's an 46 00:12:38.560 --> 00:12:54.000 option on the table to not spend any extra money right and there's a lot of talk about where where per people campaigned etc. I've campaigned on fiscal responsibility myself. So I don't I don't think that, you know, that was a year ago. I don't think it is fiscally 47 00:12:54.000 --> 00:13:10.480 responsible for us if we have an option that we can just cut, you know, for lack of a better term, cut bait and move on that we go to even spend5$10,000 more dollars. I mean, it just doesn't make any sense to me. We have a we have a tool unless we're trying to we think we 48 00:13:10.480 --> 00:13:27.360 can negotiate down $30,000 more dollars, which I don't think we can do. um you know, maybe they'll surprise us, but you know, I I think the fiscally responsible thing is to is to, you know, work it out. That's that's just my two cents. >> And I would just say bear in mind when 49 00:13:27.360 --> 00:13:42.399 you go into a negotiation, negotiation involves some kind of a concession on both sides. So, I'm not sure what it is that we think we have to offer the other side as far as a negotiation. I mean if the suggestion was brought up to try to 50 00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:57.920 uh you know cut the weeks down to 15 weeks I believe is what the young lady said to me of the severance pay but but what we would have to consider what we would offer on the other side right negotiation is give and take right so everybody so both sides have to give something I'm not sure what there is 51 00:13:57.920 --> 00:14:15.440 that that we would give but thanks >> I just remember sorry I just remember one other point um in talking to one of the firms or actually I pretty much asked the same question across the But as I understand it, say we hypothetically, and I know I'm jumping the gun, say hypothetically, 52 00:14:15.440 --> 00:14:31.839 you know, it's voted to do the investigative route and to try and do the cause. The the the majority of the time, the minute you step into the magistrate hearing to get this done, to start this process, the first question is going to be from how how I understand it, have you guys 53 00:14:31.839 --> 00:14:48.000 been to any kind of mediation yet? Have you discussed this? And it's going, oh, no. Okay. Well, go do that and then come back and see me. So, we've done all of this, right? You know, and then we're told to go to mediation anyway, which is probably, you know, so we're expending 54 00:14:48.000 --> 00:15:03.279 funds after funds after funds. So, that's, you know, the first, I guess, course of action when you go that route is generally, hey, you guys need to have a conversation and work this out. So, >> can I enter can I add some comments, please? 55 00:15:03.279 --> 00:15:18.639 >> Yes, please. >> Okay. So, I think my friends here are playing lawyers. Um, with all due respect, >> no. Can I can I please can I please >> can you speak? >> Can you please finish my comments? 56 00:15:18.639 --> 00:15:36.079 >> It's hard enough to hear. Can you speak louder? >> Can you hear me? Yes. Can you hear me? Okay. Yes. Okay. I said my friends here are playing lawyers. They have already reached conclusions. I I am saying let's hire a law firm. 57 00:15:36.079 --> 00:15:53.360 They will we are all friendly. We all want this issue to be handled in an amicable respectable fashion. Our lawyer goes with a deal. Either it's accepted or not and in parallel they look at all options like any smart council will do. 58 00:15:53.360 --> 00:16:10.079 It's a negotiation. It's a good faith effort and I think um I think we are hiring someone who has experience dealing with exactly this. Nobody wants nobody has any animous or any personal 59 00:16:10.079 --> 00:16:26.000 vindictive agenda. So the people we are hiring they they are they can wear the hat of a mediator, a lawyer, a litigator, a council, whatever that may be. But we have to have quickly have 60 00:16:26.000 --> 00:16:43.360 somebody who's empowered to take all those decisions with our inputs. And that's why I support uh Miss Simpson. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. So I I would argue that 61 00:16:43.360 --> 00:16:59.680 the reason to go the negotiator route was an attempt to eliminate any appearance of one faction or another in in a staff level or a council level from being involved in the process which we 62 00:16:59.680 --> 00:17:15.199 didn't see when this was all going down last summer. So, I tend to lean toward a neutral third party being involved in this process. I disagree with you, Council Member uh Coleman. I do believe that uh 63 00:17:15.199 --> 00:17:31.200 there are reasons for negotiation on the other party's part. I believe that they do rise to a level of concern. An investigation would reveal that. So, I'm not in favor of just paying off any 64 00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:46.400 contract or or looking into, you know, termination without cause and a 30-day notice. I and as far as fiscally being responsible, I do believe that we do need to expedite this, but other than 65 00:17:46.400 --> 00:18:02.799 that, I'm not inclined to to just not engage a neutral third party in this process. So, we do have public comment, I see. Uh, so, uh, if council doesn't have any other thing to weigh in at the moment, I 66 00:18:02.799 --> 00:18:29.760 will bring up, uh, public comments, please. >> Yes, madame mayor. The first, um, card we have is Chris Betts. I'm a resident and I live over 917B Road. I have two questions. Was our town 67 00:18:29.760 --> 00:18:47.200 attorney in any way involved in making the contract with the previous town manager? That's my first question. My second question is um regarding the town manager. 68 00:18:47.200 --> 00:19:02.720 She has six months that she's already worked for us and we've got six months to go because the contract is October to September as as best I can understand. Okay. 69 00:19:02.720 --> 00:19:20.000 has the finance finances been squared away so that we have a correct amount for the 2025 year. I have been a a business owner in the past and you should be on top of what your 70 00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:37.440 business has the money coming in as well as the money going out. And at this point in time, you should have a handle on how much money we actually have or don't have, whichever. Okay? Being a manager, you 71 00:19:37.440 --> 00:19:51.280 should be on top of every one of your departments. You should know um your people. You should know how much money that they've spent on your behalf. If um basically 72 00:19:51.280 --> 00:20:08.160 if the finance part is messed up then I think that she she should be let go right now with the six months she's been paid and as far as the contract is concerned you know I don't think she earned it. I 73 00:20:08.160 --> 00:20:25.440 think she broke the contract. So like I said with my questions that I mentioned that tells you where I stand. being being a business owner, if if there were some bad things that happened, 74 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:40.159 they'd be out the door. It's black and white. She either did her job or she didn't do her job. Therefore, she's not entitled to the rest of her contract. And any perks that she had, I'm sorry, 75 00:20:40.159 --> 00:20:55.360 they're null and void. So, if you answer my two questions, whether the town attorney had anything to do with anything about her salary and contract, and whether we know right now whether 76 00:20:55.360 --> 00:21:19.039 we're in the black or the red, and that's it. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. The final card we have is Todd McClendon. >> Thank you. Todd McClendon, I'm really not sure 77 00:21:19.039 --> 00:21:34.480 what's on the table here. Is it just to negotiate or is it looking to do an investigation? And I think you guys need to clarify that with the motion as to what you're approving the attorney to do. Um the second thing is whenever you get attorneys involved, there's always 78 00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:51.840 one winner. It's the attorney, right? So, whatever you have the opportunity to not engage an attorney, you're saving money. Any attorney will even tell you that. Simple as that. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> No other comments. 79 00:21:51.840 --> 00:22:08.400 >> All right. We have a motion on the floor to uh engage Miss Chenica Simpson of Gray Robinson. Uh and second it. All those in favor? >> I >> I >> opposed. opposed. 80 00:22:08.400 --> 00:22:24.640 >> Motion passes 32. I would like to also ask for uh council support and make a motion to uh seek the authorization by council to 81 00:22:24.640 --> 00:22:40.480 have the acting town manager to uh accept a negotiated proposal no later than May 8th. and if one is not received by May 8th to authorize the acting town manager to proceed with engagement of an 82 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:57.280 investigator to proceed immediately. Do I have a second for that? >> Second. >> All right. Any discussion on this item, this motion? >> I think that's a great idea. If she has >> orienting myself with the 83 00:22:57.280 --> 00:23:13.440 >> Okay. >> May I? >> Yes, please. I think this is a great idea. If uh our previous town manager would like to settle this matter in a reasonable fashion, she has this window. She should come to us with an offer and 84 00:23:13.440 --> 00:23:30.559 uh if not then then that that it be so I fully support that idea. Yes. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you, Council Member Kane. I I just want to say I think that there's absolutely no 85 00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:46.159 fiscal reason to do this. I think that you're putting the town in a serious financial issue. We'll have to budget about $100,000 for this investigation by what all of these attorneys firms told me. And I'm not sure 86 00:23:46.159 --> 00:24:04.159 what the the end is. There's no financial gain for the town on the other end of it. But, um, pretty sure I'm going to get outvoted on that. But I see no reason to, uh, to go into a a lengthy investigation that not 87 00:24:04.159 --> 00:24:20.960 only costs the town taxpayers a significant amount of money that is an unnecessary expenditure, but also that we have no chance of recouping and also drags this thing on for potentially a year and one even said two years. So, I 88 00:24:20.960 --> 00:24:38.000 I would really like to put it to bed and let everybody move on with their lives. Thank you, >> Council Member Coleman. >> So, you're saying you're giving the manager or the former manager how 89 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:53.120 >> the acting town manager? >> No, no, that's not where I'm going. >> Okay. You're giving the person in question till a week from Friday to submit a >> proposed proposed settlement settlement. Yeah. >> And you just hired a law firm to do your 90 00:24:53.120 --> 00:25:09.520 negotiation for you. >> Yes. >> I don't think she can pres Well, Mr. Sue thinks that she's going to present it to the acting town manager and I don't think that's pertinent because you just made a contract with an attorney to negotiate this, right? And I think that's a very I mean I grant I know you said expeditious 91 00:25:09.520 --> 00:25:24.960 and I get it. It's not saying that the attorney is going to be working on this all week. So, you know, but I mean, I think, you know, that's a very very tight window for them to they can correct me if I'm wrong. Um, you know, Granny Simpson, they can correct me if 92 00:25:24.960 --> 00:25:40.400 I'm wrong, but it, you know, did I say that right? >> Yes. >> But I believe they need to reach out to her, you know, to open the the forum and then she needs to counter. Correct. Am I wrong? >> No, that's how it works. >> Yeah. It's not just 93 00:25:40.400 --> 00:25:56.000 It's not just the person in question writing up a settlement document and throwing it at them. >> Paul, in my conversations with these people, this was the exact scenario I asked them about and what they estimated the time would be to to they've spoken 94 00:25:56.000 --> 00:26:12.080 with each one of us, >> right? >> They already have an idea. If they need more guidance, I'm sure they'll be reaching out to each of us. I this is not a long lengthy conversation with any one of us. And she said within four hours, most of them said within 3 to 95 00:26:12.080 --> 00:26:26.559 four hours >> of the of the meeting. Absolutely. >> Of of sitting down with the town manager and her representation whether they're going to come to a a negotiated settlement, >> right? >> That's what they'll bring back to us on May 8th or not. 96 00:26:26.559 --> 00:26:42.799 >> Okay. So, so just hypothetically speaking, no, we can't meet next week. We can meet on the 10th >> or excuse me, the 11th. would be a Sunday >> excuse me the 11th >> 12th >> 12th Monday's yeah you know they can't 97 00:26:42.799 --> 00:26:58.640 meet by the 8th that's that's my point is it's a very tight window to to you got a variable sitting out there >> I understand >> you know and then oh well if you don't meet by the eth we're opening an investigation >> this is in essence a good faith uh negotiation right so that that it's not 98 00:26:58.640 --> 00:27:13.679 dragged out I'm not available my lawyer's not available the council's not available right so that something is brought forward to the acting town manager so we know that there's a proposal on the table. If there's a proposal on the table, I would also make a motion that we have a special meeting 99 00:27:13.679 --> 00:27:31.120 on the 12th to accept that or deny it. But I want to to show how serious the town is about their position regarding this. And I'm sorry, you're conflating an investigation with a litigation that that is not what's being proposed here. And the acting town manager has a 100 00:27:31.120 --> 00:27:47.360 spending cap. So there's no $100,000 here on the table. So that that is a false statement as far as I'm concerned regarding the the financial burden to the town regarding this issue. So sorry, did that answer your question, Paul? 101 00:27:47.360 --> 00:28:03.440 >> It did, but that's I again I state that I think that's a too tight of a window. I I mean just honestly somebody comes to you and says, "Hey, listen. I need to know by next Friday. If you can't make it happen by next Friday, listen, boom, the hammer's going to drop." I'm saying expand it a week. I'm not saying give 102 00:28:03.440 --> 00:28:18.720 them a month. That's not what I'm saying. I'm saying I think the window you're giving, yes, we all want this to be done, but I think the window that you're giving is too narrow is my point. That's what that's what I'm saying. I think >> eight business days is too much or too little. 103 00:28:18.720 --> 00:28:34.720 >> I think so. I'm just saying you don't know what her other attorney's schedule is. You don't you know >> there's a lot of stuff at play here. And I think, you know, maybe I'll be wrong, but if they come back and say, "Listen, they can't meet the ETH." you're going to say, "Oh, well, 8th was the date because we we voted on it and we said 104 00:28:34.720 --> 00:28:50.000 it's the 8th." That's all I'm saying. >> All right. Any anybody else? >> Yeah, I I would say if the god forbid town manager is sick, she has emergency, she will let us know. We will consider it. But this is in a business negotiation, 105 00:28:50.000 --> 00:29:07.600 this is like 8 days is too much. Coming from the experience of doing this in my other day job, this is enough time for them to put their strategy. It this is not that complicated. It's very easy. Either have a reasonable settlement and 106 00:29:07.600 --> 00:29:23.600 this is an incentive for both sides. We have no incentive as mayor said we have we are not saying litigation. We are saying we are going to start investigation and we'll do everything that it needs and this is the time to 107 00:29:23.600 --> 00:29:40.960 amicably wrap up the matter and we will be happy for her. So I think this is perfect amount of time. Thank you. >> All right. And I do see that Miss Simpson is on the line. Um and since we voted on on hiring her firm, would she 108 00:29:40.960 --> 00:29:57.279 like to weigh in on this idea? She is muted. Ah, she's not muted. Thank you. >> Good evening, council. >> Sorry. >> So, sorry. Um, good evening, members of the council. Um, I would like to weigh 109 00:29:57.279 --> 00:30:13.679 on it very briefly. I do think that a eight business day turnaround time, although it may be a tight window. I think we can internally discuss whether we are amendable to allowing it to be 14 days as far as 2 weeks. However, I think 110 00:30:13.679 --> 00:30:31.039 on our initial proposal, I think we should stick to eight days simply because time is of the essence and as I pre previously mentioned, this is not something that we would want to kind of like linger on week after week because I think that if we do, we'll be in a race 111 00:30:31.039 --> 00:30:46.880 against time as the term is provided in the contract. So, that's my opinion. Of course, I welcome any thoughts, but I I do think that the 8day turnaround time, I mean, it's tight, but it's again to show that here we are. We're coming to 112 00:30:46.880 --> 00:31:02.240 the table. We're willing to enter negotiations, but we also do not want to delay this matter either. >> Thank you. Any other comments? Paul, your lights on. >> Oh, sorry. I apologize. >> And I can't see your 113 00:31:02.240 --> 00:31:17.760 >> I'm sorry. Are are the other two gentlemen still on or did they >> they they seem to be there when they're muted. So I don't know what they're >> Well, I'd like to say thank you gentlemen for your proposal. >> Yes. Yes. Thank you. Thank you for taking the time. Yes. Um we have a couple public comments as well. 114 00:31:17.760 --> 00:31:42.000 >> Yes, madam mayor. We have Joseo. >> Good evening. Josephiano, 1530 B Road. Um, I feel like this might be this 8 days and then launch an investigation might 115 00:31:42.000 --> 00:31:58.000 would have the appearance of a bit of a strong arm and sort of set the tone for negotiation. I I kind of feel like with Paul's saying it I Yeah, nobody wants it to run for a year. That's for sure. But to say, "Look, we need an answer in 8 116 00:31:58.000 --> 00:32:15.760 days or else because that's really what you're doing." Um, might just put the stop on her from negotiating at all. And and I would imagine she feels just as strongly about her position as you apparently do as 117 00:32:15.760 --> 00:32:33.440 about yours, which means in my English that that then we're going to have to lawyer up. She clearly will be and then the lawyers will go at it. Like I just don't think a strong arm is a is a diplomatic way to go with someone who 118 00:32:33.440 --> 00:32:52.240 whether you agree served us well or not, she did serve us and and she deserves to be treated with a little more respect than give us eight days or pound sand. Thank you. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. We have uh Todd McClendon. 119 00:32:52.240 --> 00:33:16.399 >> Thank you, >> Todd McClendon. Excuse me. Non-essential spending. We know how grave of an area that is, right? You just said, "Well, we have until the 8th to get an offer." What if the offer is pay out my contract? Right? You're not 120 00:33:16.399 --> 00:33:33.360 saying this is our offer to you. You're just saying any any offer is good. Who's going to make the determination if that offer is good? The acting town manager. You're going to start an investigation if no offer comes in. I mean, 121 00:33:33.360 --> 00:33:49.679 you're an intelligent person, but this is a crazy position you're doing. Um, and if an investigation does start, what are you looking for? I haven't heard anybody say she misappropriated funds. She approved a permit that shouldn't have been approved. She failed in 122 00:33:49.679 --> 00:34:04.799 providing this. What are you asking these attorneys to investigate? I haven't heard it in the public here. Which means either you guys are telling the attorney behind closed doors and they're just polling and saying, "Well, I got three of them that want to look for this." 123 00:34:04.799 --> 00:34:21.359 That's not legal. You guys need to say if we start an investigation, this is what we're looking for. Otherwise, you might as well just start opening a template that signs a couple checks that are blank. >> Thank you. >> I like that simple. 124 00:34:21.359 --> 00:34:37.599 >> Okay. Well, I would be open to amending my my motion that if we don't have something to vote on at a special meeting by the 12th that we bring forward an 125 00:34:37.599 --> 00:34:52.720 investigator. >> That's the same thing. It's just two more days. >> But then we'll be meeting to discuss whether it's a a settlement that we're interested in entertaining. >> But you're already saying that you're saying you have until the 8th. If we get 126 00:34:52.720 --> 00:35:07.920 the proposal by the 8th, then we're going to have a meeting on the 12th. Or if we get it sooner, we would have it sooner. Special meeting. So you're just That is not amending anything. >> I'm amending it to the 12th with a special meeting. Yes. Thank you. >> I believe what she's saying 127 00:35:07.920 --> 00:35:24.480 >> to provide it. I believe >> cleaning me in the middle sort of four days. >> Paul, I believe what she's saying is that she's amending it to the 12th and withdrawing the decision on whether we go into an investigation until >> we can direct it at the meeting the 12th >> until such time as we make a 128 00:35:24.480 --> 00:35:41.040 determination on the 12th. >> So basically >> and if we don't if they don't like the offer that's made on the 12th >> I can explain it. Yes. Thank you. >> I I don't need it explained 20 times. Thank you ladies. I get what you're saying now. We have this meeting on the 129 00:35:41.040 --> 00:35:59.440 12th. We schedule it now and we have something by the 12th or else we will come up with something else on the 12th. >> Correct. >> Thank you. >> So we have a motion. We have comments. >> No, Madame Mayor. >> And we're done. All right. Amending the 130 00:35:59.440 --> 00:36:17.520 motion to uh a deadline of May 12th with a special meeting. Again, a single agenda item meeting regarding this negotiation. >> Second. >> Do I need a second on the amendment? 131 00:36:17.520 --> 00:36:36.400 >> Thanks. >> I'll I'll second it. Thank you. >> We have a second by Vice Mayor Sud. Any further comments, discussion? No. All those in favor? I >> I 132 00:36:36.400 --> 00:36:51.520 >> opposed >> post >> opposed. Motion passes 32. Seeing nothing more on this agenda. Uh >> just real quickly and I think it's from clarification. >> Can you talk a little closer? >> Sorry. Um just real quickly and I think 133 00:36:51.520 --> 00:37:07.520 this is clarification of something that might be obvious to to everyone. Um uh there you um voted to engage Gray Robinson. Um the task of actually entering into 134 00:37:07.520 --> 00:37:23.599 the contract with them would be uh placed on the acting town manager. Um she has authority to um enter into contracts up to $25,000. So, this is certainly within her spending authority. 135 00:37:23.599 --> 00:37:40.240 Um, and taking a very quick look at the contract. There's a couple of issues with respect to to venue that I don't think will be any problem at all for Gray Robinson and for them to provide us with their insuranceances and those kind of things. Not going to be an issue. Um 136 00:37:40.240 --> 00:37:57.920 uh but uh uh my understanding of the motion or point of clarification on the motion is that you are directing the town manager to enter into a contract with them now that the selection's been made. Is that correct? >> Thank you. >> Good. 137 00:37:57.920 --> 00:38:14.160 >> Uh we also have on this agenda staff comments. Do we have any staff comments? >> Just one quick um announcement for the res residence edification. Um the intersection at ERO and collecting canal 138 00:38:14.160 --> 00:38:31.280 um will be closed due to the replacement of the covert pipe from May 4th through May 25th. Uh if you have any questions the public works director is here but other than that all the information has been posted on our website and social medias. >> Thank you. 139 00:38:31.280 --> 00:38:48.320 >> No. Okay. Thank you. Uh any other council member comments before I close the meeting? You mean employee? >> I I actually have Did Do you want to do employees first or >> Yeah, I'm confused. >> Frank just waved off. >> Oh, no. You got up there and touched my 140 00:38:48.320 --> 00:39:04.160 Sorry, my bad. >> So, I I I got a phone call the other night from a citizen and and I promised him since he was unwilling to come in and make this comment, I promised him that I would just put it into the record for him. He is requesting that all the 141 00:39:04.160 --> 00:39:20.480 residents of Luxahi Groves do 30 miles an hour on Okachobee Boulevard because he thinks that that would go a long way in um demonstrating to people who don't live in Loxahuchi Groves that that is the speed limit on our road. Um he further 142 00:39:20.480 --> 00:39:37.680 suggested that um if people could make right turns whenever possible and not have to cross traffic and make left turns that that would be a really good idea. So I am passing along his message to the community. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh Paul, any comments? 143 00:39:37.680 --> 00:39:56.240 >> Oh, um I already do 30 maybe 32. Cruise control. >> You would make him very happy and right turns on >> my dual was running. It's great because you just like you see him peeking around the corner. So yeah. Um so uh just on a little I guess brighter note maybe. I 144 00:39:56.240 --> 00:40:14.720 don't know. you know, June 1st is uh our favorite time of year, right? Hurricane season. Um, and then my other my other uh vocation at this time, I happen to be a a uh lead person when it comes to 145 00:40:14.720 --> 00:40:31.839 damage assessment for uh the building department, Palm Beach County. So, um I got clarification and clearance today from the building official to extend an olive branch to um Craig and some whatever staff members that uh that um 146 00:40:31.839 --> 00:40:47.680 >> Valerie, thank you. I was getting ready to go. Victoria, I don't know how long we known each other. Um that Valerie chooses. Uh we have a couple uh dates coming up. I'll be saying it just to kind of get everybody on the same page. They don't think I'm doing something shady or whatever. Um, we did, uh, the 147 00:40:47.680 --> 00:41:03.920 county has a, uh, Palm Beach County has a software that they bought and they made it available to other municipalities and I believe the former public director's work uh, public works director had initiated this already um, 148 00:41:03.920 --> 00:41:19.200 after Milton. Of course, this is something new. So, uh, we're just extending an olive branch to the town staff to come, a couple members of the town staff to come for training with us so they can see how to operate it, etc. And then some other little training on 149 00:41:19.200 --> 00:41:36.000 the side to learn how to assign tasks and things like that inside the system. So, we're we're going to be sending an email out tomorrow inviting, you know, members of staff. So, just wanted to put that out there and it it's free, doesn't cost any money. So, yeah. 150 00:41:36.000 --> 00:41:52.640 Cho, any comments? >> No comments tonight. >> All right, Vice Mayor Sud, any comments? >> Uh, no, I'm good. Thank you, Madame Mayor. >> All right, I have none either. So, motion to adjurnn. >> So, move. >> Wait, wait, hold on. Craig has decided 151 00:41:52.640 --> 00:42:08.400 to speak. >> You had your chance, dude. Um I just want to let residents and all staff and um the council themselves a-ro at the corner collecting and a-ro is is going to be temporary closed during the day because it's such a tight corner. We 152 00:42:08.400 --> 00:42:25.040 are clearing that fence line right now. So we're closing it for the safety of the employees and for the residents as we're dropping the trees and everything and pulling the fence. It's going to be temporary closed during the daytime. At night we'll be open. So we're closing probably around 8:00 till about 3:34. Which days do you 153 00:42:25.040 --> 00:42:40.880 anticipate? >> It was today and then probably the next probably about the end of this week. >> Okay. >> So, give us some time to get that corner cleared out and opened up and then once we get it opened up, we'll be free to go. >> So, daytime closures of a and collecting this week >> on the a side. 154 00:42:40.880 --> 00:42:54.319 >> Yes. >> Are we going to pop that up on social as well for those social people? >> Yep. I already sent it over to >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. We have a motion to adjurnn in a second. All those in favor? I >> I >> opposed. Hearing none. Motion passes 155 00:42:54.319 --> 00:42:58.040 5-0. Thank you.