WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=tF3Ch5aDsWw NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: tF3Ch5aDsWw): - 00:02:14: Meeting Call to Order, Invocation, and Pledge - 00:03:54: Agenda Modification: Elections Supervisor Presentation and Seals - 00:05:31: Approval of Commissioner Tinder's Remote Participation - 00:06:20: Roll Call Vote for Remote Participation Approval - 00:06:36: Further Agenda Modifications: ULDC Discussion Inclusion - 00:07:47: Roll Call Vote: Add ULDC discussion to the agenda - 00:08:12: Public Comment: Presentation discussion only - 00:08:44: Nina Ward Presents Elections Change Considerations - 00:19:17: Supervisor Ward Fields Questions, Discussing Voter Turnout - 00:21:08: Supervisor Ward Fields Questions, Miami Dade comparison. - 00:22:00: Supervisor Ward Fields Questions, Comparison Across Bay County - 00:25:17: Supervisor Ward Fields Questions, Charter Review Committee Recommendation - 00:28:15: Proclamation: Declaring National Police Week - 00:30:30: Proclamation: Declaring National Public Works Week - 00:33:38: Proclamation: Declaring National Safe Boating Week - 00:36:11: Consent Agenda: Minutes Approval & Office Logos - 00:40:03: Public Comment: Office Logos - 00:41:26: Roll Call Vote: Consent Agenda Approval - 00:41:58: Ordinance for Nonadvalorum Requirements, First Reading - 00:43:06: Discussion: Placement of Requirements in Charter vs Ordinance - 00:49:28: Impacts of Implementation on Storm Water Assesment? - 00:51:55: Discussion: Commission Opinion and Next Steps - 00:56:57: City Clerk Office Establishment, Amendment 1188, Final Reading - 00:59:51: Council Questions Regarding Financial Responsibilities - 01:04:16: Reflection on Leadership and Independent Judgement - 01:13:23: Public Comment: City Clerk Office, Staff Compensation - 01:17:40: Teamwork Discussion, Public Relations Discussion. - 01:22:34: Roll Call Vote: City Clerk Establishment Approval - 01:23:05: Residency Charter Amendment, 1189, Final Reading - 01:26:53: Public Comment: Proximity to City, Residency Requirements - 01:31:16: Roll Call Vote: Residency Charter Amendment Approval - 01:31:33: Appointment of Pat Perno as Mayor Pro Tim - 01:33:11: Recognition of Commissioner Peebles for Service - 01:35:35: Discussion: 1187 Land Use Map Ammendment - 01:36:38: Ordinance 337: Changing Mobile Home Park to Mixed-Use - 01:37:17: Planning Director Introduction & Mixed-Use Land Amendment Presentation - 01:40:44: City Commissioners Discussion: Approval Process and Comprehensive Planning - 01:42:51: Commissioner Questions Mr. Finch About Future Property Development - 01:45:14: Resolution 2026-05-553: Approval of Rescue Fire Truck Purchase - 01:49:23: Resolution 2026-05-554: Amending Fee Schedule for Hometown Banners - 01:53:03: Resolution 2026-05-555: Approving Clean Water Fund Construction Loan - 01:57:20: Resolution 2026-05-556: Awarding Cemetery Lawn Care Services - 01:58:41: Resolution 2026-05-557: Approving Bulk Aluminum Sulfate Agreement - 02:00:04: James Roger Park: Discussion on Project Bidding and Funding - 02:10:45: Public Comment: James Roger Park, Project Approval Vote - 02:16:48: Discussion Only: City Park Hours, Pets, and Ordinance Changes - 02:22:18: Florida & Ohio Avenue: Bidding Construction of Corridor Improvements - 02:32:34: Ad: ULDC and Comp Plan Way Ahead Discussion - 02:37:42: Public Commentary: Candidate Information and Park Complaint - 02:43:54: Public Comment: Project Cost, James Roger Park Creative Solution - 02:48:09: Mayor and Commissioners' Reports: Various Community Updates Part: 1 1 00:02:14.720 --> 00:02:30.160 Good evening everyone. Happy Tuesday afternoon and thank you for joining us tonight for our city commission meeting. Um we're going to kick off tonight with a uh call to order. Tonight we're going to have the 2 00:02:30.160 --> 00:02:50.879 invocation by Dr. Ryan Tucker, executive pastor, Highland Park Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you for coming, pastor. Let's pray. God, we thank you for today. We thank you for the things that you do for us. We thank you for loving us the 3 00:02:50.879 --> 00:03:06.319 way that you do. And we just pray right now for the city of Linhaven. We pray for the commissioners and all that involved. We pray for the police officers and the workers. And God, we just ask that you would just protect them. God, we ask for wisdom as they make decisions. And we're so thankful 4 00:03:06.319 --> 00:03:21.519 for the community. We're so thankful that you love us. So thankful that Jesus saves us. We're so thankful for all that you do in our life. And we just pray right now that you would do far more for this city than we could ever think or imagine. We love you. We thank you. In 5 00:03:21.519 --> 00:03:37.040 Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and 6 00:03:37.040 --> 00:03:54.879 justice for all. >> Thank you for coming tonight, Pastor Tucker. >> All right, we'll kick off tonight with some uh additions, deletions, and modification of agenda. city manager. >> Mayor, if you want to add um that we've 7 00:03:54.879 --> 00:04:11.439 got Miss Dena Ward here, uh supervisor of elections to give a brief presentation on the possibility of changing our elections. Um if you want to would like to add that um at right after the proclamations and then you and I had discussed moving the discussion of 8 00:04:11.439 --> 00:04:26.240 mayor and commissioner seals from your report to the consent agenda and I've put a sheet in front of every commissioner there if they would like to review that. Thank you for that. So, uh, if the pin, if the commission will, uh, 9 00:04:26.240 --> 00:04:41.759 support, uh, we have Miss Nina Ward, our supervisor of elections from Bay County tonight. Thank you for coming, ma'am. It's a pleasure to have you with us. Um, I would actually like to put her first thing up on the agenda to be able to talk to us um, in front of the 10 00:04:41.759 --> 00:04:57.600 proclamations if that is acceptable. Uh, if not, we can do it immediately after the three proclamations. Um, and then if you notice on the original agenda under the mayor's report, there was a discussion of office seals. Uh, that was 11 00:04:57.600 --> 00:05:14.880 a disconnect between myself and CJ. I actually wanted that to be a unanimous consent uh, discussion item for us. Uh, so I'd like to actually put that back up. This isn't anything we haven't already reviewed with the um previous budget workshop, but just wanted to kind 12 00:05:14.880 --> 00:05:31.440 of formalize that tonight with formal city commission concurrence. So, those are the two proposed changes. >> And mayor, we'd also like to um recognize commissioner Tinder here uh via telephone. >> Yes. So, thank you for that, city manager. I'm getting ahead of myself. 13 00:05:31.440 --> 00:05:47.440 So, I guess first things first, we need a motion and a second to allow Commissioner Tinder to support via phone tonight. >> Motion to approve. >> I'll second. >> Thank you. I have a motion in a second. Um before the city manager calls the 14 00:05:47.440 --> 00:06:04.160 role, is there any public commentary regarding this motion? Uh I don't mind saying it because uh Commissioner Tenders posted it on Facebook, but she recently had a heart issue uh and got a pacemaker put in, so she's recovering at home. She's doing great. That's the good news. But, uh, she just got out of the 15 00:06:04.160 --> 00:06:20.000 hospital yesterday and she wasn't quite ready to bounce in here with us tonight. So, uh, with the rest of the commission's grace, we'll allow her to participate via phone tonight. So, I have a motion and a second. Any comments? Hearing none, would the city manager call the role? 16 00:06:20.000 --> 00:06:36.960 >> Commissioner Pero, >> yes. >> Commissioner Peebles, >> yes. >> Commissioner Tinder, >> yes. Commissioner War, >> yes. Mayor Gallowry, >> yes. The eyes have it. Thank you all. And now back to the two modifications uh 17 00:06:36.960 --> 00:06:51.759 of the agenda. So, first up would be Miss Ward, followed by the proclamations, and then um under unanimous consent, I'd like to bring up the proposed uh city seals. 18 00:06:51.759 --> 00:07:11.520 Any thoughts or suggestions? Can we add to the agenda to talk about our way forward on looking at the uldc? >> Sure. >> I think I just want to talk with everybody about what our way forward is at because with the workshop we have I feel like the zoning workshop we had at 19 00:07:11.520 --> 00:07:27.919 a minimum we need to start digging into the uldc. >> So this would be a proposed new item under new business. >> Yes. >> Say item number 21. make it 21 just before public commentary. 20 00:07:27.919 --> 00:07:47.680 >> So we'll call that ULDC way ahead. >> That be acceptable with the rest of the commission. All right. Hearing no uh further discussion, can I get a a motion and a second? >> Motion to approve. I'll second. 21 00:07:47.680 --> 00:08:12.160 >> Thank you. I have a motion and a second. Uh any public commentary regarding this? >> Sure. Any item that we have a presentation on public commentary will be open to the floor. Yes, sir. >> I don't have particular brothers either 22 00:08:12.160 --> 00:08:28.560 way. City manager. >> No, we can allow public. Is it is it discussion only or is this something we're voting on? >> Miss Ward is just doing a presentation on the possibility of election change discussions. 23 00:08:28.560 --> 00:08:44.480 >> So we will have a robust discussion among the commission. So there will be a public opportunity. So all right any other comments. Okay. Hearing none. City manager. >> Commissioner Perno. 24 00:08:44.480 --> 00:08:59.680 >> Yes. >> Commissioner Peebles. Yes. >> Commissioner War. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Tinder. >> Yes. >> Mayor Lowry. >> Yes. The eyes have it. Thank you for your flexibility with the agenda there. All right. First thing up tonight um is 25 00:08:59.680 --> 00:09:16.560 going to be our esteemed supervisor of elections, Miss Nina Ward. Miss Ward, thank you for coming and being with us tonight. >> Absolutely. Thank you. >> Okay. Well, my presentation is going to consist of me just kind of explaining all the facts. Um, this is a growing 26 00:09:16.560 --> 00:09:33.120 trend in kind of Florida. So, what I want to talk to about what I want to talk to you about, um, is the possibility of moving your city election from April to coincide with the countywide timeline. Um, so there's several cities that have already made 27 00:09:33.120 --> 00:09:48.320 this change and that's really my purpose of being here because you are doing a charter review as well. So, um, Panama City Beach has already moved theirs as well as Callaway. And then the city of Panama City as part of their charter 28 00:09:48.320 --> 00:10:05.040 review is also looking at this. So, now would be the time. Um, since we, you know, won't necessarily have Super Tuesday, municipal Super Tuesday in April anymore with so many cities deciding to change. I just kind of want to put the options out there. Um, I don't necessarily have a personal 29 00:10:05.040 --> 00:10:21.760 opinion. I just want to kind of give you the facts. There's pros and cons depending on how you look at things. Um the most obvious benefit for moving the election date is voter turnout. Um so no surprise voter turnout is typically uh a 30 00:10:21.760 --> 00:10:38.480 lot higher in the general elections in November. Um slightly lower in August primary. Um it's slightly more complicated for Linhaven since your charter currently requires a runoff election. So if no candidate gets 50% plus one vote in your 31 00:10:38.480 --> 00:10:54.640 April election, there is a runoff in May. So um right now that would look like your primary would be August, your runoff would be moved to November. Now there are other options that um there's another city currently looking at that 32 00:10:54.640 --> 00:11:10.959 is in the same scenario as you where if say you had more than two candidates you would automatically go to the or less than two two candidates uh two candidates would automatically go to November. If you had more than two candidates it would create that primary 33 00:11:10.959 --> 00:11:26.240 in August and then the runoff would be in November. So basically, your decision would always be made in the November election with the highest turnout if that's what you're looking for. Um, looking back, five out of your last eight elections have resulted in a 34 00:11:26.240 --> 00:11:41.600 runoff. So statistically, you you always see that runoff election more than more than not um for Linhaven. So um let's see the average turnout for the presidential years are about 75% in 35 00:11:41.600 --> 00:11:57.600 the general and then we see you know 22 23% in the primary. Looking back over over the past two mayoral elections you had just under 22% turnout for Linhaven in 2025 and then there was two 36 00:11:57.600 --> 00:12:14.959 commission seats along with three city referendums that were on a ballot and the turnout was 19%. So that's a big difference when you look at the presidential election in November with 75% when your municipals in in April are getting, you know, 19 to 22%. Um, 37 00:12:14.959 --> 00:12:30.959 currently your city elections are on an odd year. So I would say the downside to trying to change your election timeline is it's going to have to extend some terms. So, your current terms that are up in 2027, you would be extending those 38 00:12:30.959 --> 00:12:47.200 terms to be up in 2028 on the presidential cycle and then the terms that are up um in 2029 would move to 2030. So, everyone's terms would be extended by a year and a half. So, that's, you know, that's significant 39 00:12:47.200 --> 00:13:04.240 to think about. Um, and then we get down to not just looking at pure voter turnout, but when you look at voter apathy, which is a big topic, and it is a real thing. Um, some people refer to it as ballot rolloff. So, as you get, you know, down ballot contest, typically 40 00:13:04.240 --> 00:13:20.240 you're going to see more undervotes, which are people not making choices. Now, sometimes that can be apathy where they're just tired of filling in ovals and they don't care anymore when they get to the end of the ballot. But most likely it's people that aren't as informed on your local contest. So, say 41 00:13:20.240 --> 00:13:37.120 we put the city of Winhaven mayor on a presidential ballot. Most people are there because they want to vote for president, right? Um, however, they may not make a choice when they get to the down ballot contest. Uh just statistically, we looked back at 42 00:13:37.120 --> 00:13:53.839 the 2020 presidential election. We had 14,000 people that did not make a choice in a county commission race that was on that ballot. So, they made a choice. We had 75% turnout for the presidential um contest. By the time we got down ballot, 43 00:13:53.839 --> 00:14:09.519 they did not make a choice on county commissioner. So, basically, out of 93,000 people that voted, 14% didn't make a choice on the county commission race. However, they voted for president and other issues. Um, in contrast, when we look at Linhaven election 44 00:14:09.519 --> 00:14:25.519 specifically, if they show up for a municipal election, they know what they're voting on. There's very limited issues on the ballot. So, um, let's see, we had 47 under votes in your last election. So 1 and a half% of people 45 00:14:25.519 --> 00:14:41.199 that showed up to vote didn't make a choice on a city commission race, whereas you know we had 14,000 or almost 14% didn't make a choice when we were on the general ballot for county commission. So voter apathy is a real thing. I want to 46 00:14:41.199 --> 00:14:57.920 mention that. So you can't just look at yes, you're increasing turnout. However, are they going to actually make a choice on the city race when they get all the way down the ballot? You know, we don't know. Um, in turn that can affect candidates. Uh, not only does it extend 47 00:14:57.920 --> 00:15:14.480 your election timeline, so candidates would qualify further out, candidates for the November election would be qualifying in June, right along county level, state level, national level candidates. Um, so they're going to have to work harder. I mean, that's, you 48 00:15:14.480 --> 00:15:29.920 know, I don't want to speak too much on behalf of candidates because I really want to focus on voters. We want to provide, you know, access and education for voters. We want them to show up and vote. I want the highest voter turnout possible. I want everybody to show up. 49 00:15:29.920 --> 00:15:46.480 But it does have an effect on candidates and campaigns. Um, it could get more expensive or less expensive. I don't have data to back that up specifically, but you have to think your city candidates are going to be competing for signage, advertising, donations all 50 00:15:46.480 --> 00:16:03.759 along with your county, state, national level candidates at the same timeline. Um, so there's a lot to think about. Uh, ultimately it does save the city money. So in 2025, Linhaven's elections cost about $31,000 51 00:16:03.759 --> 00:16:19.839 and that is just reimbursed to my office for our actual cost of running the election. So currently um I'm contracted to administer the election. However, the city manager/clerk is the chief election official. So they are still involved in making the 52 00:16:19.839 --> 00:16:36.480 decisions whether you know whether to have early voting, how many early voting sites, days, hours, all of that is, you know, the city clerk that makes that decision. Um, so if you move to the countywide timeline, the city clerk is essentially removed from that process. 53 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:54.160 They don't have any say so on early voting or locations. we just roll onto the countywide ballot, which my office determines, you know, early voting dates, times, locations. Um, currently you do just have one early voting site in Linhaven. That's the senior center. 54 00:16:54.160 --> 00:17:09.919 So, we've had minimal complaints about the use of that, but I'm not going to say we haven't had none because we have had some that were tying up the senior center for the seniors not to be able to use it. So, I mean, that is one thing. we wouldn't be using the senior center for that week, you know, in April, just 55 00:17:09.919 --> 00:17:25.679 in November and August. Um, but that that has been very minimal as far as complaints that I've heard about us using that site. However, for the general and the primary, we do have eight early voting sites. So, you are giving your voters more opportunities, 56 00:17:25.679 --> 00:17:40.960 more days. We have extended early voting hours. Um, and then Linhaven actually has five election day precincts when we get to the countywide timeline versus your one one site um for your city elections in April. So 57 00:17:40.960 --> 00:17:57.360 >> So Nina, just to clarify, you said uh our cost last year was 31,000. >> That was for your regular election in April plus your runoff in May. >> Okay. And if we were to join a a countywide 58 00:17:57.360 --> 00:18:12.799 election ballot, uh let's say you have eight early voting sites, a Linhaven voter could go to any of those and get a Linhaven printed on demand ballot. Is that correct? >> Yes. So, um not only would the cost be 59 00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:29.360 absorbed, I think I mentioned that. So, there would be no cost to the city if you go on to the countywide timeline, we already send sample ballots. We already, you know, create ballots. We use what is called a direct print method. So no matter what early voting site you go to, we code the ballot. And I don't want to 60 00:18:29.360 --> 00:18:45.840 get too much into the weeds and bore you, but the way we set our systems up now, um, we have the technology to designate when you show up to vote, we know we print your ballot, your ballot style for where your address is. Um, and then the next person behind you, they 61 00:18:45.840 --> 00:19:01.360 get their ballot for wherever their address is. So logistically, um, it's possible, you know, that's what we're currently doing. We have hundreds of ballot styles based on precinct splits. So, you know, that logistically it's really a non-issue with the technology 62 00:19:01.360 --> 00:19:17.280 that we have now. Um, it's more about, you know, providing access. And I know I've heard people say you're going to get uneducated voters showing up in the primary in the general voting on city issues that may not be they may not be as knowledgeable on. that is not for me 63 00:19:17.280 --> 00:19:32.320 to decide. Um, we just want to provide, you know, the access and then it would be up to the candidates to get their name out there and get them educated on what they stand for and and get the support. So, it it probably would be a little more difficult for your city 64 00:19:32.320 --> 00:19:48.400 candidates. Um, but again, I don't have data to back that up. That's just my my guess on that from what I've heard. So, >> any other questions? >> Anybody got any questions for Nina? I'm uh pretty educated on this because it's 65 00:19:48.400 --> 00:20:02.640 something I've looked at and I know me and Miss Ford have have uh had uh extensive discussions on this. Um my recommendation for anyone on the commission and any of the residents, listen to the Panama City Comm um 66 00:20:02.640 --> 00:20:19.679 commission meeting on I think it's in January 2024. I think it's around an hour and 50 mark. Um that's when they had um Commissioner Street had originally brought up of possibly moving theirs and then that's 67 00:20:19.679 --> 00:20:36.320 when um Mark Anderson with Bay County Supervisor Election. They got a lot of good discussions about that and he provided a lot of great input. I'll say this on its face it sounds good but there's a lot of things to look at. Like for instance the canvasing board. We no 68 00:20:36.320 --> 00:20:53.039 longer do the canvasing board. That's all done at the county level. Now, I don't know what happens if you have to have a special election. I think that gets a little muddy, doesn't it? >> Yeah. So, if you have a special election, it would be, you know, paid for by the city. You would have a city canvasing board just like you have now. 69 00:20:53.039 --> 00:21:08.799 You would have to pay for a special election if you're not on that countywide timeline, >> right? But one of the points that Mark Anderson brings up is uh uh he relates it to Miami Dade where by the time you have 70 00:21:08.799 --> 00:21:25.840 all your federal candidates, all your state candidates, if you have any referendums and all your local candidates, you might be talking at least three sheets of a ballot that you're going to have to bubble in. And then you start suffering from what's called voter exhaustion. And of course, 71 00:21:25.840 --> 00:21:43.200 the local election, you know, starts at federal, then state, then county, and then local. By the time they get to local, we're at the bottom. So, how interested they're going to be on the ballot by the time they get to that point. Um, yeah. So, it's a lot to think about. 72 00:21:43.200 --> 00:22:00.320 >> Nina, could you talk to what the other municipalities in Bay County are doing because some are actually moving to this and some of the others are not. So, can you speak to that? >> Yeah. So, um I think I mentioned Panama City Beach and Callaway. They already moved theirs. They do not have a runoff. 73 00:22:00.320 --> 00:22:14.720 So, theirs is very simple. You know, they're just moving to the November timeline. Um Panama City is under charter revision, charter review, just like Linhaven. And so, I think that's something that they are considering. They're going to put it on a ballot for 74 00:22:14.720 --> 00:22:32.720 the voters to decide um this fall. So, >> so you said $31,000, but that included the the the regular municipal election and the runoff. So, it probably be about half if we didn't have a runoff, >> right? Yeah. It was roughly 15,000 and 75 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:48.880 some change for each election. And and just for all of our edification as well, the date that you need any changes or anything that we as a city commission are putting forward for the referendum on August 18th, you need that 76 00:22:48.880 --> 00:23:03.840 by June 12th. Correct. >> Correct. Yeah. The end of qualifying >> co on the 12th. Correct. Okay. >> I'm I'm trying to figure out what what's the push on this. Do you know? 77 00:23:03.840 --> 00:23:21.120 So, this is actually um being discussed across the major municipalities in Bay County. So, I specifically talked to the city manager and asked to invite Nina to come speak to us and tell us what is going on in Bay County and what the move is a foot countywide. 78 00:23:21.120 --> 00:23:38.000 >> Right. I my personal opinion I think it since we have a charter review committee now I think it's something they need to look at and then provide a recommendation to us. >> So on that note city attorney um does 79 00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:55.120 our current election uh process is it outlined in ordinance or is it actually in charter verbiage? >> It's in the charter. >> Okay. So it is a normal charter amendment. It is not an ordinance to change. >> Yes and no. The dates you can change 80 00:23:55.120 --> 00:24:12.000 without uh even though it affects the charter, you can change the dates of an election without a referendum. If you were speaking of eliminating the runoff, that would require a charter referendum. A referendum, >> but the charter specifically states when our elections are. 81 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:27.520 >> Curiously, it only states when your runoffs are. >> No, there's two sections to it, I thought. >> Okay. The Florida statutes authorize a charter amendment regarding the date of election without a referendum. So even though it is in your charter if you're only changing the date, you can do that 82 00:24:27.520 --> 00:24:43.840 without a referendum. You can still have a referendum, but you're authorized to do it without. >> That might ease the water. Thank you for that. I mean, I guess it makes sense. Um, and as it is currently outlined, I'll have to go back and reook at it 83 00:24:43.840 --> 00:25:00.080 again. Does it specifically state in the charter like we do this the second Tuesday after the first Monday in April or does it just say the month of April? >> So section 31 of your charter says that runoff shall happen the third Monday in May after the general election. I did a 84 00:25:00.080 --> 00:25:17.279 word search for the word April and I couldn't find it in the charter or code. So I don't know if there's a resolution or separate policy that states April. I couldn't couldn't find it on a quick search of in Munich code. Thank you. Okay. Well, thank you for that. Any 85 00:25:17.279 --> 00:25:35.360 other commission questions? >> I think we already, like Commissioner War said, we already have the charter review committee. If this is a big deal, could we request that they make this the next item they look at? 86 00:25:35.360 --> 00:25:52.799 >> We will have the runway to use an Air Force ism. We'll have the time. But if we want the charter review to committee to look at that, we probably need to ask them to do it at their next bi-weekly meeting. >> That's what I meant. Yeah. >> Yeah. Because as Miss Ward just said, we have until COB blows a business on June 87 00:25:52.799 --> 00:26:08.640 12th to get whatever we're going to have in for the August 18th referendum to her office. >> Yeah. I think to me it would look bad if we at least didn't have the charter review committee look at it. If I'm if we're voting for 88 00:26:08.640 --> 00:26:24.480 something that like would extend our um our four years to five and a half years, like us just voting on it, like can you imagine if Congress did that? If they just raise their hand and be like, "Hey, I'd be like to be elected for an extra year and a half." All right, guys. 89 00:26:24.480 --> 00:26:41.600 Let's vote on it. How well would that go over? You know, >> I am surprised it's a year and a half. I assumed it would be like the extra six months maybe as you move from April to November of the same year. Well, you So, our countywide elections are on even years. Linhaven's elections are on odd 90 00:26:41.600 --> 00:26:57.279 years. >> So, that that's because we're the odd duck calendar speaking, so to speak. Yeah. >> Gotcha. >> Well, actually, I would I think because Panama City does it is in the odd year, too. >> So, we're not the only ones. 91 00:26:57.279 --> 00:27:12.880 >> Correct. Yeah. >> Yeah. This is what it says in the charter. says, "Election shall be held on the Tuesday immediately following the third Monday in April with necessary runoff election to be held the Tuesday immediately following the third Monday in May." >> Yeah, that is in section 11. I missed 92 00:27:12.880 --> 00:27:29.840 that until we pointed it out. >> Okay. Well, again, I wanted us to all have visibility on what our other municipality brothers and sisters are doing. This is an option to save money. Um, I think if we were to make any 93 00:27:29.840 --> 00:27:45.120 change whatsoever, this would absolutely have to be a referendum to the people and it would have to be a thumbs up or thumbs down from them. >> But the other municipalities, many of them are actually doing it. So, at least to get a brief on just because they're doing it doesn't mean we have to, but if 94 00:27:45.120 --> 00:28:00.240 there is some logic to it. Um, and again, what is our goal? Smaller, more educated voter base showing up or do we want more voter participation? And those aren't necessarily inherently congruent things, but they're not also completely 95 00:28:00.240 --> 00:28:15.679 disjointed either. So, Miss Ward, I truly appreciate you coming. Any other questions from the commission for Miss Ward? City manager? >> All right, Miss Ward. Thank you tonight. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome back anytime, ma'am. 96 00:28:15.679 --> 00:28:32.799 >> All right, with that. All right, so moving along, we have three proclamations to give. The first one is National Police Week, then National Public Works Week, and last but not least, National Safe Voting Week. 97 00:28:32.799 --> 00:28:51.840 So, the first one will be National Police Week and we will be presenting this after I'm done reading it. We'll be presenting to the Linhaven Police Department. So, proclamation 98 00:28:51.840 --> 00:29:07.279 Whereas in 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar weekend May 15th falls on National Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on 99 00:29:07.279 --> 00:29:23.279 Washington DC to participate in several planned events which honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Whereas there are there are more than 800,000 law enforcements officers serving in communities across the United States, including the dedicated members 100 00:29:23.279 --> 00:29:40.000 of the City of Linhaven Police Department. And whereas as of early 2026, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial has officially engraved 24,775 names on its walls in Washington DC. This number includes federal, state, 101 00:29:40.000 --> 00:29:56.799 local, tribal, and military law enforcement professionals who have made the ultimate sacrifice and killed in the line of duty. Whereas, it is important for all citizens to recognize the duties and responsibilities and hazards and sacrifices undertaken by our brave men and women in law enforcement whose 102 00:29:56.799 --> 00:30:12.880 unwavering commitment ensures that our families, communities may thrive in peace. Now therefore, on behalf of the city commission and the people of Linhaven, I, Dave Lowry, mayor of the city of Linhaven, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim and recognize the week of May 103 00:30:12.880 --> 00:30:30.399 10th through the 16th, 2026 as National Police Week, as we publicly express sincere gratitude to the men and women of law enforcement that make it possible for us to leave our homes and our families in safety each day, knowing that they stand ready to protect our loved ones, our property, our freedoms, 104 00:30:30.399 --> 00:31:30.799 even at risk to their very own lives. Captain Bllock, I owe you a beverage of your choice, sir. All right. With that proclamation, National Public Works Week proclamation. The theme of the 20126 National Public Works Week is rooted in 105 00:31:30.799 --> 00:31:47.039 service powered by community, celebrating the deep roots of service that drive infrastructure, innovation, and community connection that gives public works its sense of purpose. Public work professionals are ever present, working in the background to advance quality of life and meeting the needs of all people. Whereas the rooted 106 00:31:47.039 --> 00:32:01.919 in service powered by the community theme highlights both visible services, roads and bridges as well as hidden services i.e. water and sewer to create the foundation for thriving communities reminding us that every project seen or unseen powers the connection between 107 00:32:01.919 --> 00:32:17.120 service and the people it supports. Whereas these infrastructures, facilities and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals who are engineers, managers and employees at all levels of government and the private sector who are responsible for 108 00:32:17.120 --> 00:32:33.840 rebuilding, improving and protecting our nation's transport, water supply, water treatment and solid waste systems, public buildings and other structures and facilities essentials to our citizens. Whereas it is in the public interest of the citizens, civic leaders, and children of the city of Linhaven to 109 00:32:33.840 --> 00:32:48.799 gain knowledge of and maintain the ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs for their respective communities. Whereas the year 2026 marks the 66th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the 110 00:32:48.799 --> 00:33:04.880 American Public Works Association. There, by virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor of the city of Linhaven, on behalf of the city commission and all citizens of Linhaven, I do hereby declare the proclamation the week of May 17th through 23rd, 2026 as National 111 00:33:04.880 --> 00:33:21.519 Public Works Week and urge all citizens to join the representatives of the American Public Works Association to pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees and recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and quality 112 00:33:21.519 --> 00:33:38.279 of life. >> We'll now have our public works representatives come forward to present or receive this. >> There we've got uh Casey Westfall, our utility superintendent, and Adam Chambers, our assistant superintendent for public works. 113 00:34:05.360 --> 00:34:22.960 All right. Thank you for your patience tonight, y'all. One more proclamation. Whereas over 100 million Americans, boating continues to be popular recreational activity from coast to coast and everywhere in between. People are taking to the water and 114 00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:38.000 enjoying time together boating, sailing, paddling, and fishing. Whereas during National Safe Boating Week, the US Coast Guard and its federal, state, and local safe boating partners encourage all boers to explore and enjoy Americans uh 115 00:34:38.000 --> 00:34:53.599 beautiful waters responsibly. Whereas boating safety begins with preparation, the US Coast Guard estimates that human error accounts for the most boating accidents and that life jackets could prevent nearly 86% of boating fatalities. Whereas through basic 116 00:34:53.599 --> 00:35:08.560 boating safety, carrying life-saving emergency distress and communications equipment, wearing life jackets, attending safe boating courses, participating in free boat safety checks, and staying sober while navigating. we can help ensure boers on America's coastal, inland, and offshore 117 00:35:08.560 --> 00:35:23.839 waters stay safe through the season. Whereas, National Safe Boating Week is observed to bring attention to important life-saving trips uh for recreational boers so that they may have a safer, more fun experience out on the water throughout the year. Whereas on average, 118 00:35:23.839 --> 00:35:39.359 650 people die each year from boating related sa safety incidents in the United States, 75% of those fatalities are by drowning. Whereas the vast majority of these accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment and not by the boat equipment or environmental 119 00:35:39.359 --> 00:35:56.160 factors. Whereas a sa a significant number of boers who lose their lives during drowning each year would be alive if they had worn their life jackets. Now therefore we support the goals of the safe boating campaign and urge all of those who boat to practice safe boating habits and wear a life jacket at all 120 00:35:56.160 --> 00:36:11.359 times while boating. and by virtue of the authority vested in me as the mayor of the city of Linhaven on behalf of the city commission and all citizens of Linhaven to declare May 16th through the 22nd, 2026 National Safe Boating Week. 121 00:36:11.359 --> 00:36:57.359 And we will have Mr. Tony White of the Coast Guard Auxiliary receive this. All right. Thank y'all for that. Now, we're on to the consent agenda. Uh so first things first number seven uh 122 00:36:57.359 --> 00:37:15.119 approval of minutes dated April 10th and April 28th. Can I get a motion for approval of the minutes? >> Did you want did you want the um >> I'll second it. >> Mayor, you also move that to the consent agenda. 123 00:37:15.119 --> 00:37:30.560 >> I was going to go ahead and do the logos after we did the approval of the minutes. >> Well, the consent agenda is one item. >> Oh, duh. Okay, my bad. All right, so let's talk about this real quick then. Um, so approval of the minutes, that's 124 00:37:30.560 --> 00:37:47.440 not a big thing. The other thing that I'm showing and everyone here, Judy, I apologize, ma'am. I I don't have a way to beam it to you in front of you, but these are the same logos we looked at uh during our first budget workshop with the department heads uh about a month 125 00:37:47.440 --> 00:38:08.480 and a half ago. So, if you would Harold, go ahead and put these up on the screen for our public. All right. So, what we have here, commission, is the top logo, the oval logo is actually our formal city logo. 126 00:38:08.480 --> 00:38:25.440 Um, what I am proposing and asking for unanimous consent on tonight is the three subordinate logos beneath it. So, I actually envisioned this. I did this as part of a coin design, actually, the one on the far left, the office of the mayor, but it looks so good with 127 00:38:25.440 --> 00:38:40.800 nautical rope along the outside of it, much like the US Navy does for many of its coins and different command seals, and it still keeps the core original of our city logo together. So it makes the city logo itself distinguished. But then 128 00:38:40.800 --> 00:38:57.839 the key officers for the city, the key leaders if you will, we would have the office of the mayor logo, a corresponding city commissioner logo, and then we would have a city manager logo. I envision these being incorporated into challenge coin designs, perhaps business cards, or for 129 00:38:57.839 --> 00:39:13.599 PowerPoint presentations. when you're making an official uh presentation uh on behalf of your office, you could use this logo just as well as you could the city logo, but it's a little bit more personalized. And Harold, if you go to the next slide, 130 00:39:13.599 --> 00:39:29.280 this is just an example. You take that same standard logo and it could be personalized with the commissioner's name, the mayor's name, or the city manager's name. They could also use this for their business card or a presentation. Uh, I've already showed 131 00:39:29.280 --> 00:39:46.240 this to everyone once in the budget meeting. I just wanted to bring this forward once more. This would not be a mandatory logo to use, but it would be an optional logo for you to use for your office if you so choose to use it. So, that is what I am proposing uh for 132 00:39:46.240 --> 00:40:03.599 unanimous consent tonight. So, any questions or discussion about the logos amongst the commission? Did >> you notice that all six of us go by a nickname? It's pretty crazy. >> I did not keen eye there. 133 00:40:03.599 --> 00:40:19.920 I guess that's what you get for being a cyber ninja, huh? You look at all that. >> All right. Cool. All right. Any discussion there? If not, I will also open it up to >> Yes, ma'am. >> Mayor, um, I just wanted to ask I don't know who was just speaking. I think it 134 00:40:19.920 --> 00:40:35.520 was Sam. >> It was >> um Okay. He said something about a nickname. What what what did he say? I couldn't hear him. >> He just noticed that all six of us, including the city manager, the four commissioners, and myself, we all go by a nickname instead of our full formal 135 00:40:35.520 --> 00:40:51.119 name. >> Oh. Oh. Okay. >> We hadn't noticed it either. >> Hey. >> Yes. Yes, ma'am. All right. But that is uh a minor thing. But administratively, I wanted to go ahead 136 00:40:51.119 --> 00:41:06.880 and get the commission's approval before we we press forward with this. Any questions from the public about this? None. All right. Well, if hearing none, uh, can I get a motion and a second for approval of the unanimous consent 137 00:41:06.880 --> 00:41:23.560 agenda, the two approval of the minutes for April 10th and 28th, and the commission approval for optional use of the city specific logos? >> A motion to approve. >> Thank you. I have a motion. Can I get a second? 138 00:41:26.640 --> 00:41:41.599 >> Second. >> Thank you. Uh, I've already asked once, but I'll ask once again any questions or comments from the public. Hearing none, city manager, would you call the role? >> Commissioner Peebles, >> yes. >> Commissioner Wart, >> yes. 139 00:41:41.599 --> 00:41:58.000 >> Commissioner Pero, >> yes. >> Commissioner Tinder, >> yes. >> Mayor Lowry, >> yes. Thank y'all for that. Uh if you at any time decide to do a coin design or business logo or something, I'll be glad to help y'all if you would like to use 140 00:41:58.000 --> 00:42:15.040 those logos. But they're now there and available for all of us to use. All right. So next, uh we're down to item number eight, old business discussion and possible approval. First reading of updated draft ordinance to 141 00:42:15.040 --> 00:42:33.599 number to be determined uh establishing nonadvalorum requirements for the city charter. City attorney. This ordinance adopts the seven elements uh for notice and public disclosures for non-advalorum assessments. It is limited 142 00:42:33.599 --> 00:42:48.960 to just those those seven items and it is a charter amendment change. this change has not been made in your assessment ordinance, which is what I understood to be your intention, but if that's not so, please correct me. >> So, and I'll let the rest of the 143 00:42:48.960 --> 00:43:06.560 commission speak up as they see fit. Uh, there's been some discussion back and forth. Should this be in the charter um or should it be by an ordinance? And there are pros and cons to both. Um, philosophically, I think it should be in the charter. And the reason I do is you 144 00:43:06.560 --> 00:43:22.880 put in the charter any hardcore yes or no requirements. You cannot press forth with an avalorum assessment unless you give the public these seven pieces of information. Whereas if it's in an ordinance, three of us on any given day could strike down that ordinance and 145 00:43:22.880 --> 00:43:37.200 call it a day. Right? Where is if it's in a charter it is much more permanent much like a tattoo. Before a non-avalorum goes out, we have to share these seven pieces of information with the public. We have to do our due diligence to make sure they're informed 146 00:43:37.200 --> 00:43:54.400 of specifically what we're asking or what we're attempting to do here. But there's also the other four philosophically it may not need need to be in the ordinance or need not be in the charter but be in the ordinance instead. So, do any of the other 147 00:43:54.400 --> 00:44:14.400 commissioners want to speak to this? Um, I think it was were Commissioner Work, did you bring it up being an ordinance last time instead? >> Um, I don't know if I brought it up being an ordinance or not. I I just brought up by 148 00:44:14.400 --> 00:44:31.760 that to me anything in the charter is supposed to be government framework. Anything that maybe it is because then anything done by ordinance. Well, we were policy decision making. So, >> yeah, >> to me it was more policy decision making. >> So, that would be by ordinance. 149 00:44:31.760 --> 00:44:48.560 >> So, the the more I thought about it, >> I mean, I thought or based on our last talk about it, I think it was pretty much a consensus that we all wanted the seven. I think that's a a no-brainer. Um, and thank you to the charter review committee for putting that together 150 00:44:48.560 --> 00:45:04.960 because the charter review committee is the one that came up with that. But the more I thought about it, the more I I tend to agree with Commissioner War on this. Um, if it's one of those things where it the main thing I wanted on it is that the limit is there and that is the way it's written. It is one of the 151 00:45:04.960 --> 00:45:21.760 seven that we'd have to put a a limit on a yearly annual limit. I mean, if we all agree on it and we and we know it needs to be there. Um, and then we'd have to take the chance of I don't know. I just feel like I agree 152 00:45:21.760 --> 00:45:36.480 with Commissioner War. It's more of a policy than it is a charter type item. That's kind of where I'm at. >> So, just to clarify, we have two different things here really kind of in the mix. One is the caps, the limit on 153 00:45:36.480 --> 00:45:51.839 the increase, and we can talk about that philosophically. Uh there might need to be a provision for some kind of major natural disaster, hurricane Michael type thing. uh if we were to say for example you you cannot increase a non-abalorum 154 00:45:51.839 --> 00:46:08.240 assessment more than 10% a year versus the 100% that the storm water increased for some of the higher tiers last year my own home included. Um, if we were to say you can't increase any more than 10% a year, that's one thing. You could say 155 00:46:08.240 --> 00:46:25.839 if uh there might there would be an allowed uh freezing for 12 to 24 months, for example, if there is a major natural disaster, presidentially declared governor declared disaster, another hurricane Michael, right? You might want 156 00:46:25.839 --> 00:46:40.240 to freeze that for specific reasons. that outside of a major natural disaster, and for any of us that have lived through Michael, we know exactly what that's like. Our whole world turned upside down for a while. Um, outside of that, you should not be able to increase 157 00:46:40.240 --> 00:46:57.680 that anymore than a designated rate. Yes, it does kind of limit the power of the the city, but it also gives much more predictability to the taxpayers. Um, as far as the seven questions go, moving aside from 158 00:46:57.680 --> 00:47:14.079 the the cap, the percentage cap for a moment, the core seven question requirement that we would be required to answer, I'm pretty passionate. We really need to put that in the charter. We have a unique opportunity to do so. That doesn't limit us in any way, but what it 159 00:47:14.079 --> 00:47:30.000 does is it puts down a hardcore requirement before you can do a non-avalorum. You have to basically plan your work and work your plan. meaning we have to tell the voters and the taxpayers of Linhaven, this is what we are proposing here. This is what we're 160 00:47:30.000 --> 00:47:46.720 moving forward with and here's all the information that you know you're we're required to give you. Um and it would it should paint the full picture of costs, what it's for, when it starts, when it ends. I mean, it it's basically the who, what, 161 00:47:46.720 --> 00:48:04.040 when, where, and how. >> I don't think anyone's disagreeing with that. The ordinance would do the exact same thing, >> but the uh if we put it in the charter, it makes it permanent. If you put it in an ordinance, any three of us could kill it on a given Tuesday afternoon. 162 00:48:04.240 --> 00:48:20.160 >> Yeah, but any three of us could put it on the ballot again and then have the voters kill it, too. I mean, >> but the voters would kill it, not us. That's that's the difference. Like, we would have to put this up for the voters to approve now. And I think most folks 163 00:48:20.160 --> 00:48:36.800 would violently agree with that. If you're going to tax us, at least give us the full picture of what you're taxing for when and how much, for how long. Um, >> I hear you. I You're It sounds to me like you're implying that if we don't put it in the charter, then we're holding back information from the 164 00:48:36.800 --> 00:48:52.160 public. >> Not at all. I'm just trying to make it as permanent as a tattoo versus a temporary tattoo because if we put it in the charter, there's a degree of permanency because the citizens will actually vote on it. Let's assume for a second they vote to 165 00:48:52.160 --> 00:49:08.720 approve it as a referendum. Then it goes before then it it's literally in the books until a charter review committee review process goes through it again and then the citizens would up or down changes. It's more permanent. 166 00:49:08.720 --> 00:49:28.640 That's the only difference. >> Yes. >> Mayor, is this the first reading? >> Yeah. >> Yes. It's just the first. >> So, so we don't have to vote on it tonight, right? >> No, ma'am. >> That's correct, ma'am. >> Thank you. Thank you. 167 00:49:28.640 --> 00:49:43.760 >> But it is a bit of a philosophical question. And I just wanted among the five of us teammates, I wanted to work out kind of how we're going to stand with this so we can finalize it at the next meeting. >> So how does this uh impact our current not abilorum for storm water? Does that 168 00:49:43.760 --> 00:50:00.400 mean we have to do this or does it automat get grandfathered in? >> In my mind, this is just an additional notice requirement that would come we do you do your annual resolution every year. So we we would if this were approved in April um or excuse me at 169 00:50:00.400 --> 00:50:16.559 your next election we June August yes if we you have until September to do your annual resolution we would include these elements in your notice. If we couldn't because of timing you adopted your annual resolution before the voters voted on this um it would be grandfathered and it wouldn't 170 00:50:16.559 --> 00:50:33.760 be a requirement till next year >> if it was the make or break. Um, if that was the only way that the rest of the commission would or a majority of the commission would feel comfortable approving this, we could specifically grandfather in the one current 171 00:50:33.760 --> 00:50:49.680 nonadvalorum in place. But I still think that it should meet all of the reporting requirements moving forward just like any new nonavalorum would. >> That's the way I understood it is establishing a nonabalorum. So it's like 172 00:50:49.680 --> 00:51:08.079 when you initially establish a non-abalorum, but every year after that, you don't have to do this. Am I wrong on that? >> It's up to y'all what you think. In my mind, an assessment is only valid if you do it every single year. So a proposed assessment is an annual decision you 173 00:51:08.079 --> 00:51:23.359 make. >> Okay. >> Um Mayor. >> Yes, ma'am. Um, I wanted to ask the city attorney um uh when she reviewed the state statute and what it says uh about notifications 174 00:51:23.359 --> 00:51:40.319 for nonadbalorum assessments and if does she have does she know that answer? If not, I can call her tomorrow. >> I'm not certain what the question was. There is a notice requirement um >> of state requirements. If you change your methodology or change any of the 175 00:51:40.319 --> 00:51:55.920 underlying kind of guts of your non-advelor, there's a lot of public information requirements that are derived from that at the state level. >> Oh, okay. >> Thank you. 176 00:51:55.920 --> 00:52:18.559 >> Yes, ma'am. So really this is more kind of a pulse of the the commission. Um I think we're all in agreement this is a good inherently good thing to do. It's just a matter of ordinance or charter. >> I mean to me the way I would like it to 177 00:52:18.559 --> 00:52:35.119 be is any new non-AMorum assessment since we already have the storm water. I I hope I hope that in the future we don't have to do any assessments. Um and I know we already discussed this about property taxes and that we don't know 178 00:52:35.119 --> 00:52:54.559 what the future holds, but hopefully we don't have to go down that road again. We see inherent goodness here. And for those of you real quick that in the audience that may not have heard this before, what this is is truth and advertising basically with nonavalorms. 179 00:52:54.559 --> 00:53:10.960 We will have to tell you before any nonavalorm can be established when it will be started and when it will end um and basically what the requirement is and what what that money will be used for and where and how. So it's basically 180 00:53:10.960 --> 00:53:26.319 a transparency intent here to make sure and there would be a reporting requirement. So whether this is a formal letter that has to go out to every taxpaying citizen in Linhaven or every registered voter in Linhaven, uh there would be a formal 181 00:53:26.319 --> 00:53:42.400 requirement and there would probably be a couple via electronically by mail um to make sure that we've done our due diligence to inform the public before any formal vote is taken by the city commission. And that's what this is here. Do we put it in an ordinance or do 182 00:53:42.400 --> 00:53:59.040 we put the requirement for this in the city charter? the city charter, it makes it permanent. And so if we need to use the term any newly established non-abalorum beyond whatever date this is, August 183 00:53:59.040 --> 00:54:17.599 18th, the referendum date 2026, so be it. Uh but any further non-avalorum from our city commission or any future city commission even my unborn grandchildren's future city commissions unless future charter review committees change this and is approved 184 00:54:17.599 --> 00:54:33.119 by future voters of Lin Haven every commission going forward will be required to give out those seven questions and all the information publicly ahead of time for the charter. The two amendments I hear are we would add a sentence to public disclosures 185 00:54:33.119 --> 00:54:50.000 prior to approval from and after September 2026. No new non-advalorum assessment programs shall be imposed levied without these seven public disclosures. >> Yes. >> Does that address >> that address your >> What do you think, Commissioner Peebles? 186 00:54:50.000 --> 00:55:05.200 >> I definitely am not going to say no to that. Yeah. I think um I would like to see some more guard rails for the one we already have, but that can that doesn't have to be discussed today. That would actually kind of muddy the 187 00:55:05.200 --> 00:55:21.440 waters. This is a straightforward requirement, transparency requirement for all future non-avalorms. Period. >> Commissioner Tinder, do you have any thoughts on this ma'am? 188 00:55:21.440 --> 00:55:36.880 >> Um no sir, not right now. find out. >> Okay. Commissioner Perno, any thoughts, sir? >> No, sir. I'm I'm good with the exactly what Commissioner Bor was saying as far as policy versus um 189 00:55:36.880 --> 00:55:52.880 basically it's just feel like we just need to let this go and move forward, you know. So, yes, sir. >> All right. So, I I think we have a a way forward here. 190 00:55:52.880 --> 00:56:09.440 the read the ordinance before you leave this item. Please >> go ahead and read read it as it is stated. >> An ordinance of the city of Linhaven, Florida, proposing amendments to section six of the city's charter to establish requirements for nonadvalorum 191 00:56:09.440 --> 00:56:26.160 assessments providing that the proposed amendments shall be effective only upon the approval of referendum as specified in the ordinance. >> Okay. So you have basically our inputs here, city attorney. So it's a matter of just 192 00:56:26.160 --> 00:56:42.880 refining this for our our more official next reading. Uh and we'll move forward from there. I know that was a little painful and I'm sorry for those of you in the audience kind of watching. This is uh sausage making literally at the local level. Uh I think this is this 193 00:56:42.880 --> 00:56:57.680 will be a very good product uh with your concerns, Commissioner Warick, Commissioner Peebles, uh woven into this and it should be something that will will be helpful to the future city commissions as well as Linhaven City 194 00:56:57.680 --> 00:57:15.920 residents today and in the present. So all right, uh moving on to item number nine on the agenda. Final reading of ordinance 1188 proposing amendments to the charter establishing the office of the city clerk plus conforming changes department 195 00:57:15.920 --> 00:57:30.240 head appointment clarification and whistleblower designations. Over to you Amy. >> Um this ordinance has not changed since your first reading. Um it is ready to go if you approve it tonight. I will bring back ballot language at your next 196 00:57:30.240 --> 00:57:47.520 meeting to put it on the ballot. Okay. Um, we've all discussed this uh at quite lengths before. If there's no other discussion for this tonight, I'll ask the city manager to read it and then we'll uh discuss from there. 197 00:57:47.520 --> 00:58:04.160 Ordinance number 1188, an ordinance of the city of Linhaven, Florida, proposing amendments to article 3 of the city's charter, establishing the office of city clerk, and making conforming changes throughout article 3 and article 4 related to the duties of the city clerk, clarifying the procedure for appointment 198 00:58:04.160 --> 00:58:22.400 of department heads, designating all charter positions as whistleblower complaint recipients, providing that the proposed amendments shall be effective only upon the approval of referendum as specified in the ordinance. For those of you that have not been attending meetings uh every every other 199 00:58:22.400 --> 00:58:40.079 week, uh this one is basically kind of a an important but mixed bag of uh tweets for the referendum. These were done in conjunction with the charter review committee uh spearheaded by Mr. Corey Langford, its chairman, and Ryan Scay, its vice chairman. Um and what we have 200 00:58:40.079 --> 00:58:55.839 here is we are establishing the office of the city clerk. Currently the city clerk is a dual hat role with the city manager. Uh we are segregating those into basically a power tag team but you would have a city clerk and responsible 201 00:58:55.839 --> 00:59:13.440 for funding and policy. So a treasurer if you will plus administrative policies and programs whereas the city manager will literally be leading the vast majority of the people the day-to-day operations. So the personnel and operations on one side and the money and policy on the other. They work together. 202 00:59:13.440 --> 00:59:30.480 They both report to the city commission along with the city attorney. Um, and then all three would be designated as whistleblower design, the city attorney, the city manager, and the city clerk, uh, that any city employee could go to, 203 00:59:30.480 --> 00:59:47.000 uh, and bring up an issue and receive whistleblower protections from. So, since this is a final reading, this would be for a vote. Um, so can I get a motion for approval? 204 00:59:51.920 --> 01:00:07.200 >> Buer. >> Mayor, may I ask a question? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. I'm just trying to decipher here what we're saying. >> Okay. Um, by approving this, 205 01:00:07.200 --> 01:00:23.839 does it mean that the city clerk, of which we don't have one right now, um, will be in charge of finances or be the same as the finance person and that the 206 01:00:23.839 --> 01:00:40.000 city manager strictly will deal with people and jobs. Well, Commissioner Tinder, this goes back to the org chart that Commissioner Warick uh presented, >> Miss Myers. >> No, this charter amendment does not do 207 01:00:40.000 --> 01:00:56.559 that. You have that opportunity to do it when you create your job description, >> right? Because it in there it says additional duties as the commission >> designates. >> So, does that answer your question, Commissioner? 208 01:00:56.559 --> 01:01:11.520 >> No. Give me a give me a second shout there. >> Um, so in there it says we >> we the commission can give the city clerk additional duties as designated, but the way it's currently written, it doesn't give them the uh financial 209 01:01:11.520 --> 01:01:29.680 responsibilities. >> Okay. Okay. And and who is our city clerk right now? >> Right now it's the city manager. >> Okay. Yeah. >> But if we take him out of the equation, >> then who jumps into that spot? 210 01:01:29.680 --> 01:01:44.400 >> We would make that determination. We would become the hiring authority for the city clerk. >> If if Well, it's got to go on referendum first. If it passes the referendum, then yes, we would hire we the commission would hire a city clerk. That city clerk 211 01:01:44.400 --> 01:02:01.359 would the commission. >> Okay. All right. That makes that makes sense to me. Okay. All right. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you, Commissioner Ward. All right, so we are looking at the final reading of this ordinance, uh, 212 01:02:01.359 --> 01:02:17.920 which would allow us to submit this to Miss Ward for the August 18th referendum. So, at this point, it is motion we need to vote on it. Correct. >> I don't think there was a motion, mayor, >> and a motion. Well, we need to vote or 213 01:02:17.920 --> 01:02:33.799 we need to vote on it if we're going to move forward with it and submitting it to Miss Ward. So, are there any concerns or discussion among the commission before move to vote? 214 01:02:34.319 --> 01:02:54.559 >> Any concerns? >> Nope. I guess I'll just say, you know, there was um a time when I wasn't for the clerk because back then in the career field I work in, I've seen that it works better to have 215 01:02:54.559 --> 01:03:09.839 the way it was presented, it was simply a u basically uh separate duties to basically be an auditor. And in my mind, when you have auditors work daytoday with staff, it doesn't work very well. But I over time and new data was 216 01:03:09.839 --> 01:03:24.799 presented to me. Um, and I'm sure you all remember that meeting. Well, not all of you. There was three of us up here. Um, Miss Kiki came up here and was like, "Hey, I've got this information that I 217 01:03:24.799 --> 01:03:42.160 need to give you." So, I was like, "Okay." So, I met with her either the next day or the day after that. I gathered all the information. I gave it to the public. I talked about it and it really opened my eyes to holy cow. Um, 218 01:03:42.160 --> 01:03:56.799 I was mistaken and um, you know, I've always tried to be open-minded and open to new information when it comes to me and um, I mean that's what happened. And uh so 219 01:03:56.799 --> 01:04:15.319 at this point in in a in the type of government we have with the city where we've got five members of a board, it definitely makes sense to have the clerk at this point with the new information that I've gathered. And um yeah, 220 01:04:16.640 --> 01:04:33.200 >> thank you, Commissioner Peebles. Any other commissioner got questions, discussions, thoughts they want to share? I have a lot of thoughts I want to share, but um I don't know if you want me to wait until we have a motion. No, >> go ahead. Let's let's get it out before 221 01:04:33.200 --> 01:04:49.280 we do our motion. >> All right. So, first I want to say uh thank you to the charter review committee for uh making this recommendation uh looking at this and uh making the recommendation to have establish a city clerk under the city commission. Um, I support this 222 01:04:49.280 --> 01:05:06.079 recommendation for the same exact reason I uh I brought this up on four separate occasions because it strengthens the checks and balances, protects the institutional independence, and ultimately it it serves the residents of Linhaven. And 223 01:05:06.079 --> 01:05:22.640 for context, this topic surfaced even before I raised it. It was actually you, Commissioner Tinder, who um who brought it up before me. It was uh during a charter discussion back in February 2021. Uh she spoke in favor of the city clerk 224 01:05:22.640 --> 01:05:39.520 being a distinct role and commissioner Pero, you indicated you were um comfortable with the city manager continuing to serve as a city clerk and supported removing the separate city clerk reference as a list of officers and departments in the charter. So when 225 01:05:39.520 --> 01:05:55.359 I later brought this issue forward in December 2022, again I brought it up on four separate occasions. Commissioner Pero, you were on the commission all four times I raised it. Commissioner Peebles, you were on the commission three of those four times. Commissioner Tinder, you were on the commission the 226 01:05:55.359 --> 01:06:12.880 first time I raised it in December 2022. And Mayor Lowry, this was before your time, so you weren't on the commission during any of those discussions. And ideally, this is a discussion or conversation I would have preferred to have a one-on-one. But, as we all know, Florida sunshine 227 01:06:12.880 --> 01:06:29.440 law prevents that. And so, I want to be clear, I'm not asking for an explanation tonight, and I'm not asking for a defense, and I'm not seeking a response this evening. What I'm asking for is reflection. 228 01:06:29.440 --> 01:06:46.240 And if anyone feels a need to provide an explanation at some other time, of course, that's certainly fine. But the purpose of my comments this evening or that's not the purpose of my comments this evening. The purpose of my comments this evening is to strengthen how we 229 01:06:46.240 --> 01:07:03.359 lead going forward. This issue was raised multiple times and during that time the commission chose not to for move forward with this u structure. Now it appears the commission is prepared to support it and that 230 01:07:03.359 --> 01:07:19.520 evolution matters and understanding how and why uh these decisions or u how and why we arrive at these decisions matters as well. And each of us should take a moment to reflect on why this didn't advance previously and why is acceptable 231 01:07:19.520 --> 01:07:35.440 now. Because that kind of reflection is necessary for accountability, leadership and growth. You know, our actions and sometimes inactions can have real consequences. 232 01:07:35.440 --> 01:07:51.599 Not only do they affect city staff, but they shape how this institution functions and they influence the expectations residents have of this body. Because a commission's willingness to exercise independent judgment or not doesn't just 233 01:07:51.599 --> 01:08:06.960 affect one decision, it helps define how this body governs as a whole. And when decisions like this aren't made in a timely manner, the reality is it can set the city back at least 3 to four years. Even if that idea eventually 234 01:08:06.960 --> 01:08:22.719 comes back around and comes to fruition and patterns matter. And one pattern I've observed is this. Look, disagreement is part of this job. Reasonable people can see issues differently. 235 01:08:22.719 --> 01:08:38.400 What concerns me is when an idea gains momentum or perceived backing and decisions follow only only once they feel safe. Once the risk is passed, the support is visible and the outcome feels 236 01:08:38.400 --> 01:08:55.199 guaranteed. Leadership requires judgment before the crowd arrives. Leadership isn't about checking which way the wind blows before deciding to sail. Leadership is about setting the course 237 01:08:55.199 --> 01:09:11.839 because it's the right decision for the city. Waiting for certainty isn't leadership. It's permission seeking. And look, I'll be the first to acknowledge I'm not a perfect commissioner. I've had my fair share of 238 01:09:11.839 --> 01:09:27.839 getting things wrong up here, just like anyone else who served up here. But what I haven't done is wait for momentum before taking a stand and being willing to accept some level of risk because that's what leaders do. That's how 239 01:09:27.839 --> 01:09:45.679 leaders stay ahead of challenges and create opportunities for the city rather than staying neutral and operating in what I call the safe zone. And just to be clear, when I refer to the safe zone, I'm talking about a political instinct to avoid risk and 240 01:09:45.679 --> 01:10:00.960 discomfort. It may protect the official, but it rarely protects the resident. And officials that habitually stay in the safe zone, they prioritize political survival over 241 01:10:00.960 --> 01:10:21.760 public service. And ultimately, you end up acting like politicians rather than leaders. That's how leaders How many times up here have we heard people public officials on this diet 242 01:10:21.760 --> 01:10:38.640 say, "Ah, I'm not a politician." We say it, but do we mean it? Leadership requires something different. Taking a clear position even when it's uncomfortable. 243 01:10:38.640 --> 01:10:53.679 And one of the reasons I'm raising this publicly is for those in our community who may have aspirations to serve in public office so that they have a clear understanding of what leadership and independent judgment 244 01:10:53.679 --> 01:11:13.320 looks like once you're up here. It's not always easy. I also recognize that there are many capable people in our community that could serve in this role and do an outstanding job. And I hope more of them step forward in the future. 245 01:11:13.360 --> 01:11:31.040 But while we're here today, we have a responsibility to lead. Residents are depending on us to make difficult decisions even when they're not easy. And I'll be honest, 246 01:11:31.040 --> 01:11:47.120 I don't know whether this level of reflection will lead to change, and I hope it does, but I I felt it was important to raise a question. If that reflection is genuine, I hope it guides how we approach decisions like 247 01:11:47.120 --> 01:12:04.320 this in the future. And I'll close with this. Steve Jobs, who most of us know was a co-founder of Apple. He took a company that was from near bankruptcy in the late 1990s to one of the most successful companies in the 248 01:12:04.320 --> 01:12:20.719 world. He used to tell his employees this. If you're just out to make everyone happy, don't be in a leadership position. Go out and sell ice cream. I don't take that as a call to be 249 01:12:20.719 --> 01:12:36.640 confrontational, but as a reminder that leadership requires making decisions that aren't easy, popular, or comfortable. So, the way I see it is this. This issue is bigger than the city clerk position. 250 01:12:36.640 --> 01:12:52.080 It's about whether this commission is prepared to leave with independence and conviction even when it's not not easy. Because at some point every elected official must decide who they are. 251 01:12:52.080 --> 01:13:08.159 Leaders lead. Politicians sell ice cream. Do you choose leadership or do you choose to sell ice cream? My hope is that you choose leadership. >> Mayor. 252 01:13:08.159 --> 01:13:23.600 >> Yes, ma'am. >> I I make a motion to accept. >> I have a motion. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. I will open the floor to comments from our 253 01:13:23.600 --> 01:13:51.840 public. Miss Parker, come on up. >> Good evening, Commission. Jamie, good job. I have to say there are two major people 254 01:13:51.840 --> 01:14:08.560 that work here. Higher up people. Chris Lightoot, Jennifer Hodes. Both of them have two jobs. They should only have one a piece. What you just said, Jamie, was 100% 255 01:14:08.560 --> 01:14:23.440 correct. I admire what you said and I thank you and it should be done. City clerk position should be done. Period. No. If Ansor is about it, it should happen. 256 01:14:23.440 --> 01:14:38.560 Look at what Vicky Gainor did. Look at what Vicky Gainer did. Look what Mayor Nelson did. Look at the crap we saw. I've lived here since 2002. I didn't come to a commission meeting 257 01:14:38.560 --> 01:14:59.600 really until after the hurricane. So, thank you. You should do what exactly what Jamie just said. Thank you. >> Mr. Johnny Basher, >> I've got a couple things. Um, first on 258 01:14:59.600 --> 01:15:15.040 leadership. leader acts on the available data, the best data that's available to them at the time to make their decisions. When that data changes, they have to be capable of changing their position and moving forward and leading. But you make your decisions based on the 259 01:15:15.040 --> 01:15:30.560 data that's available. And a leader doesn't go back to that data once it's there and admonish those that didn't act as he did or they did on the available data that was there at that time. To me, that's what leaders do. Um, and that's 260 01:15:30.560 --> 01:15:47.360 all I really want to say on that. The the two things that I do have questions about this though is um, one's not really a question. It's more of a statement is that no matter how you slice and dice this, at the end of the day, this will result in more employee 261 01:15:47.360 --> 01:16:03.679 cost or more administration cost in the city than we currently have. That's acceptable. It's budgetable. You can do it. I have no issues with that. I just think that everybody needs to be aware at the end of the day this is going to cost more money going to cost the city more money in employee expenses than we 262 01:16:03.679 --> 01:16:20.000 do right now and that's neither here nor there as far as that's concerned. The the second thing I wanted to mention was you mayor you had said that the whistleblower would be I think the city manager and the attorney and the city 263 01:16:20.000 --> 01:16:36.880 clerk. That's not what the ordinance says. The ordinance as written says this position shall be a says a designated whistleblower complaint received. So possibly that's right. I just don't know where the other ones are stated at. >> Point of order, city attorney. Um the 264 01:16:36.880 --> 01:16:52.640 city attorney and city manager are current whistleblowers uh authority and this would be a third the city clerk would be the third whistleblower authority. Correct. >> Under your under your current policy, the city attorney and city manager are current whistleblower recipients. This 265 01:16:52.640 --> 01:17:07.760 cotifies that responsibility for the city attorney and the city clerk, city attorney and the city manager in the charter. It adds that duty to the description of the city cler. >> So it gives it so you have three. >> It's in 26 section 26k. It adds it >> as long as it's it when I read it, I'm 266 01:17:07.760 --> 01:17:23.920 like that makes the city clerk the only position and you were here. You were sitting over there, but the last meeting the the chair or charter review commission chairman uh he actually briefed that and said this would make all three the whistleblowers. I I understand. I just when I read the the 267 01:17:23.920 --> 01:17:40.960 ordinance as it's written, it it this change it just adds it. It doesn't say that there's two others. So when I read it, I read it as it was going to be the position. And if it's not, that's great. Thank you. >> Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Basher. All right. Any other questions or comments 268 01:17:40.960 --> 01:17:56.880 tonight? If not, I appreciate y'all being such a uh laid-back crowd tonight. Uh we definitely want to give all the information we have to you. If you do have questions, please ask. Otherwise, if I hearing no other questions or comments, 269 01:17:56.880 --> 01:18:11.760 >> I got something. >> Okay. >> I just want to say, Commissioner War, in the future, if you want to know why I feel a certain way, just ask me. Like it to to I feel like you're implying that I'm not making a hard decision. And a hard decision would have 270 01:18:11.760 --> 01:18:27.760 been voting a certain way when I didn't have 300 people the next day being the the next beating me being the mayor pro Tim come up and tell me how racist I am for 3 hours. Okay. I've made hard decisions. I take data and I change my mind based on that. In fact, you in the 271 01:18:27.760 --> 01:18:44.239 last meeting changed my mind on an ordinance because I took new data. >> So I just request in the future just talk with me, man. >> I can't we can't talk about this one. >> We have a meeting right here. You you you can ask at any time in your commissioner's reports at any time at 272 01:18:44.239 --> 01:19:01.199 the workshops. Just talk to me. I want to be a teammate to you. I don't want this. This is You said you don't want to be confrontational. Let's talk about it. >> Okay. I want to be a teammate with you. I want to go forward. I want to do what's best for the city with you by my side. I feel like 273 01:19:01.199 --> 01:19:16.640 >> I don't know there's a miscommunication or something. I've gone to bat for you in the past. Like I want to be your teammate. So, I feel like I don't know. I This is I'm not even mad about it. I'm just kind of like sad about it. I feel like like kind of hurts a little bit. 274 01:19:16.640 --> 01:19:32.560 >> And I get that. Um, you know, this is not something I take any pleasure doing. In fact, I'll be honest. I lose I lost sleep over this about whether to do this or not. I really debated on it. But back to your 275 01:19:32.560 --> 01:19:49.440 your point about data. I did a whole presentation and I did a lot of research on this and I talked about one of them I talked about research before you were on the commission of all the city clerks that I've talked with and I had it broken down by all their functions and 276 01:19:49.440 --> 01:20:05.760 duties on a on the graph on the PowerPoint slide and I explain the different percentage of where city clerks typically fall in different types of government. Yeah, but the data you gave me is not the data what changed my mind is what I'm saying. It's the data I 277 01:20:05.760 --> 01:20:23.280 got from Kiki. So that's kind of irrelevant to what I'm saying. >> Well, thank you for that. Um, for the good of the order, >> but but the whole purpose of me talking about this tonight is that if it requires us doing more 278 01:20:23.280 --> 01:20:38.719 research, then we need to go out and more research. Let me ask you this. How many how many of us went out and talked to other city clerks? because I went and I talked to every city clerk in Bay County and then of course many different city clerks across the state. Has anybody talked to other city clerks to 279 01:20:38.719 --> 01:20:56.080 say, "Hey, how do how do you do this? Is this a good idea?" You have. Okay. Have you talked to other city clerks? >> But my decision was based on the data I just told you. >> Right. And it's our responsibility. It's not a matter of whether you agree or disagree with me. It's a matter of we 280 01:20:56.080 --> 01:21:12.560 need to go out do our research. And if it means we need to go out and do our research, then do it. And if you want to provide just like we we talked about the changing the election, I have my feelings on it. Your feelings might be different on that. That's okay. I don't mind the disagreement part. It 281 01:21:12.560 --> 01:21:29.199 just seems like we're hesitant to make decisions. I feel that this decision was due to outside influences. That's the way I feel about it. And it's not just this. There are multiple other things that I feel like it was outside influences that influenced the 282 01:21:29.199 --> 01:21:44.960 commission's decision. >> Outside influences. Well, I'll say on record, I don't have any outside influences on this. So, for the good of the order, we have an opportunity as a team here to do something that I think we are all in 283 01:21:44.960 --> 01:22:00.639 agreement is good for the city organizationally and functionally moving forward. um that basically segregates a very consolidated and very powerful city manager position. We have a very good city manager who's very capable. Um he 284 01:22:00.639 --> 01:22:16.639 has flat out said he would love to have a city clerk colleague to be able to handle the issues of policy, finance, that type of thing so he can focus on the people and the operations. This will be inherently good just like I think the 285 01:22:16.639 --> 01:22:34.000 seven questions for future uh non-avalorum issues for future commissions. This is an inherently good thing for the organizational structure and function of our city. So if you Tim teammates will go with me. We have a motion in a second. We've had public commentary. City manager, will you call 286 01:22:34.000 --> 01:22:49.360 the role? >> Commissioner Tinder? >> Yes. >> Commissioner War? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Peebles? >> Yes. Commissioner Pero, >> I'm just gonna stay out and vote no. >> Mayor Lowry, 287 01:22:49.360 --> 01:23:05.360 >> yes. >> He said no. >> He said no. And I'm a yes. So the motion passes 41. >> All right. Uh the LA and number 10, final reading of ordinance 1189 288 01:23:05.360 --> 01:23:20.400 proposing amendments to section 24 of the charter regarding residency of the city manager city attorney. >> Again, this one is unchanged from your first reading. If it's approved tonight, I'll bring back language to put on the ballot. Um if this is also moving 289 01:23:20.400 --> 01:23:38.320 forward at the election. So before we discuss this at all, would you like to read the >> Yes, sir. Ordinance number 1189, an ordinance of the city of Linhaven, Florida, proposing an amendment to section 24, article 3 of the city's 290 01:23:38.320 --> 01:23:52.960 charter regarding residency of the city manager, requiring the city manager to establish permanent residence in Bay County within 12 months of his appointment, providing that the proposed amendment shall be effective only upon the approval of referendum as specified 291 01:23:52.960 --> 01:24:08.719 in the ordinance. >> Mayor, may I ask a question? >> Yes, ma'am. I I thought the original one was that he required residency in the city of Lin Haven, not in Bay County. 292 01:24:08.719 --> 01:24:24.400 >> That is correct, Commissioner Tender. Um the way that >> So that got changed? >> No, ma'am. Um the way the current charter it reads, it does require within 12, is it 12 months, city attorney, that they must move to the 293 01:24:24.400 --> 01:24:40.320 >> city of Linhaven. current charter says during his tenure he shall live in the city. >> Okay. So during his tenure he sh the city manager shall he or she shall live in the city. What the charter review committee recommended to the commission 294 01:24:40.320 --> 01:24:56.960 was make it a member of Bay County. They have to reside in Bay County. uh our current city commission. In fact, the three finalists that we hired from, none of the three lived in the confines or the boundaries of Linhaven. So, they 295 01:24:56.960 --> 01:25:13.280 would have to move in. >> Currently, um this this our new city manager lives about 8 and a half miles north of city hall >> versus I live 6 and a half miles southeast of here. So, almost the same distance, just different direction 296 01:25:13.280 --> 01:25:29.679 outside of the boundaries. So, Um, >> okay. It was just it was confusing for me because there like three words in there that have changed >> and I didn't know if we changed them the last meeting or what. >> No, ma'am. This is >> I mean, personally, >> go ahead. >> No, ma'am. This is this is what the 297 01:25:29.679 --> 01:25:44.639 charter review committee briefed us, Cory Langford, the chairman, um, where they were recommending just Bay County. >> Wow. Okay. So there are there are pros and cons, but that was what the charter review 298 01:25:44.639 --> 01:26:02.880 committee uh proposed and put forward to us. We had the first reading last meeting and are set to have the second reading tonight. So is that >> okay? So basically we're voting on number 10 as the final reading and this 299 01:26:02.880 --> 01:26:19.920 will determine whether uh he lives in Bay County or not. Is that correct? partially. So, what this means is it would be the city it would be the city commission uh approving referendum language to go forward to ask voters for 300 01:26:19.920 --> 01:26:36.400 an up or down vote on August 18th if they will approve or deny this proposal. So, this puts it before the voters. >> Um but it can't >> put it before the voters. Okay. for Bay County. >> It can't go before the voters on the 301 01:26:36.400 --> 01:26:53.360 referendum if we don't give it the thumbs up here in the commission. >> Oh, okay. >> Any other questions or discussion amongst the commission for this? >> I make a motion to accept. 302 01:26:53.360 --> 01:27:10.560 >> I'll second. >> I have a motion and a second before we vote. Is there any questions or discussion among the public? Mr. Basher, come on up. I'll try to be real quick. Um, if you're going to do this, I I would 303 01:27:10.560 --> 01:27:26.480 think it might be better and it may be late in the game to make this kind of a change, but to give the commission the discretion to wave the residency requirements for prospective um, city managers, meaning it would give y'all the discretion to say, "Okay, 304 01:27:26.480 --> 01:27:41.600 since you don't look I I'll use Mr. Lightfoot's residency as an example. you live pretty close. Um, so I think it's reasonable to wave the requirement to live in the city, but you may want to somebody that's coming in if they're 305 01:27:41.600 --> 01:27:58.560 moving from Texas and they're moving in here, you're going to want them to move to Linhaven. You're not going to want them to move to Callaway. So, you may want to say at the commission's discretion, you're able to wave the residency requirement of Linhaven or modify the requirement. That's just a a 306 01:27:58.560 --> 01:28:15.600 thought process that I'm having as you look at this. >> Just just my thought. >> Thank you, Johnny. That is interesting. Come on up, Mr. Finch. >> Good evening. James Finch, 410 East Second Street. I 307 01:28:15.600 --> 01:28:32.719 believe Chris, you live closest city you live to is Lin Haven, right? >> Yes, sir. >> So, I mean, it's not like he's living in Callaway or the beach or, you know, whatever, >> right? And what if a man's got a house at a 2% loan and then you make him move and it's 308 01:28:32.719 --> 01:28:49.600 8%. You going to compensate for that or I mean that'd be pretty bad on him. But he lives the closest to L Haven is you know whatever of any city. It's not like he's living in Callaway or the beach or whatever. And I think maybe you know the 309 01:28:49.600 --> 01:29:05.280 city could exempt it or approve it or you know put it in the charter and let the vote people vote on it but it needs to be done but I wouldn't want to lose lose a city manager because he's got to go and get a different loan and the loan would be a tremendous amount. So you'd 310 01:29:05.280 --> 01:29:21.440 have to take that in consideration. >> Yes sir. >> And if he's not doing a good job run him off you know. >> Thank you Mr. Finch. I don't see any of the charter committee members here, so I will speak on their behalf. Um, they did consider giving the commission the 311 01:29:21.440 --> 01:29:38.960 discretion to decide um whether to wave the requirement or to allow him to live within proximity to city limits. And they ultimately decided not to do that to create predictability for potential candidates the next time you find yourself needing to bring a city manager 312 01:29:38.960 --> 01:29:55.600 to town from somewhere else. >> Thank you for that, city attorney. The one thing when I talked to Chairman Langford and I asked what was their kind of uh thoughts behind this, he said you I believe it was 22 or 24 miles from city hall here. You can go in any 313 01:29:55.600 --> 01:30:12.239 direction and you're basically hitting the Bay County line. Now, if you're down on the other end of Panama City Beach and it's Thunder Bike Week, you might take two or three hours to get over here, but in general, you're looking at no greater than 22 24 miles away. Uh and 314 01:30:12.239 --> 01:30:28.320 I typically and I specifically mentioned I live six and a half miles from here. He lives eight and a half miles from here just in a different direction. Right. I live in the city limits as does all the commissioners and the mayor. Uh that is the manager, the police chief, um other key staff. There is no 315 01:30:28.320 --> 01:30:43.600 requirement residency requirement for them as there are for us elected officials. So that's the only thing that I remember from Chairman Langford was they kind of went back and forth and instead of a proximity or trying to come up with a number well is 10 miles radius 316 01:30:43.600 --> 01:31:00.159 or 15 miles radius fair they just decided if you said Bay County that basically gives you 22 to 24 miles in any direction >> and they're a Bay County resident. Period. In the story is that a fair assessment or summary? >> They had that they had that discussion too. Yes. 317 01:31:00.159 --> 01:31:16.960 >> Okay. Is that an accurate depiction? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you for that. All right. So, any other discussion amongst the commission? If not, we've got a motion in a second. Uh, city manager, will you call the role? >> Commissioner Tinder? >> Yes. 318 01:31:16.960 --> 01:31:33.120 >> Commissioner Warick? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Peebles? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Pero? >> Yes. >> Mayor Lowry? >> Yes. So, the eyes have it 50. Thank you for that. All right, we are down to new business now. Nomber 11, the formal appointment of my friend Commissioner 319 01:31:33.120 --> 01:31:53.040 Pat Perno as the new mayor pro Tim per rotation established in resolution 2021-08-365. City attorney, >> I apologize. >> Sorry, didn't mean to put you on the spot. >> Um, I think all you need to do is make a motion. I don't know that there's 320 01:31:53.040 --> 01:32:08.320 >> so I actually have two things I want to do here tonight. But the first part, let's go ahead and wrap this up as properly agenda. May I have a motion um to appoint Commissioner Pero uh as the new mayor pro Tim per the standard 321 01:32:08.320 --> 01:32:23.040 one-year rotation amongst the commission. >> Motion to approve. >> I'll second. >> Second. >> Thank you, ma'am. I have a motion and two seconds. Um and for the the public, what we have here is the mayor pro Tim 322 01:32:23.040 --> 01:32:40.480 is effectively the deputy mayor. And so if the mayor is out of pocket, um sick, ill, resigns, the mayor pro Tim is the acting mayor, the intram mayor. Um this has happened very recently and but it's 323 01:32:40.480 --> 01:32:55.280 it's four commissioners and it's a four-year term. So during each elected commissioner's four-year term, they will serve as the ma mayor proim or deputy mayor for one of those four years. And this is the normal annual rotation. 324 01:32:55.280 --> 01:33:11.840 So that's what that is. I have a motion and two seconds. So if there is no discussion or questions, I will ask the city manager to call the role. >> Commissioner Ward, >> yes. >> Commissioner Peebles, >> yes. >> Commissioner Perno, 325 01:33:11.840 --> 01:33:27.040 >> yes. Yes. >> Commissioner Tinder. >> Yes. >> Mayor Lowry. >> Yes. I know you didn't vote no for yourself, Pat. I almost thought you did there. You were so soft. Well, thank you and congratulations, Mayor Pro Tim Pato. 326 01:33:27.040 --> 01:33:41.440 Uh, one other thing I am going to kind of inject here. And this is a surprise to everyone except the city manager. Um, I want to recognize our newly uh relieved mayor pro Tim uh Mr. Sam 327 01:33:41.440 --> 01:33:58.320 Peebles. He is a very humble guy, very softspoken guy, but incredibly thoughtful guy. And during his past year as the mayor pro Tim, I think he has done more as the interim or the acting mayor. Not only was he the mayor for 328 01:33:58.320 --> 01:34:14.400 about two weeks after the former mayor resigned, but while for four to six months prior to the former mayor's resignation, um he was out a lot with a sick father and some other things. And so Commissioner Peebles ended up running 329 01:34:14.400 --> 01:34:31.199 a whole lot of meetings. Some of those were three and four hours long. Uh they were marathons. So you handled the double duty, Commissioner Peebles, with grace. and um you kept the city steadfast and turnurning and chugging right down the 330 01:34:31.199 --> 01:34:46.480 railroad tracks. So, I want to thank you sincerely for that. And as part of that, I secured a 3D printed of the newly approved seal. And uh give me just a moment and I'll I'll do an official 331 01:34:46.480 --> 01:35:02.560 presentation here for you. But I found a couple here that does 3D printing on the Northshore community right here in Linhaven. and I asked them to print this seal for us. Um, so you are the first one to get this and it is it says Mayor 332 01:35:02.560 --> 01:35:18.480 Pro Tim Sam Peebles. And there's actually a little stand for it as well that you can display it, you can hang it on your uh on your wall, whatever you may like. But I wrote on the back of it with today's date and it says and it 333 01:35:18.480 --> 01:35:35.920 says, "Sam, please accept my sincere thanks for your steadfast and humble leadership during a very challenging time in our city's our beloved city's history. It is a pleasure to serve alongside of you on the Linhaven City Commission. Very respectfully, Dave 334 01:35:35.920 --> 01:36:05.520 Lowry, 33rd mayor of Linhaven." >> So, sir, Yes, sir. My privilege. >> All right, with that, >> Mayor Fay. >> Yes, sir. >> Sam, I I just hope that I don't have to 335 01:36:05.520 --> 01:36:23.360 endure what you did this year. Just going to say that and thank you for your grace and your honor. >> Thank you, sir. All right. Number 12 on the agenda. First reading only of ordinance 1187, Finch smallcale future 336 01:36:23.360 --> 01:36:38.719 land use map amendment, director of planning and development. >> Here, let me read the ordinance real quick. >> Yes, sir. Ordinance 1187, an ordinance providing for the adoption pursuant to chapter 163, Florida statutes of a land use change from mobile home park to 337 01:36:38.719 --> 01:36:57.440 mixed use for an approximate 3.42 402 plus or minus acres of property located at 220 2011 West 14th Street, partial number 10223-000000-0000 in the city of Linhaven, Bay County, Florida, repealing all ordinances in 338 01:36:57.440 --> 01:37:17.880 conflict here with and providing an effective date. >> The floor is yours, ma'am. >> Thank you. Good evening, mayor and commissioners. I am met a couple of you but I am Gina Grandpri the new planning and development director. 339 01:37:17.920 --> 01:37:34.960 I believe I have a presentation. I like to do a presentation for planning commission and city commission on situ on all development applications. So that is what I will be doing tonight. I believe that the applicant is I know the 340 01:37:34.960 --> 01:37:56.080 applicant Mr. Finch is here um for you to ask questions following this. So there we go. As city manager lightoot read the ordinance. Uh this is application was 341 01:37:56.080 --> 01:38:13.119 presented to us to change the future land use map at a small it's a small scale future land use map from mobile home park to mixed use. As part of staff's review the application was evaluated under the city's requirements for future land use 342 01:38:13.119 --> 01:38:30.560 map amendments. That review includes the existing designation, the proposed designation, the applicant's justification, potential impacts, and consistency with the comprehensive plan. The property is approximately 3.2 acres and is currently 343 01:38:30.560 --> 01:38:47.520 vacant. Although it has been approved for a mobile home development, under the existing designation, the applicant is requesting mixed use, which allows the property to be considered for a broader range of uses, including residential, commercial, and public or institutional 344 01:38:47.520 --> 01:39:04.159 uses. As you can see, um, and by Whoops, sorry, a little happy here. Uh as you can see by the aerial view located within the property is located within the established part of 345 01:39:04.159 --> 01:39:20.880 the city in near existing streets and surrounding development. The proposed map would change from the mixeduse designation. uh staff reviewed the surrounding areas. 346 01:39:20.880 --> 01:39:38.719 As you can see that it fits within that um existing pattern. So on the north is commercial, south is highdensity residential and to the east and west is the mixed use. The planning commission reviewed this 347 01:39:38.719 --> 01:39:55.360 request at its regular meeting at the um 5th of May. There was no public comment after the discussion. The planning commission voted unanimously 7 to zero to forward a positive recommendation to the city commission. Based on staff's review, the request 348 01:39:55.360 --> 01:40:12.159 meets the applicable review considerations for a future land use map amendment. Staff finds the proposed amendment to is consistent with comprehensive plan and the ULDC and that mixed use is appropriate in this location based on the surrounding future land use pattern. Any future development 349 01:40:12.159 --> 01:40:28.960 will still be required to meet all applicable city code requirements. Tonight's first request is for the first reading only. Staff recommends the city commission conduct the reading of the ordinance as city manager the city manager did for this the Finch small 350 01:40:28.960 --> 01:40:44.080 scale future land use map amendment and provide any discussion or direction as needed. And the applicant Mr. Finch is available for any questions. And that concludes my presentation. I'm happy to answer any 351 01:40:44.080 --> 01:41:01.040 questions. Again, the applicant is here to ask answer questions as well. >> Welcome aboard. >> What was that? >> Welcome aboard. >> Thank you. I'm excited. It's been a whirlwind of a couple weeks. So, >> we're glad to have you and you have a very impressive credentials. Uh, 352 01:41:01.040 --> 01:41:17.920 >> thank you. I worked hard for that. >> You are clearly going to be a force multiplier for our city team. I hope so. I I look forward to working with you. So, >> so you said we had a unanimous 70 recommendation from the planning commission, planning committee, excuse 353 01:41:17.920 --> 01:41:33.600 me. Um, what are your thoughts? >> It meets the code. Um, that's what this is for. it. We do evaluate it according to the comprehensive plan and according to that it it allows for uses to be 354 01:41:33.600 --> 01:41:48.560 changed in accordance to what's surrounding it. And with mixed use on the east and the west and commercial and high density on the north and south, it it would warrant it would we would recommend that you do that. It's consistent with the 355 01:41:48.560 --> 01:42:05.119 comprehensive plan. As planners, we want to stay close to that comprehensive plan and this is a quasi judicial dis um decision and therefore it goes through the public hearing process. So really we 356 01:42:05.119 --> 01:42:19.520 can make a recommendation based off of the code based off the comprehensive plan but is ultimately your decision. It is a legislative decision. So regardless of what the applicant has to put down there, what they propose, it 357 01:42:19.520 --> 01:42:34.560 really comes down to those, you know, we have it outlined in the ULDC what uses are allowed in mixed use. Therefore, you have to consider all of those uses could potentially go in there regardless of what the applicant may have come 358 01:42:34.560 --> 01:42:51.840 forward. uh he could sell it tomorrow and it could change completely from what he had presented. So just keep that in mind in making your decision that mixed use has a number of things that can be potentially put there. 359 01:42:51.840 --> 01:43:07.840 >> Yeah, I watched the planning board meeting so I don't really have any questions and I appreciate you everything you're doing. So you seem very thorough. >> I I that's what I aim to be. I want you to have the best knowledge to make informed decisions and so that it 360 01:43:07.840 --> 01:43:24.080 provides clarity. There's no questions. >> Thanks. >> I actually have a question for Mr. Finch if that's okay. Um, I don't know if you know this or not, but literally every single time I post on Facebook, 361 01:43:24.080 --> 01:43:39.280 uh, hey, we got this new business coming or whatever. Literally every single time someone's like, I wonder what's going on this property over here. So, I love that it's changing to mixeduse because everyone wants something to go there. So, I'm I'm excited about that. Um, I 362 01:43:39.280 --> 01:43:55.639 know that it has nothing to do with our decision tonight, but people keep asking what is going to go there. Do you have any idea what kind of interest has been for that lot? >> Come on up, Mr. Finch. 363 01:43:58.800 --> 01:44:14.159 We going to build a twotory bank on the corner of Florida and Walgreens. And then Culver's looking at the other corn on New York. And then when you put the uh storm water stuff in there, you don't have much left. You know, as I 364 01:44:14.159 --> 01:44:30.880 travel around where I hunt hunt these ponds that everybody has around here, you know, they take half your property and put a pond there. I go to Atlanta, I go to all those other states, walk downtown, I can't find a pond nowhere. Miami, I can't find a pond. Can't find you. But around here, there ponds 365 01:44:30.880 --> 01:44:48.719 everywhere. So we did mixuse, you know. So in the back if you put six or eight apartments in the back back there it's it's adjacent to the apartment complex that's there on the south end and all that but it's a community bank will be going on the corner. Culver's looking at 366 01:44:48.719 --> 01:45:05.280 the restaurant's looking at the other side but uh you know they've not had went to a contract. They're trying to get it approved through a franchisee or whatever but right now it's a community bank. Okay. Thank you. I appreciate it, 367 01:45:05.280 --> 01:45:21.280 >> sir. Any other questions or discussion amongst the commission tonight? >> Commissioner Tinder, do you have anything, ma'am? >> Uh, no. I'll make a motion to approve the first reading. 368 01:45:21.280 --> 01:45:36.800 >> Oh, darn. >> Tell you what, we'll uh we'll hold that thought, Commissioner, and uh we'll let you be the the motioner at our next meeting. How's that? >> That works for me. Give me a check on that one. >> Yes, ma'am. All right. Well, thank you 369 01:45:36.800 --> 01:45:51.840 for that. Guess we'll Any other discussions? If not, we'll move forward. All right. Discussion and possible approval of resolution 20265-553, approving the purchase of a new fire 370 01:45:51.840 --> 01:46:11.880 truck. Resolution number 2026-05-553, a resolution of the city of Linhaven, Florida, approving an agreement with Stingray Chevrolet LLC for the purchase of a 2026 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD crew cab in the amount of $134,561.37. 371 01:46:13.119 --> 01:46:29.679 And this is a rescue truck that we budgeted and planned to purchase this fiscal year. Uh the chief has worked with several different dealers to get the best price possible. Uh, this one is sitting there on the lot will be built out if you all approve tonight. Fire chief, do you have anything you'd 372 01:46:29.679 --> 01:46:57.920 like to add, sir? >> Good evening. >> Good evening, Mayor Commission. Just to add to that, uh, rescue truck. This is part of the fire department's goal to stay ahead of growth. Um, this truck is being specifically built to run BLS EMS 373 01:46:57.920 --> 01:47:14.880 calls, but we're also building it to be a high water vehicle for any kind of storm, high water, flooding, or anything like that. So, it's going to be a dual truck to do all different kinds of things. And correct me if I'm wrong, Chief, but this would also take some of the pressure off uh for you having to 374 01:47:14.880 --> 01:47:32.400 use your million plus dollar trucks. This would save wear and tear. >> Plan for this truck is it's going to take several months to get built. Um so we're looking at the end of summer before it comes in. The plan is to put it at station two and then come back to commission and uh during budgeting to 375 01:47:32.400 --> 01:47:46.800 add three personnel to that to make that station two fully staffed cuz right now we only have three people at that station. One would come off the engine. We'd hire three for each shift. Then we'd have an engine and a rescue and it would take the pressure off that million-dollar truck running all the EMS 376 01:47:46.800 --> 01:48:03.760 calls in the souththeast east side of the city. Um I did my analysis uh this week. Station two at Mosley is almost catching station one here in the middle of the city as far as call volume. Um they're almost equal. So as it were it 377 01:48:03.760 --> 01:48:19.600 used to be station two there was nothing going on. You run three or four calls. They're they're they're competing with station one. So the city is getting very very busy at this time. We really need to stay ahead of growth and we need to really look at the future on how we do that financially, physically and with 378 01:48:19.600 --> 01:48:34.080 personnel. Chief, thanks for you for your leadership here on this and staying point to ground and and ensuring we we try to grow with the growth and be responsive and proactive versus reactive. >> Yes, sir. That uh truck that hopefully 379 01:48:34.080 --> 01:48:50.719 if you approve was about a 4month research trying to get the best price to come up with our budget that we had budgeted. Um we were actually came in a little bit under so it's uh a really good thing for us. We just got to stay ahead of growth. 380 01:48:50.719 --> 01:49:06.800 Thank you, chief. Any questions for the chief? >> No. Motion to approve. >> Got a motion. Do I second? >> Second. >> Got two seconds. That's a good thing. >> All right. Any public discussion tonight or any public questions regarding this? 381 01:49:06.800 --> 01:49:23.199 Hearing none. City manager, would you call the role? >> Commissioner War? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Pero? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Peebles? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Tender? >> Yes. >> Mayor Lowry? >> Yes. Thank y'all for that. The eyes have it. All right. On to 14. Discussion and 382 01:49:23.199 --> 01:49:39.840 possible approval of resolution 2026-05-554 amending the fee schedule to include fees for the hometown heroes banners. >> A resolution of the city of Linhaven, Florida, amending chapter 42 of the fee schedule in appendex A of the Linhaven 383 01:49:39.840 --> 01:49:56.159 Code of Ordinances and providing for an effective dates. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. So, we come back for a change in the fee schedule. Um, the Hometown Hero Banners fees have not been in the fee schedule prior to this, and my understanding is 384 01:49:56.159 --> 01:50:14.560 they're getting ready to hang them again um for Memorial Day. So, the decision was made to try and add this. >> And what is the new fee schedule for this? So, for a a new banner, year one would 385 01:50:14.560 --> 01:50:31.520 be $100. Um, and then for the rehanging each year, it would be $50 for year two and year three. And then the banners are retired after three years. Get back on the list. >> And mayor, this is for research. This is about the standard uh pricing throughout 386 01:50:31.520 --> 01:50:47.440 the country for this program. It's become a pretty popular program and the the fees mirror just about everywhere. I I see this with Panama City, too. Uh down on Harrison Avenue lot. It's definitely a hometown pride patriotic 387 01:50:47.440 --> 01:51:02.800 kind of thing. I think it's great. Um and the just to clarify the the banners, they typically have about a three-year life expectancy in the heat and the sun, right? >> Yes, sir. And then we had discussed staff as well to change the design after three years as well, so you're keeping 388 01:51:02.800 --> 01:51:18.320 something that looks a little newer um instead of using the same thing over and over. Gotcha. Okay. Any questions among the commission? >> No. >> Mayor, I will add that we did bring a fee schedule update last meeting and 389 01:51:18.320 --> 01:51:33.600 then we're bringing you this one as we work through uh work through things. Uh we will likely have several more items that have to be added to the fee schedule just to make sure we're accounting for everything. Um and uh Miss Marsh is also working on updating the fee schedule in an Excel 390 01:51:33.600 --> 01:51:50.159 sheet so it's a little easier to read than the current Word document. Would it be um too complicated if someone said, "Hey, I just want to pay for the all three years and pay $200 and be done with it." >> We wouldn't collect it every year. Be 391 01:51:50.159 --> 01:52:12.840 >> Well, that would make it too complicated. >> I would think from an accounting purpose that Miss Roman would frown upon collecting it at one time and keeping a record of who's doing that. So, could we do that or it would be too complicated? >> Okay. 392 01:52:14.400 --> 01:52:30.719 >> Okay. That's great, Miss Roman. So, it's kind of like old Harry Truman. He had the little name plate that said, "The buck stops here. We need to get you one that says we'll take your money." That's awesome. Right. Well, thank you for that. Any other questions? If not, can I 393 01:52:30.719 --> 01:52:48.159 get a motion to approve? >> A motion to approve. >> Thank you. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. Um, any I'll open the floor for questions about this. Any thoughts, questions, discussion? Hearing none. Thank you. 394 01:52:48.159 --> 01:53:03.760 City manager, would you call? >> Commissioner Peebles? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Pero? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Warick? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Tinder? >> Yes. >> Mayor Lowry? >> Yes. You did right, Judy. All right, we're on to 15 now. Discussion and possible 395 01:53:03.760 --> 01:53:23.840 approval of resolution 2026-05-555 accepting the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Construction Loan Agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. City Manager. Resolution 2026-05-5555, a resolution of the city of Linhaven, Florida, relating to the state revolving 396 01:53:23.840 --> 01:53:41.639 fund loan program, making findings authorizing execution of a clean water state revolving fund construction loan agreement WW03250 with the state of Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the amount of 13,289,215 397 01:53:42.239 --> 01:53:57.360 authorizing the loan agreement establishing pledged revenues designating authorized representatives, providing asurances, providing for conflicts, severability, and an effective date. Mayor, back in December, I believe it was, the commission approved the resolution to submit the 398 01:53:57.360 --> 01:54:14.320 loan agreement for the SRF loan for the influent pump station and the headworks of the wastewater treatment plant as we are required to do for a capacity uh expansion as well as the consent order that the city was given for the wastewater treatment plant. We did receive approval back on the SRF loan 399 01:54:14.320 --> 01:54:30.239 after several uh submitts of of different things the department uh requested. This resolution will accept the loan agreement. We are not bidding the project out yet. We still have some things to work on uh before we do, but it will allow staff to accept the loan and then to come back to the commission 400 01:54:30.239 --> 01:54:47.040 when the time is um when the time is right for the um rate study findings uh to make a decision to go to either Bay County or to build this and then to make a decision. The first loan payment is not due until 2028. >> I would like to add one comment. Um your 401 01:54:47.040 --> 01:55:02.960 resolution identifies three loan three existing loans that will be uh senior debt. They will be paid ahead of this loan. I have reached out to the state um because the contract itself doesn't expressly address at least one of those contracts and I 402 01:55:02.960 --> 01:55:49.599 wanted to get clarification on that. So there may be a slight delay in asking for your signature on this until I get that issue cleaned up. >> Miss Kiki, do you have anything you want to add here, ma'am? Add >> either way. Yes, 403 01:55:49.599 --> 01:56:05.840 >> mayor. I will note in there, it's in your packet, but just for the public, uh, the loan rate on this is 2.45%. Uh it's for a period of 20 years. The debt service payments is $439,751 semianually. And like I said, that first 404 01:56:05.840 --> 01:56:27.840 payment would be due October 15th, 2028. >> What was the total amount again? >> $13,574,615. >> Any questions, commissioners? >> Motion to approve. >> Got a motion. Can I get a >> second? Thank you, sir. Got a motion in 405 01:56:27.840 --> 01:56:48.639 a second. Uh any up, Mr. Basher. >> Sorry, I just Will this 13 million be borrowed immediately on when y'all pass this or does it wait until you actually get your bids back and and start projects? >> Yes, sir. We do not get any of this or we we do not borrow the money until we 406 01:56:48.639 --> 01:57:04.239 execute this and put the project out for bid and begin construction. >> I just wanted to get clarification on that. Thank you. No worries. Thank you for that. >> All right. Any other questions or comments? Hearing none. City manager, would you call the role? >> Commissioner Warick. >> Yes. 407 01:57:04.239 --> 01:57:20.080 >> Commissioner Pero? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Peebles? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Tinder? >> Yes. >> Mayor Lowry? >> Yes. Eyes have it. Thank you. All right. 16. discussion and possible approval of resolution 2026-05-556 408 01:57:20.080 --> 01:57:37.920 awarding the service agreement for cemetery lawn care services to GrowPro LLC city manager >> resolution 2026-05-556 a resolution of the city of Linhaven Florida approving a 4-year agreement with Grow Grow LLC relating to the 409 01:57:37.920 --> 01:57:54.159 provision of lawn care at Mount Hope and Linhaven Cemeteries in an annual amount not to exceed $49,939 $9.50. Mayor, we put this project out to bid. A total of uh six bids were received with GrowPro being the apparent low bidder. 410 01:57:54.159 --> 01:58:10.239 Um this will save us approximately $6 to $8,000 a year as they under bid the current provider. >> Okay. Any questions among the commission? >> No. Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Got a motion and a second. Thank you, gentlemen. Any questions among the 411 01:58:10.239 --> 01:58:25.920 public tonight on this? All right. Hearing none. Would the city manager call the role? >> Commissioner War. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Pero. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Peebles. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Tinder. >> Uh yeah. Yes. 412 01:58:25.920 --> 01:58:41.840 >> Mayor Lowry. >> Yes. Eyes have it. Thank you for that. 17. Discussion and possible approval of resolution 2026-0557 awarding the contract for bulk aluminum sulfate to Univar Solutions. City 413 01:58:41.840 --> 01:59:00.080 Manager. Resolution 2026-05-557, a resolution of the city of Linhaven, Florida, approving an agreement with Univar Solutions relating to the provision of bulk aluminum sulfate and an amount not to exceed $55,000. And mayor, this is a chemical used at 414 01:59:00.080 --> 01:59:15.280 our wastewater treatment plant. It was time to bid bid the um supply out. We did receive three bids um as well as some no bid notifications. Univar is the apparent low bidder at a dollar uh 1.2 242 per gallon and this will save us 415 01:59:15.280 --> 01:59:30.639 just a few thousand dollar annually. Not a substantial amount, but it gives us a contract to to go off of. >> Okay. Thank you for that. Any questions among the commission? >> Make a motion to approve. >> Second. >> I got a motion and a second and no questions. I'll open it to the the 416 01:59:30.639 --> 01:59:47.360 public. Uh any questions tonight on this hearing? None. City manager. >> Commissioner Tinder. >> Yes. >> Commissioner War. >> Yes. Commissioner Peoples, >> yes. >> Commissioner Pero, >> yes. >> Mayor Lowry, >> yes. Thank you all for that. The eyes 417 01:59:47.360 --> 02:00:04.080 have it. 18. Discussion and possible approval of moving forward with bidding out James Roger Park improvement. City manager. >> Yes, sir. This project uh was part of the hurricane uh Michael rebuild. Um we did design the project uh back in August. You all approved a final design. 418 02:00:04.080 --> 02:00:20.239 We we finished up the plans. Uh the cost opinion is just under $1.1 million. That money is in fiscal year 26 uh budget. However, it is part of the disaster recovery uh budget that is in the negative. So, the general fund will be affected by doing this project. We do 419 02:00:20.239 --> 02:00:36.400 get a lot of questions from the public on when this project will be built. Uh so, instead of just bidding it out, we wanted to bring it to the commission and ask direction on moving forward or placing the project on hold indefinitely. Um, as I said, the money is in fiscal year 2026 budget, but it 420 02:00:36.400 --> 02:00:54.560 will be coming out of the general fund because the disaster recovery, as we all know, has we've expensed all the funds from that. And on page 152 of your packet, that is the cost opinion that has been broken down by each item. Um, so the commission can 421 02:00:54.560 --> 02:01:11.679 take a couple different actions tonight. One, approve the project to go out to bid um as the plans were finalized back in August. two, put the project on hold, or three, you can say we want to bid out the stormwater pond and a playground or the stormwater pond and a basketball court. Um, or we can bid the entire 422 02:01:11.679 --> 02:01:26.800 project out, and once we bring it to the commission for award, um, you all can decide what to award, if any, at that time. Um, the way we've seen some prices, it could come in at $700,000 or it could come in at 2 million. uh prices have been coming down slowly on 423 02:01:26.800 --> 02:01:43.119 projects. So there is a chance it comes in below the cost opinion, but we will not know until we bid it out. >> So commissioners, let's uh let's kind of have a frank discussion here. Um so there was 1.1 million uh in FY26 424 02:01:43.119 --> 02:02:07.119 and Miss Roman, refresh my memory, please. How much did FEMA come back and what was the word you used? deobligated or >> unobligated. >> How's that? Oh, good. Much better. 425 02:02:07.119 --> 02:02:22.880 >> Um, FEMA unobligated $3 million. Uh, not specifically for this parks project. That was just overall throughout all the projects. Uh however that is not the end of the unobligation in my opinion. I believe that there's 426 02:02:22.880 --> 02:02:41.280 more money coming. As uh city manager informed you, we did budget a million1 uh for this park in the disaster recovery fund. However, there are no FEMA funds available currently. So we 427 02:02:41.280 --> 02:02:58.159 whatever you decide to do with that park will ultimately be paid for out of the general fund. >> Thank you for that. >> Right. So fellow commissioners, this is uh kind of the open discussion time frame. Y'all let's talk about what your 428 02:02:58.159 --> 02:03:15.119 initial first blush thoughts are and what y'all are thinking on right now and what you recommend we uh we do moving forward from here. What do we have in the general fund is about 15 million >> thereabouts? I can >> 51 I thought 429 02:03:15.119 --> 02:03:31.599 >> 15 um >> in the You're asking for the cash number in the general fund. Is that what the question was? >> Yes. >> One moment please. I'll for you. >> You mean the reserves, not the not the cash? >> Oh, the reserve the reserve number or the 430 02:03:31.599 --> 02:03:47.040 >> Oh, no. Well, this is what I'm concerned with. 15 million 9 I believe >> is um we have a payment every year for the disaster recovery bond. What are we up to? About 22 million. >> The the balance on the disaster service 431 02:03:47.040 --> 02:04:01.840 21 million and change. >> 21 million and change. >> The annual debt service is 2.7 million for the disaster recovery bond. >> So let's just say we don't get any more money from FEMA, right? 432 02:04:01.840 --> 02:04:18.760 And we got to pay 2.7 million a year. >> Correct. Until >> So you're talking that money will be dried up in about seven years. >> Until 33. The the bond uh terminates in 2033. 433 02:04:19.520 --> 02:04:39.840 >> So six years. Okay. That's kind of what I'm pitching with everything is that and this because I think we're all under the impression that we were going to get funding for this from FEMA, pay for this, and now 434 02:04:39.840 --> 02:04:56.320 we're not. And it's just I don't know what to do. I'm >> there is very little more money coming in from FEMA. >> Very little. >> This is a very popular and desired thing, but if you don't have the money, 435 02:04:56.320 --> 02:05:13.440 you don't have the money. I mean, the end of the day, we've got to be physical responsible stewards of the taxpayer dollars. So, but I don't know if there's a mix to be had in that or a yeah, but or a different option or alternative funding, but 436 02:05:13.440 --> 02:05:29.360 go ahead. I saw you. >> I I guess this is what's going through my mind right now is I'm thinking the top priority needs to be storm water because that that location is horrible for storm water. I don't know if you ever seen it when it rains, but it it floods badly. 437 02:05:29.360 --> 02:05:46.400 >> It has $200,000 in the in the line item among storm water, >> right? >> What exactly is that? And there's a ditch at the very back there. >> So that that $200,000 in the cost opinion is to construct the storm water facilities uh for the for the park. Um 438 02:05:46.400 --> 02:06:01.360 will that help with the flooding in that area a little bit? Yes. Will it solve all the flooding issues? No. I think there's still one house there that has flooded in the past. That house has not flooded since 2019. Um, >> talking about that one on the corner there. >> Yes, sir. 439 02:06:01.360 --> 02:06:17.840 >> So, it's gotten better. I I know when they did 390 and they redid the ditches, it better, >> but I don't know. >> I'm not going to sit up here and say that constructing that pond will solve all storm water issues in that area and the house will never flood again cuz that is not not accurate. It will help, 440 02:06:17.840 --> 02:06:34.320 but it is not guaranteed that the flooding will be resolved because of that $200,000 pond being built. >> Understood. On the site map in the package, excuse me, on the site map in the package, there's a large empty lot behind the park. Is that is that the 441 02:06:34.320 --> 02:06:49.760 land that belongs to Royal American that's going to be expanded from the uh reserve at Northshore? Is that >> the the land you're talking about? I don't think there's anything being built um as part of the apartment complex that they're building. >> I mean, is it owned by Royal American? 442 02:06:49.760 --> 02:07:07.679 >> It is owned by Royal American. Yes, sir. >> Okay. I know. Uh mean is that part of their expansion though? We I mean, you know, the road that comes out at Jinx there uh just past Bradley Circle. Um >> Yes. Or that road that's freshly tied 443 02:07:07.679 --> 02:07:24.480 into Jinx is the the new driveway into the apartment. >> The new driveway for their for their additional apartment and assisted living that they're going to have. >> Is that going to branch all the way back there? I mean that is that land going to get built out is what I'm saying. It doesn't to my if I remember right on the 444 02:07:24.480 --> 02:07:46.159 plans it does not go all the way to the ditch there. I think there's some wetlands and some woods that stays there. >> I don't think you'll be able to see the neighborhood uh the Bair neighborhood from that apartment complex. Either way it's not going to be popular decision. Is there any way of funding it 445 02:07:46.159 --> 02:08:02.159 another way with uh the storm water a different way on this project uh as as a storm water project on its own? Um not and it won't be it won't be I know it'll still be general it will it will still have to be funded right it would be very 446 02:08:02.159 --> 02:08:18.000 hard to justify using storm water department money to build a storm water pond for a park. >> I agree completely. Not so much as it would be for a park as it would be for the for the storm water in the area. 447 02:08:18.000 --> 02:08:32.800 >> Yeah. But >> but it would end up being for the park. >> Be a stretch. And at almost every meeting, the last six meetings, we've talked about the storm water nonadvalorum and how we shouldn't have one. Um we most definitely don't have $200,000 in the storm water department 448 02:08:32.800 --> 02:08:48.480 to to construct the pond uh for that. But if we did it, if we did peace work and did budget the and and and bid out the $200,000 storm water, it 449 02:08:48.480 --> 02:09:05.840 would help the park and it would help the houses. Yes, sir. So, you could vote tonight to bid the project out as it sits in these plans. Once the bids come back, we will bring it to the commission to award, and you all can decide which part of those bids to award at that at 450 02:09:05.840 --> 02:09:22.159 that time. You can award just the pond. You could award the pond and the basketball court, the pond and the playground. >> So that way we could we could give we could give something, but not, you know, >> if the bids come back with prices for each, you can value engineer it out and decide what you all want to award at 451 02:09:22.159 --> 02:09:37.920 that time. >> So we can descope it once the bids come back. >> Yes, sir. >> How much we spent on designing of this? I >> think we've spent around $60,000, Bobby, on the design. Yeah. 452 02:09:37.920 --> 02:09:54.639 >> Wouldn't the finan just from a dollars and cents point of view, wouldn't it be better just to It's not going to be popular, but would it not be better to table this? >> I would ask not to table it. I would ask you all to make a decision tonight because staff is being inundated with 453 02:09:54.639 --> 02:10:11.280 calls on what is happening with this park and it would be good to tell people what is happening. I'd like to make a motion that we'd go ahead and we go ahead and bid it and then when it comes back, we have this conversation, this tough conversation about what we what we 454 02:10:11.280 --> 02:10:28.000 what we put on the job versus anything at all. That way, at least we're we're making the effort till the end with the with the people that are asking for it. So, >> so we'll have an opportunity to say nyx the whole thing, do the whole thing, or do parts of it. >> Yes, sir. when we bid it out and the bids come back. You all can reject all 455 02:10:28.000 --> 02:10:45.199 bids and say we're not doing the project or you can >> and you know and we'll face it together with the with the residents and find out what's the most important thing to them. If they wanted one thing, you know what I mean? Or two things, what can we do? You know, so >> I'll second the motion. 456 02:10:45.199 --> 02:11:01.440 >> I have a motion and a second. Um any public dis I have any public discussion or questions tonight? Johnny, I see you chomping at the bit. Come on up, >> mayor. >> Ma'am, 457 02:11:01.440 --> 02:11:18.079 >> I do. I'm sorry. I'm coming in the ball game here. >> No worries. >> Um, this whole thing here, uh, can Kiki tell me was any of the, uh, $12,11 we gave to Panhandle Engineering for 458 02:11:18.079 --> 02:11:35.520 figuring this up, >> what what was that for? You mean on are you referring to the checklist, Commissioner Tender? >> Yeah, yeah, I'm referring to Yes, I am. >> They have not had an invoice for this park in a while. >> The the $12,100 459 02:11:35.520 --> 02:11:51.040 >> Excuse me. >> Go ahead. >> The $12,11 are for ADA design and the rails to trails water loop. >> Did you hear that, Commissioner Tender? >> It had nothing. 460 02:11:51.040 --> 02:12:09.520 Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Certainly. But what is it we're voting on >> right now? Mr. Bashers is up to for public comment. Then I I'll tell you the motion. >> Okay. All right. >> So, everybody loves parks. We all know 461 02:12:09.520 --> 02:12:25.440 that. We all know that it would be great to put a park there. Um this is one of those leadership chances that you got a decision to make. It's not going to be popular. Um, the money is just not there to do this park right now. You can bid it out, but you're going to utilize the 462 02:12:25.440 --> 02:12:41.599 city's time to put those bids together and send them out with no clear understanding of when you get them, how much money you've got to spend. If you decide tonight to spend 200,000, send it out for the storm water pond. But if you just send it out for bid, you're taking up your your contractor's times, the 463 02:12:41.599 --> 02:12:58.239 people that are going to bid on this, bid in good faith that they've got a good chance to get that reward and get that money. And if that's not the case, you need to do something different. Me, if I was a contractor, I would not want to spend my time and effort going through the motions to fill out forms and bids and do the actual numbers and 464 02:12:58.239 --> 02:13:14.400 put all that together to give you if there wasn't a good chance that it was going to go through. Um, I think you're going to end up using the city's time and your prospective contractor's time when that I really don't think this project's going to be approved. You need to decide, do you want to approve this project or do you not want to approve 465 02:13:14.400 --> 02:13:29.679 this project? Spend the money or not spend the money. It's a fair point, Mr. Basher, and thank you for that. >> I just asked Mr. Lightfoot how much time it would take, but since a lot of it's already been done. So, this bid is ready to go, Mayor. It can be >> take that much time, >> right? 466 02:13:29.679 --> 02:13:44.960 >> And and people have their cost in line. I mean, you you put it out, they they answer. I mean, contractors. >> So, it would run it would be advertised for 30 days, but I feel that we would get numerous bids on this project. 467 02:13:44.960 --> 02:14:01.199 But it comes back to we don't have any dollars in the piggy bank to cover it. Now, we might be able to allocart a little bit. If we're talking about just improving storm water, drainage on the park, okay, fine. But I mean, this is we're basically sitting at a kitchen 468 02:14:01.199 --> 02:14:17.199 table. We have just enough money to pay our bills and we're talking about a trip to Vegas here. We just don't have it. So, I know that's a metaphor, but we just we don't have it in the piggy bank right now. Mayor, if I may, we're talking about the residents of Bair, >> right, 469 02:14:17.199 --> 02:14:33.840 >> that had their that that had their park kind of taken away from them and and was supposed to be built back like the promise that was made for people for after the hurricane. >> Yes, sir. >> And I I think we we we owe it to them to at least go to the 11th hour with them 470 02:14:33.840 --> 02:14:48.880 with the with with with the issue at hand with the city is, hey, we're going to bid it. We we got the work here, but we don't have the money. But what what's the most important thing to you? If we could do one or two things this year, you know, we could keep it we could keep 471 02:14:48.880 --> 02:15:06.000 it in the ropes. Once you once you bid it and start with somebody, they'll value engineer with you. If I'm not mistaken, the contractor say, "Okay, you got this much money this year. He still has the job the next year. We'll put a little more money at it. Do something else." >> And and and things change along the way. 472 02:15:06.000 --> 02:15:22.320 But I I mean we're we're I know I know what you're talking about what you're saying, but when you get down to the people that live in those houses and what they want for their neighborhood, I I think I think that that's my that's my point of view. So, 473 02:15:22.320 --> 02:15:36.960 >> thank you for that, Commissioner Pero, because I didn't Hang on just a second. I didn't have that background in the park with the residents there, so I didn't know that. >> So, thank you. We did have several neighborhood meetings out there throughout the design of this project and heard feedback from from the 474 02:15:36.960 --> 02:15:52.239 residents and commissioner Tinder. The motion um is to move forward with bidding the project out and then making a decision once the bids come back. There was a motion by Commissioner Pero and a second by Commissioner War. 475 02:15:52.239 --> 02:16:15.920 >> Okay. So if so when the bids come back we don't have to accept any of them or accept all of them >> doesn't lock us into one. >> Okay. >> Mr. Masher, thank you for your feedback. 476 02:16:15.920 --> 02:16:31.599 Uh any other questions before we we move to a vote here? Hearing none. City Manager. Call the RO, please. >> Commissioner Pero, >> yes. >> Commissioner Warick, >> yes. >> Commissioner Peebles, >> yes. >> Commissioner Tinder, >> yes. 477 02:16:31.599 --> 02:16:48.000 >> Mayor Lowry, >> no. All right. So, 40 or 401, excuse me. 19 discussion only on the city parkour. City manager. >> Yes, sir. We've had um I'm sure you all have received several complaints in the 478 02:16:48.000 --> 02:17:03.840 past few weeks about some homeless issue um down at Porter Park. We think we have that remedied. Uh but that brought some issues up. Um also in some conversations with the police department, our ordinance is very vague on park hours. Um so before we brought you an ordinance change, just want to have a general 479 02:17:03.840 --> 02:17:20.479 discussion um to consider putting park hours on each park. uh whether it was dawn to dusk, you know, 30 minutes before sunset, 30 30 minutes after or 30 minutes before sunrise, 30 minutes after sunset at every park aside from the sports park in Kane Griffin, which we 480 02:17:20.479 --> 02:17:36.479 would ask to be um open until 10:00 p.m. because there's basketball courts, pickle ball courts, etc. that's used there late at night. Um and also in the ordinance, we would likely discuss putting restrictions on pets on the picnic tables under the pavilions at 481 02:17:36.479 --> 02:17:52.639 parks. Um, we've had some issues where some of the folks that were gathered down there just let their dog, they tied the dog to the picnic table, let the dog lay on top of it. Um, and then when they've left, you know, they came in for a kid's birthday party. Um, not very sanitary. Um, so we asked to kind of 482 02:17:52.639 --> 02:18:07.679 restrict that. Um, just wanted to hear some feedback. I know. Commissioner Peebles, I talked with him about some issues he had received. Um, on the Porter Park issue, um, Commissioner Wart had had got the same calls or same messages. Um, so just kind of wanted to hear some feedback from you all before 483 02:18:07.679 --> 02:18:23.679 we bring an ordinance uh revision to you. >> Yeah, I think uh it's very important to figure out these hours just to make the police job easier because I was kind of I talked with chief and deputy chief about it and that's kind of they both kind of said the same thing is like well 484 02:18:23.679 --> 02:18:38.399 I mean we have an ordinance but there's really nothing to enforce. So, so but I think the one thing that I think it was uh Deputy Chief Ingfinger had a really good point is or suggestion is um you know 485 02:18:38.399 --> 02:18:55.359 we might want to have a caveat in Porter Park with the if we go with let's say uh hypothetically we go with 30 minutes after sundown maybe we say besides the bridge >> and the boat ramp. >> Yeah. because um there's many people 486 02:18:55.359 --> 02:19:11.920 that go like before the sun comes up, people go out on their boat after the sun goes down, people walk the bridge. There's quite a few people that walk the bridge after the sun goes down cuz that's the perfect time to get some exercise in. So, I think that's an important caveat to add, but I'm 487 02:19:11.920 --> 02:19:28.880 definitely a proponent of the hours because our ordinance talks about not to be at a park after it closes, but we there's no official closing time. So, how can you how can you enforce that? >> I was meant to read that, too. So, section 42-13 subsection B of the ordinance states, 488 02:19:28.880 --> 02:19:45.120 "No person shall be admitted or allowed to remain in any city park after the designated closing hour except for the purpose of camping where designated or as approved by the Department of Leisure Services. First off, I don't think we have any park we allow camping. Second off, the closing hour is not mentioned 489 02:19:45.120 --> 02:20:01.760 anywhere in the ordinance." So, we just want to specify the the hours for each park. And mayor, >> go ahead. Ma'am, >> on uh on this subject, uh what about what is it accommodate for the people who've been down there and fish all 490 02:20:01.760 --> 02:20:19.200 night off the ve off the bridge? >> Yes, ma'am. That's what Commissioner Peoples was referring to is the the bridge for fishing and the boat ramp uh would be excluded from those park hours um like at Porter Park. Okay. That would be specifically for like the pavilions and the playgrounds and the bathrooms 491 02:20:19.200 --> 02:20:37.439 there for the for the people that are using those. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> So, what's your recommendation? Uh half hour before sunset, half hour after sunrise, and with the exception of what Commissioner Peoples brought up 492 02:20:37.439 --> 02:20:55.040 >> for for Porter. Yes, sir. And then from for the sports park and for Kane Griffin, we would do from I believe it's 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Um, whatever Justin and Tai would recommend for the opening, but 10:00 p.m. would be the closing. Uh, Kinsaw, uh, talked to Justin last night 493 02:20:55.040 --> 02:21:12.080 would be about 9:30. That allows for the practices to end and for people to get out of the park except for fishing there at Kinsaw as well. >> Okay, I'm good with that. Yeah, as long as I mean I trust the staff's recommendation on hours more 494 02:21:12.080 --> 02:21:28.720 than my own. Um, but yeah, we definitely need the hours though. So, if commission's good with that, we will. >> Go ahead, Commissioner Tender. >> Hey, >> I want to ask this. Is this going to put an extra heavy burden on the police 495 02:21:28.720 --> 02:21:45.680 department to enforce this or who's going to go down there and drive around every day? But with the conversation with the police department, this will actually make their job a little easier because they will actually have some teeth to to utilize to to get people out of the park if they need to um that are 496 02:21:45.680 --> 02:22:01.920 there after hours. Currently, they can't make them leave because it says after closing hour, but there is no closing hour. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Like Commissioner Peeles, I'm good with this. If you want to draft it up, we can formally review it and bless it our next 497 02:22:01.920 --> 02:22:18.319 meeting. Thank you, >> Commissioner Pero. You got anything to add? You're good. I should say, uh, Mayor Pro Tim. Um, all right. So, that's 19 done. There was no vote needed for that. Number 20, 498 02:22:18.319 --> 02:22:33.520 discussion and possible approval of moving forward with bidding out the construction of M0044 Florida and Ohio Avenue corridor improvement project. City manager. >> Yes, sir. So, this is similar to the James Rogers Park except this uh project is grant funded. However, the cost 499 02:22:33.520 --> 02:22:49.760 opinion once we got the plans 100% complete is significantly higher than the grant. Um, but we didn't want to bid the project out and then bring it to you all and have to put some CRA funding with it. Um, and you all reject the bid. So, we wanted to discuss it before. Um, we are recommending bid the project out 500 02:22:49.760 --> 02:23:07.040 and likely award Florida Avenue from 7th to 9th Street with the downtown improvements. That would likely use every bit of the grant funding as well as some CRA funds that would have to go with it. Um, one, the downtown project like city of Panama City did, it is a 501 02:23:07.040 --> 02:23:23.200 significant construction undertaking. Um, it would be very similar to ours except we're not digging up the entire road. We're going over top the over top of the existing. So, it would not be as significant of a construction impact though it would be a pretty significant um time. 502 02:23:23.200 --> 02:23:40.960 >> So, what kind of above and beyond financial impact are we looking at here? So, if you go to page 179 of your packet, um there's a cost opinion broke down by the different phases. Uh phase 1 A, uh the cost 503 02:23:40.960 --> 02:23:56.640 opinion with a 10 10% contingency, um is around $5.3 million and phase 1B is $4.3 million. Um, so if we're able to do the 9th, the 7th, uh, on Florida Avenue, we 504 02:23:56.640 --> 02:24:14.160 have approximately $4.1 million, I believe, left. So if it comes in directly on the cost opinion, uh, the city, the CRA would have to add 1.2 million to it to complete it. >> Do they have that much slop in the jar to be >> Roman is diligently going on her laptop 505 02:24:14.160 --> 02:24:30.640 right now? You can see the smoke coming off the keyboard as she looks for that number. That's a hell of a lot of couch cushion change. But >> I'm sorry, the question is about the CRA commitment. >> Could the CRA bridge that roughly $1.2 506 02:24:30.640 --> 02:24:46.240 million gap though if we went ahead with the first phase? >> It depends on the timeline. Could they um do it today? Yes, but it would override all the other budget items. So um I would say that it would have to be 507 02:24:46.240 --> 02:25:03.359 done in phases. We couldn't do it in one year >> and likely if we move forward with bidding this project out by the time it's time to award the project we will be in fiscal year 27 or right at fiscal year 27 and could add more in the budget for that to cover it >> reshifting around some of the existing 508 02:25:03.359 --> 02:25:21.600 CRA projects. >> CRA director, do you have any thoughts here you you care to enlighten us with and your thoughts? Sure. >> Good evening, mayor, commissioners. >> Uh what you see the cost estimates 509 02:25:21.600 --> 02:25:37.760 uh that you seen in the agenda packet is just an educated guess. Um fact is that if we want to move forward with this project, we have to bid it out otherwise the state will never grant us any funding for this. So once we know once 510 02:25:37.760 --> 02:25:52.640 we get these bids um for the individual phases we know exactly how much it will cost and at that point we can determine how we can pay for these phases. Maybe we might be able to afford phase 1 A and 511 02:25:52.640 --> 02:26:08.240 phase 1B at the same time. We have seen this in the past with the Tennessee Avenue project for example. It was the cost estimate was at 1.2 2 million to construct it and it came in at 623. 512 02:26:08.240 --> 02:26:23.840 So well below the anticipated budget and that's why I'm saying right now what you see there is an educated guess. We know for a fact whenever we get the bid u numbers in then we know for sure how much it will cost. 513 02:26:23.840 --> 02:26:39.200 So my recommendation would be to advertise um the bid u the bidding this project and then take it from there and then decide which phase we should focus on. >> And we'll make a note that typically we 514 02:26:39.200 --> 02:26:54.160 do not bring the to the commission to ask to bid a project out. Uh but with the likelihood of this coming in over budget as far as what we have for the grant uh we wanted to bring it to the commission and discuss it before bidding it out. We may bid it out and there may be no dollar spent from the CRA. It may 515 02:26:54.160 --> 02:27:10.399 be 100% able to be expensed uh from the grant funding. >> And once you bid it out, we have to accept a bid. >> You don't have to accept the bids. You can reject all bids. But if we do, if we do reject the bids, we will forego the grants, >> right? >> And 516 02:27:10.399 --> 02:27:25.359 >> then we'll have a better idea of whether we can do this in phases or >> whatnot, >> out of pocket versus a grant, right? And timelines on the grants. Are there expiration dates on the grant? 517 02:27:25.359 --> 02:27:41.120 >> Is there anything specifically timesensitive to this? >> Yes sir. There is a a time time stamp on the grant >> which is that kind of sunsets when you know by chance >> as of today um the the grant agreement 518 02:27:41.120 --> 02:27:58.319 will sunset in September of this year. We already submitted uh a request to extend the the grant by another 12 months. So that would if we were to advertise the construction now, this would give us enough time to actually do the construction and to fully utilize 519 02:27:58.319 --> 02:28:16.560 the grant amount that was awarded to us. And if if we bid this out and it comes in where we can only do a portion of one phase, then we would submit that to the funding source. they would approve it and then you all would approve moving forward with it. Again, not expensing 520 02:28:16.560 --> 02:28:33.040 any money out of the city's pocket. >> So again, we can just scope it just like the other we talked with the James >> as long as the funding source approves. Yes, sir. >> I make a motion to approve. >> Go ahead, Commissioner Tender. 521 02:28:33.040 --> 02:28:49.040 >> Oh, did he make a a a motion to approve it? >> Yes, ma'am. We're uh we're still kind of I was trying to ask you and the other two commissioners if y'all had any thoughts on this. >> Oh, I got lots of thoughts on this one. >> Well, go ahead. 522 02:28:49.040 --> 02:29:05.120 >> Um I I've been watching this very carefully and Ben has been keeping up with me on, you know, uh where we're at with things and stuff. Um the timing of this is going to be crucial for all the 523 02:29:05.120 --> 02:29:19.280 businesses located in that area number one and and all the work. I hope they do it in the middle of summer so they can work all night instead of during the day. And I just I just mostly want to 524 02:29:19.280 --> 02:29:36.479 keep in the foreground the fact that the elderly shop down there. They eat across the street. um they eat at our place. We now have a new slice house pizza coming to open up any day right across the street 525 02:29:36.479 --> 02:29:52.880 from us. And uh we have of course a wild route, but the elderly are on canes and they're on walkers. And I just want that to be kept uh kept in mind when we do this so we're not doing something that 526 02:29:52.880 --> 02:30:08.960 just turns into a big shutdown in that area. >> Yeah. And that's all I really have to say. I watched it like a hawk to see what's happening next. >> I've got a few thoughts, too, but I want to respectfully defer to the other commissioners first. Commissioner 527 02:30:08.960 --> 02:30:22.319 Peeles, do you have anything, sir? >> I think we need to go ahead and approve this before the time runs out so we don't lose the grant money and then go from there. >> Mayor Pro Tim Pero. Um Um I will I'll 528 02:30:22.319 --> 02:30:40.399 second the motion by Commissioner War. The the fundamental difference here is we have a grant uh and we don't know how much it's going to cost. We will have a better idea of cost once you actually 529 02:30:40.399 --> 02:30:55.840 run this around. Uh and if we say no on this one, unlike the other one where it's completely out of pocket, we have $4.1 million in grants uh and a very possible $1.2 $2 million gap we'd have 530 02:30:55.840 --> 02:31:11.600 to fund if we press forward. But if we do nothing, we lose the 4.2 or $4.1 million grant. Correct. >> That's right. And as a reminder, it's the CRA would fund it, not general fund. >> Fair point. 531 02:31:11.600 --> 02:31:28.640 Now, one question then, do you have that much in your couch cushions? and the CRA if if that's what it takes to bridge just that first phase. Let's say it comes in on the high end and it's 5.3 and we get a grant for 4.1. Are you 532 02:31:28.640 --> 02:31:45.680 comfortable with that 1.2 million delta in the CRA for the CRA given area? >> I think that's a question to be answered once the bids come in and we look at what time it is. Um, as far as where we fall within the fiscal year and the and the budget, >> it's it's about setting priorities by 533 02:31:45.680 --> 02:32:02.479 the CRA board. Um, if we focus on this project, which I think is a very important project, then we we may have to put other CRA projects that I'm currently working on on hold >> and but then they eventually will come back whenever the >> becomes a financial balancing at that 534 02:32:02.479 --> 02:32:18.000 point and just prioritizing what we're going to do with our CRA funds at that juncture. Okay, good with that. Um, so we have a motion and a second. Uh, before we vote, do is there any uh comments from the public on this 535 02:32:18.000 --> 02:32:34.160 particular topic? Johnny, you're unusually quiet. You're good on this one, huh? You're going to pass. All right. Well, hearing none, city manager, will you call the role? >> Commissioner Warick, >> yes. >> Commissioner Pero, >> yes. >> Commissioner Peebles, >> yes. >> Commissioner Tinder, 536 02:32:34.160 --> 02:32:49.600 >> yes. >> Mayor Lowry, >> yes. All right. And last, but certainly not least, item number 21 before public commentary. This was the ad that Commissioner Peebles asked for, and that is the ULDC kind of way ahead discussion. 537 02:32:49.600 --> 02:33:05.120 >> Yeah. And Commissioner Peeles was funny brought uh Miss Grand Prix and I had this conversation about 3:30 this afternoon on our next steps uh after the workshop we had um with Ray Greer. So, just do kind of want to hear some feedback. We were planning on scheduling one-on- ones uh with each of you, but 538 02:33:05.120 --> 02:33:20.240 since you brought it up tonight, let's discuss it here publicly and decide, you know, do do we want to do more workshops to look at the ULDC and the comp plan or do we want to continue the zoning route uh that was t um kind of initially chosen. I don't think that that's the 539 02:33:20.240 --> 02:33:35.200 desire after the workshop from the commission. Um we had anticipated, you know, putting $200,000 in fiscal year 27's budget for the zoning. Uh but we can still put money in the budget of fiscal year 27 to go the consulting route whether it's zoning or or the 540 02:33:35.200 --> 02:33:51.280 updates or we can kind of do it a piece at a time in house and bring to the commission uh via workshops and then you all decide on the changes. >> So I'll open up the floor here. Commissioner Peele, since you asked for this, would you like to start us off, sir? 541 02:33:51.280 --> 02:34:07.200 >> Sure. that I mean that kind of starts it for me. But I just wanted to pick y'all's brains since sunshine long because I think it's time uh the ulc has been put on hold for too long and I think after that workshop we had to me it seemed pretty evident that we can do 542 02:34:07.200 --> 02:34:22.240 what we wanted to do with zoning with the ulc. So let's update the uldc and let's figure out the steps we want to take as a team to figure out to make that happen. what our first off we need to know what our goal is when before we're changing it but I don't know if 543 02:34:22.240 --> 02:34:37.520 the one-on- ones make sense or a workshop I kind of uh like the one-on- ones um and then when we get together publicly we can talk about it >> just because people tend to >> I don't know have more defined what they 544 02:34:37.520 --> 02:34:54.800 priorities that they want uh when it's a one-on-one and then we'll bring it publicly to discuss but I'm not that's not like a hill I want to die on um Whatever route we want to take, I just want to get that discussion in our brains so we can kind of start working towards that together because we got to 545 02:34:54.800 --> 02:35:08.800 we got to do it. >> Agreed. >> Other commissioners, Commissioner Tender, do you have something uh you'd like to add, ma'am? >> Um, no, I don't think so. 546 02:35:08.800 --> 02:35:27.760 >> I approve. Let's go. Commissioner Wart, >> I mean, I'm of the opinion um when I brought this up before that we should do the comp plan first because that's supposed to >> Yeah. >> be your vision of what you want the city 547 02:35:27.760 --> 02:35:44.720 to look like and that helps guide what you want in ULDC. >> I'm fine with that. I think that is an a really good idea because that covers what you said. our vision on what we want to do before we change the LDC. So, >> and I also want to sit down with the 548 02:35:44.720 --> 02:35:59.840 planning director. I haven't sat down with her. I'm hopefully this Friday. I'll see I'll see if I can get with her, but I'd like to pick her brain. And it's really good to have someone with a different perspective from a different place to to come here, provide their perspective. So, 549 02:35:59.840 --> 02:36:15.840 >> there is an old Florida farmer term for this and it's called plan your work then work your plan. And we need that comprehensive overarching guidance. Jimmy Buffett would call it the navigational swim lanes or the navigational beacons. Let's establish 550 02:36:15.840 --> 02:36:34.200 those and uh press forward and update our ULDC. Mayor, I've got to practice this a little bit, but Mayor Pro Tim Perno, your thoughts, sir. >> I'm good with whatever you want to do. 551 02:36:34.720 --> 02:36:50.960 >> Well, it sounds like we're in just about violent agreement. Is that enough uh guidance for you out of the commission? >> Do you all want uh some workshops or do you want to just kind of start with one-on- ones um with staff and then kind of build out from there and then have a workshop? >> How about this? How about we have our 552 02:36:50.960 --> 02:37:07.040 brand new planning director sit down and do an initial hardcore scrub um and identify key areas that we need to focus in on that you need inputs from us on because a lot of this is going to be very technical and functional subject 553 02:37:07.040 --> 02:37:22.479 matter expertise centric. Right? Let's figure out where the gaps and seams are and let's all come together and literally have meaningful input. But let the pros take the first whack at this and then we'll jump in. That way we don't put too many cooks in the kitchen up front 554 02:37:22.479 --> 02:37:42.960 >> and you go ahead and get your boy base started and then we'll come in and help where we're needed. >> That work for everybody? >> All right. All right. Um now we're down to the new item 22. We have public commentary. We 555 02:37:42.960 --> 02:38:13.680 have two up. First we have Miss Jerry Parker. Miss Parker, come on down. Oh, public commentary. >> Good evening. >> Good evening, ma'am. Um I want to just um give some information in reference to um I went to 556 02:38:13.680 --> 02:38:29.120 a candidate forum about a week a little bit over a week ago and um there's one person in particular um I had seen a post on our beacon about um David Aosta. I guess he was a Callaway um resident 557 02:38:29.120 --> 02:38:45.840 that went that um tried to go for a commission seat and he didn't um he didn't win. So, but anyway, um he was very um um comparable to um Jim Norton, who was 558 02:38:45.840 --> 02:39:03.120 one of the candidates. And um I just want to give y'all some information regarding that because I know that Christy Maroy sent y'all information. Um so, I did a little text to him. So, I just said, "Just FYI, 559 02:39:03.120 --> 02:39:19.600 I just read what you said about Norton. Let me give you a situation that took place with Norton and a citizen, a St. Joe citizen at Piggly Wiggly. He demeaned that person and kept yelling, and I'm not going to say the verbal word, but f you loudly inside the store 560 02:39:19.600 --> 02:39:35.920 um several times at the other person and others heard his vocal words. So, no, I will never support a piece of crap like that ever. And he's a superintendent of schools. This man is Jim Norton. um not a good person speaking to someone 561 02:39:35.920 --> 02:39:51.600 like that and he doesn't deserve a seat in Congress in my opinion. So, I just wanted to let y'all know about Jim Norton. He's not a good person and he should not be able to run. Do you have something to say, Jamie? >> I'm just trying to figure out if this is 562 02:39:51.600 --> 02:40:07.200 the forum for this. >> Well, I just I just wanted to give this information because Christy had given y'all information in reference to this. So, that's the reason why I'm giving y'all the information in reference to this. Y'all don't have to agree with me or anything, but I'm just saying that 563 02:40:07.200 --> 02:40:31.280 this is the information that I'm giving. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Thank you, ma'am. Mr. David Wagner. >> Mr. Wagner, I like your hat, sir. It's very patriotic. Thank you, sir. I'd like to very humbly thank you for the opportunity to be here. I'm from 1506 Illinois Avenue, 564 02:40:31.280 --> 02:40:47.280 David Wagner. It's great to hear from Mrs. Tender voice. Um, hello to our new uh city stewards. Thank you for all you've turned things around in this city. Um, but I have a problem with the parks. Um, I may run out of time. 565 02:40:47.280 --> 02:41:04.160 Everyone likes the term walk in the park. Sounds good and free. It's what we all want. Things were pretty difficult for some of us back in previous years where things were not as ethical as they are now. Um, once I was passing by some basketball kids after I played tennis 566 02:41:04.160 --> 02:41:21.600 and I just innocently asked to play basketball, thinking they might play four-on-one, etc. I was caught off guard by the actions of this one kid because they're all coached to be afraid of guys or strangers, whatever. It was very strange. And I simply said, "Hey, I'm 567 02:41:21.600 --> 02:41:36.800 not a bad guy. I live around here." Turns out within a half an hour, him and his parents called the police and there were four squad cars at my house an hour later thinking I'm some kind of a predator. I'm a E6 retired Air Force, 31 years of Department of Defense, 568 02:41:36.800 --> 02:41:53.600 background checks for 32 years. Would never break the law cuz I have pinching. My wife's sitting back there. I love her. It turns out that really I found out weeks later the kid got with his parents and that's what they Okay, I'm reading. Okay. Anyway, the cops took it 569 02:41:53.600 --> 02:42:09.760 what they did hook line and sinker and they kicked us out kicked me out of the parks forever. They never and then let me tell you how he did it. He was uh I called up the next morning when these guys came out of my house. I said, "Why'd y'all come out? You know, I just was going to ask to play basketball." 570 02:42:09.760 --> 02:42:25.600 And he said, "No." And I left. And um I said, "Let me tell you good things about me." The next morning, I said, "I'm I'm called the good Samaritan in my neighborhood. I'm very kind-hearted. Help people with hurricane stuff, you know, money for tree removal, whatever you you want to say. I can't read this, 571 02:42:25.600 --> 02:42:43.439 but um shoot any Oh. Oh, this cop when I said that I put all the trees up at Kane Griffin Park, I put them up. Those little trees, the 20 around the fence area, I did that in two days. No one else did that. and I saved those trees. That's why they're still growing. And um 572 02:42:43.439 --> 02:42:59.840 I compare that. I said that was my Euima moment. You know what he did? He screamed at me. He said, "How dare you compare yourself to Euima." Do you know what he said? Because of what the little kids might have said him. He said, "You're trespassed from all parts in the city for the rest of your life." You know, he didn't tell me why. He didn't 573 02:42:59.840 --> 02:43:15.280 check my ID card. He didn't treat me with human dignity or anything. And this guy is probably still working here, probably getting promoted and everything. And by screaming at me, he said, "I had mental problems. Go get mental help." Like I said, all I did is ask play basketball. Now, this is 574 02:43:15.280 --> 02:43:31.600 happening by people like this all over the place. This is a travesty. Anyway, Mrs. Tendle or anyone would want to help me. I can give you my phone number and we can resolve this. We're good. We're not secondass citizens. Me and my wife, we're good people. 575 02:43:31.600 --> 02:43:54.640 >> Thank you, sir. Is there anyone else that would like public commentary? Mr. Basher, >> first let me apologize for taking up so much time tonight. I really did not intend that. >> You asked good questions most of the time. >> I've got one question. I want to go back 576 02:43:54.640 --> 02:44:11.439 to the um seven items on the referendum. One of them number um four says total project cost annual and overall that's targeted specifically at projects. You look at like storm water right now it's 577 02:44:11.439 --> 02:44:29.120 not really a project. So I think the wording on that may be a little off if you're just focusing just on projects. It's going to be really hard to tell you a total project cost of something that's going to run 10 years um that you're funding all the time. um that might it 578 02:44:29.120 --> 02:44:45.520 might be a good thing to do but I think project cost might be a misnomer in this instance. >> Point taken and thank you. Uh the core crux to that and I know we've talked about this a little bit Johnny is we must do our utmost due diligence and 579 02:44:45.520 --> 02:45:02.319 give that as clearly and succinctly and as detailed but informatively as we possibly can. Right? And then when things change, if you have hyperinflation or a cap five hurricane plow into you and change the whole dynamics, you'd have to deal with that 580 02:45:02.319 --> 02:45:18.160 when it comes, right? But um clear start, clear end, clear purpose, clear cost as utmost as we can possibly get it. And we'll have to flex to your point to the rest. Thank you for that, Mr. Schwitzer. Come 581 02:45:18.160 --> 02:45:34.319 on up. Good evening. almost didn't recognize you with a beer. Yeah, >> I'm old. Um, I'm gonna try my hardest to be positive because I know it's been a long meeting. I was watching at home and you guys started talking about James E. 582 02:45:34.319 --> 02:45:51.120 Rogers and that got me out here. >> Please don't leave that park like it is. I don't know if you've seen it. Those telephone poles are probably 40 years old. There's wires hanging down. The concrete's all cracked. The swings are old. I don't even I don't really even mind 583 02:45:51.120 --> 02:46:08.960 the swings. I'm not expecting a perfect park. If you could just take this in I I feel like what's going to happen is the bids are going to come in too high and and nothing's going to be done and that's going to be an abandoned park. It is now. And I'll tell you right now that the maintenance they do a good job. I'm 584 02:46:08.960 --> 02:46:25.920 not it's not completely abandoned because they do come through, they mow that area and they keep it. It's not overgrown. Other than that, it's abandoned right now. So, if you if I could ask an ask for a creative solution and maybe take it in phases, maybe just 585 02:46:25.920 --> 02:46:41.120 start taking down the poles and the wiring and the old cameras and some of the equipment that is really, you know, ugly. Um, instead of just thinking, oh, it has to be this all new basketball court and all 586 02:46:41.120 --> 02:46:56.080 new sod and everything. You know, I'm not opposed to throwing grass seed out there. just pull this stuff out and um and um throw grass seed down. Okay, so that's I just want a creative solution and I want to see progress. I don't care if it's done. I just want to see some 587 02:46:56.080 --> 02:47:13.520 sort of progress. Number two, we have a real problem with the police department here and I want an investigation. That man right there, I don't know his full story, but if that's true that all he did is ask to play basketball and the police believed the mom and the kid and now he can't go to the park anymore, 588 02:47:13.520 --> 02:47:29.120 there's a problem. We had that's the second time we had a problem with a mom whose little girl was playing in the front yard and the police just come down so hard on him. We have a real problem and I'm not even going to get into flock because I'll get triggered. We have a real problem and you have to address 589 02:47:29.120 --> 02:47:53.560 that. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. >> I will say uh just Mr. Schwitzer the I believe Mr. Wagner, how long ago did that happen, sir? Okay, thank you. >> Okay. 590 02:48:09.680 --> 02:48:25.840 >> Thank you, sir. I just wanted to add some context. Okay. All right. We have our our public commentary for tonight. Is there any more final call for public commentary? 591 02:48:25.840 --> 02:48:41.840 All right. Uh we'll move on into the mayor's report, the old item 22, the new item 23. Um it's been a long meeting. I'm sorry. We we had gotten away from these, but we just had a lot of weighty issues to talk about tonight. So, thank 592 02:48:41.840 --> 02:48:58.800 y'all that came out and stayed with us tonight, rode through it. Uh we'll try to wrap this up, but thank you sincerely for being here and I thank the commission for your your due diligence and your patience here. >> That's all I've got. Proud to serve. >> Yes, ma'am. 593 02:48:58.800 --> 02:49:14.000 >> Um I just wanted to ask because I didn't understand. I think I recognize the voice, but who was the last speaker? >> Dave Switzer. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Did you mean David Wagner? The 594 02:49:14.000 --> 02:49:31.520 >> talking about Dave Wagner. >> I'm talking about the last person who spoke. >> Dave Switzer, >> whoever that was. >> Oh, and public commentary. Yes, ma'am. That was David's. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Thank you. That's all I wanted to know. >> Yes, ma'am. But uh otherwise happy to be 595 02:49:31.520 --> 02:49:47.120 here, proud to serve. Sir, I will talk to you. I'll be glad to talk to you after this meeting. Uh fellow veteran and and fellow resident, figure out what happened there six years ago. Um definitely hear that. Um that's all I've 596 02:49:47.120 --> 02:50:06.399 got. So, Mayor Pro Tim Pero, you're up. >> Commissioners report. >> Thank you, Mayor. I'll be brief. Uh, I just wanted everyone to know if you don't already know that starting Thursday the 15th, the 16th, the 17th, 597 02:50:06.399 --> 02:50:24.880 and the 18th at the Panama Country Club, there will be the 99th 99th Sherman Invitational, which is the oldest and longest running consecutive 598 02:50:24.880 --> 02:50:40.880 amateur golf ter tournament in the southeast United States. >> Cool. >> We are one year away from having our 100th invitational. Um the Panama Country Club, if you've ever been, does a wonderful job with 599 02:50:40.880 --> 02:50:58.000 this tournament. Um it's flighted for uh all for all skill levels and all ages. Um I'll be participating as a super senior for the first time since I turned 65 back in March. So fun fun. But um as 600 02:50:58.000 --> 02:51:13.760 well as this as well as fun, people travel here from all over the south to play in this tournament every year. It it it kind of um it kind of turns um it's kind of a little small little mecca for golf, you know, and and and it 601 02:51:13.760 --> 02:51:30.800 Linhaven is the is the power center for it's really cool. Um, with that being said, um, uh, be cognizant of the of of, uh, some people coming and going down Ninth Street, you know. Um, and, uh, u, let's wish for the 602 02:51:30.800 --> 02:51:47.439 best weather for the participants. Uh, as far as Miss Parker, I know she's probably gone, but I know she spoke of a candidate for the US Congress. There is a candidate for US Congress who is a Linhaven resident, a Linhaven kid, went 603 02:51:47.439 --> 02:52:03.200 to Mosley High School. So do your research. We have a local individual who's running for the Congress seat from Linhaven. So went to graduated Mosley in 2009. So I got to meet him and I I'll let 604 02:52:03.200 --> 02:52:20.560 everyone do their diligence, but uh heck heck of a man. I met him and shook his hand. Um um and uh also uh I'd just like to pay my respects um to the life of uh Mr. um uh state senator Bill Posey. I I 605 02:52:20.560 --> 02:52:37.680 read the email from uh from Chris in his morning notes and uh Bill Posey uh passed away at the age of 78. Um he was a resident of Rocklage, Florida. I I formerly lived there. Um he he he passed away in Melbourne. Um, this man was a 606 02:52:37.680 --> 02:52:52.160 champion for the Indian River estuary. Uh, he helped establish the national designation for the estuary program down there. Um, the um the the Indian the Indian River Lagoon suffered 607 02:52:52.160 --> 02:53:09.040 from from development drastically. Um, the manatee population took a hit big hit. um the algae um um stuff like the the the the pollution was just unbearable down there and they've tried 608 02:53:09.040 --> 02:53:25.840 to turn it around and they're making progress, but it's a it's a it's a fight and uh this man was was one of the few people who got it going as well as as well as everything else he did. And he had a career in real estate. He worked at McDonald Douglas. He he he was a he 609 02:53:25.840 --> 02:53:41.600 was a state representative and a and a state senator here. So, we don't know him, but I had to have show a little Central Florida pride. I don't know if Chief Johnson ever knew of him, but uh he was a great guy. So, with that being 610 02:53:41.600 --> 02:53:58.560 said, um and then uh I'd just like to tell I know I voted no on on a previous item. Um, Commissioner Warick, um, I know in the past, um, uh, my no my no vote was more of a message that, hey, 611 02:53:58.560 --> 02:54:16.640 hey, in the past, those were the decisions I made. I made them in the same seat that you're in as a leader, okay? As a perceived leader, cuz you probably don't perceive it that way, but that's your opinion. And I respect an individual's opinion, okay? Um 612 02:54:16.640 --> 02:54:35.040 to to be frank, there was a time and it was when we were doing the uh the first um referendum questions that I asked were one of the questions to be about the clerk and I support bringing that 613 02:54:35.040 --> 02:54:51.439 question to the public because ultimately that's what we're voting on is getting that to referendum. So the the nuts and bolts of it and how it's going to be spent, those were factors in my decision not to have one because it was presented to me that it was going to 614 02:54:51.439 --> 02:55:06.160 be at a great expense. Now, we've formulated a way through through your diligence, which I appreciate, that it might not be that expensive, and we have a city manager who is is obligatory. He 615 02:55:06.160 --> 02:55:22.479 he he's obliging to it. So there is a different set of circumstances now, not sour grapes over what happened in the past. And I'll leave it at that. And with that, I'd like to thank our city employees and staff. And that's my report. 616 02:55:22.479 --> 02:55:40.160 >> Thank you, sir. Commissioner Peebles. >> Thank you, Mayor. This past week, um, I had the honor of coming here in the courtyard for the National Day of Prayer with First Baptist of Lin Haven put it 617 02:55:40.160 --> 02:55:56.160 on. It was a great event. Thank you to them for putting that on. Um, also want to remind everyone that we got our TPO meeting coming up at the end of this month. Uh, Commissioner Perno and I will be there for that fighting for Linhaven. Um, last one we had to do a little bit 618 02:55:56.160 --> 02:56:10.399 more fighting than I thought we would, but I think we got our way. And, um, thank you, Mayor Lowry, for this token. It was, um, very thoughtful. Thank you. >> You're most welcome, sir. Thank you for your service. 619 02:56:10.399 --> 02:56:28.080 >> Absolutely. And, um, sorry, Commissioner War if I got a little heated earlier. Just want to be, you know, just got to say my peace and I hope we can move forward and continue to make Lin Haven better. Uh, and that being said, that's all I got to report. Thank you to um all 620 02:56:28.080 --> 02:56:44.720 the staff, but specifically I want to shout out the the sports or the parks and wreck, but also sports. Um, parks and wreck has been really good working like giving me information on tree giveouts and things like that. And then sports department. I met with the uh 621 02:56:44.720 --> 02:57:01.840 commissioner Tinder brought up that um the letter that was sent to her about the stuff with the baseball and softball. So, uh, Justin Ward was kind enough to meet with me in that citizen and we workshopped some things and, um, I know you guys know this already, but 622 02:57:01.840 --> 02:57:19.279 Justin is an extremely smart man. Uh, yeah, like I had some ideas and then he told me some stuff and I was like, that's a better idea, you know, and uh, yeah, so that was that was really fun. It's really fun to workshop with people and bounce ideas 623 02:57:19.279 --> 02:57:35.279 off and and see what you can come up with when you when you work together. But uh that's all I have. Thanks everybody and um hope you enjoy the rest of your night. >> Thank you sir. Commissioner Ward, >> I don't have a whole lot. Um, all of you should have received an invitation for 624 02:57:35.279 --> 02:57:51.840 the Bay County League of Cities for the 8th of June, uh, where we'll have the base commander, um, Colonel Berg Hold, um, talk about, uh, the construction going out to the base and, um, the arrival of the F-35s. So, um, if you're interested, I think 625 02:57:51.840 --> 02:58:08.000 responding to you, is it CJ? >> Okay. So, if you plan on going, please respond to that and, uh, we'll add you to the list. That's all I have. >> Thank you, sir. Commissioner Tinder. >> Yes, sir. How are you? 626 02:58:08.000 --> 02:58:23.920 >> I'm doing good. And I'm very glad you're doing better. >> I'm doing much better. Um, a few things that I would like to say is um we have outstanding 627 02:58:23.920 --> 02:58:40.560 an outstanding police department. They're there for the most ridiculous things and the most important and I don't know how they do it with the staff they do, but I do appreciate it. And as far as our fire department, I hear those 628 02:58:40.560 --> 02:58:57.520 sirens going off all the time, so I know they're on the road and I I appreciate them, too. Um, one of the things Well, oh, by the way, this is really important. Uh, congratulations to Commissioner Pero for 629 02:58:57.520 --> 02:59:15.840 our mayor promp. Uh, that means you have to bring coffee for everyone when you get there. >> Um, >> I don't think you want my coffee, Judy. >> Also, the other thing, where is it? I 630 02:59:15.840 --> 02:59:31.600 had circled it. Oh, I I tend to go back. I do tend to go back to things that happened a long time ago and I guess it's because I never want us to forget how far we have come 631 02:59:31.600 --> 02:59:47.120 or maybe the few curves we've taken along the way. Uh for example, the the um hours at the park. I understand why we have to have them because we have junk going on down there. I'm concerned 632 02:59:47.120 --> 03:00:04.240 with who's going to who's going to, you know, oversee that. But, um, uh, to Mr. Switzer, I'd say just throw a a fishing pole in your trunk, buddy, and you're safe all night as long as you 633 03:00:04.240 --> 03:00:23.200 stay out on the bridge. And uh I I don't know, you know, we had a point where there was a couple that fed the cats down there at Porter Park. And it was it was a very personal issue for them. And they fed the uh they fed the cat. And 634 03:00:23.200 --> 03:00:39.760 then before we knew it, the that was Chief Rainey stepped in and said they were um going to get arrested for leaving these little paper containers with cat food in them. And so that they were elderly and they they backed off on 635 03:00:39.760 --> 03:00:57.520 that. and uh just things like that that we have progressed from and and then we seem to backtrack. And I just hope that I just hope that we keep our residents at heart. I hope they're the ones that 636 03:00:57.520 --> 03:01:13.680 that uh know why this is happening. And even if we try two or three different things to see if it works better or if it's worse or whatever, it's better than doing nothing. And uh I just think that's kind of important to keep in 637 03:01:13.680 --> 03:01:28.640 mind. Yes, I was in the hospital for 2 weeks and I just got home. And that gives you a lot of time to think about reality and what's important and what's not. And let me tell you, honesty and 638 03:01:28.640 --> 03:01:45.760 transparency is the most important thing. It is the most important thing because we have been brought in elected by our community to do those things and to be those things. And if we can't do that for 639 03:01:45.760 --> 03:02:01.279 them, then we're just not doing our job. So, I I really think we need to um I think we just need to keep all that in mind and we'll just sit back and see what happens with all these things going on. and uh 640 03:02:01.279 --> 03:02:16.960 I'm game. So anyway, thank you all for the kind words and everything. Yes, I did get my chocolate ice cream on the way home from the hospital yesterday and that was important. >> Awesome. >> With that said, I'm done. >> Thank you. 641 03:02:16.960 --> 03:02:33.760 >> We're proud of you for bouncing back and wish you the speediest of recoveries and hoped uh with any luck, we'll have you back with us sitting up here uh at our next meeting in two weeks. Um, >> oh, abs, absolutely. I will be there. >> Awesome. All right. Thank you, ma'am. 642 03:02:33.760 --> 03:02:49.359 Uh, city manager. >> Yes, sir. A couple things going on. Uh, just a reminder, we've, uh, started working on our budgets. Uh, we've got the budget workshop scheduled for, uh, May 21st at 5:30 p.m. Uh, we have successfully gone live with our.gov 643 03:02:49.359 --> 03:03:04.160 domain. Uh, so you'll start seeing the city of linhaven.com. Go to cityoflhaven.gov. um there won't be any any issues. It'll just automatically redirect to the new website as well as your email addresses will forward right on. Uh but we are 644 03:03:04.160 --> 03:03:21.520 officially on the.gov domain. Reminder, hurricane season starts June 1st. Uh please check your hurricane supply and make sure you are ready for this season. >> Uh the final concert of the spring concert series was rescheduled due to rain. The new date is Friday, June 5th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and it is the 645 03:03:21.520 --> 03:03:37.840 Will Thompson band. So, we will have a pretty big turnout for that one. Splash pad will open this weekend. Saturday hours are 10:00 to 4:00 and Sunday hours are 1 to 4. It's weekends only for now until school lets out until it goes to the normal hours. Reminder that we have the Touch a Truck with our first 646 03:03:37.840 --> 03:03:53.920 responders this Saturday, May 16th. Uh we we are working on an apparel store. Justin has been working with one of our vendors to have an online store for our sports parents. Uh they can go online and purchase team shirts um or hats or hoodies. Uh so apologies to Commissioner 647 03:03:53.920 --> 03:04:09.760 Peeles. It's going to cost him a little more money now to go buy some shirts and stuff for his wife and family. Um but the especially the teams that are going to Allstars, the parents will be able to buy some apparel to wear for that. Um and we will receive a little little bit of money back on that as well to the 648 03:04:09.760 --> 03:04:26.240 city. Um, we're going to do a little trial trial run and if it is success successful, we will bring a contract modification to the commission uh for the all sports. Uh, reminder, we have a town hall Saturday, May 23rd. And then shout out to CJ. I don't know 649 03:04:26.240 --> 03:04:42.000 if you all have seen it, but we have a new public records request module that went live. Um, so it is she has done a great job getting that established. Um, it's a new tracking system uh for public records. that can be submitted uh via the portal. Um we'll allow if multiple 650 03:04:42.000 --> 03:04:57.200 requests are submitted, people can go and see that an old public records request um and be a little bit more efficient way of of submitting those for our residents or for anyone who wants to submit a public records request. Um with that, any questions for Miss Roman with 651 03:04:57.200 --> 03:05:20.880 the checklist? >> Got anything for us tonight, Kiki? All right, last but certainly not least, city attorney. >> I have two things I want to let you know. I have distributed to each of you a legislative report. This is from the Florida League of Cities. The first 30 pages are bills that pass. The last 40 652 03:05:20.880 --> 03:05:36.560 are bills that did not pass, but likely will come back again. So, um, if you don't want to read it all, pay attention to the first 30. Um, I'm meeting with staff to go over some of the bills that I think will affect the city either immediately or next year. Um, and as a 653 03:05:36.560 --> 03:05:51.920 result of that, I do expect some ordinances to come back that will immediately affect you regarding the comp plan and the ULDC. Um, so not to get ahead of your efforts, but Gina and I were already talking about things that needed to happen just to keep up with the legislation. The second thing I 654 03:05:51.920 --> 03:06:06.880 wanted to let you know is about a year ago, over a year ago, um the firefighters petitioned to form a union. And today, um, the hearing officer recommended an order to approve that bargaining unit. Um, so I just wanted to 655 03:06:06.880 --> 03:06:23.040 update you on that. Um, as soon as the, uh, commission approves that order, um, an election will follow for the 21 employees that it will affect. >> That's my report. >> Thank you, ma'am. 656 03:06:23.040 --> 03:06:29.680 And if there is nothing else, we will adjourn. Have a good night, everybody.