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We are live for the July 7th, 2026 uh regular meeting of the town council of the town of Lockachi Groves and would you like me to to make that announcement now? >> I'd suggest after we go through the formalities of welcome and all those

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kind of things. >> So calling this meeting to order uh pledge of allegiance followed by a moment of silence please. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation

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under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Roll call, please. >> Council member Stevens, >> present. >> Council member Kaine,

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>> present. >> Council member Coleman, >> present. >> Vice Mayor Sud, >> believe he's on his way. >> Mayor Al Remy >> here. >> Acting town manager Oaks is absent. Town attorney Curts, >> I am here.

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>> Public works director Lowour >> here. Community Standards Director Gardner Young. That's it. >> Chief Financial Officer David Delea. All right, we have a little housekeeping tonight in the absence of uh acting town manager uh Miss Oaks. Uh council will

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need to approve uh the uh serving this evening of manager by Kenthia White. So I believe we have to take a vote on that. Is that correct? >> Yes. There is a in section four of the charter um 4.3 the town manager is

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supposed to attend um meetings of the town council um during her absence or disability. The town uh of the town manager the town council made by resolution and a motion as a de facto resolution uh designates some properly

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qualified person to temporarily execute the functions of the town manager. So the suggestion would be that you move to appoint Miss White um to sit in this seat and move us through this meeting efficiently um and that her duties would

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end at the end of the meeting. >> Okay, great. Uh it would hold on. It noted uh Vice Mayor Sud has arrived. So, um, ju just for clarification, uh, acting manager Oaks is is not here this evening, uh, due to something she cannot

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avoid, and our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. So, yes, can we get a motion? >> I'll make a motion that Miss White sit in the seat as town manager for the duration of this meeting. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion by council member Kaine, seconded by co council

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member Coleman to appoint Miss White as the town manager acting in this capacity for the meeting tonight. All those in favor? >> I opposed. Hearing none. Motion passes 5-0. Uh that would bring us to additions,

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deletions, and modifications. It's okay. We have a lot of paperwork here. >> I can make more space. >> Nothing. Okay. Anybody on council? Additions, deletions, modifications. Great. >> Make a motion to approve the agenda.

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>> Second. >> All right. We have a motion to approve the agenda by council member Kaine, seconded by council member Coleman. All those in favor? I >> I >> opposed hearing none. Motion passes 5-0. >> All righty.

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That will bring us to presentations. Um this evening we have our annual report by fire rescue presented by uh Amanda Bomero, second battalion, District Chief 28. Thank you. Hopefully our microphone

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is on and we're good to go. >> No, >> kind of. >> Hello. There. >> There you go. >> We are here. >> Good evening everybody. Um, I'm District Chief Amanda Vomero for those of you that don't know me, and I've proudly served the Western Communities for the

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last three years. And I want to thank you very much for allowing me the time to present your annual report because not only is it important for the city, the town staff, and the council to know what their fire department is up to, but it's important for the residents to know as well. So, I'm going to do things a

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little bit different this year. I'm going to start with a quick video, and then I'll get into the town specific um numbers. Where am I pointing this at? >> Oh, >> and that's it. Any questions? >> Bye.

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>> Good job. Fastest presentation ever. >> I'll do my best. [laughter] >> That's a mic drop now. >> Is that how you get the big bucks? You just come in and >> Yes. [laughter] >> Here we go. Thank you. Well, nice visual also.

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Mouse. >> You just had to say, "Hope we don't have any AV issues." >> You did. You led with that. >> It [laughter] >> You know, you got to think a little lower tech here. Maybe hold up some some cards. >> Knowing where you are, you live with that. [laughter]

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The old fashioned airport. >> Yeah. I know if we called um tech support they'd ask if we turned it off and turned it back on or unplugged it. Oh, maybe this makes you feel silly, right? Yeah, maybe we start there.

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>> Guys at work take their iPads and go, I'm going to do a sixoot reboot and like let it hold it up six feet and let it hit the ground. >> Well, while we're waiting for that, uh I did attend the Bell Glade meeting regarding a master plan. They had lots of had nice posters out there. Lots of

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those. Um there was some interesting stuff they did include in the micromobility the some equestrian um autrammont. So hopefully we'll see that come forward when it gets presented to the county commissioners >> and there'll be another opportunity this

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Thursday at Mounts Botanical Garden to go which >> I think there was one again this there's other ones but they're a little bit more distance. Palm Beach Gardens total. >> The next western community one is Thursday at mounts. So, >> yep. Yep.

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>> And I that may even be the last one. >> There's still opportunity to provide input online. So, check our town website and make sure that link is still available to residents who'd like to have input. I know we had a lot of uh

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input from Belg Glade at the meeting. We had input from ITID. We had input uh from uh some of the folks from Ardan as well as Westlake. So, we had quite a showing. Believe there was about 10 of us there

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between town staff and residents. So, was nice to see such a good turnout so far away and one crazy rainstorm in between there and here. So, >> now it's all right.

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>> Oh, I hear it. Well, I knew there county fire rescue, one of the largest professional fire departments in the state of Florida. And we need us the most, responding to just about every emergency you can imagine. With 51 strategically located fire stations

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crossing more than 1,800 square miles, we serve the visitors and residents of Long Beach County in their greatest time of need with integrity, unity, compassion, accountability, and dedication as our core values. Our units

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respond to roughly 152,000 911 calls a year and we are an all hazard all emergency response 24 hours a day 7 days a week. All of our first responders are frustrated in firefighting and emergency medicine

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which means a more efficient system to mitigate fires all kinds buildings crush fires and wildfires vehicle. Firefighters are skilled in the jaws of lives to free trap kicks. We respond to all kind of emergency medical calls.

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Everything from slips and falls to party. We are an ISO's one rated fire department. So what does that number one stand for? For the community, it means peace of mind knowing you have the highest level of fire and life safety protection available. We score among the

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top 0.01% fire departments nationwide. As always, we are poised and ready to continue breaking new ground with emergency medicine, meaning the community's need time and time again. We now administer

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whole blood and plasma transfusions in cardiac arrest survival rates are higher than the state average. And that's not all. We respond on land and in the water with an airboat, dive rescue teams, and ocean rescue lifeguard at 14 beaches

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across our coast. In the air, it's Palm Beach County Fire Rescue paramedics and nurses that treat patients on both of the Palm Beach County Healthcare District's two aeromedical helicopters known as Traumah. Our drone team flies above structure fires, brush fires,

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hazmat incidents, water rescues, and more. We are eyes in the sky. We have highly skilled advanced hazardous materials teams that handle special operations, chemical and fuel spilled from leaks, strange chemicals or white powder substances, biohazardous

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conditions, explosive devices or explosions will be directly in the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office bomb squad. We conduct high angle rescues, rescuing someone stuck up high or down low in ditches. It's called trench rescue. We rescue small and lar

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horses. Our 911 dispatch center inside the emergency operations center answers more than 236,000 911 calls overall each year while dispatching for an additional 13 municipalities. Our highly trained dispatchers can walk

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you through CPR over the phone or even delivering a baby. Operator always immediately dispatch the closest trucks while still on the phone with you mapping and GPS system and After a 911 call, our mobile integrated health team,

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community [clears throat] paramedics, and medical social workers follow up to connect patients with resources that provide long-term solutions. Florida knows storm seasons all too well from public fire up the integral part of everything from hurricane preparation to

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response. Clearing roadways and power lines to going door to door to get people out of areas with structural damage or floodwaters. We want you to feel safe. Here to help you get prepared and we're here to rescue you if you get stuck. Our emergency management division

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prepares and advances our involvement in everything from storms to pandemics and homeland security. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue's 100% staffed and funded urban search and rescue team and our Sweetwater teams have deployed at home

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for tornadoes and they travel to other parts of the state to assist neighboring counties with disaster response. At our state-of-the-art training complex, we host large scale disaster exercises preparing for active shooter terrorist attacks, fire and law enforcement

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working hand in hand. It is our duty to protect you. Palm Beach International Airport has been pretty busy lately and fire rescue is a big part of safety during escorts. At the airport, we have full fire station to respond on the

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tarmac and in the terminals. We carry specialized fire suppression systems specific for jet field on these unique airport firefighting shipments called Dragon. And we have a new tool to fight electric vehicle fires at the airport.

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The cold cut cobra uses 457 mph of high pressure water to cut through everything including steel and concrete. Our Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Fire investigators are deputized with PDSO carrying weapons and arresting

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arsonists. Fire investigators dig through hundreds of fire scenes each year, closing more cases than a national average. We also run a youth at risk program intervening when kids are involved, teaching them about the dangers and the repercussions of startling fires. Our community risk

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reduction division also inspects more than 33,000 buildings for fire and light safety hazards, keeping you safe. We work with local businesses before and after construction to make sure buildings are safe and up to code. Our community educator delivers safety

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presentations on fire safety, hands only CPR, carbon monoxide awareness, and how to properly install car seat, just to name a few. The Drowning Prevention Coalition works with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue to provide free water safety education and free and reduced cost swim

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lessons. We want to give you and your family the knowledge to prevent bad things from happening in the first place. We wouldn't be able to make all of this happen if it weren't for all the work done behind the scenes by support services at our administrative complex and at the shop maintaining our fleet of

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more than 500 vehicles. It is an honor to serve the citizens of Palm Beach County. We deal with dignity, compassion for each other and for our community and pride in our country and our mission. The men and women of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue are so proud to be your fire

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department. Our vision for serving Palm Beach County, excellence today, improving tomorrow. >> Thank you for allowing me to share that with you. We'll get back to the PowerPoint and then I'll I'll start with the town

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specific numbers. Am I controlling this now? >> Yeah. >> Where am I pointing it? >> Is it? >> We missed one. Oh, no. That's it. Thank you. I don't know if I did it if you did it, but you can coach me along the way. [laughter]

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Okay. So, Lockxahhatchee Groves is predominantly served by station 21 that you're well aware of down on Okchobee Boulevard and they are immediately backed up by stations 20 which is on Green View Shores Boulevard, station 22 on Town Center Parkway and then station

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28 on Royal Palm Beach Boulevard. It's important that we share the depth of service and the reason why this is important is because you know that you're never without service. You're never without coverage. So, if station 21 is out on another incident or if they're out on uh mandated training um

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honing their skills, there's another unit that's always there to uh move up and cover their zone. Um you know, either pre-planned move ups or um if they're scheduled training, the pre-planned move ups or if the they're out on an emergency call. So, we have um

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as the video said, 51 fire stations, but our um daily staffing is 171 frontline units. um that move up to cover other areas regularly. That's 56 rescue trucks, 42 engines,

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four uh squads, six aerials, which is the ladder truck that everybody likes to call it. Um two special operations units, four tender units, which is the water truck that you all are familiar with. Um we have four personal water rescue watercrafts. You have nine

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district chiefs that are in service daily. 10 battalion chiefs, 10 EMS captains, one light and air, 19 brush trucks, which is important to this area, and four ARF vehicles that are um at the airport. In fiscal year 2025, we ran 648 calls to

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the um town of Lockahhatchee Groves. In uh fiscal year 24, our average response time was 7 minutes and 49 seconds. And then in FY25, it improved slightly to 7 minutes and 42 seconds.

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As I stated, you had 648 emergency calls. Roughly 60% of those were medical calls. We had that's 386 medical calls, 94 vehicle accidents, and 38 fires. The EMS call statistics,

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we had 12 trauma alerts, two STEMI alerts, which are heart attacks, one stroke alert, zero sepsis alerts, 338 total patients transported from Lock Hatche Groves. Um, as you know, a couple years ago, we

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started with the randomized uh customer satisfaction surveys that go out and of the Lock Hatche Grove residents that opted to participate, we got a 100% overall customer service satisfaction. Excuse me. some of the new things that were

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implemented and I think this will help with response times as well. Um, and so next year I'm very excited to to see how the improvements are. But we started we installed a traffic preeemption program which changes the lights uh upon the emergency vehicle approaching code 3

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which is lights and sirens. So it'll change the light to make it green so we can continue to flow with traffic. You are aware that a a couple years ago we started our whole blood program and now we've complemented the whole blood program with um plasma

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and um plasma assists with helping the patients to clot if they're having significant hemorrhaging. We have 10 EMS captains that carry plasma, seven EMS captains that carry whole blood and both traumah hawks carry plasma and whole

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blood. This year, our urban search and rescue team was designated uh they got an an improvement rating from a type four to a type three. And uh as you know, we're the only uh USA urban search and rescue team in the county. Um the next closest

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would be Miami Dade. This in October we were upgraded to a type three and what we expanded, we added from 22 members of the team to 35 trained members. We added two live fine dogs, K9 dogs, and a field

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emergency doctor and a structural engineer that respond with the team. I missed our community risk reduction and I think I was a little out of order. So, I just want to highlight them. >> Geneathia loves uh Chief Darita. So we

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would not want to miss them. So community risk reduction um in Lock Hatche Groves con they did a 100 inspection activities, 62 plans reviews, 61 construction inspection activities and nine community activities with 1,161

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participants. >> Can you go forward one slide? >> Sure. Thanks. >> There it is. >> There it is. You want me to repeat the numbers or >> No. Okay. I apologize for that. And that concludes my presentation. If anybody

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has any questions, I'm happy to answer. >> I have one. >> Sure. >> I saw on your incidents there was an aircraft incident. I'm just interested in what that was since we have no airport in Laka Gri. So, how did we >> Oh, so that's just part of um Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and we covered the airport as well. So,

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>> but you said it was within Laha Graves. There was an aircraft incident. It was one of the ones on our list. I'm just curious what kind of aircraft incident we had in Moxahi Gri see I I'm guessing you don't know so [laughter] let me look >> just curious

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>> we did have one aircraft incident so I'm happy to follow up on that it might have been that an aircraft had gone down in the area maybe a you know a small plane but I will find out the details and I will definitely report back and let you know what that aircraft incident was.

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Yeah, good eye. >> Yeah, I was I was actually curious. So, if it happens on Southern, it's ours. If it's [snorts] between Falsam and and 162nd, basically >> anywhere in that box, it's ours. So, it's whether it's on October or Southern.

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>> Yes, that's correct. Mhm. >> Anyone else? >> No. >> Yeah, those are 38 fires. >> Yeah, >> it's a pretty it's a pretty big number, right? >> Yeah. That concludes brush fires, car fires, residential structure fires. >> Somebody calls cuz somebody's burning.

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>> Well, if it's if it's an investigation, it wouldn't be classified as a fire unless it there was, you know, an actual fire. >> But if you guys go out and put out the pile, >> yes, it would come in as a as a burn. Yeah. Reminder that if you're going to burn,

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have a permit. Get a hold of the forestry folks. So, any other questions? All right. >> Thank you for >> Thank you. Thank you for being so much, Amanda. >> All right. Public's favorite part of the

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night. Um, comments from the public on non-aggenda items. Gabby, anything? Uh, >> we have Elizabeth Akamando. Good evening everyone. Elizabeth Lakamando uh Lakahachi. Um as you know I'm the board president of Indian Trail

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Improvement District and for those of you who don't know I'm running for county commissioner district 6. Um I wanted to come tonight first and foremost to thank you guys for coming out to Belglade. Um it was a hall it was a terrible weather evening. U but it was really important. We tried um we made

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several attempts to have a meeting closer for us out here in the western communities, but unfortunately we were unsuccessful. Um there were a couple of things that raised concerns I think with all of us that are on that plan and potentially um

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some things we asked for that were not and some things that have happened since then and that are not on the plan but that we are hearing once again about opening up 140th and 40th. And I believe it is still the position of this

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community as it is ours in Indian Trail Improvement District that that does not become a major thoroughfare cut through road for our community from Southern Boulevard northward. Um I don't think that the consultants are

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really hearing the people. I know they didn't hear the people of Belgade. They asked for three very simple things and none of those were on that list. yet they had us all go out there for a meeting. So, in my opinion, it was kind of insulting to the people of Belgrade. They had asked for a meeting prior, like

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we had one at Palm Beach State College, but um that's what they wanted to give their input, but the little bit of input they were allowed to give um since then was not even recognized. So, um that's concerning. And you know, we've got all these people planning. We're we're a

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very unique rural community. Where I am, I'm very much like Luchet grows. I'm still an unincorporated, but I have a 6acre parcel. I have a farm. The acreage is exurban. We are not the same and we can't be treated the same. They're talking about the fourlaning of

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Okachobee and they're also talking not on the plan, but we'll be coming out with an RFP in the fall to do the Okachobee extension study to look at that. So, I think it's really important that our communities work together as

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neighbors and for what is in the best interest of what our residents want out here and the lifestyle that we want. So, um I hope to um get together with you guys before this is all over. And um I

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know we've sent a letter uh with uh our concerns about some of these suggestions that they're making for us. And um instead of us being the meal, let's get a seat at the table for it. I think it's really important and if we all stick

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together, I think we can make sure that that happens. So, thank you guys again for coming out there and um you know, I know you guys didn't speak, but I feel like that you know, the residents that did speak and the and the uh leaders

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that spoke really did a great job. So, thank you all very much and um I look forward to meeting with you guys and getting this all figured out for us out here. >> Thank you. Thank you,

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Lisette Vasquez. Good evening, Miss Madame Mayor. I will um respectfully ask you for an extra minute if I my three minutes come up. Would that be okay? Sure. Thank you. So I am Lisette Vasquez from San Diego

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Drive. I am a new member of the planning and zoning committee. I am grateful for this position for which I am taking very serious during the short period of time that I have served the committee. I have identified that the town doesn't have a

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mission. We kind of have a vision that it's not visible in our website but we don't have a mission defined. It is very important to have a mission and a vision. It will remind us of who we are, where do we stand, what do we aspire to

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achieve. In addition, I was able to identify that we lack a finding of fact process that is fundamental and necessary when meeting with possible businesses, business owners that want to

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establish their business in Lahachi growth. It was confirmed by one of my peers from planning and zoning committee that the decision making process is based more on opinion rather than the finding of facts.

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Furthermore, the town lacks a citizen customer complaint process and form. Government agencies and the private se sector should be responsible for ensuring consu customer satisfaction and

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addressing complaints. Customer service complaints are primarily used to identify operational blind spots, make corrections to internal processes and improve overall customer service.

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Also, I was able to identify that the language written in our vegetation waiver form granted to land owners to clean up their land does not align with Loxahi Groves conservation and

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protection of natural environment policies. There are many red flags as you know and this process process can definitely be improved. Prior to my current job, I was a regional case manager consultant

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for a major skilled nursing facility and nursing home. Even though planning and zoning do not align with the health care system, the principle is the same. This principle starts with a simple question.

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What is the process? Department process has some functional fundamental components like understanding policies and procedures, job description, understanding department forms, understanding and

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learning technology including applications. Organization hire consultants that are experts in the area to solve specific problems, improve efficiency and provide specialized knowledge and training.

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And I have an example for you. We have Mr. Jeff Curts, former consultant and project manager of this town who failed to identify the need of a mission and a vision. He missed an amazing opportunity

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in encouraging the town to develop a mission and a vision when he was a project manage plan project manager and former consultant. He failed to identify the need for citizens gravens form. He missed the simple opportunity of developing a

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customer service citizens complaint process and form. He's completely lost as to what pertains to the finding of fact process under the planning and zoning committee. Jeff and I met on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 26.

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I asked him, "What do you do here? Do you litigate our lawsuits? He answered, "Oh, no. I help here and there. I help with code enforcement." I had a hard time processing that. We don't need any consultants that haven't

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provided or are not willing to provide any value to this town. We don't need people that help here and there. We need people that are fully committed to their job and are 100% loyal to this town. We need people that implement changes and

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improve our processes. The times when people looked at us as a family friendly town should be over. This town is everything to us. This is our home. We are here to protect it. For

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those who have been taking advantage of this town's kindness, we should say your time is over. To my fellow neighbors, start writing and submitting your complaints. If you have been mistreated, disrespected, or deceived, you have the

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right to do so. Please demand that your complaints are investigated and finalized with a resolution. to the council. Do not renew contracts with those consultants who have not

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brought any value to this town, but instead they have delivered a cheap mediocre consultant service. They have taken our money and abused our system. Regarding the renewal of liquor

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services, ask formal questions and serious questions. Is this person a good fit for the position that we have? I would ask, whose side are you on? Are you here to serve us in good faith? What have you accomplished?

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How is it that $35,000 in fine debts from code enforcement violations get reduced to a couple thousand? This is specifically talking about Sarfar irrevocable trust. How much did you know about their case? Did you do

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anything to stop it? Create a survey among employees as how the consultant services or legal services have helped them in their current position. Lastly, I have an idea for you.

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You can hire a very strong knowledgeable consultant and create a process improvement committee within the staff. You can appoint three to four of your most talented employees and delegate the

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duty of process improvement among them. And just think about this. If our consultants haven't been able to deliver exceptional quality service in two years, what makes you think they will do so

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now? Thank you and I yield. >> Thank you. Any other public comments? Thank you, Tracy Rafflowitz. >> This is about non-aggenda items, right? Public comment. >> Yes, it is.

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>> Okay. All right. Just clarifying. >> Did you think I was going to make it? >> No. No. >> Good evening, mayor, council, staff. >> As a resident and a taxpayer, I appreciate the amount of work that goes into the budget seat. My concern is transparency regarding where our tax dollars are ultimately going. Tonight

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and throughout this budget process, I hope council will continue asking detailed questions regarding transfers between funds, long-term capital planning, reserve levels, and whether assessments being pro proposed are based on actual operating needs

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[clears throat] or simply replacing historical funding practices. >> Sorry, bless you. >> As residents, we deserve to understand not only what we are paying, but exactly why we're paying it. For clarification, the agenda refers to

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the vendor expense report, but the attachment itself is titled cash dis uh dispersement report and it lists vendors over certain amounts paid. If the report is intended to represent cash dispersements only rather than all vendor expenses incurred, if so, would

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it be more accurate to title it cash dispersement report to avoid implying that it includes unpaid invoices or outstanding accounts payable? I just have a question on the uh consent uh agenda. Mayor, I respectfully request

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that item four be removed for the consent agenda for discussion. I have a few questions regarding the vendor expense report that I believe would help clarify information being presented for both council and the public. >> Okay. Thank you.

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>> James Borscus. James. Yeah. Good evening, officials, commissioners, staff, friends. Uh James Borso, certified planner. Uh I've met

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with uh many of you on the uh town council and staff. Uh as you know uh I've been uh representing about about a half a dozen nurseries and landscapers in lockahhatche groves and what's

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happened uh is with the code uh landscape services were not in the code when it was incorporated or were I'm trying to get a handle on is put back in the code. It was taken out of the code put back in. Right now it's not in

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there. what landscape services are. Those are the people that go out and cut grass. Now, that's a little bit different from nurseries. Uh we're nursery friendly here in Locks of Hatch Groves, I believe. And I'm a former resident of Locks Hatche Groves. I was a horseman. Uh I lived here 30 years ago

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and worked with carriage horses out at B and Northro. Uh so we have we have some landscape services that were maybe established when it was legal and and I'm personally aware of some

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that do not have uh legal standing in the town uh that have been established when it's not in the code. Now, I've been personally in the past two months to for about 40 to 50 different nurseries in locks of Hatchee Bros and landscape services to get a

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firsthand look at this. And uh I think this is a use that I'm behind. My my clients have asked me to represent them to have this use landscape services allowed in the code today again in Lockache Groves. But it's just not a

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free-for-all. This is a rural town that needs protection and uh I've come up with a list of uh 11 conditions based upon your recommendations and staff recommendations and my associate Jim Frogner uh recommendations.

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Essentially, to allow this type of use to exist, you need a good landscape buffer in front of a fence. These places need to look beautiful, not like dumps. Not at all like bright view which is an eyes sore in my mind on Okchobee

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Boulevard that needs cleaned up. One of my direct clients is Greenspace. They're second most contentious as far as uh physically looking at the site. How does it look? If these places look beautiful as a showcase, you'd probably be okay with that. So in

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this 11 11 points of a condition, it would call for an opaque screening 6 feet in height around the perimeter of a property along with shrubs and trees, landscape buffer. Uh on the inside of that fence, also any landscape material

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for sale would be a buffer of 20 to 30 ft. And these places must be nurseries, not landscape services. So, I'm also calling for a 6040 in terms of a conceptual site plan of

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the area. Predominantly nurseries, not predominantly landscape services. Predominantly nurseries, wholesale nurseries with a accessory use of landscape services. These people are here already.

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I'm encouraging them to be good neighbors. My client Greenspace is considering voluntarily uh putting in a beautiful landscape buffer along Falsam and I think that's something that would be in the town's best interest and it would be in my

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client's best interest to be a good neighbor too. If these places look like eyes, you don't want them if they are beautiful looking like beyond uh what a code would require because right now the code doesn't require that. Then you say, you know, maybe

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we should look at this. Maybe this is the type of thing that fits in well here. Uh that's all I have to say. We want them to be good neighbors and to look good. Uh so uh we'll uh be submitting a what's called a text amendment through

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Karen Gardner Young's office uh in the next couple months concerning this. And uh I'd encourage uh any of the staff and commissioners uh to have further discussions with myself and Mr. Jim Frogner of what you want to see, not

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what the clients want to see, uh not what I want to see. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Virginia Standish. >> Virginia Standish. Lockxahhatche grows resident in response to what the land planners are attempting

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to do for the nursery industry. I applaud them. However, in their inspections and their further research, I encourage encourage council to question them. Have they been to every nursery property in this community? Have

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they checked to see if there's illegal fuel tanks on those properties? Have they checked to see if those fuel tanks are properly covered underneath and complying? Have they talked to the nursery people

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as to how they are disposing of their residential uh trash versus their nursery trash? Have they confirmed that these nurseries are utilizing commercial waste services? Or as evidenced by residents in the

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community, are they still using the residential garbage services to get rid of and dispose of their business vegetation? Are they speaking to the nursery owners that do have landscape services? that

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I'm not against them, but I certainly hope we're not talking about industrialized parking lots for landscaping businesses. Have they talked to these nursery owners as to how they control the staff and stop them from speeding

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through stop signs, barreling down our roads as they need to get back in time to finish the end of their workday. There are many questions these land planners need to still investigate before they bring anything forward.

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Thank you. >> Thank you. Any additional Thank you. All right. That brings us to the uh consent agenda. >> I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda polling item number four. >> Right. We have a motion to approve

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consent agenda pulling item four. >> Second. >> Uh motion by council member Kaine, seconded by council member Coleman. All those in favor? >> I >> I uh let's move item four. Uh let's see. Do you want to move it to

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the start of the regular agenda? >> We can just do it at the start of the regular agenda so that Tracy doesn't have to >> Yeah, we'll move it before 8. >> Yeah. to eat. >> All right. >> We're just receiving filing a report anyway. So, I mean,

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>> yes. >> But >> so consent agenda approved. Uh, did I take a vote yet? Sorry, I got confused about moving. >> We haven't voted yet. >> Great. Thank you. >> And you didn't open it up to comment.

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And any other comments? No. Public comment. >> I'm good. >> No. Okay. All those in favor? >> I I >> opposed hearing none. Motion passes 5-0. Thanks for that clarification. >> I like the swiftness that we're working with tonight. >> Let's keep it keep it rolling. All

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right. That brings us to public hearing. Um uh Mr. Curts, would you like to uh announce this ordinance agenda item? >> Thank you. Ordinance number 2026-01, an ordinance of the town council of the town of Lockxachi Hills, Florida,

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repealing article 92, recreational vehicles of the unified land development code as established by ordinance number 2024-07 amending part three supplemental regulations of the unified land development code to enact a new article 92 recreational vehicles providing for

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conflict severability modification and an effective date. Um public hearing has been scheduled uh following second reading. >> Thank you. >> So uh let's see.

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>> Would you like a >> introduction to this item or >> uh this is a second reading. I I believe we uh have some uldc feedback on this item as well as uh some things that were brought up in our agenda review. Um, so

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I I would like to open the floor to a motion first and then discussion. >> And we do need to open the public hearing. Yeah. >> And we have to after that we open the public hearing. >> You can you're going to have a motion on the floor >> and then open the public hearing.

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>> Okay. Thank you. Okay. Okay, I'll make a motion to approve ordinance 20261 after uh discussion and potential revisions. >> All right, we have a motion to approve 202601. >> Second.

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>> Uh approved by uh for motion by council member Kaine to approve, seconded by council member Coleman. Uh that brings us to opening the public hearing. Would you like to do that as well, Jeff? Or we're good enough with just making that statement?

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>> You you have the ability and you just did, I think. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Um, and the question is cards. >> So, I did ask that the notes from our previous council workshop where we had uh I think done some extensive

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discussion about this uh program was brought forward by council, >> previous council. I think there are comments from public >> and it's been handed out up here so you should have it in uh the paperwork that was additionally shared for item number

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six. Uh so we can uh we've got public comment and miles >> that first do that before we have discussion. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Well, wait just housekeeping when we have suggestion stuff that's different.

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Can we get that in like red or italicized or something like that in the future? >> Underlined. >> No, it's not. The ULDC have four suggestions. It's just listed one, two, three, four. It >> in exhibit A. What you have is um the

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yellow changes are reflective of the direction that you gave on first reading. >> It's a posted agenda, my friend. Okay. I'm looking at the agenda and I hit the link and it goes right to there and it's not I'm just >> that that's the is that the if you go a

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little I think that was the memo >> that you have there was a memo >> oh there okay I see exhibit >> exhibit A >> is the >> so forget the memo go okay sorry Marian I wasn't trying to take your time >> that's okay it it didn't

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>> no timer has >> no we haven't started all right >> it didn't start good evening council Well, I didn't go through page by page for item six cuz quite frankly I didn't have the time, but there were um a few things that and I know it's a work in

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progress, but there's a few things that caught my attention. Um and one of them is the on page 404, the 2 acres or more, just two RVs. Um state statute says no more than four. I

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know we don't want to become a trailer park, but however, you have a lot of equestrian uh people here that spend a lot of money building up their equestrian business and to have just limited them if they're

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five acres or 10 acres to two RVs, I think it's kind of cruel, you know. um they should have the freedom to run their business as they see fit. If that means three RVs or four RVs for

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6 months or the time frame that they choose, if they put in the water and they put in the the if they have a septic or if they are um have [clears throat] the uh um pumpouts and if they do all that, why can't they

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utilize their property as they say fit? If a neighbor down the road who doesn't look at them is upset about four RVs on a five acre tract or a 10 acre tract, well maybe they're not in horse business

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and maybe that's their choice to have one or two or five acres how they want to have their property. But when in a question and we have had when I sat on council we had many workshops about this and we had roundts of people and their

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needs in locksahei groves and I think this is just stifling somebody's business that if they build an arena and we have horse people on this council and good arenas are really expensive.

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So to limit their business and what they can do. If they want to have seasonal of 6 months or four months to come down, whatever it is, and they have during that time of season, okay, fine. But why can't they have an RV or two if they

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want to use their arena or use their their business off of that seasonal time? Now, I noticed that uh they have a a recommendation in here that doesn't limit, you know, what time of year, in other words, from November to April.

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Somebody can do that. Uh let's say in June or July, I just don't want to tie the hands of the people and they're not coming here because they're not being listened to and they're not being heard. And if somebody puts in the time

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and the money, because this is not everybody in Lockxahhatche Groves when you do an ordinance is going to all of a sudden put up an RV and go, "Oh, I'm going to have one on my property." You realize it's a minimum of $15,000

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to put in a proper water system for RVs, whether you have one, two, or four. It's not small amount. So I encourage you to look at this further and go okay and the other thing that was a a red flag to me and we did this was the suggestion from

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the uldc to require on the permit RV's occupants information in addition to the owner's information. You already know the property owner and the occupants require a photo ID to submit on their

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identity to be verified. I'm sorry. The homeowner and the land owner is ultimately responsible for who they allow on the property. If you're going to allow somebody that has a criminal record, which they're not going to do if they're above board on an RV,

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any business, I'm not going to allow somebody on my property who's a criminal. >> And if you do, that's aiding at a bedding. Please go through this and and make it more friendly to the RV and to the horse community and everybody else, >> even if you're not a horse person. >> Thank you. Thank you. Um I don't know

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why the buzzer is not going off at 3 minutes. So, more AV stuff. No worries. Uh yes, I think that we all have some concerns about some of the suggestions in here. So, uh any other public comment on this?

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>> No. Okay. So I Yes, >> she has to put in a slip. So, but thank you. >> Uh I think Council Member Coleman had his light on. >> No, that was just the housekeeping thing which Jeff clarified is in the exhibit,

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not the memo. So, I forgot to That's why I just quickly turned it off. >> Council member Keane. >> Yeah. Um, so I too picked up I I thought that our our max number was four and I'm not sure

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where where that uh that came out, but I too picked up I thought that it was two rentals, but you could have like your own personal. I mean, I'm a little confused. You can have your own personal and you can have two rentals on top of that or you could

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just have two total including the one that's your own. This says number of occupied and rented. >> It doesn't say anything about personal >> just occupied ones >> whether you own them or you and rent them or it's just people coming in and

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using your spaces. >> So just so you can only rent out two a year. I just wanted to clear it up. That's all I make sure that I understand. >> There's no limitation on personal ones that are >> not owned and unoccupied. Correct. >> Okay. Um

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All right. And I I I actually think that it should be ident. I think it should be identified of who's living in them while they're here. But um I think that neighbors deserve to the right to know that. But anyhow, thank

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you. Oh. Oh, I also had one other question. I'm sorry. How is this Karen, I guess you're the one to ask. How is this being handled for people that have already gone through the process on the two P pilot? Like are they grandfathered in because there's no like clarification

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of that here or just do people who such as myself who went through the process already and had their inspection already and everything do they have do we have to do that over again and pay another fee or do we or do we still have the same five years that we were supposed to have from when the inspection was done

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last year? So that's my other question because I'm sure people who already did that probably want to know that >> there's there's no proposed grandfathering in um or >> so if you already so the people like me who already had the inspection and paid the fee and were told that that they

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were good for five years now have to come back in with this new policy and pay again and do it again. >> That's the way it's currently um set up. >> Preposterous. [laughter] >> That doesn't make any sense. I think that's like it people in good faith did

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the program and did what they say to do um that they shouldn't have to redo it for the period that they were told they wouldn't have to redo it. But anyhow, that's my input. >> Okay, Council Member Coleman. >> So So the the fee is applicable only to if you're renting or leasing the RV

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space, right? >> Correct. >> And there's no there's no application or whatever affidavit, nothing for your personal personal vehicles, right? That is correct. >> Okay. I mean, I think maybe I don't know what Mary was talking about year round. I think that was only for the use if

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you're going for the accommodation or exception of a disabled person or family member or something like that special exemption, right? That you actually have to come in and right and that that that's what we're touching in F. Correct. >> Correct. The the policy has always been

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you're allowed the existing language is 180 days. Right. >> New language was six months and the USDC was recommending a time frame >> was I think November to April I think is >> November through April. >> But that's under the disability accommodation. Correct.

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>> If you approve that you're allowed to have it for a year out. And so there's no there's no accommodation for just, you know, my my great aunt Susie, you know, fell and broke her hip or something and she's

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she needs a place to stay cuz whatever. That's not under the disability or I guess that was back cuz that's kind of along those lines, but there's no accommodation for that because I know we had talked about that at one point. >> If you don't fall under the disability, there is no other exception other than the six months that you're permitted.

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Anything else? >> Um, yeah. I I I just didn't realize that this RV thing was put in place to help supplement incomes. That's I didn't realize that was the whole purpose of the thing. I thought it was to help curtail the mass. You know, the thing is is the people that that are going to

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comply with this are going to comply, right? The people that aren't going to comply, they're going to do whatever they want. They're going to put 10 RVs on the property. >> Code enforcement issue. >> Still a code enforcement issue, right? So, I mean, it's um but I I agree with Anita that, you know, if there I don't

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know that we I don't know if it needs to be a stipulation or maybe it needs to be added in here that if you were if you're you know um >> I believe that fee for the A was 100, right? And the non-ag is 500. So, their

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fee could be applied um to the next year. I we can talk about it. >> The $50 This is a $50 deal. Yes, it is. >> So, what I'm my I guess my point is like Anita said, if she's good for five years, if she applied last year and she's >> at $100. >> Yeah. >> Right. I guess my point is if she's good

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for five years, then she should she shouldn't have to come reapply this year because we passed this. She should still have that five years until she has to reapply is my point what I'm getting. >> What people talking there were like 29 people that complied, right? Or something like that. >> What about the properties that are vacant that have four RV slots because

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you guys approved it in 24 that you could do this on vacant land? And you going to let them keep doing that for 5 years, too? >> That's what I'm saying. >> No, I The point is is if we're going to change the program, right? Are you changing the program? Are we grandfathering in? What does that look

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like? Does it look like the people that put in four RV slots on vacant land? Does it look What does that look like? >> Yeah. So, I mean, I think there are things. >> Yeah. So, maybe out apply to their Do they have to re sign an affidavit or

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something? And I think the intent of this and and sorry to to segue away, but the intent of this was the cost of administering this had gotten so prohibitive. Uh was to make this easier.

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Collecting people's IDs is not easy. Um no, I wouldn't want to rent to somebody that's sitting behind my house in between me and my barn. Um that has a a criminal past. Um I I asked some questions of staff. Um Karen, were you

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able to get some of those answers u regarding um the disabled question um for residents on that? >> And to me, there was just so much about this that went far beyond and yes, we did agree that it would be a maximum of

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two. There's also the question of these bunk houses. I know you had tackled that a little bit with the in conversation as well. So uh do you want to answer the questions? >> Sure. So the first question was have we ever received an application for

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disability request? And the answer is no. >> No. Okay. >> The second question was um do we treat individuals who would make a disability request differently than those who didn't you know who asked for a regular um you know application? The only

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distinction that the regulation makes between disability and non-disability is that you're allowed to go more than the six months. >> So it would still have to be with a I believe we required it on a homesteaded property. >> Yes, >> that would still either have to be that

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or an a classified property with 80% of the of the land mass classified as such. Um and and I do think some of the bona feed agricultural use language is that something we want to tie to the uh Palm Beach County property appraiser because

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we know that some of those buildings that go up and you lose your a classification. Is that something that we're going to tie in with that versus just it's a bonafide agriculture use language in this? But yeah, I don't know if we can because that's not a sole governance of whether you're

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>> you're a bonafideed agricultural business. >> Yeah. So I I'm just saying maybe there needs to be further definition in here, right? Versus how it's defined here. Sorry. >> I guess Yeah. I guess I thought you were going to like if you don't have a classification with Palm Beach County,

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then you don't get it type of thing. We're not recognizing your And I think that's a slippery slope is my point. >> Yeah. And I I do think that maybe that needs to be broadened just definition-wise to include some of that language. Um there was a couple other questions as

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>> I think one was regarding the Fair Housing Act. Jeff, you took a look at the federal law that would force the town to allow the housing. Um, I I think that uh the RV housing

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would be subject to um the Fair Housing Amendment Act, but I haven't had a chance to fully research it, but >> Okay. >> It it would fall within the same confines. >> Okay. And I think there was a >> unlicensed you asked about whether the

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can require a license. So, in Florida, >> license tag, >> the license tag in Florida, uh, if your vehicle is permanently fixed, then you do not need to have a tag because then it's not defined as a vehicle. But if it

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can move in any way, Florida would require it to have the tag, >> a current tag. >> Correct. >> So, even if you had a classic car sitting in storage, it would have to have a tag. >> If we see it, realistically, the answer is yes. >> Got it. Okay. But Jeeoff, I know you wanted to clarify

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a thing or No, >> the the question was does the town have the authority to require? And so there is a state requirement as um Karen indicated, but yes, towns can have a

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requirement that uh you the um property is uh licensed. Um there's a lot of jurisdictions that say if you don't have a if it if the vehicle is not currently licensed then it's seen um it's considered junk and subject to being a

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nuisance and things like that. We don't have that ordinance but we do have the authority to impose such an ordinance. >> Well I think as it pertains to an RV though you know an RV's got to have a tag right. If it's a mobile home it doesn't need a tag to follow the train of thought of the statute. The statute

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says it's fixed. But that being said, a mobile home has to be registered with the state. There's a placard that you're supposed to, you know, that it goes in the window of it. You know, if you go to like one of these mobile home parks or trailer parks, you'll see those. So, you know, there is a registration and that

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where it's up to date, etc. So, I think if we just follow those statutes, we should be good. Um, because, you know, again, if they're only there for six months anyway, there should be a tag on it. It should be current. It should be able to be picked up and moved right away, right? Well, that is the concept of an RV. And

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I think that when we were talking, Lisa, at that workshop meeting, what one of the things we said is that if it's tagged, that that indicates that it's roadw worthy and in good repair. And that that would help deter some of the >> right junk that if you read the condition of the vehicle, it says it

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must be kept clean, presentable, and in usable condition. I think roadworthiness is probably a better language there. >> Yeah. um because that's the other subject to >> well and as some of this stuff I just get into this and I'm like this seems

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like a lot that could drive up the cost of administering the program. So that was kind of my my thought process is ripping this down a little. >> They'll run a background check on a driver's license because you collect a driver which is easy to collect, right? You scan it, email it. I'm just saying

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you run that's probably what $50 just to run the background check plus the time. >> Yes. So, um >> I don't know. I mean, I get it, but >> I I don't know about running background checks. I was just thinking to have the name of whoever on the form just in case for whatever reason. Just to have the name of your

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renter when you apply for the renting. That's all. I wasn't I'm not buying into the whole background checking and collect your driver's license and everything else. >> Well, there's references in here to the leases. Are we going to have to turn in our lease to the town? that I mean that again adds more to

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staff time >> location portion where it was talking about where where it's parked >> where it talks about the lease >> it talks about yeah that it has to be owned we know that people do rent RVs that people take to other properties and then stay in

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so would that have to be shared with the town you know I think the whole point of this was to encourage people to um participate in >> by simplifying by simplifying it. Yeah. Uh so I didn't understand the permit

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requirement if the recreational vehicle is being stored on the property. Is that an owned one? Uh permitting the whole list here, dates the recreational vehicle will be on site. Does that include occupied on the site? I there's just so much documentation that

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electrical has been permanent. I think we talked about just saying they would attest in their and by by you know under penalty of perjury that yes it's a permitted septic or yes it's a permanent electric until such time as we started instituting more >> use more inspect

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>> yeah I mean if if we're running if we're if if you're allowed two two sites 30 amps per site right through two 30 amp circuits per site that are 300t from the barn and that underground's got to be run. You know, I mean, I honestly we

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don't want to that's not really in support of the agricultural business, right? The lease of pro the lease of an RV site that's not like a a manure bin, which actually requires a permit or or an equipment shed, which doesn't. It's kind of weird where that line is drawn,

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but you know, that's I mean, we're not having that electrical inspected. We're just have an affidavit sign that Yeah, it's good. We got it. I I think the intent was originally that you would state that it was pay your $50, >> right?

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>> Somebody complains and if somebody complains, it would be complaint generated and the town would go and inspect and if you can't prove that it was permitted and it would be dealt with at the time. I think that was kind of the thought process. I mean I I see it from >> well I'm saying thought process or what's like you're saying things that

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need to be you know you know you sign an fine you sign an affidavit saying this is permitted da da da right but and that's great help you know you have you sign an affidavit but at the point it they go well it doesn't say here that it

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has to be permitted. No, you would state you would agree that yes, if you sign yes permitted >> that's just going to be on the affidavit. >> That was I think that was the discussion we had at the time. Uh so I I just think that there's a lot here that needs to be discussed a little further maybe at the

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workshop. And did we did we ever clarify bunk houses because I think some of those I sent you were sleeps up to like 42 people. >> What? >> They're bunk house RV trailers. what they bring into like uh disaster

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zones and things like that. >> So yeah, it's pretty shocking. So allowing four RVs on some of these properties because oh those people need them to take care of their horses. You know, how much of this is like you said an income generator versus a hey, we're

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helping out an industry that that housing is a is a struggle and the de facto density increases that are happening as a result of this. And I I know I can think of one large equestrian property right now that bunk houses are probably in their future.

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>> Well, I mean I mean the reality is, you know, up until a few years ago, right, the common place was either I had a groom's quarters on my property, right? I construct a groom's quarters >> or I rent a facility or I pay for hotel, right? If you're I don't care how large a scale your farm was, if you weren't

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big enough to have your own grooms quarters and your grooms either had their own place or you provided a place for them. I mean, there's the cottage industry across the street of renting out your house and moving in with your in-laws and your mortgage gets paid in 6 months because, you know, seasonal

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people rent your house. So, it's, you know, that's I say, you know, I don't know that it's >> Yeah, I don't know that's the purpose. But, >> yeah, I was just concerned during our review that there's some stuff in here that we really do need to discuss further before bringing it back. And I

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have a couple more lights up here and I think Vice Mayor Sue, you were next. >> Thank you. Well, I do agree. It's not really anywhere close to the prime time. So, first of all, thank you for the residents who shared some excellent comments. And to one particular comment, I would say Miss Vasquez asked what kind

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of mission and vision we have or we want to be. We are a rural, pristine, equestrian, familyfriendly town. We are not an RV park. We are not going to be a place where transient people come and land

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next to your grandchildren. So let me ask you this, Miss Gardner Young. With your proposed ordinance, how many RVs will come to our town? You said every household uh who is homestead

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can have an RV and every equest will have it. Let's talk about less than two acres and how many RVs will come in our town because of this. >> I mean obviously every I don't know but remember that's only the occupied.

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Remember we talked about if you have your own RV anybody can have that. You can have as many as you want. >> I think I had a number last time if everybody took advantage of it that was homesteaded and I did the research I think it was something like 1300 just to give you a ballpark that would be if everybody did it. >> It would be hundreds. Okay. Hundreds.

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Okay. So, let's let's continue with that thought to the next step. So, does this ordinance increase town density by any means? >> Not that I'm aware of because you have to be here a certain time period in order to be able to be counted as a

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resident. >> Does it increase town density? >> Um, I would say no. You have to remember that we got an existing ordinance um that I think is more liberal with respect to the number of um RVs that

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would be permitted. Okay. So let's look at this ordinance point E. So if you are a bonafideed egg, you can have one recreational vehicle for whole year or your groom quarter or caretaker.

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every I think every act person will take advantage of this. So instead of building a housing where somebody collects taxes, somebody does codes. So we have RVs that are going to be there all year round. So what happened to the FEMA requirement that if it if an RV is

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on your property more than 6 months, it has to be tied down. It has to do so many things, concrete floor and all that stuff. What happened to that regulation? I mean, I'd have to check with the building official, but I think it's still required to tie it down.

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>> So, I talked to the Palm Beach tax appraiser and I asked them this question. If an RV becomes permanent part of your structure, which it will by staying more than 6 months, county taxes are applicable on that property. It's as

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good as you building a house with so many other things required. Now, let's move on to the next one. Okay. So there is another point called disability accommodation. I I am in the healthcare industry and I understand I empathize with people who

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have disability. So if somebody has disability, we can have an RV all year round next to their home where some caretaker person can live. So we have a people, we have nurseries, now we have uh disabilities.

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And so the question to you is that is also all year round. So my question to you is how will that not increase the do you know our farmers a community? I am an egg. All our farmers a community I am an egg. All these some most of you are a

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you know how difficult it is to be a real egg. You have to have animals. You have have to have real business. So we were helping those people by having them having RVs and having them have horse business, having them help with their

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farm business and now everybody can have an RV, right? So what is the intent? Are we okaying Airbnb? So everybody, let's say small lot who has homestead. So, can I start an Airbnb business now by putting an RV in my backyard?

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>> My gut is to say I don't think so because your property is probably classified as vacant. >> No, I'm saying if I'm homestead, I'm less than 2 acre, 3 acre, >> can I start an Airbnb business? Now,

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>> you can in your h Yeah. I mean there's nothing that precludes us under >> so you can answer is yes and the way it is written is you can basically have an Airbnb uh business or you can have any people like a hotel you can open a mini little hotel in your in your backyards

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is that what we want is that what we want in our town now so so okay don't build housing but keep an RV and make money renting to people transient etc etc so why what is the benefit to act why Would an agon equestrian come here

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where this whole town becomes an RV park? So I I would kindly request we have a lot of work needs to be done here. I think those impact studies etc. traffic and FEMA and there was just a hurricane warning just whatever storm

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warning just two days ago and where are those RVs going to go in that short amount of duration? We don't even know the escape plan and escape routes and roads are already falling apart. So I don't think we are ready for this kind of you in a typical government you do

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step by step by step nobody I've never seen somebody opening floodgates nobody even in corporations big corporations don't do it >> okay I I think that it should be noted that we have a quite generous existing ordinance that we're trying to rectify

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so I agree that we need to do more work on this um council member >> I just want to the the disability thing is not for caretakers it's for a disabled person >> understand, but we've had zero people take advantage. I think it's been in effect a couple years. It's something to look at.

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>> I don't think the disability has been in it that it's in here. >> It actually has been. >> Okay. >> Well, okay. Well, >> yeah, it has been. >> I'm finish my thought. >> The big champion of it. It actually has. >> Yes, but we've had zero people apply.

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But I I do think that we need to definitely rework this just because get some new council members and I think that there's some questions about how >> I make a motion to table the workshop. >> Do we want to move it to our July workshop or the August? >> There's two

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>> things. Do you want to you want to continue this meeting for consideration? >> No. >> For a regular >> I don't meeting. >> Do we want to bring this back for another public hearing? So >> the workshop and then bring it. >> No, we will. So we're not trying to

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preserve the second reading status. >> I would I would say no. I think Vice Mayor Sud has some very legitimate questions. Um perhaps I know council member Kane had started some statistical data. Um I think that while we felt like we had scaled it back pretty significantly. >> Yeah.

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>> Um I think that perhaps we could try some box. So I mean I I literally think we we probably could. So >> yeah, of course. >> Yes. >> Say we table it. All right. >> Motion to table till work. >> We have a motion to uh move this to a

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workshop by council member Coleman and seconded by council member Kaine. Uh do we want to make it a date certain workshop for the July one or >> Well, if you're trying to save, it doesn't sound to me like you're trying to save

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on advertising costs at this point in time. You're talking about a potential total rewrite or major rewet. Right. Which would have to um go back through. >> Do you think we're on a time constraint in that we don't want to start season with what we have existing on the books.

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So will we say definitely for the July workshop? >> Sure. >> Okay. >> I agree. >> So um that that would be to bring it back for the July 21st workshop. >> Um all those in favor? >> I >> I >> opposed.

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Hearing that motion passes 5-0. We're good with that. That's okay. We'll have to bring it back for first reading as understand. >> Yeah. >> Going back. We're gonna have to go back um and readvertise. >> I think if we can get through it in July, we can make quick work of it. >> September be done. >> Yes.

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>> Okay. >> Well, yeah. And and maybe maybe we need to add to the motion with those revisions to appear on the August agenda. Like we need to add it as an August whatever the first August 8 agenda item is. That would be don't even know what that would be.

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>> Just to get the dates in there, Lisa, and get the timeline. >> Do we want to Yeah. do a placeholder for that first reading? >> Yeah. >> Like the first August meeting >> or we probably if you're if you're July 21st, we're not going to be able to go

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to second reading. >> Oh, no. I understand. But bring it back for first reading >> August first. And then we could do second reading in September and it would be in place before people start arriving in October. That's we're kind of on a >> So we're going to aim we're going to aim for a first reading for August 4th. >> August 4th

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>> with with the significant changes. >> Got to get it right this time. >> And I mean and at at the July 21st meeting, it's going to be a normal work. Yes. >> Normal one of your workshops staff not involved. >> Correct. >> This is the topic. >> Yes. and and hopefully Miss Gardner

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Young will have some data for us to to be able to put some teeth behind. >> Well, if we're really cooking with grease, we could actually hold a special 30 minutes in the front of the August workshop and >> get it done. So, >> yeah, not in 30 minutes. >> We don't do anything. [laughter] >> You're probably dead sky.

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>> All right. So, this brings us to agenda item seven. Um, again, this is a second reading. Mr. Curts, would you like to Yes. elaborate? Second reading of ordinance number 20262, an ordinance of the town council of the town of Lockachi Groves, Florida,

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amending article 155, site plans of part five, development review procedures and requirements of the town of Lockache Groves unified land development codec by modifying section 155-00005 residential uh development of more than 20 acres

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regardless of number or size of lots requiring the site plan approval providing for conflict, severability, codification, and effective date. Um, uh, prior to following second reading, a public hearing has been scheduled. Um,

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and this, uh, went to the planning and zoning board and they, uh, approved it as is. Um, I don't know whether you want a presentation on the the matter. This is the issue of

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uh, if you are developing more than 20 acres of residential property as one development, um you need to get a site plan. It's a clarification of uh the um the

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ordinance. So, >> I'll make a motion to approve ordinance 20262. >> All right, we have a motion to approve. >> Second. All right, we have a motion to approve uh ordinance 202602 by Council Member Kaine, seconded by Council Member

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Coleman. Do we have any public comments on this item? Thank you. All right. I believe Council Member Coleman, you're late. >> Yeah, I I just wanted some clarification. So, I mean, currently I buy an acre property or two and a half acre or 5 acre property or even 10 and I

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I'm going to build a house on it. I have to come in and get my site plan approved. So was I was I mean I I get anything over 20 I mean every every structure is still going to need a separate permit etc. So I mean I'm just wondering where the distinction came in that anything

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over 20 needs a site plan approval because any anybody developing residential property has to have a site plan approval. Greg >> Well, yes. No. >> Um no. Not as defined um as a 155 site

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plan. Um I think you do have to put in a um in your building permit you have to show where it's going to be located and all a proposed survey. This is where I'm located the proposed building at this elevation etc. >> This is a what this is referring to is a

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um formal life site plan that would have to go through our um hearing board hearing processes and eventually be approved by the the council. And there is an exemption currently um and we're maintaining that that if

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you are uh developing up to four single family residences on adjacent plots um uh provided that you don't have a subdivision sign or community entry feature. You are exempted from um going through that

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formalized site plan process that that comes before you. as you know for um your development uh of property on two and a half acres, two acres or whatever it happens to be for residential purposes that does not end up being

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considered by the council. And what so what this is clarifying is that the intent of that four single family residences was based on how the town was laid out. um you have 20 acres, you we

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have a minimum lot size of five acres. So it's four fives from a a 20. But when you are developing more than 20 acres for residential purposes, um then you would have to come forward with a a site

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plan that would actually have to be approved by the council. >> So this is in in the instance that I own 20 202 acres and I want to subdivide that 22 acres into four lots. And so I need to in order to to to you know

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separate that title into four lots then I need to get site plan approval. That's what we're going with here. Is that >> Yeah. >> That's not what I get when I say anything over 20 acres residential needs this. It's even it's even if let's say you have um 30 acres of land and you

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want to develop um a single family home and ranch um then you have to go and get site plan approval for that because it's more than 20 acres. >> Okay. >> Any other questions? >> Sorry, Lisa.

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No, I just I'm not sure if you confused me more with your questions. >> Yeah. And and my thought, Paul, is that it it thought process of why I'm in favor of this is that it might actually help with like some of the issues we talked about where we don't really have that much control over any residential

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development and like trees coming in and being chopped down and things like that. So, it might actually help us with some of that. So, that >> I just want a clarification where they came up with the number 20. So, makes sense. I think that was what was suggested and and frankly I'm not sure how that differs so much from the FDA as

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it's currently defined. So, >> well, I mean reality is your site plan should have your FDA on it. True. Have everything all every every nut and bolt that you want to put on the property should be on your site plan just as if you're developing a public. So, >> yeah. So, >> it'll actually help when we get to the

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estate planning thing that we're talking equestrian estate planning that might be coming in the future or whatever. This is >> which is already allowed in the rules. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, >> all right. Uh, no other comments. All right. We have a motion on the floor to approve on second reading 20260 by

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Council Member Kaine, seconded by Council Member Coleman. All those in favor? >> I I >> I >> opposed. Hearing none. Motion passes 5-0. That brings us to agenda item four, which was pulled from consent and placed before item number eight.

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And I pulled it just to let Tracy speak. So, [laughter] I mean, the only comment the only comment that I wanted to make is that I found some errors in the numbers that were here that were inaccurate numbers, but you might be addressing those. So, I'll let you go.

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>> Well, and I do think there historically this was the the ones that were paid that were between 10,000 and 25 in the quarter. So, I had some confusion as well. So, but anyway, >> I can give that to you. Um,

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did did you put in a public comment card just in case? Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. >> All right. >> I did. Tracy Ruffalo. For clarification, the agenda refers to the vendor expense report, but the attachment itself is titled cash dispersement report and list

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vendors over certain amounts paid. I want the staff and residents to understand what was actually presented. Presented here was a cash dispersement. The report as is does not paint a complete picture of the town's financial obligations. Something that I discovered is that the vendor expense report

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presented does not explicitly state whether it's based on payments or vendor obligations. The report uh excludes approved or pending invoices. >> [clears throat] >> Um, I would like it if you guys could receive an accounts pay if we could

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receive an accounts payable aging or vendor expense report so we can actually have a clear picture of what's being paid and the out the uh outstanding obligations. One of the biggest things that I wanted to bring to your attention when I was going through all this was Mr. Buckley's consulting. Um,

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there's a new contract, but the new contract is $24.99. That goes through June through September. It does not state in the contract what he's getting paid right now. Doesn't explicitly say that he's getting paid $5,000 a month. He's getting paid $2499.

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So, that's just something I wanted to bring to your attention because I didn't know if you noticed it. Um, it doesn't state how many hours he's got to work. It doesn't identify any specific deliverables in the documents that that was uploaded. It uh repeatedly refers to

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exhibit A, the scope of services, and exhibit B rate schedule, but neither exhibit is attached. Um, can it also be reported what measurable deliverables came from nearly $190,000 in consulting? What measurable return

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did taxpayers receive from approximately $96,000 in lobbying services? Um, going back to it, since it was an expense report, one of the biggest things that people need to understand when looking at it, Treasure Coast Planning Council, they were paid they

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were they were paid 45,000. Their contract 75,000. So, that's also part of the grant process that hopefully we're getting back. um projected point was paid 77,400 but their June invoice is not included

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which was over $11,000 which is not their monthly retainer. Um what else was there? Complete cities planning group. This was a big one. Um was 41,965

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October through June 12th, but actually invoice was 55,23940. And there was a couple other little things. Um it would be nice to see actually the invoices for Palmy Jag because that number is really large and I know that they stockpile. um her

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homes. I would really love to see their contract because uh Ephroed collecting canal is a disaster and there's a lot of incomplete things that are in uh Blackbod. I think that's it. >> Did you have a question? >> Thank you. >> Yeah. I mean, and I want to point out

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it's corrected here, but I want to point out that there's some numbers that are in actually incorrect numbers. So, um but that's okay. Uh uh I mean it's not okay. So my understanding of what you're asking for, if I could just kind of sum it up to make sure I'm understanding

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what you're asking for is what you're pointing out is that while Blackbod offers the opportunity to have all of these things attached to it so that when you're being diligent like you are as the chair of the fact and going through these things and and looking into them that you can click those little download

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pages and you can actually see like you said the contract, what's been done, >> correct? what's with and then also when we get a report like this that let's just say projected point that if we have a contract with them where we're going

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to be paying between now and October 1st an additional $40,000 I'm throwing a number out that it's that there are perhaps two columns here one that says what's been paid to date and one that says what's still owing to be transparent so that we know what our obligation is through the through the

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rest of the fiscal year >> is good with all anything having to do with the contract is especially from October to October is knowing that and we don't get these anymore and we haven't gotten it in a year or two and it would be really nice to say this is where we're at. This is where we're going to be or are we going to be over

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or above, >> right? Okay. So, I I just wanted to be clear of what you're you're asking for. Okay. Thank you. >> Well, and I I think it was my understanding too that that's the difference between a vendor expense report and a cash dispersement report. I had some questions as far as complete

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city's planning. A lot of that in your research you said it was not cost recovery. >> Yeah, there was a lot in there that's not cost recovery. And then there there is a lot that is. So with looking at it, >> I was like, okay, I'm very confused because if we're consulting

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>> and if they're consulting on a project, why isn't it being cost recovered? >> Right. And I think it came to light too that Ingenuity um was doing work uh regarding town projects and doing the actual engineering work. And you might recall that when I asked Randy uh

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wherene what's the role of Ingenuity? We were told that Ingenuity works as the as the one for the applicants and that it's Keshar who's the town engineer and yet we're paying Ingenuity to design F and collecting canal and and a couple of

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others. I'm curious why that ever came to pass. So there's some some questions I don't think they'll be answered tonight, but thank you for clarifying um what's what's the difference. So, >> also I want to state that it was it was stated in our fact committee that um

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that whole engineering part was engineered by Richard Galant and it was actually not. It was Ingenuity that did and they're the ones that have the entire engineering report. >> Yes, >> it's on. [laughter] And does anybody and in Valerie's absence, does anybody know

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what the status is of our our uh reimbursements on Florida Commerce Grant for the Southern Boulevard corridor? Steady. Thank you, Tracy. So, at at this point, um we have five

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deliverables. Four deliverables have been determined to be sufficient. We have submitted some of the paperwork in order to cover the reimbursement requests because you have to give time sheets, you have to give um you know invoices. We have until July 19th in

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order to get those materials in. So I haven't gotten any reimbursement back from um you know from the state yet, but like I said, some has been submitted. we're waiting to hear, but at least four of the five and I emailed them today on the fifth one to find out uh if that's been deemed sufficient because then it's

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just making sure all the paperwork's in to get the reimbursement back. >> So everything has been submitted that the town has paid for. >> That is correct. >> Okay. >> Yeah, that was my that was my question. So So that based on those were draw bases, right? So we got a draw. So everything that we've paid Treasure

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Coast, we've already got it's not like FEMA where we pay out and then we print, right? >> Correct. >> Yeah. So this last part, Treasure Coast is, you know, just sitting there knowing they have a balance waiting on this the state to issue a check. >> Yeah. The um as a matter of fact, Treasure Coast has not submitted for the

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complete 75,000 because again it goes based on deliverable what you have to submit to the state. So by them deeming sufficient that means four of the five have been deemed complied. So that Treasure Coast has submitted what was required under the grant. The fifth one was just the final report which we just

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did recently. So, so once they do that, then they'll put submit their final bill and then once we get the money from the state, we'll pay we'll re >> That is correct. >> Okay. And yeah, so basically, and I'm sorry for my ignorance, whatever, Trac Tracy, you're wanting to add to this, right? You're wanting more. Yeah. Okay.

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Because I was like I was listening. I'm going, but this just what we paid out last month. So that's why I was confused. >> It's year to date. >> It It's usually quarterly and for some reason it's >> Yeah, not last month. My bad. Yeah. October one to last month. But yeah, so

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we got an invoice last month. If we didn't pay it yet, it's paid this month. It'll be on the next >> slightly deceptive. >> Yeah. >> Cool. >> Right. Uh, Vice Mayor Sud, >> I I would like to basically agree with

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uh my colleagues here, but I think from my point, Mr. Delina or town manager. I think with these reports we need to have AP aging, AR aging, uh cash committed versus cash that is free. When cash

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committed should include the contracts that are already awarded so we know where we stand for each of these vendors. And then fund flows, you know, fund flows have been a big fors. I I think uh Tracy had been on

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fact and we have lot of past 2 three years we have been talking about this fund flows opening balances closing balances so I think this is part of the picture we if you could add some of those reports with it that would be really helpful thank you

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>> all right >> so what he said because that that's all to me thank you Tracy on your insight So, uh, can we expect to get more information back, Mr. Delina, on some of these

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items, or or do you anticipate bringing that forward as we go into the budgeting anyway? You have to turn that little light on. >> Yeah, sure. >> Look, he's being very succinct tonight.

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>> Single. >> Yeah. uh you know we uh [clears throat] um I I personally believe that we provide ultimate transparency into everything. Every board, every council member has full access to every GL

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account. Uh we provide you a uh a tool so in case you don't want to have to go into the general ledger, maybe you're not an accountant who knows your debits and credits. So we provide you direct access. We built this. It comes right out of it. No, no edits, no nothing. Uh

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you can look there. But yeah, if uh if she if if if if the council wants uh an accounts payable, an aged accounts payable, uh that's no problem at all. >> I think finance committee should get whatever they ask for. So if they want that broken down that way to go through,

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I they should be accommodated since >> particularly going into budgeting. >> Yes. Because this is there really are eyes and ears report back. And as I said earlier, >> yeah, perfect. >> All right. So, no more action on that one. Do Do we want to receive and file

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this as part of our motion to receive >> file the updated one? I think >> Yeah. Motion to receive and file the updated one. >> Yes, the updated. >> So, we have a motion by council member Kaine >> or way seconded by Council Member

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Coleman. All those in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes 50 for the updated um >> correct >> cash dispersements report not vendor expense report >> hoping to see the new and improved. >> Right.

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>> So that brings us to uh regular agenda item number eight which I believe Mr. Curts is yours. >> Yes. This is um authorization to move forward with uh code enforcement lean

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foreclosures. Um there are four properties um that are under consideration tonight. Um we have prepared resolutions with respect to um each of them. They will be voted on

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separately. Um and so uh I think you all are familiar with the outline of the the process. Um what we anticipate that if you go to foreclosure it'll be um uh at least a year before we get a

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judgment. Could be a little sooner, could be a little later. Um and uh you've broken down um the background on um on each of these properties. Um the first one that I'd like to discuss is

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16169 Southern um Boulevard. Um which is a property that is owned by Montana Holdings. Um we have two alternate uh resolutions. Um, the first resolution

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is resolution number 2026-55, a resolution of the town council of the town of Boxeti Gross, Florida, approving the lean mitigation and foreclosure standstill agreement relating to outstanding to town code enforcement leans on the property located at 16169

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Southern Boulevard, Lockachi Groves, Florida and Palm Beach County, Florida, providing for conflict, severability, and an effective date. Um uh there is an agreement that has uh been presented to you. Um there are

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is a total amount of leans um on this matter of $545,000. Um there is a proposal that the owner of the property would pay us $136,000

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and change a quarter of that amount um in order to hold this matter in obeyance. It's been termed a foreclosure standstill agreement. Um the owner of the property was not the

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operator of the property. Um this is the PK racetrack. Um the tenants um were for some number of years contemplating uh or promising that there would be um site

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plans and uh land use plan changes and zoning changes that would um come forward that would have potentially allowed the property to to exist. But um there was an outstanding

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uh code enforcement case related to the use of the property. Um that use ceased on June 4th when uh the property owners completed their eviction of the the tenants. Um there is another outstanding

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violation related to tree removal on the on the property. Uh the solution to that is to mitigate or bond um an amount of over 500 $573,000. Um and what is proposed is that the town

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would hold off on moving forward with a foreclosure. Um receive these monies. we would not release any more than the amount that had been received. So, there's still over $400,000 that in leans that would

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be due um when the property was brought into compliance. And compliance would mean that they had um secured the bond or made a tree mitigation payment to us. uh they could

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then go forward um to the special magistrate and uh try to get the amount reduced. I have told them and I think it is position of the um the town management that we would oppose um any

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reduction. So there's no guarantee that they would get a reduction. There's no deal on on that. Um, but but they would have that opportunity and they would have to accomplish that within the six-month period, which means they would have to have brought the pro the property into compliance before they

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instituted the the lean mitigation. Um, if the special magistrate granted them um some relief, then they would uh as a part of that order, they would have to to pay that amount. Usually, it is

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within 60 days. Um and if they did not pay the uh mitigated amount, the entire amount would still be um due. At the conclusion of that process, um they would under this

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agreement be granted another six months to make uh whatever payment would be due. Um uh and so if you if they were granted any mitigation or fine reduction, we would receive those monies

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within 6 months. If they were not granted any um fine reduction, which would be in the position that we would be taking um on behalf of staff, uh then they would have an additional six

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months. In either course, uh we would be in a situation where this matter would be resolved and we would get whatever monies were due within a year. Um we're recommending uh that you take this

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agreement. Um we think it uh allows us to receive some um monies which can be used to pursue uh the other foreclosures that are here without um withdrawing monies from your

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contingency fund. Uh and I think the time frame is actually probably faster than as far as ultimate collection than if we went through a foreclosure process. >> Okay. Thank you. Just just for

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housekeeping, this is resolution 202655 which impacts resolution 202656. >> Yes. If you pass this, we won't deal with >> correct. So, um I first we have an additional supplement, an updated version of the standstill agreement just

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just for note. >> Uh and um I think in a lot of ways it's it's a better version than the first one. I personally have issue with the timeline. Uh but I believe um let's take these in order of the resolutions. Uh so

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this will just be regarding the 202655 discussion at this moment. >> And a and a representative of the um the land owner of Montana Holdings is here if you want to hear from them on it. >> Thank you. Um I believe council member

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Stevens, you had your line on first for this item. >> Well, it's actually for all the items. Uh technically I'm going to have to recuse myself from number four. I think you all understand why >> you mean 20 2659. >> Sorry I'm looking at our notes. Yes. 59.

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Thank you. All right. >> So what I've done is I've written an outline basically to kind of address all of them so that when we get to that one I can for council's request stay quiet. Well, and and just uh while they may be

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aware of the situation for the public situation, the reason um council member Stevens is recusing himself, as I understand it, is because uh he his property is immediately adjacent to uh

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1032. And so the concern would be um that there's an impact on his property. >> Yes. >> So that's why I would just like to do all this at once if it's okay with you guys. >> All right. Thank you. >> Instead of addressing each of the properties separately, I've decided to opine as it relates to these and so many

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other pending cases. I'd like to remind council that these co- cases have been dragging on for years. For starters, the magistrate has ruled on each and every one. I'd like to remind council that most of the property owners have chosen to hire legal representation as opposed

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to just complying. While doing so, they have continued to operate in profit while out of compliance. In other words, we have been playing by their rules. What exactly are we talking about? Violations include filling in wetlands, destroying conservation easements, deforestation, packing properties with

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RVs, illegal businesses, mountains of manure, buildings without permits, changing topography where neighbors deal with flooding issues, waste flowing into our canals, cramming people into barn apartments and garages, and much more. As a council, it is our duty to send a

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strong message and reclaim our town. The rumor on the street is that you can move to Lockxahchi Groves and do whatever you want. Meanwhile, neighboring properties endure sleepless nights, excessive noise, odors, lighting that invades the surrounding areas at all hours of the night, domestic issues where police

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presence is often warranted, drugs, flooding, and the list goes on. Maybe the most important, property values are suffering. Tonight, we have an opportunity to tell our residents that we hear them. Truthfully, this should have been dealt with years ago, but here we are. In short, I ask my fellow

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council members to send a message that says enough is enough. And finally, send that message to anyone who is thinking about moving here with the idea of wrecking what so many of us refer to as the last frontier. I yield.

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>> Thank you. I believe Council Member Coleman, you had your light on next. >> Uh yeah, I just wanted to clarify. So, what you're saying is basically just, you know, so basically it's $136,000 deposit, right? A non-refundable deposit.

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>> It's a non-refundable payment, >> right, >> toward further and they got they have six months to come compliant. >> They they have to come compliant in order to um file for the fine the >> Okay. Can I can I So they have six

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months to become compliant or file for the >> necessary and reasonable amount of time. Paul, it's right here. Doesn't say 6 months to come compliant. >> A reasonable amount of time. >> He wrote it. >> Okay. >> He said six months. >> He said six months to apply for a lean

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reduction. >> Which means they would have to be compliant before >> understand. But it doesn't have a re It says a reasonable time to come compliant. There's no timeline. Okay, >> that's what we're talking about here. >> To file for lean reduction, they have to be compliant. Correct. >> Correct. >> So, they have six months to file for

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lean reduction. >> Correct. >> After compliance. Sorry, Paul. I I'm sorry to interrupt you, but >> Well, you you don't let me finish when you keep interrupting me, Madame Mayor. >> Fine. >> So, allow me to finish. As Lisa was stating, and I was trying to

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get to So, they have six months to become to file for their lean reduction after their compliance, right? So, they're going to pay 136,000 as a non-refundable payment to start this agreement. Correct. Yes.

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>> Yes. >> And there's no end date for coming compliant, right? >> If so long as they are non-compliant, they incur a continuing fine of a

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continuing fine amount of $250 a day. And that adds to the lane. >> That adds to the lean. So, but that's in standing with our current with with the with the current statute. Correct. There's no >> Yeah.

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>> State stat there's no there's no defined >> the the lean the lean continues to run. >> The lean continues to run no matter what until they become compliant. >> Correct. >> The fines continue >> and Yeah. So, and then Yeah. The fine continues the fines continue to add to

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lean. So um and then once they once they become compliant they have that 6 months to file for the lean reduction. So they become compliant all the fines are supposedly stop

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moving parts here. >> Yes. >> So they they become compliant. They call up code enforcement. Go we we've come into compliance. Come check us out. Come make sure we're in compliance. We they code enforcement determines that they're in compliance and they have six months from that point to apply for lean

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reduction. But there's that that's on top of that's I guess my point is the 136 isn't in that in that >> the $136,000 is paid within 14 days of the entry of the agreement. >> Right. And that's done. That's not part

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of the that's not going to be taken into consideration when the lean reduction hearing comes up >> because you know they're going to apply for that. Well, it it's it's taken into consideration in that if they are successful in getting a lean reduction, the

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$136,000 is credited towards the final amount of the the payment. >> Yeah. So, they say you're the final payment's $200,000. >> They paid 13. >> They already paid 130. So, it is a deposit. It's an unrefundable deposit. >> Yeah.

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>> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Go ahead, Nina. Thanks. Yeah, >> that was that was what I was looking for clarified too was that it but but okay. So, let me go further. So, if the fines continue presumably that they're going to try to come into compliance to stop

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incurring the $250 a day in some reasonable amount of time, but I don't like that there's a no buy when either. I agree with Lisa, but um I'd like to see a by. Um, but anyhow, so the reason that you chose this number or they chose this number is because we

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created a policy that said the fine couldn't be reduced to less than 25% recently. Okay. So that represents 25% of what the fine is right now. >> Correct. >> Okay. So when the magistrate is considering reducing it to 25% later on

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when they come in compliance after hearing the story about how they weren't running they were just owned the property they weren't running the park well you know all that stuff and they say okay we're going to reduce it and we know from experience that that generally is what happens at our magistrate hearings whether we like it or not is

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that they get reduced so is it a reduction of the new sum total sum amount do you understand what I mean? So, if we've incurred another $100,000, is it 25% of the original amount or 25% of what's

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left? Does does you understand what I'm saying here? >> I think I think I do. >> Okay. >> Let's say um that they end up coming to into compliance when the number is $600,000. The total amount of the of the leans are 600 thou would have been $600,000.

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>> And I'm just doing that for easy math. So, I can divide that by four. there's $150,000 that would be due if they were totally successful before the the special magistrate. They would owe then something on the order of uh $13,000

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and change. Um now I have talked to if if the concern of the council is that um you want a specific date by which they must come into compliant become

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compliant. Um, uh, I think that can be worked out. It might even be able to be worked out, um, tonight. Um, so, >> all right. Any other questions? The whole >> Council Member Keane,

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>> thank you. I I I got the clarification. All right. Vice Mayor S, your lights on. >> You said their representative is here. Can we have them? >> Yes. Council, sir. Hi, good evening. For the record, my name is Christina Bolinki of Missville Bachman here on behalf of the property

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owner. >> Are you an attorney? >> I am. Yes. >> Okay. >> Uh you do you acknowledge that uh your client is still in the violation for the tree removal at this time? >> Okay. >> Yes. >> So if that is a yes, you acknowledge

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that the daily fine is still acrewing, right? >> Okay. And if we accept 25% of the lean today, you are going to work in good faith to address that issue. Yes, >> absolutely. >> Are you allowed to share what is your

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intention to do with this property? >> Um, I am not apprised of any Yeah. future development plans. >> Okay. And could you comment on what is the timeline for you to address the tree removal

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issue? What is your timeline? >> Yes. So, um that's a good question. I'm actually covering for my colleague this evening, so I'm not quite as familiar as as he would be. Um but I know we are exploring a few different options with uh the town attorney, including bonding

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for these the tree removal. Um potentially paying into tree mitigation fund if that's available. Otherwise, you know, it could be tied towards future development plans and and that would be a little bit more lengthy of a process. Um, but our goal is to resolve it sooner

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rather than later as to your point, those fines are approving on a daily basis. >> Can you agree in principle to this structure, putting a timeline, reasonable timeline to address this as part of the settlement? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Um, just as to what that is, I'm gonna have

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to go back to my client and trying to do that. For the record, I I'm okay with that. >> And what I can say is we've been the discussions that have been had is that we're hoping to resolve that within um a matter of weeks on the outside. Um and I

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I think based on the discussions um that uh Mr. I don't think you and I have had the 180day limit. Um would be

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it would probably be acceptable for the 180day um limit to begin running um with the payment of the monies. so that that they they have an obligation um to make the payment uh

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within 14 days um and then have that as the date of the um 180day period if you're concerned about lack of definitive. >> Okay. So I think what was asked and answered was

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this is 25% of today's balance and does this agreement lock you into the 25% or is the 25% would continue to acrue because that's kind of I think what was asked >> right it it still remains part of the

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when they go to consider my understanding is that when they go to consider reduction at the end it's the total amount even this 25% would still apply, >> right? Even >> so, they couldn't reduce >> prepayment. >> The magistrate couldn't reduce it below

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whatever this this 20 it's this 25. This is the number. >> Yeah. >> It locks that number in. Thank you. So, a reasonable and necessary amount of time. And you're saying if they pay in 14 days, it's going to start a 180day clock, but that's nowhere in this actual

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agreement. Um, I don't think another six months to apply for a lean reduction is reasonable and another six months to possibly pay. That's another year. You're talking about a year and a half is what it you're potentially looking at in here. I personally find that

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egregious and and way way way too >> I think what we've been >> too generous time wise. >> That's not what you said. You said they were going to pay this and then from 14 days a six-month clock starts. It's nowhere actually addressed in this

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agreement plus another 180 days to apply for a lean reduction hearing and then up to another 180 days from that to pay it. Uh I think there was some other discussion that I read. I apologize I've read a lot today. Uh but that the

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magistrate was actually going to set the timeline for that payment. So >> and we don't like palves yet. So, can we build some timelines into these? >> I would like to see this more restrictive on the timelines on especially the lean reduction hearing application that that should be within

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30 days of getting approval that they've fixed this, right? So, you're just applying to get your money reduced. I mean, you think they'd run over to town hall to put that application in. We're going to get our money back, right? So, or at least our

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our fines reduced. So I I just think that this is grossly generous on a timeline, >> right? I I I think the the I think the 180 days for applying for their lean reduction if they want to drag their feet and acrew acrew fees up to that.

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>> But you're saying they won't because they'll have been approved at that point and that's when the fines >> No, they approved for the lean reduction. >> No, Lisa's right. As soon as code signs off on it, >> right, >> the fines stop. So they could drag it. they can drag it out another 6 months

432
02:01:43.920 --> 02:01:59.520
before they apply for a reduction. Then they get another six months to pay it. >> Well, that's I mean, yeah, I'm I'm I'm all for I I don't I mean, the inception of this case was when >> Oh, years ago. >> I'm just I'm looking for a a threshold.

433
02:01:59.520 --> 02:02:16.400
What What year did this >> um this case >> long before us? >> Yeah. Right. >> This case started in um 2023. >> 23. Well, and it might have been and that >> so I think >> discussions before. >> Yeah, I I'm in agreeance with Leah. >> Lisa,

434
02:02:16.400 --> 02:02:33.280
>> 108 108 days is an awful lot of time. >> Okay. They they 2023 the owner was violated because of what the tenant was doing. So, everyone was aware of what was going on, right? And everything that happened, etc. And

435
02:02:33.280 --> 02:02:49.360
as it goes, because the tenant doesn't get the NOV, the the the home or the the property owner does. So in my mind um you know they have to have an idea how they want to address the situation. So I would say you know and we're deeming

436
02:02:49.360 --> 02:03:06.320
compliance as they come up with they going to bond or mitigate the trees or they propose to replant trees or whatever they want to do. I mean, I'm thinking 60 days, >> 60 days. 60 days to come compliant and then give them another 60 days past that

437
02:03:06.320 --> 02:03:22.880
to to apply to apply. >> And if if if that >> whole thing wrapped up >> and let's wrap it up. It's it's gone on long enough. >> And I mean, you know, I feel sorry for him. They weren't the tenant, but like to Paul's point, they got the NOV. They're the land owner. They're responsible for what the person that

438
02:03:22.880 --> 02:03:38.480
they're renting to was doing. So, right. And it's not like they were unaware of it. >> Would you like that 60 days to start after they pay their money within 14 days, which is really >> Yeah. >> Yeah. No, absolutely. >> 10 weeks. >> Clock's running.

439
02:03:38.480 --> 02:03:55.360
>> So, they have if they agree with the 60, we put the 60 days in. If they agree with it, they pay it within 14 days and the 60-day clock starts. >> So, compliance in 60 >> calendar days. >> 60 days. And then apply for lean reduction in 60 days. past >> calendar days, not business days.

440
02:03:55.360 --> 02:04:10.800
>> Yeah, calendar days. >> And then leave it up to the magistrate for how long it takes them to pay it. >> Yeah. >> Well, if that's what we have to do >> or do we set a cap? >> I think I say we set a cap if you can set the cap. >> Process process indicates that the

441
02:04:10.800 --> 02:04:26.239
special magistrate >> Yeah, I think Yeah, sets the time. But this this agreement gave them 180 days even with whatever the magistrate set. So, >> well, maybe the magistrate will be less, >> but we'll just let the magistrate decide >> on the Yeah,

442
02:04:26.239 --> 02:04:41.199
>> you said this is egregious. It's been going on. >> We got it at 180 if the magistrate wants to give him the full 180 to >> a maximum >> a max. Yeah, >> max of 180. >> Well, yes. Hold on. Just making my notes here. >> Okay. All right. Let's hear from the

443
02:04:41.199 --> 02:04:56.239
representative. Are you having any logistical issues for less than what's your logic is 60 days? What's your comment >> in terms of coming into compliance? I mean, we're certainly hopeful that we will be able to do so within 60 days through one of the options that was

444
02:04:56.239 --> 02:05:10.560
noted. We're still working with town staff to determine what those options are and how quickly they are achievable. Um, so we certainly hope so. Perhaps there's an option to come back to the town council if if that date needs to be

445
02:05:10.560 --> 02:05:26.560
extended further. Um but otherwise in terms of filing the lean reduction paperwork I think 60 days. >> So so are you okay with the unless the acts of nature force majour whatever the terminology is. So 60 days unless

446
02:05:26.560 --> 02:05:42.080
something of that nature happens right >> yes but again I would request an option to come back before >> if something like a hurricane happen or something >> a state of emergency clause in there. >> Okay good. All right. I'm fine with 60 days.

447
02:05:42.080 --> 02:05:57.679
>> Okay. So, I'm going to make a motion to pass 202655 with the modific modifications and additional restrictions that council has indicated.

448
02:05:57.679 --> 02:06:14.320
>> I will second that motion. >> All right. We have a a public comment. So, we have a a motion by council member Kaine to pass resolution 202655 for the standstill agreement regarding 16169 Southern Boulevard with the

449
02:06:14.320 --> 02:06:30.800
changes to the timeline and other details I believe is what you said and a second by council member Coleman. So, uh and now we have a public comment. >> Robert Austin, >> that's not for this item. Okay. Not for

450
02:06:30.800 --> 02:06:47.599
this resolution. Yeah. >> All right. So, no public comment on resolution 202655. All those in favor? >> I I oppose hearing none. Motion passes 5-0. >> We don't have to. >> So, we were going to skip uh resolution

451
02:06:47.599 --> 02:07:05.679
202656. Hopefully, we don't see them back for that one later. I I I feel very confident that the young lady will get that taken care of. All right. Resolution 202657. This is uh again

452
02:07:05.679 --> 02:07:21.760
>> this is a resolution of the town council of the town of Lockachi Groves authorizing the filing and prosecution of a foreclosure action relating to outstanding code enforcement leans on property located at 1300D road lockache groves Florida and Palm Beach County Florida. Providing

453
02:07:21.760 --> 02:07:37.440
direction with regard to the funding and payment of attorneys fees and costs associated with such action. providing for conflict severability and effective date. Um this is a 1300D uh total amount of the fines. Um this

454
02:07:37.440 --> 02:07:55.040
one is $642,000. The reason that the $100,000 is referenced because that's in accordance with your policy that um foreclosures take place on uh when the or the possibility of foreclosure takes place

455
02:07:55.040 --> 02:08:12.000
when it's in excess of $100,000. Um and uh the funding from this uh would come from the proceeds of the lean mitigation and standill agreement. Um assuming that that agreement comes

456
02:08:12.000 --> 02:08:27.840
forward and um and in the alternative if things fall apart then it would come from the um the general fund contingency. >> Okay. Uh, can we get a motion first and then we'll discuss.

457
02:08:27.840 --> 02:08:44.320
>> I'll make a motion to pass resolution 202657. >> All right. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion by Council Member Kaine. Someone else going to have to jump in here. Council member Kaine to approve resolution 202657 and seconded

458
02:08:44.320 --> 02:09:00.079
by Council Member Coleman. Uh, discussion. Uh, first, any public comment on this item? Great. Thank you. Um, I believe council member has your light on. Well, I got a couple of things to say about this one. Um, so

459
02:09:00.079 --> 02:09:16.239
I mean, actually, all three. I'll take Council Member Steven's lead on this one. These all three represent egregious situations where these people have basically told us to piss off. They've actually used they've actually cussed

460
02:09:16.239 --> 02:09:31.679
out our code enforcement officers uh refused them entrance to their property uh and just thumb their noses at the rules of the town and just basically said screw you. We're going to do what we want to do. And I just think that we need to move forward. Now, I understand

461
02:09:31.679 --> 02:09:49.040
that we're second and third in line on some of these because of mortgages and things like that. So, I think that the prop I I think that it it seems like from how we voted so far that everybody up here agrees that we need to move forward with foreclosure, but if you could just give us a really short

462
02:09:49.040 --> 02:10:07.360
version on each one of where we stand in line and what our options are, okay? Because like this one's been running for a couple of years. So, the option of getting paid clearly doesn't exist because this person hasn't paid us in all these years their fines or anything. So, like where do we stand?

463
02:10:07.360 --> 02:10:23.840
>> This property is in is currently in compliance. As I said, uh the total amount of fines are um about $642,000. Um there is no lean on this property uh that supersedes our code enforcement lines.

464
02:10:23.840 --> 02:10:40.480
>> Yeah. Then just take it >> then I that's I vote. >> Hold on. So, do you want to address all three of these? you said, >> but he said we have to vote on them one at a time. So I I was just making a general statement like Mr. Stevens did about all all of them being egregious,

465
02:10:40.480 --> 02:10:56.960
but uh so yes, I I make a motion to >> Okay, we already have a motion approved. >> All right, council member. >> I'm sorry. I'm going to in the in the effort to uh keep things rolling, I concur. It's it's it's time. >> Vice Mayor Sun,

466
02:10:56.960 --> 02:11:13.280
>> um I'm new to this thing. Could you tell me what was the the issue of the code violation and give a little bit about due process because I like this whole thing let's go let's do it suddenly everybody wakes up but I want to give

467
02:11:13.280 --> 02:11:28.480
due process to it's somebody's home somebody's property hard-earned money so we need to make sure we have given them due process so could you tell me please yes >> what was their violation and what was the due process given to them >> first of all with respect to to this

468
02:11:28.480 --> 02:11:44.719
case. The there's se there's several cases that were involved. I think this one originally dates back to about 201819 time period. >> Um and the principal violations in on this

469
02:11:44.719 --> 02:12:02.719
property had to do with um FDA and bringing the property into FDA compliance. And there were actually um a couple of different triggers for the FDA. Um one had to do with uh work that

470
02:12:02.719 --> 02:12:20.800
was being done on uh a ditch. Um another had to do with uh some clearing work and um a large pile of dirt that was on there. There were some use violations. um a hay company was operating out of there. But

471
02:12:20.800 --> 02:12:37.119
in the total context of what makes up the um the FDA the the bulk of the leans, it has to do with FDA violations. With respect to due process in each of the several cases that were prosecuted,

472
02:12:37.119 --> 02:12:55.760
um they were given notice, brought before the special magistrate. Um uh there was a second hearing um in which after a finding of violation there was a fine assessment hearing. Um it is a

473
02:12:55.760 --> 02:13:12.480
mixed bag with respect to whether they appeared um or didn't appear. They certainly had notice of all of these um and you know in the fact that they brought the the property into

474
02:13:12.480 --> 02:13:28.000
compliance, they've been represented. Uh they have not taken advantage of our ordinance and requested a uh lean reduction. Um and so that's the

475
02:13:28.000 --> 02:13:43.840
>> let's say we do this today. Do they still have they can still go to the court and if they believe they are justified they still have an avenue right or is after this they can still take it to the judicial next level. Correct.

476
02:13:43.840 --> 02:13:59.679
Um our our ordinance does not uh specifically um prevent them from seeking a >> okay um a fine reduction or lean

477
02:13:59.679 --> 02:14:15.360
reduction even though a foreclosure action has been uh going forward. >> That would certainly be evidence in support of not not moving not getting the fine reduction. Thank you. >> Uh, Council Member Coleman, I believe you were next.

478
02:14:15.360 --> 02:14:31.440
>> Yeah, I I I just like to point out that that, you know, every one of these um, you know, has gone through every statutory compliant process, right? We have the processes are in place on how the NOVs are handed

479
02:14:31.440 --> 02:14:47.520
out and how [clears throat] things are followed up with. That's um, you know, I think it was the first meeting after um, we we set we got seated up here. Somebody was talking about one of these properties and yeah at the podium and I said unfortunately these things are not

480
02:14:47.520 --> 02:15:02.480
instant fixes right code enforcement is not an instant fix it it's a long drawn out process uh for the most part and a lot of people they come compliant really quick but these are egregious and they they've you know forget you we're not

481
02:15:02.480 --> 02:15:20.000
you know like you know Anita was saying it's forget you we're not we're not going to come compliant and unfortunately as Joe was saying earlier It it is out there in the world that hey just go buy five acres of locks at your groves and go park dump trucks on it and and just let the fines pile up until

482
02:15:20.000 --> 02:15:36.159
you're till you're done and get out of dodge, right? Because there hasn't been a lot of um teeth given to this. And I think, you know, again, the due diligence is done and I I think it's time, you know, we've done that and we're at this point now and this this is

483
02:15:36.159 --> 02:15:52.719
the proper step in the phase and I think it's going to let us recoup, you know, which that's kind of the way it is. It's cost recovery base, you know, so it's going to let us recoup some funds and regardless of which way it goes. So, >> and perhaps it will enroll these people.

484
02:15:52.719 --> 02:16:08.000
It will deter hopefully in the future and perhaps enroll these people into actually right? >> Taking action and and resolving. >> Maybe they get the notice and they come in and they they get the notice of foreclosure and they come in and they pay their bill. >> Word's going to get out. >> Yeah.

485
02:16:08.000 --> 02:16:23.280
>> So, we have um I believe you said that they are in compliance. So, there is no accumulations of daily fines at this point on this property, right? >> Correct. >> They've just refused to to come forward. Uh I do believe that these are serious

486
02:16:23.280 --> 02:16:39.599
matters that all of us that have run for council have felt very strongly that in order to preserve our lifestyle, preserve the quality of of the the daily activities out here. This falls fully in line with

487
02:16:39.599 --> 02:16:54.160
everything that we have hoped would come forward. And um it's a serious step to take and I don't think any of us take it lightly. But um we have a motion. Uh your light's still on. Do you have anything else to say? >> Sorry. >> All right. We have a motion to approve

488
02:16:54.160 --> 02:17:11.200
uh 2026-57. All those in favor. >> I opposed. Hearing none. Motion passes 50. That brings us to resolution 202658. >> I'll make a motion to approve. >> Can we have him read it first? >> Oh, sorry. >> Thank you.

489
02:17:11.200 --> 02:17:26.319
>> She's excited. >> She's excited. >> We're moving forward. >> Just trying to keep it going. >> Yeah. Resolution of the town council of the town of Lockachi Groves, Florida, authorizing the filing and prosecution of a foreclosure action relating to outstanding code enforcement leans on

490
02:17:26.319 --> 02:17:40.719
the property located at 3138A road to Lockachi Groves, Florida in Palm Beach County, Florida, providing direction with regarding the funding and payment of attorneys fees and costs associated with such action. Providing for conflict, severability and effective

491
02:17:40.719 --> 02:18:00.080
date for your consideration. Um it is uh for you this property is 10 acres. Um there is a lean of uh I think it's approximately

492
02:18:00.080 --> 02:18:14.960
$600,000 I'm sorry five four $450,000 um on the on the property that has priority over our our leans. Um, this

493
02:18:14.960 --> 02:18:30.639
property uh is a homesteaded property, but the homestead did not um occur until this year. And the fines and the code enforcement actions have been running for a long time. It's the same owners.

494
02:18:30.639 --> 02:18:47.920
Um, and so our leans uh are not um negatively affected by the um homestead that exists on on this property. uh the property is not fully in compliance. The major issue remaining is um their

495
02:18:47.920 --> 02:19:05.120
failure to get an FDA. Um with respect to the outstanding use violation, um they were operating a a business trucking business I think and they were storage of materials. Um that has been

496
02:19:05.120 --> 02:19:21.359
cleared by our our code enforcement um folks. um and is not currently pending. Um there has I if there is anything further going on um in those areas that would be

497
02:19:21.359 --> 02:19:35.920
subject to a repeat violation um but it would not be part of these leans that are being foreclosed. >> Okay. >> So, uh would you like to make your

498
02:19:35.920 --> 02:19:53.280
motion? Uh, sorry. I'd make a motion to pass resolution 202658. I have a motion to approve 202658. >> Second. >> I have a second. Uh, first by uh motion by council member Kaine to approve. Seconded by council member Coleman. Any

499
02:19:53.280 --> 02:20:10.240
public comments? Any comments up here on council? Vice Mayor. >> Yeah, I would say I'm sorry guys. This is your home. This is with a heavy heart. So, >> all right. All those in favor? >> I >> I

500
02:20:10.240 --> 02:20:26.640
>> opposed hearing none. Motion passes 5-0. >> Uh, that brings us to resolution 202659. Council member Stevens has recused himself from this item. He will not making any comment. Resolution number 202659, a resolution

501
02:20:26.640 --> 02:20:42.720
of the town council of the town of Los Jones, Florida, authorizing the filing and prosecution of a foreclosure action relating to outstanding town code enforcement claims on the property located at 1032 Hyde Park Road, Lockachi Groves, Florida, and Palm Beach County, Florida.

502
02:20:42.720 --> 02:20:58.160
providing uh direction with regard to the funding and payment of attorneys fees and costs associated with such action, providing for conflict severability, um and an effective date. Um this property is located, it's 5 acres,

503
02:20:58.160 --> 02:21:14.880
it's located at 1032, um Park Road. It uh has a a number of violations. Um uh the

504
02:21:14.880 --> 02:21:33.840
uh the town has not cleared uh the use violation with respect to uh the um occupation of a barn for residential purposes. Um they do have an

505
02:21:33.840 --> 02:21:50.640
approved FDA at this point in time. Um there have been several violations against this property including I think it's three separate incidences once again that triggered uh the

506
02:21:50.640 --> 02:22:07.120
to be required to get an FDA. Um and the total amount of leans on this property approaches a million dollars um on behalf of the town. Uh there is a pre-existing uh mortgage on the property

507
02:22:07.120 --> 02:22:22.960
that will be superior to the town's uh code enforcement leans. Um and that is in the amount of $400 to $500,000. Um

508
02:22:22.960 --> 02:22:37.760
the uh valuation of the the property according to the Palm Beach County property of Fraser is $1.3 million and it has a taxable valuation of $969,000. Uh this property does have a homestead

509
02:22:37.760 --> 02:22:55.760
exemption um that uh precedes the town's um code enforcement uh means. The issue that that brings up um is that ordinarily you are unable to foreclose

510
02:22:55.760 --> 02:23:13.840
on homestead property but in a municipality um homestead is limited to 0.5 acres. Um uh so there is the possibility of a partition action as a a part of this if

511
02:23:13.840 --> 02:23:30.000
we are successful in pursuing uh the foreclosure action. Um and that would potentially result result in two nonconforming uh lots being created. Um a.5 acres which would be the homestead which we

512
02:23:30.000 --> 02:23:46.399
would not have an interest in. Um and then the 4.5 acres um uh that could be available. And I say could be there are the case law that we're relying on for this is not in the

513
02:23:46.399 --> 02:24:03.439
code enforcement field per se. Um there are some bank old bankruptcy cases that uh affectuated what I'm talking about where um a homesteaded property was partitioned in order to um pay amounts

514
02:24:03.439 --> 02:24:19.040
that were due. um that with this case and with all the the cases um there will be not just the foreclosure action but an action for um monetary

515
02:24:19.040 --> 02:24:33.920
judgment. Um and there's a process by which you convert the lens into a a money judgment. Um so uh we are suggesting that you move forward with this case. Um it's got some some

516
02:24:33.920 --> 02:24:50.720
hurdles. Uh but uh >> I make a motion to pass resolution 202659. Can >> All right. We have a motion by council member Keen to approve resolution 202659. Seconded by council member

517
02:24:50.720 --> 02:25:11.439
Coleman. >> And and we have a public comment. Robert Austin. I know I was waiting for Jeff even town council. I can shorten this up because it seems like everybody's on the same page. But uh part of one thing I

518
02:25:11.439 --> 02:25:27.520
was investigating is that um under Florida's constitutional homestead exemption, your primary residence is protected from force sales by judgment creditors. However, this shield is not absolute. Courts do not allow you to use the homestead as a shield to protect the

519
02:25:27.520 --> 02:25:43.120
fruits of a crime. If the money used to purchase, build, or pay off the mortgage comes from illegal income, such as illegal rental properties, a court can place an equitable lean on the property to recover tainted funds. Please put a stop to this and send a message to

520
02:25:43.120 --> 02:25:59.600
Lockachi Groves that we're not your illegal dumping ground anymore. Also, something tells me that IRS would probably be interested in how much he's collected in illegal rents over the years. And I won't go into all the other things because you already know and you already got the right recommendations

521
02:25:59.600 --> 02:26:14.640
and thank you. >> Thank you, Vice. >> Sure. I think one of the core principles of a fair government is um equitable. Law is equitable and fair. So all those residents who are listening and some of

522
02:26:14.640 --> 02:26:30.080
the you are sitting here I know that if your neighbor is doing any of the activities that you think are not considered it illegal or not compliant this is the time to come forward no matter who who that person is more

523
02:26:30.080 --> 02:26:46.800
powerful or how many acre I don't care so please bring forward anybody who's now using their barns for renting who's using their premises to do things that are not allowed under or pretend pretending to be agg or whatever that is. So, let's apply equal and fair

524
02:26:46.800 --> 02:27:02.319
standards to everyone. And I appreciate my council members here to do what's right. Thank you. >> All right. Any other comments? All right. We have a motion to approve uh 202659. All those in favor? I >> I

525
02:27:02.319 --> 02:27:28.720
>> opposed hearing none. Motion passes 40. >> Take it now. >> Want to take it? >> All right. Uh, we have a resolution 202660. Uh, I believe uh Jeff, can you explain

526
02:27:28.720 --> 02:27:44.720
that? Yes, you too. Uh this is a resolution of the town council of town rose Florida nominating a town council member for and supporting his or her nom appointment as the Florida League of Cities vetting delegate and providing for an effective date. Um

527
02:27:44.720 --> 02:28:01.439
this is the resolution whereby you nominate somebody to be your voting delegate at uh Florida leg meetings conference. >> All right. Thank you. >> Yeah. I would like to sponsor the motion to nominate uh mayor for this position.

528
02:28:01.439 --> 02:28:16.080
>> I'll second that. That's what I was >> That's what I was gonna say, too. >> Any any public comment? >> Yeah, they all look like they're dozing. Uh so any any further discussion? >> All right. >> Whether you want it or not, [laughter]

529
02:28:16.080 --> 02:28:32.240
>> it's not about getting the root canal. All right. Uh we have a motion to nominate uh Mayor El Rey, myself by Vice Mayor Sud as the voting delegate and seconded by uh council member Kaine for resolution 2026

530
02:28:32.240 --> 02:28:49.160
60. All those in favor I >> I opposed hearing none. Motion passes 5-0. I will pause this meeting for a fiveminut restroom sprint. appreciate for the call. >> All that hydration

531
02:28:52.399 --> 02:32:53.000
>> for the cause through page two. All right. >> All right. Are we live? >> All right. Calling the meeting back to order. 8:33 p.m. Uh, beginning with uh item number 10, resolution 202661.

532
02:32:53.040 --> 02:33:08.800
>> Are you going to read it? >> It's resolution number 202661. A resolution of the town council of the town of Bloxy Grove, Florida, approving an agreement with Lankton Associates, Inc. relating to grant writing and consulting services providing for the

533
02:33:08.800 --> 02:33:25.520
funding of the agreement in amount not to exceed $10,000 to be from the town's general fund contingency line item, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. I'll turn this over to Ms. White, the acting town manager for tonight's

534
02:33:25.520 --> 02:33:41.840
meeting. Um, and I think the actual amount of the contract is more along the lines of $6,000. >> That is correct. So, standing in for acting um, town manager Valerie Oaks, this is um, resolution 202661, which is a consideration of a

535
02:33:41.840 --> 02:33:57.200
professional grant writing and strategic grants planning services. The town of Loxahhatchee Groves actively pursues grant funding opportunities to support the infrastructure improvements, environmental programs, transportation enhancements, and other community pri

536
02:33:57.200 --> 02:34:14.160
priorities. As grant opportunities continue to expand at the federal, state, and local level, staff has identified a need for more intentional and coordinated approach to grant development and submission. The grant application as you all are aware is process is complex and it requires

537
02:34:14.160 --> 02:34:30.640
extensive research. And while town consultants and staff and partners have assisted in grant related efforts, the town currently does not have a dedicated professional staff responsible for managing the grant development process from opportunity identification,

538
02:34:30.640 --> 02:34:46.800
application submission, and post uh submission followup. And as a result, the town may not be maximizing the available grant opportunities that can assist in funding priority projects and reliance on local revenues. Um the town

539
02:34:46.800 --> 02:35:02.880
did reach out based on the list provided by the Florida League of Cities of five firms. We only received back one proposal which is LinkedIn Associates. They are Florida based grant um consulting firm with working with public agencies on all levels for over 45

540
02:35:02.880 --> 02:35:18.960
years. They've assisted u municipalities, counties, and other government entities in securing over $1.6 billion in grant funding. So, um with that being said, u just wanted to make you guys aware of this grant

541
02:35:18.960 --> 02:35:34.800
administration services contract is for grant administration services only in the amount of $6,000 through September 30th of 2026. and funding for this service is not currently included with the adopted budget and should the town council

542
02:35:34.800 --> 02:35:51.760
support this initiative, staff recommends utilizing available contingency funds for the remainder of the fiscal year. Um staff believes that this investment represents an opportunity to establish a structured grant program that may increase the town's ability to secure outside funding

543
02:35:51.760 --> 02:36:08.800
and leverage limited local resources. So staff recommends that the town council discuss the town's current grant development process and consider authorizing the acting town manager to execute the professional services agreement with LinkedIn and Associates for grant writing and strategic plan

544
02:36:08.800 --> 02:36:27.359
consulting services and Heather Pollen Glick from Langston Associates is on Zoom for any questions you may have regarding the proposal. >> Okay, thank you. Uh, do I get a motion on 202661? >> I would like to sponsor this motion to

545
02:36:27.359 --> 02:36:44.399
fund for 90 days $6,000. >> So, a motion to approve 20261. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion by Vice Mayor Sud to approve 20 2661. Seconded by Council Member uh Coleman. Any public record or public comments on

546
02:36:44.399 --> 02:37:01.040
this? >> No. >> Nothing. Okay. So, I believe uh Council Member Coleman, you had your light on first. >> Yeah. I mean, I I believe it's no uh surprise to anyone that I' I've been saying that, you know, it's it's important that we

547
02:37:01.040 --> 02:37:18.240
we have this tool in place. um you know, we we can't always um saddle staff with their normal jobs, plus searching and hunting out grants and writing grants.

548
02:37:18.240 --> 02:37:33.600
Some of them are very complex. Yes, some of them are very simple. You put the name of your city at the top, what you want your plan to be, have a nice day, right? And they and you send it in. But most of them are I think Craig's finding out he he's had to do do a few here

549
02:37:33.600 --> 02:37:49.680
recently. You know, they're very complex. Some need engineering, some need this, some need. So I I think this is a you know, at least in this next was it 90 days or whatever, right, Kenthia? >> Yes. >> Yeah. At least in this time, I think they'll do some kind of strategic

550
02:37:49.680 --> 02:38:04.800
analysis of what's kind of out there and come back to us and and I I think it'll be money well spent. So, >> thank you, Council Member Kane. >> Yeah. >> So, you're kind of to me that we're putting the cart before

551
02:38:04.800 --> 02:38:22.399
the horse a little bit. Um, so I have a concern that there's no deliverable here. We're we're agreeing to pay somebody $6,000 for we we don't know what we're agreeing to spend $6,000 worth of taxpayer dollars on. We're not sure what. I mean, they

552
02:38:22.399 --> 02:38:39.200
could come back in 90 days and say, "Well, we didn't find anything." So, I I I feel like there needs to be a little bit more specificity, not in what the deliverable is. Is the deliverable that in 90 days we're going to get a list of grant opportunities that we should be

553
02:38:39.200 --> 02:38:55.680
going for and that and and then [clears throat] we're okay with that or is it that we're going to have three grants written, identified, and written? I mean, is there some kind of a deliverable, a possibility of giving some kind of a deliverable so we know exactly what we're spending the $6,000 for?

554
02:38:55.680 --> 02:39:12.000
>> I think we could probably get clarification from the the representative that's here. So, thank you for joining us. >> Thank you for having me, Madame Mayor, members of the council. Um, to address your question regarding deliverables, you are promised a needs assessment and

555
02:39:12.000 --> 02:39:26.960
strategic grants plan. Those are two living documents that will be provided to you. Obviously, 90 days is an extremely short turnaround in order to complete an a an assessment and also

556
02:39:26.960 --> 02:39:44.080
start applying for grants. Um, when Valerie and I spoke about this relationship, she mentioned the 90 days, which I'm more than happy to take on that challenge to prove ourselves as professional grant writers for you. And

557
02:39:44.080 --> 02:39:59.840
then if you choose after the 90-day period to keep us on board to continue working, that is when the grant writing efforts will will start. Um, this is an all-inclusive retainer contract. We don't believe in limitations at Lankton

558
02:39:59.840 --> 02:40:15.520
Associates. We will complete the needs assessment and strategic grants planning process and then you will have an opportunity to tell me what to apply for. I will be your grant consultant. I am the senior most employee at Langden

559
02:40:15.520 --> 02:40:34.640
Associates next to the president who has been in business for 46 years. I've been with LinkedIn 17 years. I myself have secured well over 10 12 million uh and I'm the grant administrator at the firm. So if that

560
02:40:34.640 --> 02:40:50.240
tells you anything, I just moonlight as a grant writer. Um, but I created the needs assessment and strategic grants plan and I promise you um that it is my duty to impress you over the next 90 days and then we can potentially discuss

561
02:40:50.240 --> 02:41:05.439
a longer relationship. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Any further clarification? >> Yeah, just to I think what I liked the most about your proposal was you're going to help analyze our needs. You are going to analyze what our town

562
02:41:05.439 --> 02:41:21.760
infrastructure is and specifically for us what type of grants would be most uh applicable. Is that true? You're going to create a strategic uh grants plan document. >> That is correct. >> Deliverable. We are going to center it to your local government and your

563
02:41:21.760 --> 02:41:38.319
specific needs. >> Okay. I I would like to add uh for the public and and I know staff's well and council are well well aware that we have put in for grants. It's been it's been a process. We've been trying to get up to

564
02:41:38.319 --> 02:41:54.240
speed for years now. Um we've had multiple parties working on it. There's been very little centralized uh management of this process to date. So, we've got grant applications currently in Tallahassee that we're trying to find

565
02:41:54.240 --> 02:42:10.560
sort of a status on. We're not sure what quite those are. So, I for one look forward to having uh some professional help in this area and and frankly, I think it's uh probably money better spent than general lobbying. Um because

566
02:42:10.560 --> 02:42:27.840
it will be a bit more pinpointed uh based on our needs. I think we've spent a lot of money studying our needs. So, you should be able to find them pretty quickly. So, um uh that's all I have to say, but Council Member Coleman, you put your light back on. >> Yeah. No, I I agree. Um there's like it

567
02:42:27.840 --> 02:42:44.160
was kind of where do you guys want us where do you guys want us to focus on getting grants? And we said, we need this, this, and this, right? And then it comes back, okay, well, we found these. And it was very like, well, we need to know today. Yeah. >> Right. So, I think this is a a step in

568
02:42:44.160 --> 02:43:00.560
the proper direction. And um I I would expect that we can all expect to make ourselves available at some point in the near future so you can kind of get our ideas etc. Right. >> Yes, please. Yes. I'd like to speak with all of you. >> Excellent.

569
02:43:00.560 --> 02:43:16.560
>> Well, we appreciate you attempting to take on our mission. So, >> amen to that. >> I'm ready. >> Any other questions? [laughter] Any other questions? >> No. All right. I have a motion to approve uh 202661. All those in favor? >> I

570
02:43:16.560 --> 02:43:35.439
>> I opposed. Uh, hearing none. Motion passes 5-0. Thank you for your time. >> Welcome. >> Thank you so much for having me. >> All right, that brings us >> to the big exciting items of my

571
02:43:35.439 --> 02:43:51.680
>> uh this is resolution 202662. Mr. Delene, are you going to take this or or Mr. Curts, are you stepping on this as well? Uh yeah, I I think we'll tag team it if that's okay. All >> righty. >> And the uh essence of time I this right

572
02:43:51.680 --> 02:44:08.560
here, if if u obviously if you're a property owner, you remember getting that item in the mail from the property appraiser that says this is not a bill and it's I think uh some counties I think it's blue or white or green and yellow or whatever. And what it does is

573
02:44:08.560 --> 02:44:23.760
it identifies all the taxing units. It identifies the maximum millage rate as set by tonight and it also gives the date of the first

574
02:44:23.760 --> 02:44:41.760
public hearing. So, when staff uh the department of revenue and the property appraiser when we work together, um this right here is the first um item that's needed to be able to log onto their system to provide the state of

575
02:44:41.760 --> 02:44:58.080
Florida with a maximum millage. Um that's not the final mill. That final millage doesn't happen until the end of September. And uh so what we what we have what we've [clears throat] done is

576
02:44:58.080 --> 02:45:14.000
what you have in your uh packet uh this slide presentation is 32 slides but at at the end of the day I just wanted to kind of just summarize it just for the big picture. So the items in uh yellow I think that's that's what they're

577
02:45:14.000 --> 02:45:30.720
colored. Uh I think it's on page five of your of your uh PowerPoint presentation. Those are the items that we need numbers for. We need uh assessment. We need two assessments that we do. We do a road and

578
02:45:30.720 --> 02:45:47.200
drainage assessment and we do a solid waste assessment as well as we do our millage rate. And we're not locked in. Again, tonight's these three resolutions. Uh that's exactly what they're doing is it allows me to go on

579
02:45:47.200 --> 02:46:02.880
their website with the uh signed off resolution, put in these numbers so that the state of Florida can send out uh the notices and so but but in summary what we're looking what this budget and what

580
02:46:02.880 --> 02:46:19.920
this budget is is a preliminary budget. Um, we're proposing, staff is proposing preliminary that we keep the millage rate the same that the road and drainage uh fund increases from $220

581
02:46:19.920 --> 02:46:35.200
to 310. Um, historically the general fund has always had to send money over to the road and drainage because the assessment was just not adequate enough. And then

582
02:46:35.200 --> 02:46:51.279
the third assessment, the solid waste assessment, which which is currently $450, uh that will be staff is recommending reducing that to $300. Um, I did uh uh

583
02:46:51.279 --> 02:47:06.319
um and so the other thing that I just want to bring to your attention, as you can see here, property values are are doing extremely well. Uh out of Palm Beach County out of the I don't know how many municipalities there are in Palm

584
02:47:06.319 --> 02:47:22.319
Beach County, but at uh the top 10, you're number five in growth. And uh so your property values did actually do very well. Um and uh this right here is just a a chart of taxable values. The

585
02:47:22.319 --> 02:47:39.840
other thing too that is a um u concern for staff as as well as other professionals um is the uh potential homestead exemption that we keep on hearing about. Right. So it's a it's it's it's more

586
02:47:39.840 --> 02:47:55.200
likely right now. It's it's polling that it'll probably pass if put on a ballot. Uh and these right here and these numbers here are based from your property appraiser. Uh you know, if if the exemption passes, the exemption will

587
02:47:55.200 --> 02:48:11.840
go from $50,000 the what what you normally get uh to $150,000. And right now u uh that's an estimated of over $350 plus,000 based on uh people

588
02:48:11.840 --> 02:48:27.840
who have homestead exemptions from prior year. Now next year uh 2029, our fiscal year 2029, that goes up to $250,000. A conservative estimate will lose about $614,000

589
02:48:27.840 --> 02:48:44.880
in uh general fund revenue. assuming that the uh uh the millage rate obviously stays the same. Um the other item that's kind of interesting is Senate Bill 4F, right? Millage rate approval. This is this is going to be

590
02:48:44.880 --> 02:49:00.399
down the road and and our attorney can discuss this more. um uh in order to uh there's a roll back rate and what a roll back rate is it's a it's a calculation that says hey uh what would be the

591
02:49:00.399 --> 02:49:16.960
millillage excluding new construction based what what would that millage rate be based on the without ex when you exclude growth from new construction. So it almost puts you on a comparing apples

592
02:49:16.960 --> 02:49:34.560
to apples. And so what they do is they say that hey uh this Senate bill uh 4F basically states that uh you can't go more than 110% of your roll back rate

593
02:49:34.560 --> 02:49:48.240
if we don't get more than twothirds votes. If we get a unanimous vote all five, uh then our millage rate can be more than 110%

594
02:49:48.240 --> 02:50:05.840
um of the roll back rate. Uh but uh and Jeff, do you want to do you need to clarify anything that I said? >> Um just that roll back rate can be approved at three point at three to three to two vote. Um anything above

595
02:50:05.840 --> 02:50:20.080
that up to Um I think it's what 3.1 >> is um requires um three or four super majority depending

596
02:50:20.080 --> 02:50:35.840
on who's uh who's here and hopefully you're all here which would mean four out of the five would have to vote in favor of it and to keep the rate at the same level it is right now it would require a five nothing vote that is for

597
02:50:35.840 --> 02:50:52.479
the final village um vote. This is the preliminary rates. All of these rates um can be approved on a 3 to2 vote. So, you don't um have to be unanimous at this point in time uh to adopt the

598
02:50:52.479 --> 02:51:09.920
recommended millage rate um as presented by uh the manager and staff. Um and I I think you're well aware um as to the uncertainties that we uh face the

599
02:51:09.920 --> 02:51:27.439
fact that um we lost the sales tax monies which were producing um over $300,000 a year uh for us for our um to be used for infrastructural improvements. Um and absent those

600
02:51:27.439 --> 02:51:45.600
grants, uh the source of any infrastructure improvements is going to probably come from your general fund, uh at least for the next several years, >> right? And then what I did as well is what you're looking at just on the screen is just a a quick Excel

601
02:51:45.600 --> 02:52:01.600
calculation. What it does is it just takes your estimated property value here on the lefth hand side. uh and and I just highlighted 600,000, right? And so I said, "Okay, what if if the millage rate is

602
02:52:01.600 --> 02:52:19.120
uh if the millage rate is uh 3.256, 256. That means that the property taxes that go to Blocks of Hatche Groves, not your entire property taxes because you right now you're you're

603
02:52:19.120 --> 02:52:34.560
when you pay your property taxes, obviously there's county, there's fire, and there's a whole bunch of health districts and and things like that that also pile on top of it. But right now, the amount of money that just goes to Lockxachi Groves um at that rate based

604
02:52:34.560 --> 02:52:52.160
on a $600,000 home would be about 1900 $1,954 uh for the year. Uh if you're a million-doll home, uh again, based on the property uh appraisers uh assessment, that that would be about

605
02:52:52.160 --> 02:53:11.760
uh 3,200 uh three almost $3,300 for the year. Um and so uh as as we look we what we did is we met with staff and uh we looked at the different

606
02:53:11.760 --> 02:53:26.880
scenarios that we're looking at and we walked through and we said okay um based on the the growing uh 11% you you had an 11% increase in in property values in which also includes new construction and

607
02:53:26.880 --> 02:53:42.479
so So it's it's it's there's there's growth there and with growth obviously comes more responsibility. Uh we're also trying to take into consideration our reserves. Historically we've all funded

608
02:53:42.479 --> 02:53:59.439
um road and drainage from out of the general fund because we didn't want to raise that. And so historically what we've done to the tune of about you know $800,000 plus dollars a year um you know we've sent money over to the road and

609
02:53:59.439 --> 02:54:16.080
drainage fund. Um and so what the increase in that assessment what that allows it to do is that allows that fund to stand on their own. And uh we've also went through and and we assumed uh uh

610
02:54:16.080 --> 02:54:30.960
cost of living adjustments as well as health insurance. Uh health insurance I think we we bumped up to 7% increase. Mr. Sud, you're you work in that industry. Uh um uh for cost of living,

611
02:54:30.960 --> 02:54:48.560
we did uh we estimated a 5%. Those are the numbers that are baked in here. We also excluded from revenue. We excluded any red light cameras. We obviously excluded to be conservative. We excluded any grants or anything like that. Um,

612
02:54:48.560 --> 02:55:03.520
but what it does do, you can see here on on on this screen, this is these are your expenditures. Uh, what it does do is it allows us to transfer out at at that millage rate at at our current existing millage rate. It allows us to

613
02:55:03.520 --> 02:55:20.240
transfer out about $863,000 estimated to go to CIP to do CIP projects. Um, as well as we it also allows us to put another $771,000

614
02:55:20.240 --> 02:55:38.240
into appropriation for reserves. Although everybody loves the grants and grants are a great thing. Um, and everybody's going to be going for grants, especially in the near future as property tax revenue starts to decline.

615
02:55:38.240 --> 02:55:54.960
Um, they're going to want uh the grant the grantee to have skin in the game. So, a lot of them are cost sharing grants. You know, we'll give you a million if you put in 250,000 or a half a million or whatnot, but but we'll find out what that'll be. So, where we get

616
02:55:54.960 --> 02:56:10.960
those funds is typically from our reserves. Um, but we went through each fund. That's what this that's what this schedule shows you. You have your sources of money on the top. You have

617
02:56:10.960 --> 02:56:28.720
your uses of money on the bottom. And then you have each column is each of your funds. Um, uh, another comment came up with the transfers. What why do we do transfers? uh certain monies are restricted

618
02:56:28.720 --> 02:56:45.680
uh by the state of Florida, especially uh your gas tax and your transportation. Uh and so we obviously have to pull those out, certain dollar amounts of them, pull those out to be able to send over to the transportation fund to be able to send over to either road

619
02:56:45.680 --> 02:57:03.680
drainage or capital projects. Um so, uh but this is again we're not locked into any rates. Uh what these three resolution resolutions do is uh provides us the mechanism to give the state of Florida the numbers so that they can put

620
02:57:03.680 --> 02:57:19.920
on uh their notices to send to you. >> Well, these are the maximum rates that you would be able >> I was just going to say >> it would be the maximum rates and you would be able to >> those Yeah. having been on the fact but for Joe's benefit I think it's important that to know that

621
02:57:19.920 --> 02:57:37.920
>> this if we a this always seems as to me and kind of asked backwards okay is that we have to set this rate now and then do the budgeting process but the problem is whatever rate we set tonight we can never we if we do the project budgeting process and say oh no we need another.5

622
02:57:37.920 --> 02:57:54.319
mills we can't do that we can't go up we can only go down so even if you think this is high It's it's just a starting point, but we can always go down from here, but we cannot go up. >> Gotcha. Thank you. >> Thanks, Anita.

623
02:57:54.319 --> 02:58:09.439
>> Well, I just [laughter] that's I was going to Yeah, I was >> I mean, it's it's it's difficult to, you know, have a pick off, you know, but >> we got to split it up into three. >> Okay. I'll make a motion to approve

624
02:58:09.439 --> 02:58:26.640
resolution 2026 62. Second. >> All right. We have a motion to approve resolution 202662 by council member Kane, seconded by council member Coleman. >> There's just a a couple things. Um

625
02:58:26.640 --> 02:58:45.200
that's a millage rate of 3.2564 uh is proposed. The roll back rate um as listed in the uh resolution is 2.8326. And the big question is um when is our

626
02:58:45.200 --> 02:59:01.040
um initial hearing going to to be? I think there was discussion about September 8th, but I'm I'm not sure that was one of the things that was subject to y'all's availability. >> Oh, we got to set that with this resolution. >> Yes. >> Yeah. This is the

627
02:59:01.040 --> 02:59:16.640
>> and the limitations there and there's limitations there as well. We're we're at the bottom of the list. The school board as well as >> Yes. Yeah, September 8th is fine with me. >> I'm I'm fine on the first hearing date. It's the second hearing date that I'm

628
02:59:16.640 --> 02:59:32.000
out of the I'm out of town. >> The You're out on the 22nd. >> Yes. >> So, we can move that. I mean, we can >> It is up to to you. It makes it makes sense for you all to be here if possible.

629
02:59:32.000 --> 02:59:49.200
>> Yes, that would be I could be here the 23rd, but not the schedule a whole bunch of budget workshops between now and then. So, Yeah. >> And we need to schedule effect meeting so we can get a recommendation from them. >> Are we What dates are we looking at,

630
02:59:49.200 --> 03:00:05.760
please? >> I know that everyone was supposed to give their availability. >> No. >> Uh oh, that I think that means >> council member Coleman didn't >> I dropped the ball on that one. I apologize. >> Front row. >> Dirty lashes.

631
03:00:05.760 --> 03:00:21.520
>> I always make it happen somehow. The one thing about September 8th is it's the day after Labor Day. >> It's a day that ends in Y. That's all I know. So, I'll be here. >> September 8th is the first one. What's the

632
03:00:21.520 --> 03:00:38.560
>> So, we're good for 98. Everybody's good for 98. Uh, are we good to propose September 23rd? >> The Wednesday another day. Another

633
03:00:38.560 --> 03:00:57.040
day that ends in Y. >> I don't think the 23rd conflicted with >> I don't think so either. >> Okay. >> The 23rd. Okay. >> Yeah. The 8th is the one we definitely have to set now. Um but it's all we don't set the 23rd.

634
03:00:57.040 --> 03:01:13.920
>> Great. Okay. [laughter] >> Kind of kind of sort of maybe >> to add those dates in as well. So, we have a motion to approve resolution 202662 with setting the hearing dates for September of September 8th for the 1st

635
03:01:13.920 --> 03:01:30.080
and September 23rd as the >> as the most likely potentially one for the second. >> Yes. >> Seconded by council member Coleman. What she said >> the 23rd is not going to be just so everybody understands the 23rd will not be referenced in this resolution. Be

636
03:01:30.080 --> 03:01:53.439
September 8th, but we all know September 23rd. >> Mr. Delina would have liked to gone on and on about how we have to be like these dates and those dates. Any public comments? >> Yeah, >> Tracy Raffitzy Raffitz Efra is proposed to leave the millillage at 3.2564

637
03:01:53.439 --> 03:02:09.760
mills. My biggest question tonight, many residents hear millage rate isn't increasing and understandably assume their taxes won't increase for the benefit of the residents. Could staff explain in plain in plain language the overall financial impact of this

638
03:02:09.760 --> 03:02:26.080
proposed budget. Although the millage rate remains unchanged, property values have increased and the proposed water control district assessment is also increasing. Approximately how much additional revenue will the town receive compared to last year 2026?

639
03:02:26.080 --> 03:02:42.080
Where will that additional revenue come from and what specific services, capital improvements, debt reduction or reserve funding will those additional dollars support? I think many residents would appreciate understanding not only that the mill rate is staying the same

640
03:02:42.080 --> 03:02:57.200
hopefully, but also what the budget means for their household and what they can expect in return for the additional revenue the town anticipates receiving. A couple questions. How much additional revenue will the proposed millillage generate compared to

641
03:02:57.200 --> 03:03:14.240
fiscal year 26? My estimate is around uh $220,000 more than the 2026. um how much of that additional revenue is already committed to reoccurring operating expenditures and how much remain available for capital projects or

642
03:03:14.240 --> 03:03:28.720
reserves? What percentage of the general fund expenditures are personnel cost payroll this year versus last year fiscal year 26? How much contingency remains after this proposed budget? And lastly, what

643
03:03:28.720 --> 03:03:45.960
are the town's largest unfunded capital needs over the next 5 years? That's it. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> And we hope you'll have the answers to all those questions for us when you come to meet with us. Thank you. >> Of the fact

644
03:03:47.279 --> 03:04:12.800
>> Gabby >> Marian Miles. >> Good evening. Good evening, Council Maryanne Miles. um the $310 per acre assessment that you guys are proposing.

645
03:04:12.800 --> 03:04:28.560
I have a couple questions for you. How many people are retired in this community and are on fixed incomes? How many people are in this community that have more than one acre or two acres or three acres that are retired

646
03:04:28.560 --> 03:04:45.359
and on a fixed income? as a whole. If it's if Tracy's right and it's a couple hundred,000 to the council for them to spend, it doesn't mean much to the the resident

647
03:04:45.359 --> 03:05:01.520
that has to come up, the same resident that has to come up with now more money to live in their home that they've been here and made Lockahhatche Groves their home. So the taxes on the people keep going up

648
03:05:01.520 --> 03:05:17.840
and up and up. Whether our services stay the same at this point, it's still affects the residents individually. So if you can't afford it, you can't afford it. What do you do?

649
03:05:17.840 --> 03:05:34.640
Well, we've been the route for the RV to pilot program and the RV program today. and the person that has three or four or five acres that maybe can't make ends meet. Now, you're going to raise taxes and they can't have an RV on the property

650
03:05:34.640 --> 03:05:50.560
year round. You can't have an RV on the property year round for a family member. So, this cycle ends up being a circle. Here's my proposal. You guys keep not wanting to look at

651
03:05:50.560 --> 03:06:08.160
Okachobee Boulevard as income. You have businesses there. You have a height restriction on businesses on Southern Boulevard and all over this community. Why not? I agree. You don't want to have

652
03:06:08.160 --> 03:06:24.240
a business in an aggress um community. Okchobee is not that. We have the potential to get money from the businesses that are there. Let's stop getting them from the same

653
03:06:24.240 --> 03:06:40.319
residents because I look around Lockxahche Groves and yeah, Lockxahche Groves is changing. There's a lot of properties up for sale because people number one can't afford what they're doing. So, they look at that now as a retirement nest egg to leave. And some

654
03:06:40.319 --> 03:06:57.960
may not want to leave, but they have to because they can't afford it. Please stop raising the taxes on the residents that have been here for years. look for other ways to bring money in. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Standish.

655
03:07:05.520 --> 03:07:22.240
>> Virginia Standish Luxe Girls resident. Another interesting time of year for everyone, town council residents and finance committee. So, um, a couple suggestions. one at county level and with the state throwing different things

656
03:07:22.240 --> 03:07:39.439
at land owners, property owners, residents, obviously you seriously have to look at your budget where you may have to cut, hopefully may not, but at the county level, and I've said this over and over, but especially during summertime to give improved value to

657
03:07:39.439 --> 03:07:54.720
residents and for their children, please, please reach out to the county continuously and ask them to allow our kids to be able to go to Wellington schools like all the kids to the west and north have been allowed to do. There's no reason our kids can't go that

658
03:07:54.720 --> 03:08:12.000
way. Um, secondly, I would ask that you ask the finance committee with evaluating the current procedure that the town uses to evaluate how property taxes are assessed. What is

659
03:08:12.000 --> 03:08:27.840
the process when a new construction is built? I asked this question specifically because having had the pleasure to review a few properties for a customer, I find one residence pays zero ad valorum and nonadalorum taxes in

660
03:08:27.840 --> 03:08:44.640
this town. I leave that to staff and the finance committee to review, but I find it questionable why there should be a property in this town that is not a nonprofit paying zero taxes and their co has been complete. So I think that is if

661
03:08:44.640 --> 03:08:59.840
you're looking to raise our millillage before you do that council needs to answer who is being assessed in this town what is the policy and procedure and you think you may know the process but is it happening and explain why

662
03:08:59.840 --> 03:09:17.200
there is a property in this town that has a new home on it paying zero taxes. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other public comments? Should be noted that in our agenda review the question was asked that um that uh the property tax roles get

663
03:09:17.200 --> 03:09:33.439
reviewed and potentially fact could be looking through those for accuracy. So yeah depending on the format in which we can get them in >> asked for you a little while ago of the >> well you weren't at the agenda review. So when it was asked the answer was the property appraiser reviews them. I'm

664
03:09:33.439 --> 03:09:48.720
like how about we review them since our it's our revenue. So yes, that should be coming forward to fact. So uh >> yeah I'm sorry Vice Mood you had your light on first. >> Yeah. >> All right. As you all know that this

665
03:09:48.720 --> 03:10:05.600
topic is near and dear to me. Uh luckily or not I come from finance background and I have been on fact and I think we have another council member here. Uh Miss Kane on f has been on fact and we have a very experienced team. Tracy is

666
03:10:05.600 --> 03:10:20.960
here. So thank you for that. But I think we want to do something different this time. And the reason being when I was on the fact as the chair or as a member, we dump everything. Okay. You find out, you find out. And there are two sides of the

667
03:10:20.960 --> 03:10:36.960
equation. The cost and the revenue. If they don't have the proper guidance on the revenue, they can't control or have a proper guidance on the cost. So we have to put some parameters. And I'm and I'm not a big fan of throwing big numbers. Oh,

668
03:10:36.960 --> 03:10:51.359
just this is theoretical. Let's just start and this and that. So I'm going to explain to you my logic. So just please bear with me and I'm going to share some numbers here. So the question tonight is not whether the pave whether we do pave

669
03:10:51.359 --> 03:11:09.439
roads or whether we support PBSO. The question is whether we ask our residents to pay more before we have made our government itself more efficient. That's the key question. You know, I have seen budget after budget unspent money and

670
03:11:09.439 --> 03:11:25.200
I'm going to talk about that. I fully support investing in our roads, drainage and public safety. Those are the core responsibilities of the local government. When the residents sent me to this office and lot of you as well, I

671
03:11:25.200 --> 03:11:42.240
promised fiscal discipline reducing waste and putting residents first. So my proposal tonight is consistent with that commitment. I propose two changes in this motion. Reduce the operating millage from 3.25 to 3.10

672
03:11:42.240 --> 03:11:56.720
and maintain the roads and drainage assessment at 220 per acre. And I will explain to you why. First, our residents are already paying more because property values have increased by almost 11%.

673
03:11:56.720 --> 03:12:13.520
So, our town properties have appreciated at the highest clip. Congratulations. But as we just heard, there are a lot of people in this town who have been here for years and years on fixed income and now suddenly they have more money to

674
03:12:13.520 --> 03:12:30.560
pay, more taxes to pay. So we have to maintain a small efficient government and that's why this town charter and I talked to founders of this town and multiple people and their advice was the town started as a very small efficient

675
03:12:30.560 --> 03:12:46.160
governments. So so many of homeowners will see a higher tax bill and they will still pay their fair share even with 3.1 the roll back rate is 2.85. So second, we have financial flexibility

676
03:12:46.160 --> 03:13:02.000
this year. Now this is important. We have approximately 675,000 remaining from the unspent PBSO appropriation. So that money 675,000 is there. We have approximately 200,000 in

677
03:13:02.000 --> 03:13:18.640
roads and drainage contingency fund. We also have anticipated reimbursement and revenues from FEMA grants, speed camera collections, and code enforcement leans and foreclosures. We just talked about that. But we have a huge number of

678
03:13:18.640 --> 03:13:34.720
invoices sitting out there. We just got a grant for 350,000 which may require matching funds, but nonetheless that is available to us. So, so those resources provide us the opportunity to bridge this budget while we improve the

679
03:13:34.720 --> 03:13:50.640
efficiency of town government. I am not in the favor of burdening our taxpayers today so that next year when the referendum passes, I would like the new council members, people who have elected them to make a decision what they want

680
03:13:50.640 --> 03:14:06.080
to do. I don't want to increase taxes today just because next year this referendum may pass. That's not my decision. That's the next government who is going to come and make that decision. But the most important point is this. Last year's budget, this is really

681
03:14:06.080 --> 03:14:21.200
really important and I want fact to hear this. Last year budget and I was part of the fact as a chair fundamentally changed the cost structure of our town. Do you know that last year we had one of the largest ever tax increases in the

682
03:14:21.200 --> 03:14:38.160
town? The 2026 salaries and benefits increased by 40%. So Tracy asked a question, what percent of your salary is operating budget? The answer is about 41%. Last year, so imagine 41% of our

683
03:14:38.160 --> 03:14:55.520
budget is salaries and benefits. In 2026, that increased by 40% over 2025. So to fund those increases, the previous council approved one of the largest tax increases in our town's history. So I believe our benchmark is not not last

684
03:14:55.520 --> 03:15:10.399
year. I our benchmark should be financial year 2025 and financial year 2024 and let's see how we managed our government in those years. I want to commend the staff for excellent work they have done this year. I want to

685
03:15:10.399 --> 03:15:27.120
recognize Craig who has reduced his roads and drainage budget by 15% as compared to last year. Well done. And he demonstrated that efficiencies can be found. Now let's apply that philosophy to our general fund. Let's challenge

686
03:15:27.120 --> 03:15:43.279
every department to find efficiencies, bring our spending closer to a sustainable 2025 baseline before our ask asking our residents to pay more. And let me be very clear, nothing in my proposal reduces our commitment to public safety or essential services. I

687
03:15:43.279 --> 03:15:59.279
have consistently supported restoring our partnership with PBSO because I believe public safety is foundational to our town. My proposal protects public safety while asking government nor taxpayer to absorb the first round of belt tightening. So our government

688
03:15:59.279 --> 03:16:16.080
should tighten its belt before asking families to pay more. Our residents should not be paying higher taxes and higher assessment. While many roads are unpaved, canals are still require maintenance and administrative costs continue to grow. So throwing more money at the problem is not the solution

689
03:16:16.080 --> 03:16:31.760
because lot of that money is going towards administrative salaries. So my proposal protects our hardworking families. It protects public safety. It continues investing in roads and drainage and it keeps faith in the promises we made to the people who

690
03:16:31.760 --> 03:16:47.359
brought us here who elected us. For those reason I respectively move to amend the proposed operating village to 3.10 and maintain the roads and drainage assessment at the present 220 per acre. Thank you. >> All right. So thank you for all that. I

691
03:16:47.359 --> 03:17:02.720
I would like to reiterate we did not get a grant. We got state appropriations money and it will require matching funds of $375,000 >> and I'm not amending my motion. >> We're we have a motion on the floor. It's not

692
03:17:02.720 --> 03:17:19.840
being amended. Uh this is not the night to argue reduction. Vice Mayor Sud, I couldn't be more in alignment with where you are, but this is setting the U preliminary rate at a maximum. Uh, and some of it's

693
03:17:19.840 --> 03:17:35.359
distasteful for sure. Uh, given some of the concerns of the spending of the past and, uh, I have some other questions for myself. Uh, but Council Member Coleman, you had your light on. >> Yeah, I I just like there's a lot of

694
03:17:35.359 --> 03:17:49.920
pontificating and fingerpointing and things like that going on. I you know I just I I can't help but point out that just a couple things. Um, if you are homestead exempted currently, you only increase like what 3% a year, no matter what >> valuation

695
03:17:49.920 --> 03:18:07.120
>> valuation, right? So, it it it it's controlled. Um, it's not next year. The vote is this year in November. Um, so if it's voted in, you know, at the state level, it's voted in, but everybody votes, you know, over a period of about five years, you know, if you're

696
03:18:07.120 --> 03:18:23.840
homesteaded in, we're going to lose that revenue. Um so there there's a lot of things at play here. Uh I still maintain that our our reserves were were cut back. Um we had this discussion last year. Our reserves were cut back to right at the the 20 minimum level of

697
03:18:23.840 --> 03:18:40.319
25%. Um and I think we've done we we've controlled some stuff. Uh you know staffs worked on controlling some stuff. Um yes there was some other things going on but I think you know we're going to see some positive steps moving forward. Um, but again, you know, the these are

698
03:18:40.319 --> 03:18:56.000
all things that come into play and you know, and again, as Lisa said and we said earlier, this is a preliminary trim. It's the starting point. We can always go down from here and we can have all those nice little debates and stuff later.

699
03:18:56.000 --> 03:19:12.640
>> I'm sure there'll be very, very pointed conversations soon to a >> to a council meeting near you. All right. So, anyone else any comments? >> All right. We have a motion to approve uh resolution 2020662

700
03:19:12.640 --> 03:19:29.040
at the maximum uh preliminary millage rate of 3.2564 and setting the first hearing date of September 8th and the second hearing date uh tenatively for September 23rd by council member Kaine, seconded by

701
03:19:29.040 --> 03:19:45.279
council member Coleman. All those in favor I opposed. Motion passes 41. And that brings us to uh resolution 202663. Uh and

702
03:19:45.279 --> 03:20:01.439
>> so I'll make a motion to >> Can we read it first, >> please? So don't uh resolution of the town coun resolution number 202663 a resolution of the town council of the town of Lockache Groves Florida relating to the provision of residential solid

703
03:20:01.439 --> 03:20:17.200
waste collection services facilities and programs solid waste collection services in the town of Lockache Groves Florida providing for purpose and definitions providing for legislative determinations establishing the estimated rate for the solid waste collection services

704
03:20:17.200 --> 03:20:31.920
assessment for the fiscal year beginning October 1st, 2026, directing the preparation of an assessment role authorizing a public hearing and directing the provision of a notice thereof providing for conflict severability and effective date. Um,

705
03:20:31.920 --> 03:20:46.640
your consideration, the proposal is at $310, I mean, I'm sorry, $300 uh per unit. Um I did want to

706
03:20:46.640 --> 03:21:03.840
uh raise one issue um on the solid waste assessment. The practice has been that a second can or a third can um gets assessed at >> Can we go into those details once we

707
03:21:03.840 --> 03:21:21.680
discuss? Thank you. Um so we have uh resolution 202663. I have a motion. Um, I'll make a motion to approve resolution 20266. >> All right, we have a motion to approve 202663 by Council Member Kaine, second by Council Member Coleman. Um, and yes,

708
03:21:21.680 --> 03:21:36.640
there's some additional details here. >> Yeah. Um, first of all, uh, we'll assume that September 8th is the starting point for this one as well, uh, the public hearing. >> Um, and that is the single public hearing that you will have on this item.

709
03:21:36.640 --> 03:21:52.800
>> Okay. Um, with respect to the assessments, the the practice, as I said, has been to uh assess multiple cans at the the rate. Um, and as far as I can tell, that's

710
03:21:52.800 --> 03:22:11.680
always been done. um in taking a look at the um the structure of the assessments um I'm not sure that that's justified um in that the the unit is defined as a

711
03:22:11.680 --> 03:22:29.040
dwelling unit um and I think if you want to keep the exact same structure uh we should amend our assessment resolution and I think we've got time to to do that. >> I'm sorry. You're gonna have to explain. Amend our assessment resolution in what

712
03:22:29.040 --> 03:22:46.239
way? >> To um h to specifically refer to um the unit being the number of cans that were um put out. Okay. >> Rather than a right now it's it's the assessment is on a dwelling unit. Um,

713
03:22:46.239 --> 03:23:03.040
and when you have two cans, we have been charging $4 from last year, $450 for each of the cans. >> Yes. And I think it should be clarified that that $450 additional can fee entitled you to the vegetation stream

714
03:23:03.040 --> 03:23:19.040
doubling as well. So, you got you got the same accutraant for the additional can. And I think what has come forward from the county bid that we are cooperative purchasing agreement piggybacking on is that the first can is

715
03:23:19.040 --> 03:23:35.920
it 2266 right a month. The second can is a flat $85 >> a year. >> No. >> That that what you what you were looking at there I think is the cost of a new can. >> Getting a can. >> Yeah. >> Oh, got it. Um,

716
03:23:35.920 --> 03:23:51.279
>> so they're going to charge you for a new can and then the 2266 a month. >> Well, >> they're hitting them like they hit us when they came to town. >> How this is all >> the there there is not a plan to replace

717
03:23:51.279 --> 03:24:07.200
all the existing cans. The existing cans are going to be fine. So, the new cans cost the $85 is if somebody needed a replacement >> an additional can. Oh, no. You're going to get charged $85 if you need a new can. Period. >> Period. Yeah. So, it's it's not it's not

718
03:24:07.200 --> 03:24:21.520
for those that are existing. They're not going to replace. >> It's just a can charge. >> Got it. >> Can charge when it comes up. >> And I charge them $85 for the can that they >> they destroy. They poke holes in and stuff. Yeah. Rip your lid off. >> Sorry, different topic.

719
03:24:21.520 --> 03:24:39.439
Um and the the the 2266 um we're still as of this afternoon waiting to hear back from them, but we suspect that there will be a charge um the bid documents allowed them to have a

720
03:24:39.439 --> 03:24:57.840
charge as of October 1st. Um so we're anticipating a cost of living increase. So it will be something above the >> So they're going to have a cola increase before they even start services. >> It had to do when the bid was >> awesome. >> The bid prices were from you know last

721
03:24:57.840 --> 03:25:14.479
year and so that's the way it appears to be written and we're waiting confirmation. >> Let me understand you said hold on. >> I don't I I don't want to you know not inform you of >> Okay. So, I I think it should be

722
03:25:14.479 --> 03:25:31.439
understood we've doubled the vegetation waist stream >> with this money >> at 22.66 a month, which comes out to um $271.92 a year. >> Are people going to be limited to how many cans they can get? because we know

723
03:25:31.439 --> 03:25:48.000
we have several that do three and four and two and so >> there's I think the was there one at $2700 I saw or something along those lines you know which is like six cans um

724
03:25:48.000 --> 03:26:03.840
that's the that's the question if we want to keep that same structure in place I think when we come forward with the assessment resolution we need to >> well is that going to entitle them to now 24 cubic yards of vegetation waste Or is that going to be if they have just

725
03:26:03.840 --> 03:26:18.880
12 is going to d are they going to get the full services with every can they pay for? >> I don't believe that that is the the situation now or will be >> it is the situation now we as far as if

726
03:26:18.880 --> 03:26:34.560
you pay 450 for a can you get all the >> should >> vegetation stream along with that. So if you get >> you get 12 yards if you do >> if for every 450 you get one can six yards >> thing that you get. Okay. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> So I'm curious.

727
03:26:34.560 --> 03:26:50.560
>> So as of the new contract it'll be one can 12 yards. >> Well yeah >> for each can you'll get 12 yards. >> Well we don't know that clarify >> since the $85 I thought was for that. >> No. >> Okay. So >> gardenard is a loted.

728
03:26:50.560 --> 03:27:06.720
>> It's ridiculous. Well trust me. I'm sure some of those nurseries that are putting out can easily do that. So, >> uh, and we will not, my understanding is we will not be getting the franchise fee for the commercial, um, uses of dumpsters. >> Yes, we will.

729
03:27:06.720 --> 03:27:23.600
>> We It'll be coming to us and not to the county. >> No, it comes to us. >> So, we still get a franchise fee if we get a dumpster. >> Yeah. >> That that doesn't change with going with solid waste. >> Got it. >> Um, so on those And

730
03:27:23.600 --> 03:27:39.920
>> is that something we collect directly on through taxes or is that something that we're going to have to go >> that's something that they collect for us and and remit to to us. Now I think the commercial rates are a little lower in this contract versus

731
03:27:39.920 --> 03:27:56.000
what we have been paying. So naturally as the commercial rate goes down 30% of the lower amount is going to be slightly less revenue. >> All right. And can we charge more than what it's actually costing us? So if

732
03:27:56.000 --> 03:28:15.439
it's 22.66 a month and it's $271.92, can we set it above that or is it a P because this is basically a pass through cost. >> It's basically a pass through cost, but there's um there is some administrative cost associated uh with that. Um and

733
03:28:15.439 --> 03:28:32.319
in addition um you can collect the monies of it um almost as a rate stabilization fund by increasing the reserves within that account if you want to. >> So we can legally do that. >> Yes. >> Okay. We're not we're not set with the

734
03:28:32.319 --> 03:28:47.040
dollar for dollar. Okay. I'm sorry. I'm council member Kane. I'm sorry to interrupt. Did you have another question? >> Okay. All right. Um, so, uh, I'm sorry. Was there public comment on this? Okay. Any other

735
03:28:47.040 --> 03:29:06.960
comments, questions? >> No. No. We're going to have one hearing on this. It doesn't require two hearings. >> One hearing. >> So, this is to set the maximum rate at 300. Um, this is a oneshot deal on September 8th, as it currently stands. All right.

736
03:29:06.960 --> 03:29:22.399
We have a motion on the table to approve resolution 202663 with the first and only hearing date of September 8th uh by council member Kaine, seconded by council member Coleman. All those in favor >> I >> I >> I

737
03:29:22.399 --> 03:29:37.520
>> opposed. Uh hearing none. Motion passes 5-0. >> So we're already cutting the tax bill. >> We did. Look at that. All right. Uh we are now uh recessing the town council meeting and I'm calling to order uh the

738
03:29:37.520 --> 03:29:56.560
dependent water control district uh for uh resolution number 2026 DD05 and I will send that off again for reading. >> And now by the magic you are no longer the council you are the board of supervisors. Um, Lockxachi Groves Water

739
03:29:56.560 --> 03:30:12.239
Control District Resolution number 2026 DD05, a resolution of the board of supervisors of the Lockache Groves Water Control District, the defendant district of the town of Lockachi Groves, Florida, relating to the provision of district services,

740
03:30:12.239 --> 03:30:28.000
including water control, maintenance, and repair, drainage, and roadways within the geographical boundaries of the district. Establishing the estimated assessment rate for the district special assessments for the fiscal year beginning October 1st, directing the preparation of an assessment role,

741
03:30:28.000 --> 03:30:41.520
authorizing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice thereof, providing for conflicts pro providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date for your consideration. Um, and as

742
03:30:41.520 --> 03:30:59.920
indicated earlier, this is at $310 uh as proposed. Um, this hearing would also be adopted at one public hearing and uh we would schedule that for September 8th as well. >> Madame Cherry. >> Yes.

743
03:30:59.920 --> 03:31:16.239
>> Uh just for I don't know for clarification uh 2019 it's uh the rate of $200 has been since 2019. Uh and it's been that since uh last

744
03:31:16.239 --> 03:31:34.880
year. Last year it went up by $20 uh to uh $220. Uh meanwhile uh the general fund has been sending this fund in 2024

745
03:31:34.880 --> 03:31:52.960
uh $1.5 million. In 2025, $960,000 transfers. 2026, um, we have a budget of sending money from the general fund to this fund. Reason why is because it has to balance,

746
03:31:52.960 --> 03:32:07.600
uh, $862,000. So given the fact that this rate has not increased, it increased a little bit last year, but it's still been around the 200

747
03:32:07.600 --> 03:32:24.160
$200 range. Um staff is recommending it increase to 310. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh so do I have a motion? >> I'll make a motion to approve 2026 DD05. >> Second.

748
03:32:24.160 --> 03:32:43.680
>> All right. We have a motion by council member Kaine to approve resolution 2026 DD05 and seconded by council member Coleman. Any public comment on this? >> Tracy Rowitz. >> If you're going to flag your hand back there, ma'am, you're gonna have to fill

749
03:32:43.680 --> 03:33:00.239
out a piece of paper. [laughter] >> Right. Oh, we see you asleep. Yeah. Tracy Rafitz Fro staff is recommending that the water control district become self-sufficient. Yay. The budget

750
03:33:00.239 --> 03:33:14.560
presentation indicates that the assessment increase is intended to make the water control district self-supporting and eliminate transfers from the general fund. The proposed assessment would increase from 220 per acre to 310 per acre. An incre an

751
03:33:14.560 --> 03:33:31.120
increase of approximately 41%. Based on the number of accessessible acres in the district, it appears that they could generate approximately $700,000 in additional annual assessment revenue. Could staff confirm that estimate and explain specifically how those

752
03:33:31.120 --> 03:33:45.840
additional dollars will be used? Will they primarily be replace the historical general fund subsidy, address the deferred maintenance, fund future capital improvements, build reserves, or a combination of all of those? Finally,

753
03:33:45.840 --> 03:34:01.359
if this increase is approved, is the water control district expected to be financially self-supporting going forward or could future general fund subsidies still be necessary? >> Question.

754
03:34:01.359 --> 03:34:17.840
Thank you. Any other public comments? Not even from the one waving her hand back there. [laughter] >> Not even. >> She She ran away last time you told her she had to fill out a card. I don't know. She disappeared like that. Sorry, Council Member Kane, I think you had your light on first.

755
03:34:17.840 --> 03:34:33.120
>> I just um you know, it's always distasteful to raise taxes, but historically the town, even when the water control district was an independent district, the town subsidized the water control district. Um it's just been historically what's

756
03:34:33.120 --> 03:34:52.239
done. Um and while like Mr. Sud stated, we don't want to do things out of beer or worried about losing this other revenue, we have to be prudent. Um, we did do a little bit of a survey last year. Um, and

757
03:34:52.239 --> 03:35:08.399
it our neighbors, well, we did Wellington, we did it, we did all of that. And all of our neighbor the neighboring communities have had enormous increases in this area over the last five years because, well, costs are up,

758
03:35:08.399 --> 03:35:23.279
fuel is up, all of the things that run a public works department are up. So, um, while I'm in favor of just approving this tonight just to set it at the worst case scenario, I I would like to be able to bring it down marketkedly before we

759
03:35:23.279 --> 03:35:40.960
take our final vote. Um, and I would request that we have uh that someone on staff or that you, Mr. Delina do do a um little survey again of what the neighboring communities are paying in this similar rate um for this year, what they're

760
03:35:40.960 --> 03:35:57.760
proposing and maybe what they had last year as well so that we could have that to take a look at making our final decision. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Member Coleman. >> Well, as usual, um you kind of stole my thunder. Yeah, we talked about last year

761
03:35:57.760 --> 03:36:13.760
Richard was sitting here. He lives in Indian Trails and the assessment for Indian Trails, I think what he was saying was about $1,800 for I think he has almost two acres possibly. >> It was $900 an acre. >> Yeah, $900 an acre. So, um, you know, where I realize that we have large

762
03:36:13.760 --> 03:36:30.560
format properties here. Um, but I mean, I'm not sure what, you know, what they're paying out in Santa Rosa, you know, that's a that's a different water control district. talking about, you know, and or what they're paying and and Deer Run, but you know, um, Acme I know

763
03:36:30.560 --> 03:36:46.479
is the assessment's higher, right? Because they still they're a dependent district, I believe, still. Um, you know, Lakeworth Drainage District, nobody probably even pays attention to that one anymore because it's so large and it's kind of buried and it's over the whole county. But, you know, it's,

764
03:36:46.479 --> 03:37:05.120
you know, we do have to fix buildings. you know, we talked about that last year and we we've done some moves and stuff like that. So, going forward, I think, you know, looking at how we're going to move that move that around and maybe it's not a a 100% shift to to the, you

765
03:37:05.120 --> 03:37:22.640
know, the assessment going up so high to where we're shifting 100%. But the thing we got to keep in mind is, you know, we're going to kind of get locked in here coming up if it happens. Not not that it's fear, but it's prudent, right? got to know what all the cards are on the table that could flip up. So, um,

766
03:37:22.640 --> 03:37:37.920
thank you. >> Thank you, Vice May. >> So, this year 2027, our water control budget is 15% lower than the last year as per their own estimates. And now we are saying let's increase the

767
03:37:37.920 --> 03:37:54.160
rate to 310. Let's pick that number. Okay. So, 700,000 plus comes in. I don't understand why there is no problem of charging our millage rate to the people who

768
03:37:54.160 --> 03:38:10.880
arrived on the town recent years than those who have been here for years and years because this assessment rate of 310 is going to hit everyone whether you have been here for one year, 5 year, 20 year, 30 years because that assessment

769
03:38:10.880 --> 03:38:27.120
hits everybody. So this is the worst thing that you can do to to charge our long-term residents. The people who should be paying more are the commercial. So here I would like to recommend we should create a commercial

770
03:38:27.120 --> 03:38:44.399
business district. I was on the finance committee and I was told it takes 18 months, 2 years and we never did it. Let's start that. Maybe our future council people will thank us. Let's create a commercial business district. So the publics of the world pay more for

771
03:38:44.399 --> 03:39:00.800
PBSO and other services. I would tell you that this is the worst idea ever to improve to increase our assessment rate. Uh the it's perfectly fine actually it's preferable that our millage our general

772
03:39:00.800 --> 03:39:18.960
fund pays for the the the gap and that's that's a desired feature not an error. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, I know that when Treasure Coast planning came forward, they suggested we um design an assessment for

773
03:39:18.960 --> 03:39:34.399
some of the areas that have more imperous surfaces like some of our commercial areas. How long would it take to establish that? And and what I know when we've talked about commercial districts, there's a there's legal steps

774
03:39:34.399 --> 03:39:51.120
that require land owners to weigh in. Does that does that affect the same thing with an assessment and when you're talking about a water district and and >> well if you're talking about creating a separate unit of development

775
03:39:51.120 --> 03:40:08.160
>> this was what Treasure Coast had brought forward to us at the the study results. Well, there's two things. There's is if you're doing an assessment district and you're doing it through um the water control district, you'd have to create a

776
03:40:08.160 --> 03:40:25.120
unit of development. Um and the process we would have to have that in place. I think it's by January 1st. It is doable. Um but the whether or not the assessment analysis is doable within that time frame, I'm

777
03:40:25.120 --> 03:40:41.200
not sure of. Well, that would be for the next budget year anyway. Correct. So, >> there's no shot at doing it this year. >> Correct. >> Okay. So, I I would say as that was a suggestion by Treasure Coast, I think that's something we should be pursuing as we move forward toward the end of the

778
03:40:41.200 --> 03:40:56.880
year. Uh so, I will say I believe this is a simple majority vote to increase this acreage assessment. >> Yes, it is. >> And we got the one shot at it. I personally am not voting for this. I I was the one that pushed back last year

779
03:40:56.880 --> 03:41:15.040
when they wanted $300 an acre. Um I I understand the reasoning behind it 100%. I know that we discussed the fact that this is limited in its spending to the water district um itself and that was an appealing uh temptation to raise it and

780
03:41:15.040 --> 03:41:31.600
we did. So uh I would reluctantly set this at this stage but council member Coleman your lights still on. >> Yeah. Again, it's this is just a preliminary. We have to have a hearing. We have to approve it. We can't go up. We can't even go to to to where we we're

781
03:41:31.600 --> 03:41:47.439
220 now or 210. We can't go to 225. We can't go, you know. So, I I think, you know, to set the preliminary number much like we did last year and we backed that number down. >> We set we set the bar up here and we backed it down. Um, you know, but I to

782
03:41:47.439 --> 03:42:02.560
what Jeff what you were talking about that's not it's not a special taxing district, right? >> It's a development district. >> It's a development. So So So do all those fund is it treated just like like a special taxing district

783
03:42:02.560 --> 03:42:17.520
>> in where because if you have >> Yes. the >> all funds go to that area. >> You do an assessment, >> right? And you're talking about an assessment, the properties assessed have to receive that special benefit. >> So even if we were able to tax them for

784
03:42:17.520 --> 03:42:33.680
another million dollars a year, all that million dollars has to be spent in that zone. Correct. >> Yes. For for those >> So yeah, so a special taxing district to commercial doesn't >> arguably >> benefit the residents. arguably that

785
03:42:33.680 --> 03:42:50.000
that goes to the our structure at >> C-51, right? I mean, all all that drainage. I mean, that that's what they got away with, right? They didn't they couldn't go into the C-51. They come into us, >> right? >> That that arguably we could use that for

786
03:42:50.000 --> 03:43:06.319
those failing structures that we've been told are in danger of catastrophic failure. They're at Dro by you where you live. I I I yeah I mean I guess you could draw a line but that's that would be something for you for this gentleman to answer because legal

787
03:43:06.319 --> 03:43:21.840
>> you know you and I could draw lots of lines right we can hey yeah you can use this and over here I just you know then you have to get everybody all publiclix and everybody to buy into you know correct >> being tax taxed extra money >> I don't don't know if that's true >> different

788
03:43:21.840 --> 03:43:38.399
>> it's a different processment >> that's why I was trying to get clarification >> yeah uh Because I think we're talking about a an assessment and a unit of development. >> Well, yeah, because what treasure co said was a special taxing district. It was a unit of development. >> Yeah. A special taxing district is is

789
03:43:38.399 --> 03:43:56.000
more along the lines of what um council or vice mayor. >> That would be the millillage side of it. Yes. >> Versus the you have to get assessment. >> You have to get the buy in and >> and then they have to have their own representation too as well. Right. That's why we op opted for the higher millage last year over the assessment

790
03:43:56.000 --> 03:44:12.640
because the higher, you know, we opted in >> the nonprofits don't pay. >> Okay. Well, listen, they exist. Okay. So do so do so do agricultural exempt properties that only pay for the the value of >> this. We can have this argument the next >> I guess my point is is is that's why we

791
03:44:12.640 --> 03:44:26.479
opted the way we did because the commercial actually gets the hit, you know, more of a hit because they're valued higher, right? >> Correct. Correct. All right. Any further discussion? No. All right. We have a motion on the

792
03:44:26.479 --> 03:44:42.479
floor to approve uh 2026 uh DD05 setting the drainage I'm sorry the acreage assessment at 310 uh for the one hearing date of September 8th by council member Kaine, second by council member Coleman. All those in

793
03:44:42.479 --> 03:45:02.560
favor I I opposed. >> Opposed. Motion passes 41. >> Do you want to talk about um scheduling workshops >> or do you want to add a >> every day that ends in Y? We can have a

794
03:45:02.560 --> 03:45:19.199
workshop. [laughter] >> It will be adapted as >> if we schedule the workshops at our workshop and I'll bring our calendars and everything. >> Yeah, let's plan on doing that. >> Bear with me. I I would like uh obviously FAC to you know be allowed to meet as often as they feel uh a

795
03:45:19.199 --> 03:45:34.720
necessity to do that and are we looking to do a joint fact meeting this year? >> Yeah, I think they >> has that request into you. >> Okay. So, we'll look at those dates um at our July. >> Yeah, maybe if you could let us know before our meeting when the back

796
03:45:34.720 --> 03:45:49.840
meetings is, then we can give them time to meet before we meet. >> There you go. >> I concur. and you meet on the meet the meet and the date. Okay, >> good. All right. So, uh that now brings us to reconvening the town council

797
03:45:49.840 --> 03:46:07.680
meeting at 9:46 p.m. >> Um with agenda item 14. >> Time flies when you're having fun, Paul. Uh agenda item 14 is a discussion item regarding the closure of Lockxahhatche

798
03:46:07.680 --> 03:46:25.040
Avenue at Tangerine Drive. Is this you, Mr. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay, take it away. >> All right. This is the discussion and um direction for the closure of Lockachi A Tangerine Drive. Um as you guys directed, you wanted a the drawings of a

799
03:46:25.040 --> 03:46:39.760
T down at the end of that road. If we did do a road closure there, um myself and Gary did provide the road closure if with the T down at the end for the 50 foot wide. It would go from property

800
03:46:39.760 --> 03:46:55.920
line to property line at the end. Right at the closure, it would give us the 50 feet at the end. Um, this is solely up to you guys. As you know, as I presented before, um, I

801
03:46:55.920 --> 03:47:12.080
don't believe there's that much traffic down there to do a road closure for that road. This is solely up to you guys to give us the direction on this >> uh report reports from the the residents, you know, seem like it's

802
03:47:12.080 --> 03:47:28.000
higher. You know, I'm not here all day. I I know I know I've seen what I've seen. >> I I've seen their vehicles well um you know, I don't know that I see that vehicle there anymore, but I've seen their vehicle with their logo, you know, coming out making a left around the veterinary office on D road and going up

803
03:47:28.000 --> 03:47:44.720
to the light. So, I mean, you know, it's it's it's not the the traffic is not supposed to flow that way. The traffic is supposed to flow to Southern Boulevard. So, um I don't know how else to to, you

804
03:47:44.720 --> 03:48:00.560
know, get that to happen because, you know, that gentleman cannot stand outside his business all day going like that, nope, you got to go this way. You got to go this way. So, um but the 50 foot is achievable. Yes, that's what we have here. >> Because somewhere in our in our in our

805
03:48:00.560 --> 03:48:17.439
code, it calls for a 50 foot. >> That's all we have is 50 ft. >> That's all we have. But somewhere in our code, it calls for a 50ft turnaround. >> This Yeah, this is of the Palm Beach County, their MUC for DOT. That's what they approved for a 50- foot uh te down

806
03:48:17.439 --> 03:48:33.760
the end. So that's what we've proposed as you asked >> and and we have well we could put in place you know uh deadend signs what have you. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Um please be advised that I do believe

807
03:48:33.760 --> 03:48:49.920
in their zoning that this would consist of them opening their other side of their property. >> Why? >> Because they would have to have an exit for fire or any they'd have they are for two exits to come out of that property. they have two exits. >> You would consist them down to one exit.

808
03:48:49.920 --> 03:49:06.080
Say if there was a crash at that road, they would have to be able to exit out of that one property that they they would not open. >> I thought one of the conversations we had was was placing a gate there that was that could be open by fire or whoever in the case of an emergency.

809
03:49:06.080 --> 03:49:23.439
>> Yes. But if you had a car accident and they're blocking that property in or that Lockachi A at Southern Boulevard, fire department guarantee will not to go open that just for an exit for them to go out. They would have they would have Southern

810
03:49:23.439 --> 03:49:43.920
Lawn would have to open up that other exit off the side of their property >> in the event of an emergency >> to have two exits off of their property. They would have to Are you done for now? >> All right, Council Member Kane.

811
03:49:43.920 --> 03:49:58.880
>> Well, first I'd like to say that the traffic issue wasn't necessarily a day-to-day traffic issue. From what I was hearing from residents, it's in particular when there's some kind of a traffic incident on Southern Boulevard. That's when things get really sketchy

812
03:49:58.880 --> 03:50:16.399
there. I'm wondering if the same ends might be reached as were reached at the Solar Sport complex on Bay Road by putting some directional signs and some like turn this way, don't turn that way kind of signs, you know, that really did

813
03:50:16.399 --> 03:50:33.439
work a lot of magic down there as far as alleviating some of the traffic flow issues. So I I well I know that not everybody follows them, but is there an option to do something like a pork chop that's down there? I think that's what it was called, a pork chop and some kind of directional signs that will keep

814
03:50:33.439 --> 03:50:49.520
people from turning that way that would achieve the same goal. >> No, ma'am, not without spending more money widening that whole road. >> Okay. >> We would have to widen that road even more. >> Just a thought. >> Can we that a minimalistic thing? Can we put

815
03:50:49.520 --> 03:51:07.359
can we put signs on the east side of the road that face the and you know this way you know right turn only. >> Correct. We can we can we can imply Yes. >> I I find it interesting that it always ends up and it's not that this applicant

816
03:51:07.359 --> 03:51:23.439
is being picked on, but these things always end up falling on the town and the town taxpayers. And we're just talking about raising everyone's taxes. Um, I I know that western exit was a bone of contention and it was questioned why it was allowed and da da da and

817
03:51:23.439 --> 03:51:40.560
everything else and magic. It it always ends up >> that would be great if there weren't. >> Got to love our plan. >> That would be perfect. It would work perfectly. There's four other houses that you're going to impact. So, >> of course. >> So, uh, any other questions appear on

818
03:51:40.560 --> 03:52:02.800
council comments? Do we have public comments on this? Cassie suchi. >> Thank you, >> Cassie. Um, I question the the what Craig brought up about the extra exit. I mean,

819
03:52:02.800 --> 03:52:19.520
you have this the storage place that has the one that's locked used for fire rescue. Um you have Lockxachi Avenue and what less than 100 ft or whatever how many feet to E- Road is that? So if they have what an accident you have you have

820
03:52:19.520 --> 03:52:35.279
Lockachi Avenue in between two E- Road and D road. So they're going to use the they're going to block traffic and not have I question that if they have to use Lockachi Avenue for ingress egress because there's an accident blocking

821
03:52:35.279 --> 03:52:53.040
what 100 ft to erode or dro. So uh the other question came up was I mean I just I question the validity of those and I like to see the rules and where that applies. I know, like the mayor said, this was a big issue and we were

822
03:52:53.040 --> 03:53:08.640
assured, oh, they're not going to use that. And um once again, here we are. So, um for the sake of the residents, I don't live there, but I wouldn't want to have the traffic going down and through

823
03:53:08.640 --> 03:53:24.479
there of trucks and whatever. So, just make sure you make sure whatever said and if that is true about the accidents where it actually says that because I'd like to see that rule before we make a decision. >> Thank you.

824
03:53:24.479 --> 03:53:44.479
>> Alicia Lewis. >> Good evening, Alicia Lewis. I represent the property owner um of Southern Lawn and I just briefly want I've spoken to you all before about this and we wanted to discuss some potential traffic calming measures. I think everything that you've all brought up during this discussion um are valid options. I would

825
03:53:44.479 --> 03:54:00.560
say that as the representative for the property owner, closing the road completely, even though 50 ft is there and that meets the Palm Beach County standards, that doesn't necessarily meet the fire standards for your town. So, we want to make sure that if we do close

826
03:54:00.560 --> 03:54:15.680
it, that 50 feet is sufficient. If all we have is 50 feet. If it's 55 ft that's needed for a truck to turn around, it it doesn't work. So instead of spending time and you know funds to try to figure out if we can block the road, I'd like

827
03:54:15.680 --> 03:54:31.840
to go with possibly signage um that would typically be handled during the site planning process, but because we're noticing this issue now, I think having maybe a sign that says no through traffic, something to indicate to um a delivery truck, maybe it's their first

828
03:54:31.840 --> 03:54:48.880
time. Yes, they go, you know, through the area, but if they're consistently delivering to the property, then they become more aware. So, it's more of a deterrent and a way of correcting behavior. Um, it's not going to completely fix the problem because you have commercial and residential within the same area. So, there has to be some

829
03:54:48.880 --> 03:55:04.080
type of a compromise. I think the compromises that you've discussed with signage are are valid and I think they are sufficient traffic coming measures that give us an option other than closing the road completely because you are going to deal with FDOT um because of Southern Boulevard. You're going to

830
03:55:04.080 --> 03:55:23.279
deal with landscaping and a lot of different issues that take time to be addressed and approved and money and applications >> landscaping. Well, so if you have any questions, I'd be glad to answer them, but other than that, we we're open to signage, but

831
03:55:23.279 --> 03:55:38.640
closing the road completely, um, as your public works director stated, does create additional problems, although you may feel it's solving one, it's going to turn into some additional problems and funds. So, I think that's a fair compromise, but I'm again happy to

832
03:55:38.640 --> 03:55:57.760
discuss other options. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Council member Stevens. >> Yeah, ma'am. Oh, >> would you wanted to speak with her? >> You had any questions? Was it okay? I mean, I know what it's >> I wasn't sure you were commenting or speaking with her. Okay. >> Still want to get in trouble up here. I don't talk very much. You know, heaven

833
03:55:57.760 --> 03:56:12.000
forbid I should. >> That's why it was unclear what you were doing. >> I set myself up for it. That's >> okay. So, when you talk about uh doing the signs now, are you is that a proposal for the town to pay and put

834
03:56:12.000 --> 03:56:28.560
signs out on the road? And then what if the property owner paid for signs to put on the property as they were pulling? I ride my bike around there five times a day and I watch all the trucks come and I'm dodging them the whole bit. Okay? And I'm where I'm supposed to be. But,

835
03:56:28.560 --> 03:56:44.560
um I mean, is there an option for the property owner to say, "Okay, you know what? I'll put some signs up on, you know, by the sidewalk as you're coming out where it's not a town cost. >> That is an option. I don't want to speak for my client. >> Sure. Of course not. Just throwing out

836
03:56:44.560 --> 03:57:01.520
ideas. And then secondly, um you talk about that other entrance that you guys were kind of bantering back and forth about. Why do they have the west side always closed? >> It is an exit only. That's my understanding. >> Okay. I mean, I've heard that. I just didn't know if that was a set in stone

837
03:57:01.520 --> 03:57:16.720
kind of thing. >> According to their site approval, I believe it is, but I would defer to your director. >> It's kind of like the gate behind the storage unit. >> Yeah. >> Um it was one of the agreements that the property owner did agree with >> that he would keep that west entrance closed.

838
03:57:16.720 --> 03:57:33.120
>> Okay. That's not anything we go back and discuss you want to discuss or bring back up. >> That that was planning and zoning before me. I just knew that was a discussion they had. >> Is it possible we could bring that back up and talk about it? I mean, if it's if it's we're talking about keeping the road open, is that something we could

839
03:57:33.120 --> 03:57:49.040
get back with P&Z and say, "Hey, let's now that we're having these issues." >> So, then you're pushing it on to the the four people to the west. >> Yeah, that's that's that's But again, you got one entrance at the at the storage facility. You got one entrance. >> It's an east and west.

840
03:57:49.040 --> 03:58:04.720
>> Yeah. >> You're saying you're going to four people to the left. you talking about around that >> from from from their location to D road >> on uh I forget the name of that little road there but going down toward the veterinary clinic. There's like three or four houses right there. >> Yeah. >> Didn't you tell me that road [clears throat] did not belong to us

841
03:58:04.720 --> 03:58:19.920
though? We're driving around. What did you tell me? Can you remind me? >> That road actually belongs to Do >> that little dirt road there? >> That little road does not actually truly exist. Oh, did they get it when they did the >> indemnity for

842
03:58:19.920 --> 03:58:36.239
part of the Southern Boulevard deal? >> So, those property owners around that little road right there, do they do they pay into Lockachi Groves or do they pay into somewhere else? When it comes to taxes, >> they pay taxes here. They they belong to us. Okay. >> The roadong the road itself does not

843
03:58:36.239 --> 03:58:51.439
Okay. Yeah. Okay. But to Cassy's point, you know, you got one way in and out of the of the the um storage place and it's it's meant to be able to handle a 18-wheeler. >> You know, the side idea I'm not totally

844
03:58:51.439 --> 03:59:07.359
opposed to, but I don't see why the property owner couldn't invest that money and put the signs up and save us money. >> That's definitely something that >> there's a thought >> that I think I have discussed with the property owner briefly. We haven't gone into detail because we weren't sure if it was something you would accept or

845
03:59:07.359 --> 03:59:23.439
what type of signage would be needed. If it's going to be located on our property, we would typically need to have a site plan amendment possibly. Maybe that's an administrative amendment to the site plan. Um, we would want to work with staff to determine what that signage should say, what you want it to look like. Um, and then my client, I

846
03:59:23.439 --> 03:59:41.199
feel, be happy to negotiate how that that could happen. >> I mean, I know I won't solve it 100%. I think you already said that, but It's a start, but then again, >> well, >> looks like we're going to kick this tail down the down the road one more time. >> I find this very interesting that this

847
03:59:41.199 --> 03:59:56.640
applicant that agreed that none of their traffic would turned left out of there is suddenly so worried about getting the road closed. I I think we just direct them to close the road. I'm good with that. Anybody else?

848
03:59:56.640 --> 04:00:12.319
>> It's a discussion item. >> I'd like to see a copy of the of the site plan. >> Yeah. the approved site plan. >> Karen was going to try since she can grab >> Well, that's I I don't want to hold hold this up any longer. It's 10 o'clock. So, >> we need more information. >> The table is till we get a copy of the

849
04:00:12.319 --> 04:00:29.080
site plan. Maybe the next >> Maybe if you want to send us a proposal for the signs, what what you might do with signs, too. We can look at all >> We all know signs aren't going to work, but thanks. Thanks for the idea. Motion table number four, item 14.

850
04:00:30.399 --> 04:00:46.800
>> I mean, are they gonna bring it back with a dollar figure and we're going to fund it. I mean, what are we going to come back with? >> No, I want to see the site plan, etc. So, >> so we're just gonna bring it back as another discussion item. >> Yeah, another discussion >> details. Okay, >> more details. So, >> if I may, can I ask that you give us a

851
04:00:46.800 --> 04:01:01.600
chance to talk to staff so we can get an idea of what we would be asking for so we can have a cost mind and come back and >> we haven't even come up with what we're asking for. So, >> Okay, understood. Yeah, >> we're looking for compliance with the site plan. That's why I want a copy of the approved site plan

852
04:01:01.600 --> 04:01:17.600
>> because because no matter how many one a day, two a day, one every third day, commercial traffic is not supposed to go down Tangerine. I guarantee you the impact fees, etc. that were assessed on that property were not to to to accommodate commercial traffic going

853
04:01:17.600 --> 04:01:34.319
down Tangerine. >> Much like Solar Sport, if the design had been done to prevent the traffic from turning that way, it wouldn't be happening. >> Aaron, it's very small. Okay. >> You got your glasses on. >> All right. We're going to table. We'll do a flight plan. >> So, uh, when would we like it back? The

854
04:01:34.319 --> 04:01:49.680
August meeting. >> Sure. >> That's fine. >> All right. Bring it back for a date certain. I believe that's August 4th. >> 4th. Thank you. >> Because the expenditure is so low, he just needs consensus to go forward, right? >> All right. >> Correct. >> Thank you for your work. Extended or is

855
04:01:49.680 --> 04:02:05.359
it 10:30? >> 10:30. >> What's the extension? >> 10:30 is the deadline. >> We're done real quick with this one. So this is moving on to discussion item 15 and I believe

856
04:02:05.359 --> 04:02:24.640
>> there was an additional supplement. >> Is that true? >> Yeah, we had so many papers handed out. >> This is a discussion of my contract. I am under contract until January 31st of 2027.

857
04:02:24.640 --> 04:02:42.560
Um, I have a present interest and intent on fulfilling obligations under the contract. Um, and uh would welcome the opportunity to

858
04:02:42.560 --> 04:02:59.760
discuss with you um prior to the budget and all those things so that it's fair to everybody. Um, informance with each of you and uh whether or not

859
04:02:59.760 --> 04:03:17.199
the relationship can continue. That's there is not there's not an obligation on my part to give you um a certain amount of notice um other than with respect to

860
04:03:17.199 --> 04:03:35.120
the uh if I was to uh to resign, it's a 60 days notice. Um, but I would ha be happy to provide you um notice of whether I am intending on serving or

861
04:03:35.120 --> 04:03:53.279
would like to have the opportunity to serve uh beyond January 31st um under any reasonable time that you need so that uh you can make a decision if that's something that you're interested in um and uh we and uh move

862
04:03:53.279 --> 04:04:09.279
forward in an orderly fashion. >> And then mayor, I just also want to bring up um you know, per your direction for agenda review, you asked us to reach out to firms um regarding letters of interest. We received one from TG Law and from NER.

863
04:04:09.279 --> 04:04:26.160
And um Miss Lewis is here from NA um Alicia Lewis is here from Nason Jagger. I hope I'm pronouncing that correctly. If you should have any questions regarding the the letters of interest. Thank you. Uh I think this goes beyond the discussion of the contract. I think

864
04:04:26.160 --> 04:04:43.760
going to the in-house model and then as we come into our budget uh discussions, it was paramount that this come forward at this time. Uh so and council had directed contracts coming forward 6 months in advance. So I think it's kind of a a bit more than just a a contract

865
04:04:43.760 --> 04:05:00.160
discussion. And I think we also discussed in the in the agenda review meeting that we look at are we dedicating enough resources uh to the in-house model and and what are the deliverables and you know what are we getting for the money that we're spending now uh and are we are we

866
04:05:00.160 --> 04:05:17.279
meeting you know our needs uh from that level. So um anybody have comments beyond what we've been provided here? No, I think you hit it on the on the button there. We said we want them six months ahead. Any large contracts,

867
04:05:17.279 --> 04:05:35.680
whatever, you know, we that's the direction we gave. >> Okay. >> The mark. >> All right. >> I was going to Can I speak? Are you done, Paul? >> No, I'm done. >> Okay. Um, I was just going to say, uh,

868
04:05:35.680 --> 04:05:51.680
yes, we we experimented with this in-house model this year to see how how we thought it worked. But, um, I think that to get a true assessment of how it worked. I think we all have like our feelings or what we think or what, you

869
04:05:51.680 --> 04:06:08.160
know, we think might be evident, but I think that it might be prudent before we make a decision moving forward of whether to stick with the in-house model or go back to the the big firm model. Um maybe if we all met one-on-one with Mr. hurts and had a conversation with him.

870
04:06:08.160 --> 04:06:25.359
Sort of like a um you know, maybe a review or or an assessment of his of how we each individually think he did and and get some feedback from him. Um before we make a decision, um I think that resource allocation has been a been

871
04:06:25.359 --> 04:06:40.960
a big issue. Um, and I do think that it's really free to do this before the budgeting process because we know that going with a firm is going to be probably a little bit more expensive. So, >> I think also Vice Mayor Sud asked for uh

872
04:06:40.960 --> 04:06:58.880
I believe any outstanding did you ask for that in the agenda review? A list of outstanding things that town council was waiting to receive. I know we're still waiting for quarterly report. Um, and now we're in the next quarter, finished the next quarter. So, uh, that that

873
04:06:58.880 --> 04:07:16.080
would be a great suggestion. It is to, uh, note that I believe Mr. Curts, you're away after this evening, basically until July 20th, correct? >> Um, yes, I'll be I'll be attending a um

874
04:07:16.080 --> 04:07:32.080
Florida Municipal Attorney's Association conference um beginning on uh Thursday. Um, I'll travel uh tomorrow afternoon. Um, and then I'm on vacation next uh

875
04:07:32.080 --> 04:07:47.840
week. I'm scheduled I will appear by Zoom before the planning and zoning board meeting. And uh >> when is planning and zoning? I'm sorry. >> Planning zoning board meeting is on >> July 14th. >> July 14. >> 14. Okay. Thank you.

876
04:07:47.840 --> 04:08:04.399
Um, and if necessary, I I will zoom into the code enforcement board meeting which is scheduled for that same day, I think, >> July 14th and 9th. >> All right. Did do we get a list of of things that are outstanding?

877
04:08:04.399 --> 04:08:22.000
>> That list is is forthcoming. Um, I'm waiting to hear back from a couple of departments and also I need to um find out from Val if she has anything outstanding. Well, I know myself as the mayor, I haven't signed, but I believe one contract. So, um I I don't know. I

878
04:08:22.000 --> 04:08:38.880
know there was uh contracts that had lapsed. There was contracts that were previously approved dating back as far as December that uh still have not been executed. So, uh that that's an ongoing issue for me. Um any other council

879
04:08:38.880 --> 04:08:55.359
members have have concerns about what's outstanding? what we're waving. >> I think uh we we need the town manager to share some commentary on what is her take. I think last time we discussed she's going to walk us through the major

880
04:08:55.359 --> 04:09:10.239
contracts or issues or matters that are in front of the town and let us know where she believes is the delay or the bottleneck. So I think we need I was hoping she will provide some report but maybe next time.

881
04:09:10.239 --> 04:09:26.960
So, we want uh for this future discussion, we want >> Yeah. >> more information from the manager. >> Yeah. Town manager to provide >> and hopefully one-on-one meetings to ask our questions and >> I I think um you know, council, I'm

882
04:09:26.960 --> 04:09:43.840
sorry, Council Kurts, you could provide us with whether you're getting enough resources um to to get the job done so we can really compare apples to apples. Uh, so I know we've had a lot of uh [clears throat] agenda delays on these

883
04:09:43.840 --> 04:10:00.479
um items and that's been an ongoing issue for staff trying to get these deadlines met and council, you know, getting the information prior to sitting up here and trying to review on the fly. So, uh, are we certain that we don't

884
04:10:00.479 --> 04:10:17.520
need any kind of legal coverage during your absence? I mean, are we going to get any items for >> workshop that are going to be delayed? I mean, obviously, we don't really have agenda items for a workshop, but >> I don't I don't anticipate there'll be

885
04:10:17.520 --> 04:10:35.840
any problem. I will be available. Um the uh conference is actually sometimes places. >> Okay. Uh, and I would suggest since we've gotten a couple of outside law firms that have reached out, um, obviously we have one here. Um, and I

886
04:10:35.840 --> 04:10:50.720
believe, didn't you come and speak with us prior to? Yes. Our our budget decision last year. Maybe, you know, if anybody has a desire to reach out to these folks and have any questions for them that as we move this discussion forward um, into the budgeting, we we've

887
04:10:50.720 --> 04:11:06.560
got all the details we need. So, so is that is that clear enough? Clear as mud. So, a little more a little more detail from the in-house model, a little more >> detail from the manager and any outstanding items. I guess we'll be receiving that information. >> So, we look forward to making informed

888
04:11:06.560 --> 04:11:22.960
decisions on that. >> And uh thank those folks that have uh been willing to step up yet again to to try and be counsel should we make that decision. And that brings me I believe

889
04:11:22.960 --> 04:11:38.880
>> it's not a mayor. We have a public comment. Oh, great. Thank you. Tracy Rafflowitz, jump in there, Gabby. >> Tracy, you do >> Kathy tonight. >> She must have drank a lot of coffee. >> I know. >> Coffee. >> A year ago, the town went from the

890
04:11:38.880 --> 04:11:54.239
outside legal to an in-house town attorney. >> Questions that I have. What measurable cost savings have been realized since transitioning to an in-house town attorney? Since the town transitioned from outside council to an in-house town attorney model, could staff provide a

891
04:11:54.239 --> 04:12:10.560
full legal cost comparison showing total legal expenditures before and after the transition, including salary, benefits, FRS, insurance, professional dues, outside counsel, litigation cost, special counsel, and any legal related

892
04:12:10.560 --> 04:12:26.160
consulting, as well as the added employee that was needed to help with the in-house attorney, which goes with all the other benefits as well. Has the annual performance evaluation required by the employment agreement been completed? Has the town reduced its reliance on

893
04:12:26.160 --> 04:12:42.319
outside firms or are outside firm still handling handling a significant amount of legal work? Is the current staffing model producing faster turnaround times and better legal support for council and staff?

894
04:12:42.319 --> 04:12:57.600
The 2025 legal fee and analysis identified delays, shifting priorities, late agenda submissions, and contract drafting inefficiencies as drivers of the legal costs. Have those processes issue have have those process issues

895
04:12:57.600 --> 04:13:12.399
improved under the in-house model? And are there any measurable performance metrics showing faster turnaround, fewer outside council cost, or reduced total legal spending? Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other public comments?

896
04:13:12.399 --> 04:13:29.120
Alicia Lewis speak. >> All right. So, I think we have uh the information we need to see more info when when it comes back. So, that brings me to staff comments. I believe you're

897
04:13:29.120 --> 04:13:53.520
>> up. Well, that's >> that's under staff comments. >> I just saw the item number. >> Yes. Yes. Mr. Lower. pass me outside from the past. >> As council requested, um we did get

898
04:13:53.520 --> 04:14:11.720
comments from our town civil engineer and from Simmonson's White as well. This is the report from e both of them. Both of them uh recommend leaving the WL lines on our newly paved roads coming up. >> Of course we do. >> Yes. Yes.

899
04:14:13.920 --> 04:14:29.760
>> They both they both stated their safety concerns in it. Um >> did did you ask them to drive down any of the roads that are so narrow that drives down our roads to do all >> our civil engineer? >> Gary Gary road norm.

900
04:14:29.760 --> 04:14:46.399
>> Gary drives down all the roads to go. >> Gary's not a traffic engineer though. >> No ma'am. So we asked Gary and then we'd asked our >> Simmons and White. with white as well. Um they we gave them the you know I gave them all our plans for paving

901
04:14:46.399 --> 04:15:01.600
for all our new paving projects everything sent the whole ITP everything from our paving projects and this is what they returned back to us for Simmons and White. >> Okay. So yeah, they had the whole >> they knew exactly what Okay,

902
04:15:01.600 --> 04:15:16.560
>> I respectfully disagree with Gary Ed Simmons and West >> and and feel exactly the opposite of what they're saying is the case that those double yellow lines down the middle of roads that are not wide enough

903
04:15:16.560 --> 04:15:31.040
to accommodate two pickup trucks with mirrors that stick out to here for horse trailers. And I having had mine taken off by somebody coming next to me on a double yellow lined road. I think that when you don't have the lines, it

904
04:15:31.040 --> 04:15:48.880
creates the courtesy and the slowing down when you're approaching somebody and that with the volume of traffic we have that the sensible thing to do is leave the damn lines out. That's it. I I go along with that. So

905
04:15:48.880 --> 04:16:05.199
>> I I think we >> consensus is no lines. They must have been going >> they must have been going south on zero. >> Not for state than a telephone. >> Not you know >> solid liquid. Solid liquid. I don't

906
04:16:05.199 --> 04:16:20.000
know. >> And putting a guardrail up doesn't solve the situation either. So I mean it actually I think would draw somebody farther into that >> guardrail. We' have to fill in more of the canal anyway. >> Yeah. So, >> no. >> I I do think that if we would go forward

907
04:16:20.000 --> 04:16:37.199
with eliminating lines, particularly in some of the narrower sections of these um gaps that we're filling in. >> So, I'm so >> uh I think that the signage has to definitely be, you know, proceed with

908
04:16:37.199 --> 04:16:52.399
caution, single lane ahead, you know, yield to canal side. I think all that signage and I'm and I'm sure the traffic engineers would agree that if you're going to eliminate the yellow double stripey where there's really not two lanes that they would say the signage

909
04:16:52.399 --> 04:17:08.960
would have to be in place. So, can you reach back out to them and ask them if if council so chose to respectfully disagree >> with their their professional opinion that what signage would they recommend at minimum to to move that forward? I

910
04:17:08.960 --> 04:17:25.120
know we have a little bit of time still, right? I don't know what time you're planning to pave. >> Um, we're looking, we just finished prepping Bolsome yes or today. >> So, they're looking to do the next three sections within a couple weeks. >> Okay. And you said there's about a 3

911
04:17:25.120 --> 04:17:40.399
week curing time, correct? For for paving before striping. So, we still have a little time, but thank you for getting that so quickly. >> Can we wash the old signs off? Do we still have those? A little elbow grease. >> Yeah. >> Little little turtle wax. Look good as new. So the my question is to council,

912
04:17:40.399 --> 04:17:56.239
you're wanting to remove them off the new roads. What is your recommendations for all roads? >> I'd love to see them all go away eventually. But that there's a cost that that is a cost. >> That's a county anyway >> except for B South. B South's the only

913
04:17:56.239 --> 04:18:12.640
one that's regulation because >> Yeah, >> that was all made for Publix. So Right. >> Yeah. >> But yeah, there would be a cost to we have to go out there and grind them all off. have a company come and grind it off. >> They go that far. Let them wear off. >> Do you have a propane torch you can borrow? >> I was going to say that doesn't take

914
04:18:12.640 --> 04:18:28.239
thermal. >> That's how they do it. That's how they do it on turn bike. You see them guys? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I don't think we should spend money removing them. Let's just let them wear off, but let's not put them down for the future. >> Amen. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> And that's direction for double yellow

915
04:18:28.239 --> 04:18:44.640
leaving the white lines on the outside. >> Yes. >> I believe those are helpful when it's dark. >> Yeah. But any >> except when except when the sand comes down from the burm and covers it up and all >> people drive >> that's don't forward and say I need one of those sweepy trucks now too

916
04:18:44.640 --> 04:19:02.319
>> they make the attachment for tractors >> do they make hay with those things too just you know multi-use kind of thing you can make some hay with it >> no that's a whole different machine [laughter] sift all out the dirt >> exactly anything else on your com

917
04:19:02.319 --> 04:19:17.760
>> Oh man Um, I did wanted to bring up in a comment that FRO and Kerry will be closing the road tomorrow for them to install the 18-inch culbert pipes crossing from Brian's over the old pipes that are under the roadway under FORO.

918
04:19:17.760 --> 04:19:33.520
Um, FRO will be getting closed tomorrow from we're starting at 9:00 and you know hoping to be done before 5, but the time frame will be from like a 9 to 5 all day. >> Yes, ma'am. road south of Okachobee. South of Brian.

919
04:19:33.520 --> 04:19:49.920
>> It's at Brian where Brian crosses Cary Lane. >> So, will they be able to turn onto Brian if they go and end up finding themselves >> to turn them before? >> Okay. >> So, that they'll actually Brian they'll have to go out to Folsam. They're coming up. They're going to put detour signs before that. So, they'll kick out

920
04:19:49.920 --> 04:20:07.439
>> closed between Okachobee and Brian. >> Okachobee. Yeah. >> Not Brian and Casey. Oh my god. >> There's too many of those little roads over there. Jumping at >> Brian Casey. What's the the deal? >> Yeah, it would be Casey. So, so if you were coming going northbound, you would

921
04:20:07.439 --> 04:20:24.560
be deterred onto Casey. >> Okay. So, between Brian and Casey, it will be closed, >> right? >> Okay. Thank you. Close. Yes, ma'am. >> And that is just for tomorrow, >> correct? >> All right. Super. Thank you. Nothing

922
04:20:24.560 --> 04:20:40.239
else? >> No, ma'am. >> All right. Town Attorney Curt's comments. >> Talked a lot tonight. I'm done. [laughter] >> All right. Uh, Miss White sitting in for uh, Miss Oaks and

923
04:20:40.239 --> 04:20:57.439
>> just wanted to thank the mayor and council member Stevens for the Fourth of July goodies for staff. >> Much appreciated. Really appreciate you guys. The staff appreciated it. So, thank you so very much. And then just to reiterate, um Valerie is going to be um

924
04:20:57.439 --> 04:21:12.720
availability will be, you know, limited during this time. So anything that you guys need, just please reach out to me and I'll get it filtered and get the responses that you guys need if I'm >> minimize her her distractions during this time. And um public works ended up

925
04:21:12.720 --> 04:21:28.000
I believe with double the calories. I mean, did you guys get Okay. Cuz they messed up my order. It's very nice of cookie bouquet. Anybody? They were great and they messed up their order. They they came through it through. So, >> everyone likes calories. >> I didn't get anything.

926
04:21:28.000 --> 04:21:45.199
>> I'm allergic to calories, but that's a whole another story. >> I'm clearly not. So, >> I have a very bad reaction. No, my clothes don't fit anymore. All right. >> There are some leftover cookies on the seat. I said it was all stress. >> All right. Council member Stevens, it's your chance to talk.

927
04:21:45.199 --> 04:22:00.560
>> One more staff member. >> Oh, she's not on the list. >> I'm only going by the list. Wait a second. Let me leave Karen off the list. >> Two things. Uh, one is I just want to let everybody know starting July 1st, you can renew your BTRs for the next

928
04:22:00.560 --> 04:22:15.359
year. >> It's not >> not fun. >> Oh, I'm not saying >> and these are aligning with the land use as we talked about. >> No, the business tax. >> Oh, I know what you're talking about. >> Under state statute. No, you're correct.

929
04:22:15.359 --> 04:22:30.560
Discussion with that. [laughter] But um it's rhetoric just it's between now and September you are entitled to go ahead. We are putting it on social media and on our website to let everybody know >> uh and it's all electronic now. >> We don't accept paper. We don't accept

930
04:22:30.560 --> 04:22:45.040
emails. It's all renewals in our online program >> through the portal. >> So we're going to make it more efficient and effective and make it easier for everybody. They can do it 247. They got any questions, they certainly can call staff. Um the second item I wanted to

931
04:22:45.040 --> 04:23:03.760
talk about is um the uldc committee. Their topics are supposed to be generated from the town council. Gosh, that was in my comments. Did you >> I have got a meeting coming up on Monday because they just concluded the line of sight discussion. So, I wanted to give

932
04:23:03.760 --> 04:23:18.640
the council the opportunity to provide direction to me and to the committee since they're meeting next Monday on topics that you would like us to investigate. >> Well, I got one right here. >> Okay. It's in my comments, but you're stealing my thunder. >> Sorry.

933
04:23:18.640 --> 04:23:36.159
>> Uh, I would like to get some consensus from my fellow council members. I would like the ULDC to start potentially in conjunction with the rec gag. I always say that wrong, but whatever. um to to start exploring the concept of the linear trails and how we might get that

934
04:23:36.159 --> 04:23:52.640
moving sooner rather than later. >> If everybody else agrees with that, >> I think everybody's been trying to get that going. >> We've been trying to get that going. It's going nowhere. So, I think let's give it to them and get it started though because we have to have something

935
04:23:52.640 --> 04:24:08.560
in the we have to have a resolution or some ordinance in the code that states that that's what that is. Is that I'm just Trying to understand though. >> Well, I think there was discussion that there isn't a parks designation. >> There isn't a park. >> So, would that be something that we would have to

936
04:24:08.560 --> 04:24:23.680
>> correct? >> Um, >> that's where it starts. >> Create >> to make that the case even if it's in our right way. >> When I was I said didn't say it that way. That's we need a resolution ordinance that puts that into play inside the Yeah.

937
04:24:23.680 --> 04:24:41.040
>> So, I would like them to start doing that. So, get that project on the road. Can I add one more comment here? So, does the preserving Okichchobee Boulevard as a two-lane highway, like putting stop signs or roundabouts and

938
04:24:41.040 --> 04:24:56.880
whatnot, does it come under uldc? Studying how to preserve Okichchobee as a rural road, does it come under their preview? >> I wouldn't think so. ULDC is supposed to

939
04:24:56.880 --> 04:25:13.199
be looking at code amendments and things like that. >> Who who should we give that task to to come up with some sort of budget or suggestions on how we do that? Whose job is this to do that >> within uh amongst the committees? >> Yeah, any committee who can study that

940
04:25:13.199 --> 04:25:29.199
uh particular area. >> Um but if you're talking about roadways, there's one with roadways in the name of it. >> Yeah, that would probably end up being Recac the roadway and equestrians. But the town does have some control over Okachobee and I believe that was a

941
04:25:29.199 --> 04:25:46.000
question I had posed to you Mr. Curts regarding um striping. We have control over signage and we have control over speed limits. So one one could argue that signs includes the ones that are octagonal that say

942
04:25:46.000 --> 04:26:03.279
stop on them just as a possibility. >> Yeah. [laughter] on those lines again that's >> perhaps so but no I don't think a committee would do that that that would probably be us >> so

943
04:26:03.279 --> 04:26:20.080
>> all right thank you >> I will work on some things to make >> so the direction I hear is let's start looking at the linear trails how do we get that moving whatever the language is >> the process to get it accomplished >> where we need easement still because

944
04:26:20.080 --> 04:26:36.239
there's still a lot of sections we don't have easements for. So >> yeah, I think I think more so for ULDC, it's probably taking a look at whether or not the code sections provide for the designation and and those kind of things. Taking a look at it from that perspective.

945
04:26:36.239 --> 04:26:51.279
>> Great. Thank you everybody. >> Um one second madam mayor, may I concur when she was saying the committees um as of your workshop rec um Ashley Bruce will be bringing their um pillars to you. >> Oh, good. for your workshop.

946
04:26:51.279 --> 04:27:05.040
>> Yes. So, they're going to go out there. They're meeting this this month and then your workshop is the following meeting. They're going to >> combine everything together so that she can put a presentation together for you guys for at the workshop. >> Great. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am.

947
04:27:05.040 --> 04:27:24.880
>> All right. Now, Council Member Stevens, >> very quickly on the corner of Okachobee and uh Folsome and I'm Craig, you and Karen. Um, is that Zlock Locky Grow is where it makes that bend right there. >> Which corner? >> Um, where that chain link fence is

948
04:27:24.880 --> 04:27:40.720
falling down over the sidewalk. >> Yes, the chain link fence is town, but the sidewalk is not the town. >> Correct. But >> correct, >> somebody's going to get hurt and that somebody's going to be me. So, I'm just throwing that out there. So, I'm dodging that thing just about every day.

949
04:27:40.720 --> 04:27:56.000
>> I don't know if there's anything we can do there. Get with the property owner, but it's it's getting pretty bad. that chain leak fence. Um, I guess at one point it would had or has the metal that you would have put bob wire across the top and those are really fallen falling over.

950
04:27:56.000 --> 04:28:11.199
>> And I mean >> we would just have to we'd have code they can code and code go and force a fence on them. >> Okay. Am I correct? >> Souththeast southwest corner which >> it's this would be the southwest corner of Folsam and Okri Boulevard property

951
04:28:11.199 --> 04:28:26.080
there. It's more on the foulome side that that where it's coming over the sidewalk and it's just >> correct. >> And I and I see I see, you know, moms and strollers and things like that out there all the time when I'm riding around or driving around and I was like, man, it's only a matter of time. Somebody's going to get cut pretty bad

952
04:28:26.080 --> 04:28:42.720
out there. So anyway, all right, that said, uh what? Happy birthday to Gabby. Happy birthday to you. Belated happy birthday to Madame Mayor. Um prayers for Valerie and her family. Uh Mr. Curts, please be very safe on your on your

953
04:28:42.720 --> 04:28:58.239
journeys. Uh to my friend 91, thank you for stepping up today and thank you council for a great night. >> Thank you, Council Member Kaine. >> Well, my ULDC comment got stolen. So um and move to a different place. But I

954
04:28:58.239 --> 04:29:14.239
also would like to um get some consensus that we need some by on the FAAC meeting scheduling for this budgeting process because this happens every year is we talk about it. We talk about having a joint meeting and we talk about that

955
04:29:14.239 --> 04:29:29.760
they're going to get to meet and then they get to meet like one time two days before we have to make this budget decision on September 8th. So, I would like to propose that Gabby, you're doing the scheduling of stuff, right? I would like to propose

956
04:29:29.760 --> 04:29:45.920
that we give a by when of uh July 17th that Gabby you get with Tracy and schedule those meetings and get

957
04:29:45.920 --> 04:30:01.600
those docu that by the 17th that you have a schedule in place for at least two budget meetings with your documents all into you and perhaps that the second one if you guys think you're ready that it be a joint meeting and meet with us.

958
04:30:01.600 --> 04:30:20.000
Um >> well then maybe you'll need two meetings and then meet with us. But you let us know but that you get that like these meetings Gabby get scheduled by the 17th because I don't want them to fall through the uh cracks any longer. So,

959
04:30:20.000 --> 04:30:35.520
um, and then I share with Joe, thank you for sharing all of our sentiments and thank you staff once again for a fabulous meeting. And that's all I have to say. >> Thank you, uh, Council Member Coleman.

960
04:30:35.520 --> 04:30:50.239
>> Yeah, thanks Joe. Um, stole stole my thunder. >> Um, very succinct. >> Yeah. Yeah, exactly. It was very um I just like to say it, you know, I I don't think any of us up here take

961
04:30:50.239 --> 04:31:07.600
this budget season and the possible, you know, maintaining the millage rate, which does raise taxes next year because of value, whatever. We we don't take this lightly. It's not, you know, I I think we're trying to figure out how to

962
04:31:07.600 --> 04:31:22.960
give back to the to the reserve. We're trying to have figure out how to fix or provide a new building for public works so nothing falls on our staff um AC units, things like that and and grant

963
04:31:22.960 --> 04:31:39.760
writers. And I mean and again to a couple points that we heard tonight, you know, when you apply for these grants, a lot of them they need engineering, they need uh matching funds, things like that. So this is, you know, so it's all has to go into into play. And I I don't think any

964
04:31:39.760 --> 04:31:56.560
of us take that too lightly. Um so just uh everybody pray for us as we go through the next couple of months cuz it's fun. All right. Thanks and have a good night everyone. >> Thank you Vice Mayor Sud. >> Thank you staff. We appreciate you working hard and all the residents who

965
04:31:56.560 --> 04:32:13.680
are still here. I would like to request consensus on the following items. Uh could we have the road paving schedule posted on our website? Many residents have asked for such information. For example, what's happening on you know certain sections of the roads that are

966
04:32:13.680 --> 04:32:30.000
already approved. So is it okay with you have a consensus to direct the town manager or someone responsible to publish the road paving schedule on the website? Yeah, I I think there's only a in collecting and then the few segments

967
04:32:30.000 --> 04:32:46.239
>> that is that's a practice. Publish it. Publish people know this is approved. It's being scheduled under contract tentative date. >> Yeah. My only concern is right is that we put the dates in as tentative because a lot of times the road scheduling really delayed. >> Yeah. Yeah. Because we're battling rain

968
04:32:46.239 --> 04:33:01.359
right now. >> Oh my god. We pro >> everything. >> Is that okay? >> Yes. Thank you. Second, could we direct the staff to create a button on our

969
04:33:01.359 --> 04:33:16.240
website where you can submit complaints or issues one button and they can see their issues online and then what's happening with their issue also online. So they don't have to call they don't like I like that idea that you are now collecting payments online but just make

970
04:33:16.240 --> 04:33:33.279
the whole complaint process uh online. I I think you have a product already that is being used in certain sections of the website. The last time I spoke with the town's manager, I was told that she's going to look at the back end be the processing, but could we

971
04:33:33.279 --> 04:33:49.600
agree to give that direction to complete that comp to have that button on our website where town residents can submit their complaints? >> Yeah. >> Not call it a complaint. >> Whatever issue, whatever. Yeah. No. >> Yeah. Issue >> strong suggestion button. Yeah, they're

972
04:33:49.600 --> 04:34:05.840
negative because they be positive. Absolutely. A great job they have. But I think survey monkey and a number of a number of ways that you can go about that with a guy calling it a >> as a DR judge. Trust me, the complaints far outweigh.

973
04:34:05.840 --> 04:34:20.959
>> No. So, for example, somebody saw a big hole in front of their, you know, driveway. I mean, that's a serious issue. They want to register. >> But that's not I I would I would say I would say that's not where you take that concern. I think that's fine to put in. >> No, after just saying that let's collect

974
04:34:20.959 --> 04:34:36.959
if the their canals have not moved properly, they have beads growing up, they have port holes, let them submit that issue on issue. You can call it an issue. Oh, yes, they can submit cont. >> I think it's fine to to add it. I think there are some issues with the templates

975
04:34:36.959 --> 04:34:53.439
that are available for the website. I think they're limited as to how they can generate those buttons. >> Figure that out. >> There's a few different places. >> Yeah, there it's limited. Yeah, >> with with the package we have so do that. Tell us how we're >> can bring it forward. >> Um, just just so you guys know, on the

976
04:34:53.439 --> 04:35:09.439
website there is a section that says report a concern. Um, it's has a few topics but not just like a general concern so to speak. So it has like you know report a pothole, a website issue, drainage, a covert, a missing or down

977
04:35:09.439 --> 04:35:24.959
signage, grading issues or watering issues. That's what it's limited to right now. Could you make that available on the main page like a button and you can add more but let's make that visible in the workflow. Let's say if I submitted that issue >> how do I know what happened on that

978
04:35:24.959 --> 04:35:41.199
issue? Do you send an email or do can I see online what's the status of >> okay I understand >> something like that >> okay >> then the next thing is uh this is our annual budget time so I request all the residents to come forward with your ask

979
04:35:41.199 --> 04:35:57.520
if somebody wants road payment paved or port hole fixed or lack of service this is the time to come forward and put your comments in. Uh I would also request and this is probably a need your consensus. Uh we have assets in the field. We have

980
04:35:57.520 --> 04:36:14.480
10 12 whatever number of people in the field doing different duties. Can they observe certain issues like flooding? Right now when the you know rain happens there are certain roads that are flooding. There are certain potholes. There are overgrowth or whatever those issues are. We shouldn't ask we

981
04:36:14.480 --> 04:36:30.400
shouldn't wait for residents to report it. If your people are there and if they see something bad is happening, can they just come back and report that? Self-report, whatever you want to call it, can we please have your people in the field self does?

982
04:36:30.400 --> 04:36:45.600
>> They do. >> Yes, our staff does report back to us. >> Where do I see that list of issues like when they report it? So, I don't want to duplicate if somebody Hey, you already took care of this issue. So I don't have to do you have a list that is visible of

983
04:36:45.600 --> 04:37:00.480
that sort of things. >> We make an internal list inside of my office on a whiteboard. My staff is instructed if they have any problem any issues that they see in the field they come to my office and they write it to me. >> Is the intention to understand that it's already been reported to staff

984
04:37:00.480 --> 04:37:15.199
>> intention is the visibility to the public. Meaning in other words like remember like you have a public can submit an issue online. I'm saying when they register that issue make that list also available to the public so they see what issues they have already

985
04:37:15.199 --> 04:37:31.840
discovered. So so for example you've already discovered flooding on certain roads. So rather than people getting agitated to town is not doing anything they know that you have already flagged this as an issue and it gives comfort to those people that you are on it. So I would have to say certain roads if you

986
04:37:31.840 --> 04:37:49.039
took ABC or you took ABCDE E there's no easements on those paved roads. So for what water standing on the paved roads there's nothing that the town can actually do to get rid of that water but that's okay. So you put a comment. >> I think I understand. You just want

987
04:37:49.039 --> 04:38:05.279
people to be aware that the town is aware of it. >> I'm aware of it and you can put a status update or a comment and say we are aware and because of the easement we can't do anything. Whatever that status is, you can put certain comments. >> Could you please make that list visible to public?

988
04:38:05.279 --> 04:38:21.920
>> It would be a monstrous if you're talking water standing on the side of road. There's no drainage on side of any paved road out here except for A and B road. >> Look, Craig, it's solution answer. Maybe we can't do anything, but just make it visible that you know you're aware of

989
04:38:21.920 --> 04:38:36.799
this issue. >> Okay. >> Okay. All right. Uh I think uh this issue I heard two or three times. Can we who is responsible to explore with Wellington if our kids of our town can go and attend their schools? Who would?

990
04:38:36.799 --> 04:38:53.520
>> They can. My daughter went to Wellington High School. No, no, but I think >> I'm just saying my daughter went to Wellington High School. Our kids can go if they qualify, if they get in with a program just like they can go to Jupiter or they can go to Bo. I understand what you're saying, but it's a school board rule. So, it's a school.

991
04:38:53.520 --> 04:39:09.279
>> It's about redistricting. >> That's a schoolboard thing. It's not a county thing. >> No, no, I'm not asking about >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Is there is re maybe you you can ask for >> Yes, we have to ask for certain geograph geographical district to be covered.

992
04:39:09.279 --> 04:39:25.680
Could we explore that please? If it is up is if that option is available, we should allow our kids to go to the nearest school whatever that is. So who would explore such a thing with Wellington? >> Well, >> it's the school board.

993
04:39:25.680 --> 04:39:42.638
>> It's the school board that makes those determinations. Could we write a letter to them to explore such a thing? >> I'll report on this. It's part of my meeting with the with the county commissioner. So, >> you're already on it. >> Yeah. I'm not I'm not sure I'm on it, but I'll report. >> Oh, but I heard.

994
04:39:42.638 --> 04:39:59.920
>> Good. As long as somebody's on. >> Second. >> Yes. >> Okay. We have a motion to extend the meeting. >> Second. All those in favor? I >> opposed. >> We talked about all this. So I think the

995
04:39:59.920 --> 04:40:16.080
last point I would like to ask is what's happening on the town manager investigation. Could somebody give us an update what's going on on that one? Thank you. >> I will try to briefly explain this um vice mayor suit as I um as much as I

996
04:40:16.080 --> 04:40:32.000
can. I know they are um in process of I believe they have spoken with everyone um I believe with the exception Mr. Curts. Um they are trying to set up the meeting um the final meeting for that and I and get back with you guys. I can

997
04:40:32.000 --> 04:40:47.040
also follow up with Miss Simpson tomorrow so she can provide you guys with an update. >> Why Mr. Curts? Are you you're not are you taking fifth or something or you didn't just get the shine yet? The first time I was um requested to speak with

998
04:40:47.040 --> 04:41:03.360
them was today and they asked for three o'clock. >> Okay. Um, and I asked uh what was it about and how much time it would take given the fact that we had the the meeting. Um, and uh I think the last

999
04:41:03.360 --> 04:41:21.520
call in on this was me to to them. So >> So we're trying to No, I have not. I mean, I've talked to I've talked to their assistant. They're trying to set up a meeting. Um, and it's just a matter of time, but the first request I got was probably about noon today or so.

1000
04:41:21.520 --> 04:41:37.840
I believe just double check was failing. Let me check my >> That's okay. Progress. >> It's in process. And what I will do, Vice Mayor Sud, I will reach out to Miss Simpson tomorrow and ask her to send um all of council an update. >> Thank you.

1001
04:41:37.840 --> 04:41:54.878
>> I appreciate Thank you. Uh so, couple things. I did meet with the county commissioner, Mayor Sarah Baxter. I believe it was last Tuesday. Uh, one of the things that was brought up was the the school redistricting. Um, they are

1002
04:41:54.878 --> 04:42:09.840
looking at it through uh her staff level. Um, she also expressed some of the concerns with the closure of 140th and and some of the people at that end of town, you know, not having access that was direct. And so hopefully we'll

1003
04:42:09.840 --> 04:42:25.600
get some some word back on that. Uh, I would like to also announce that the staff has uh a lovely flyer up. Thank you staff for volunteering for the upcoming 20th anniversary event. Um I'm sure council member Kane had something

1004
04:42:25.600 --> 04:42:39.920
to do with that. So um I sent out out a little link today in in my newsletter. So there is a link uh available to provide sign up forms for volunteers and people that are willing to do that and I hope we see a lot of people doing that.

1005
04:42:39.920 --> 04:42:57.840
That would be great. Uh, so I will get you a full report on what uh, Council, I'm sorry, County Commissioner Mayor Sarah Baxter and I discussed as soon as I can. I had a question about state appropriation money that we run the

1006
04:42:57.840 --> 04:43:13.760
gauntlet and we got some money. Uh, I believe that's for phase three uh, canal bank uh, stabilization, restoration, whatever it's called. Yes. Is it possible to um focus those funds on the

1007
04:43:13.760 --> 04:43:29.920
water control structures along Okchobee? I think it could be argued that by getting the water stabilized um from north to south a little bit more that some of that canal bank stabil stabilization would occur. So, I'm just curious if that

1008
04:43:29.920 --> 04:43:45.600
>> we'll we'll take a look at it just about any but under the previous um allocations just about anything to do with >> within the canal >> water or drainage um was accepted. >> Okay. Because I I I know we had applied

1009
04:43:45.600 --> 04:44:03.080
for that um for the structures at the can uh gates and then we didn't get that one. So, I was obviously maybe we couldn't use it for that. Uh so and then status of cost recovery. Have we gotten anywhere on cost recovery

1010
04:44:04.000 --> 04:44:21.360
>> in terms of where we are from a reporting standpoint? >> Yeah, because I I know that that's been an ongoing question of you know outstanding if there's outstanding money due to the town. The town got applicants that they owe money to. I think that that was just kind of the

1011
04:44:21.360 --> 04:44:38.400
>> I'm talking I'm not I'm not sure where they >> I'm not sure where the is coming out next. >> Oh, okay. And then lastly, I'd like to add to our workshop uh discussion the 20th anniversary event um update. So,

1012
04:44:38.400 --> 04:44:54.400
>> yeah, meeting on the 16th. We had one. Perfect. >> We had one. Thank you for jarring my memory that I didn't have. had one about a week and a half ago, Gabby. >> Um that including Mr. Sullivan um come up with some ideas. I've got I've got

1013
04:44:54.400 --> 04:45:10.240
feedback on a couple of nice vendors ideas um since then and I was in the process of trying to wrangle up and talk to all the kind of founding families people that were here earliest and see how much anticipation or what they have

1014
04:45:10.240 --> 04:45:26.718
to contribute. So yeah, we're meeting on the 16th. We all left with we all left with a list of assignments and we're coming back on the 16th with this much better. So the 21st will be a great time to make a report out on that because it'll be a couple days. >> So I'm sure we'll have some good discussion on that. Super. Uh that

1015
04:45:26.718 --> 04:45:44.000
that's it. So mayor may comment. >> Yeah. >> That 375 is a match 50%. So we >> we'd have to figure out where the >> it's a match 100%. Because we would have to come up with 375 not 50%. >> Well, we'd come up with 375 to match the 375. We'd have to allocate where that

1016
04:45:44.000 --> 04:45:59.840
375 would come from. >> That was discussed in our agenda review as well. >> So that that's in our budget. >> Did we ever figure out I don't think anybody ever told us who's responsible for those culverts. >> That was that was a question last year.

1017
04:45:59.840 --> 04:46:16.798
>> I know it was um but yes. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Somebody was going to get a hold of >> but we were going to build them next to the culverts. So, we're going to >> do that. >> I don't think so because he's that's not has nothing to do with code enforcement. >> No, but he he I believe he did offer to

1018
04:46:16.798 --> 04:46:33.360
>> he did. >> Oh, I thought it was Mary. >> I second. >> Have a motion to adjourn by council member Kane. Second by council member Coleman. All those in favor? Opposed? Hearing none. Motion passes. 5

1019
04:46:33.360 --> 04:46:41.718
night night. I definitely will.