--------- the community, how hard it is to run a whole city, um the intricacies of it, and the why. It answers so many questions about the why things are done their way they're done. So, it does it empowers you to love where you live more
and to get more involved. And I think the important message here is the confidence that I've really feel now of the people running each each of these departments. You know, they are running multi-million dollar businesses all
separately but coming together with tax dollars that that come through and that is by far not an easy task. >> Departments that [music] we've been to seem to have improved with the growth in the city. So the mere fact that we've grown such a major amount, department
has have grown, the staff has grown, the [music] offerings have grown and the um need for involvement from the residents has also grown. >> I think parks and wreck really showed up and did an amazing job. They had a bunch of staff people. [music] They kind of brought us around, had different
speakers. I think they take the prize for the best uh overall display. >> Places that I didn't think I would enjoy as [music] much. like I didn't think I'd enjoy public works as much as I did. I loved it and it seemed to me that there were the more questions that were asked. >> The economic development council, I
think that is just a a again it all points to uh live, work and play within our community. >> I think there's a lot of misunderstanding [music] out there about really how these departments work, how the city really works. And I [music] think by offering a class like this, you get such an
exposure to so many different departments [music] and meet so many different people. you can't help but want to be a part of it. >> If you plan on living here and living amongst the community and understanding the growth and [music] understanding what we need, definitely join the Northport University. You're going to be
pleasantly surprised. >> I would absolutely say do it because you don't know until you know. And you can go online and you can read all these things, but a lot of it is the experience and sitting across from from whether it's the the [music] chief of
police, the the chief of fire, rescue, utilities, all these, you know, administration, all these departments are absolutely you want to you meet the leaders. You you can look into their eye and ask pertinent questions that are important to you. [music] to understand of where they're at, where they're
going, what are their constraints, and how we can be as residents try and give them the resources they need to provide the services that we're asking them to provide. >> I'm more in love with Northport than I've ever been. [music] [music]
>> Good afternoon. Today is Thursday, December 11th, 2025. It is 100 p.m. We are in the city chambers and I call the city commission special meeting to order. Commissioners present are Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Stokes, Mayor Emerich, Vice
Mayor Langden, and Commissioner Pro. There was a quorum present for this meeting. Also present are city manager Fletcher, city attorney Fuino, city clerk Fost, board specialist Linder. We got Police Chief Garrison in the back
and I believe Mr. Titus is back there as well. I'm going to call on Miss Faust. Would you please lead us in the pledge today? >> To the flag of the United States of America and to the stands one nation
indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> [cough and clears throat] >> request a motion to approve the agenda. >> So move. >> Second. >> We have a motion on the floor to approve the agenda made by Commissioner Stokes and seconded by Vice Mayor Langden.
>> Great. [clears throat] Uh, Mr. Stokes, you did not vote according to this. Clear it and uh, revote, please. [snorts] Oh, okay. Okay, that passes five to zero. City
clerk, uh, public comment, please. >> Sandy Cordo Posi, I support the agenda item to place the city manager on men administrative leave 200%. This should have been done at the meeting of his review and raised when Commissioner Duval brought to light the matter of intimidation and harassment against himself by the city manager before the
board over a month ago. Instead, his fellow three commissioners gave stellar reviews and a 5% increase in pay, never a mention of concern for the outcry of their fellow commissioner. They were completely dismissive of the subject raised by Commissioner Dvau. At the very least, there should have been some type of further inquiry into the claims,
especially since this is not the first time a commissioner has experienced this type of behavior from the same city manager. Mr. Stokes, Mr. Emerage, and Miss Langden, none of you would have liked to be in a position of having a photo of yourself spread throughout the city hall with derogatory comments on it. I am sure you all will have felt
demeaned and embarrassed. It's time for accountability. Carmine Miranda. This meeting to consider placing Northport city manager Jerome Fletcher on administrative leave raises serious concerns not about the city manager's conduct, but about the motives behind the action. This effort
appears rooted in retaliation for Mr. Fletcher enforcing the city charter versus two non-compliant commissioners who are catering to a small but loud faction aligned with term commissioner McDow. Miss McDow has long opposed the city manager at every turn and is determined to see him removed at any cost despite no credible evidence or
wrongdoing. When Commissioner Deval was first elected, I worried he would simply act as McDall's puppet. To his credit, he spent much of the past year demonstrating independence and sound judgment. Unfortunately, over the last couple of months, his independence appears to have been eroded, giving the impression that this is now McDow's
unofficial third term. Commissioner Petro followed a similar path, initially showing promise and balance, but has recently appeared to fall under the influence of panto carars rather than exercising independent leadership. Commissioners are elected to represent all 96,000 plus residents of Northport, not a narrow group that consistently
undermines city operations and staff. Commissioners are required by oath to follow the charter laws, which includes its provisions. And enforcing those rules should never be grounds for punishment. If accountability is truly the goal, the focus should not be on sidelining a city manager for enforcing the charter law, but on addressing the
conduct of commissioners who are violating their oath, misrepresenting whom they serve, and fostering a hostile work environment for fellow commissioners, charter officers, and city staff. Ethics complaints, not administrative leave, should come first. City employee, after years of service to
the city, I'm furious that we're being dragged into more conflict. We survived a former city manager who thought his sex life was more important than his job. We watched a commissioner whose public behavior towards our leaders looked like performance art. Eye rolls, dramatic gestures, sarcasm, all while claiming to care. We saw co-workers get
smeared by people who think personal attacks qualify as civic engagement. We watched talented employees quit because of the non-stop negativity coming from a loud, bitter faction. At times, I was ashamed to admit I worked for the Northport. Mr. Fletcher has worked to bring pride and stability to the city. For the first time in ages, I could say
I work for Northport without feeling my stomach twist. He's the reason many of us stayed. That room full of employees on Tuesday, that was us showing respect for a man who has shown genuine leadership. Mr. Fletcher has not created a hostile work environment, but he has certainly endured hostility since his
arrival. To our two new commissioners, you may have good intentions, but using phrases like just asking questions while challenging processes and implying we're doing things wrong might not technically be directing us, but it feels like it. That creates a hostile work environment. One says he's not being manipulated, but
he's being cheered by the same crowd that spent years keeping us gridlocked where nothing gets done unless it serves their agenda. They don't want accountability. They want control. To the three commissioners who stood firm, thank you for being our voice. We've seen what the online mob does to employees who speak publicly, and we
need help to keep our jobs. If Mr. Fletcher is pushed out, the mob wins. They'll choose the next target and continue hollowing out the city from the inside. What's left then? A city can't survive when its loudest voices are its most destructive and it can't move forward if it keeps letting the same
miserable people drag it backward. Jeremy Anzel. As a citizen of Northport for the last nine years and observing the history of past city managers that came through city hall, I believe that city manager Jerome Fletcher, who I firmly believe is doing an excellent job as our city manager, he is a true leader
in running the day-to-day operations of the city. I believe he has been nothing but transparent for all citizens and past commissioners and current commissioners. [clears throat] The negativity towards him is obviously a personal agenda item against him. The city has more important items to tackle than this daily drama. I support the
hiring of Jerome Fletcher and urge all commissioners to have him continue working during the human resource investigation. It's more embarrassing that we have current city commissioners and a former city commissioner trying to control the narrative on social media and television news stations. Also, it's embarrassing that citizens and current
commissioners are questioning legal opinions on the city charter and trying undermine the city manager responsibilities and duties in the operations of the city. Wasn't former city manager Pete Lear's tenure enough to black eye for the city with the unethical behavior? I believe this is a waste of time and money for Northport to
be even considering this investigation. Jerome Fletcher, you are a great person and have a wonderful family. Northport should be proud that we have an effective city manager who works hard every day as a leader for his staff and believes in following city charter. Let's stop this and focus on the actual important city issues. Work together and
be a team. Make Northport proud of teamwork and unity on the achievements we accomplish and goals we set for a better community. Citizen Northport [clears throat] commissioners, as you grapple over a poor decision to use a photo to tell a commissioner he shouldn't be speaking directly to staff, there's a huge issue
that you are ignoring. Florida lawmakers want to eliminate or deeply discount property taxes in all 67 counties, possibly losing an estimate estimate 16 billion statewide. Northport may lose its parks, purchasing, technology, and other departments and infrastructure projects. Many quality of life services
are gone if the money disappears. So, while you may want to spend time in an on an investigation and potentially many months hiring a new city manager, ask yourself, what qualified individual will come here in August or September and possibly lose millions in a November vote? The city doesn't have borrowing
power like Puna Gorta, Charlotte, and Sarasota counties do. And these commissioners are all worried about the impacts of a huge tax loss. What's your plan? Have you had workshops to study the seven proposals, or are you stuck on how a photograph and a couple of unpleasant experiences [clears throat] made you feel? US taxpayers think you
would rather take money from the same pot to investigate and replace the city manager. It will cost thousands by the time a court battle is settled all because you want to talk to staff and do your own investigations. How about investigating what happens if we don't have property taxes to fund services? Stop trying to fix employees issues and
pay attention to the people who elected you. Think of the massive amount of information residents need before voting to end these services. What funds will replace property taxes? If we lose our city manager over a photograph, we won't be taken seriously by any credentialed city managers, especially if you're caught up in not being able to directly
ask a police officer the vaping policy. By the way, the ordinance banning vaping in parks was adopted in 2024. Ask the city manager to meet with police staff if you have more questions and move on. Focus on the bigger, more important property tax issue. Valerie Franks, my husband and I bought
a house in Northport over 20 years ago. We made this house our home and had planned on staying forever. Unfortunately, all that changed earlier this year when I learned about the resoning of Northport that took place in 2024. That resoning has devastated our neighborhood by allowing a five-story apartment complex to build be built
among our single family homes. I asked myself, how could this happen? Well, I quickly learned that the current city manager and [clears throat] the commissioner spent president in 2024, which includes city manager Fletcher, Commissioner Langden, Emer Stokes, introduced this resoning and allowed this to happen. So that made me start
paying attention to our city government. And here is what I think. One, CM Fletcher, your stunt with the photo of Commissioner Deval is plain and simple bullying. My 15-year knows better than to do what you did. Your behavior is embarrassing to our city and is now time to learn that there are
consequences to your actions. I support city manager Flesher being placed on an onplay leave while an investigation takes place. too. I fully support Commissioners Dvau and Pro and I thank them for looking deeper into things versus just tinking the information that they are spoonfed at face value. I also want to say to Commissioner Dvau that I
am sorry for the way you have been treated. Bullying should not be acceptable anywhere. I can see in your face and your expressions how much this has affected and bothered you. And again, I am sorry that you have to deal with this. Three, the 2026 election is coming up. Two seats on the commission are opening up. I am not the only person
in Northport who is not happy with how things are being done. There were two failed referendums in 2025. Do you see that people are waking up and [snorts] paying attention? So, I ask that the commissioners do the right thing today and place the city manager on an unpaid leave while his stunt is
investigated. Please do the right thing. Thank you. City employee commissioner pro. As an employee, I discouraged I was discouraged to hear you call events and programs extracurricular activities. These are not hobbies. They are core services to the public and chances for you as an elected official to engage
with the people you represent. You also said you cannot ask an employee where they see themselves in 10 years. Speaking honestly, many of us would welcome that kind of human interest. If you feel the expectations of your role limit you in ways you don't want, that isn't a policy issue. It's the responsibility that comes with being an
elected official. You referenced guidance from former city manager who left under circumstances that should make anyone cautious about treating him as a model for workplace behavior. Commissioner Dval, on October 28, you stated that you would be meeting with HR the next day to file a complaint. Instead, you waited 41 days. That timing
raises questions. From the employee perspective, it looks less like a genuine concern and more like a strategic choice meant to keep the issue alive during a moment when tensions were already high. As an employee, Jerome Fletcher is our manager. He is the person charged with leading the workforce, supporting us and handling employee related matters. You five are
not our commissioners in the sense of leadership over staff. You are the commissioners for the city. You do not supervise or manage employees. Watching two commissioners attempt to step into employee matters has been unsettling and confusing. It's not your role and it has created unnecessary instability in the organization. This
situation has dragged the city into an avoidable mess. Employees need the commission to stop fueling this conflict, follow the charter, and let the city function without political drama overshadowing everything we do. Since the holidays are coming up, Commissioner Dval mentioned wanting to
make a t-shirt for himself recently. If anyone needs any last minute gift ideas, Karen Jamal, let's go back 11 years ago when a city employee complained her coworker kissed her and touched her breast twice and was forced to witness illegal bidding bid rigging. She told
her boss. He asked her if he if he liked working at the city. She told his supervisor he did nothing. She told a third boss. He went to the former city manager and human resources department to explain the situation. Both the victim and the whistleblower were retaliated against by HR and building departments as the former city manager
looked the other way. It wasn't until she filed a federal complaint that the city did an investigation. They asked the man if he did it and he said no. That was it. Consequence consequently, he died of a heart attack the day she filed the complaint. The whistleblower was suddenly and repeatedly written up and ultimately fired. The victim was
forced to go to sexual harassment training while all male co-workers were excused. Her boss threw paperwork at her daily and cussed at her and other female employees. This was a real hostile work environment. Today, all seven of them are gone from the city. Only the victim still works there. The former city manager went to the county
administrative position. He never apologized to the victim or her husband. At the time, all commissioners were notified of that woman's complaint. Not one of them responded to her or the whistleblower. Why? Because it's not their job to get involved. But they could have held that city manager accountable and they took and they too
looked the other way. The woman wasn't given a real investigation. There was no discipline for any who covered up the abuse and mental anguish. That was the culture at city hall then and a real example of a hostile work environment. Please don't undermine the true definition by claiming a photo warning warning a commissioner not to follow an
employee in a work vehicle is offensive or potentially putting workers in positions where they are afraid of giving a commissioner bad information is somehow a hostile toward a commissioner. Anonymous person, I am submitting this virtual public comment because what is
happening right now is unacceptable. The fact that this commission is seriously considering placing our city manager on leave is not only reckless, it is completely out of touch with the reality of what city employees and residents are experiencing. As both a taxpayer and a city employee, I can say with absolute confidence that Mr. Jerome has been one
of the most effective and stabilizing leaders in the city has had in years. From the moment he arrived, employees described his leadership as a breath of fresh air. He has credentialed, experience, and deeply engaged in the work of running this city responsibly. The majority of staff who work with him every day know exactly what he brings to
this organization. Professionalism, confidence, and forward momentum. That matters and it deserves to be respected. Commissioner Deval, it is time for you to start demonstrating independent judgment. Your role is to lead, not to echo the influence of others or to act based on political pressure. Northport residents expect courage and integrity
from their elected officials, not alignment with anyone's personal agenda. An investigation is going to happen and that is fine. But until facts are established, there is absolutely no justification for rushing to sideline a city manager who has been nothing but effective and committed. Preemptive action based on speculation or politics
only undermines this city and damages public trust. The community is watching. Employees are watching. And many of us are tired of seeing good leadership targeted for reasons that have nothing to do with performance or the best interest of Northport. Do the responsible thing. allow the investigation to proceed without interfering in the day-to-day leadership
of the city. Let the city manager continue doing the job he was hired to do and fully qualified to do. Thank you. In person, I have Susan Balmer and Pam Tokars. And then John Rawlings. [cough]
[clears throat] [snorts] >> Hi. Um, I'm Susan Balmer. I would just like to make a few comments in reference to the two news articles um that were in the newspaper recently. One um there's the question, why is it
puzzling that there are quote people who want him gone unquote that they have quote possible motives quote unquote? You have all seen the disrespect, manipulation, and bullying shown to many citizens and residents if
they as they have voiced concern. The failed referendum revealed a huge lack of trust in the way the city's being managed. I've witnessed two commission meetings where the new commissioners have been
blatantly chastised. They see a policy that is not working, asking for change. They must feel manipulated, disrespected, and bullied. One article quoted Mr. Fletcher as
saying, "The rules in quote, the rules in place are checks and balances that level the playing field for commissioners," unquote. I guess that is true. If the information comes through the um city manager's office,
[clears throat] it's interpreted and presented in the matter that commissioners are asked to believe. This way, all the communication has a possibility of being biased.
Is that how we want our city run? Rules may need to be changed if they are not allowing for transparency and honesty. As to the picture, according to Mr. Fletcher, do Mr. Duval took it as it was
meant as a joke. If it was a joke, why was it in every department behind his back? Commissioner Duval did not campaign day after day on his own to be influenced by anyone else in this
action. He is very much his own person. The seriousness of this matter of disrespect and harassment is foremost. He did not sign up for this. Neither did Commissioner Pro.
>> The hostile environment we see played out in this room must stem from how city business is being managed dayto-day. We don't know the exact process independent analysis will take, but we have doubts as to how one goes about
getting honest facts from employees who answer to the city manager and could be afraid of repercussions. We do all have different opinions. Everyone needs to be heard with dignity and transparency.
No disrespect, no manipulation, no bullying, no retaliation. >> Thank you. [clears throat] >> Hi, Pam Tokar is apparently on public enemy number four. Um, I listened to
Tuesday's meeting and I heard a lot of uh some word the opinion uh coming out. Everyone has expressed their opinion. So that's great. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. Unfortunately, everyone's opinion is not the same. We
have the First Amendment. So, if I'm exercising my First Amendment right, that's great. Everyone else is here doing the same thing. And that's how it's supposed to work. We're supposed to have two different sides. I heard the word opinion, but what I did not hear was compromise. We have to compromise.
So if these two fellow commissioners are not happy with a policy, then compromise, rewrite it. I do understand the need for the sunshine law. You can outline it to say, "Hey, if there's something that has to be done for an agenda item, then that definitely goes
through the city manager. If not, if you just want a personal question asked, then go to it and ask the employee directly." So that would be one of the ways to compromise. And I do know that Mr. Fletcher was brought here for economic development and that's his
specialty. And unfortunately with the things that he's need to needed to do with the reasonzoning, it's going to take a while where we get to where we need to be. So I don't say that he's doing a bad job with that. But when it comes down to people feeling uncomfortable or berated or affected
like that, that affects me because it's personal to me because you've gone through it in your own workplace. You don't want other people to go through it as well. So that's one of the reasons why I'm doing it. So that that's my uh questions and concerns and thanks.
>> Thank you. Good afternoon everybody. I know I was here a couple days ago. Couple things I want to point out. Um, one, your presentation, city commissioner, city manager Fletcher, that was awesome because it gave
structure behind everything that the citizens should be listening to. I I listened to Pam. So, I made an adjustment off of that and I liked what you said. Um, rules. I said it several
times the other day. Seems like we have two people who can't follow rules now. We want to change them, but we want to fix them. So that the same party that is sitting over here trying to fix our city from years of
neglect, and [clears throat] I'm going to say it because the truth is we're a city that's in growth. If we don't start taking some of these things that we're doing on this commission, on the past commission,
we're not going to fix our problems. This is not a problem. A hostile work environment doesn't get handled like it got handled by David. I disagree with you 100%. 100%. Um if you were if you were
taken advantage of there was definitely a time frame for you and your your time frame it it is amplified by four years of Mr. Fletcher being told we don't want
you here by one person one person. And it's amplified into a lot more than that. Talk about bullying. You guys want to talk about shake your head. I don't I don't mind you shaking your head, but you talk about bullying. It's all over
Facebook. It's the court of public opinion. And the court of public opinion should not be part of this process. It should have been handled professionally by you. You You have the background. You know
what should have been done. You've been through trainings in your life about this stuff. I have. Everybody in here has gone through trainings about how to handle it. You absolutely failed in handling this the proper way and
you've let a single individual and a group handle this and waste everyone's money on taxpayer side of things. It is a complete waste of money and that is on
you. I disrespect the or I respect the processes. I disrespect what's happening here. This this is not the proper proper way of handling your business. And if
you would have done the right thing, we wouldn't all be here now. You didn't even acknowledge the apology the other day. And you got it. >> Thank you. That's all in person, but I do have two
more e comments. >> Okay. >> Laura Anzel, I've had the opportunity to work with city manager Jerome Fletcher for several years before leaving the city this past spring. In that time, I've come to respect his work ethic, his steady leadership, and his genuine commitment to serving Northport. There's no question he has accomplished a great
deal during his tenure. He has taken on tough issues, pushed necessary initiatives forward, and carried out the direction and vision set by this commission. even when doing so meant taking a significant amount of heat from a community who blamed him for your decisions. That comes with a job, but it
does not make it easy. And yet, he has continued to show up, stay focused, and keep Northport moving toward the future we all say we want. A city that lives up to his potential, not one that settles for the status quo. Has he made mistakes? Of course, anyone in a role with of this scope will. But he has also
faced extraordinary challenges, learned from them, and kept pressing ahead to accomplish every project you tked him to prioritize. That deserves recognition, not a rush of judgment. As long as a longtime resident of this community, I'm asking the commission to stay focused on the issues that truly matter to the people who live here, infrastructure
that can support our growth, real storm water solutions, preserving and honoring our green spaces, planning smartly, and diversifying our tax base so we're not relying on homeowners to shoulder the entire burden. This process today only distracts from those priorities. It does not make our city stronger. [clears throat] It pulls time,
attention, and money away from the work we desperately need done. Let's get back to the big picture. Let's talk about where we want the city to go and how we get there together. Northport deserves that focus. And Mr. Fletcher deserves fair and balanced consideration for the work he's done on our behalf. Thank you,
Laura Ansel. Jill Luke. Commissioners, I have emailed my comments to you prior to this meeting. I hope you have had time to read them. I know and understand the position that you are in currently. I was hoping that things could stay calm until you were able to get into a retreat or some open educational discussion could occur. But with things
being hastened, I would ask that what is before you be declined and get a sound adviser for a retreat early in the new year to get all parties on the same page for the sake of our community and the common good of its residents. We need peace, please. And that's all, mayor. >> Thank you.
Okay, moving on to general business. Item 26-0216, discussion and possible action regarding placement of the city manager on administrative leave. Mr. Fino, this is your item, sir. >> Thank you, [clears throat]
Mayor. On Monday afternoon, December 8th, a complaint was lodged against the city manager. I am tasked along with the human resources department pursuant to a policy that was adopted by the
commission in 2019 in determining the facial sufficiency of the allegations of the complaint as well as whether investigation is warranted. Um the policy which is is in some ways unclear to me is very broad and it essentially
allows any person to lodge any complaint against any of the charter officers at any time. Um my interpretation my best interpretation of what the policy means is that an investigation is warranted by me when complaint is lodged by the
manager. it because the policy uses the word shall in at least one pace. when if the complaint um involves a personnel matter as opposed to a performance issue which as which is when you take the
facial allegations of the complaint in this instance would be um the policy is silent as to uh what to do with the city manager during the pendency of any investigation which is why you see that there's three options before [clears throat] you
however the policy is just that it's a policy. It's not a law. It is a personnel policy of the commission. Um and the fact that it was adopted by
resolution does not change matter. All a resolution is is an expression by the body of a matter of administration. That's a definition straight from Florida statute. It's different than say an ordinance. An ordinance is an actual official legislative act that can be enforceable as a local law. It's
different than a charter provision which is the constitution of the city. Different than a state statute or a federal regulation. All this is is a policy that that I as your employer am required to follow the best I can. As
the employer though, it is not something that you are necessarily bound by if you don't like it. In other words, what's happening here is any investigation that's done by me pursuant to this um policy is done for the commission's benefit. And so if the
commission sees no benefit in the investigation, then there's no point in me doing one. So, the preliminary question that the commission needs to answer is whether or not they want me to carry out an
investigation in the first place. If the answer to that question is yes, then I recommend that you place the city manager out on paid administrative leave. That is also not based on some
absolute uh requirement of law. There's no federal regulation, state or local one that says you have to do that. It is my recommendation uh just based on past practice within the city. However,
if the commission decides that further investigation is not warranted for whatever reason, then you don't need to reach on the issue of paid administrative leave or or paid or paid or whatever to put the manager on administrative leave in
the first place. I want to know that under the charter in section 9.03, 03. The charter allows the commission to remove the manager for good cause at essentially any time in accordance with the manager's employment contract.
Additionally, both myself and the manager are subject to any discipline that our employer, which is the commission, decides it wants to impose on us at essentially any time. So if I showed up at a commission meeting once
and you didn't like the color of my shirt, you could simply say you could admonish me in public for that just like you any employer would do for any other employee. And that's all that this policy is. It is just a policy. It is a personnel policy for you all to decide
what you want to do for your three employees that are under your direct. Amen. So what I ask is that you first provide me with direction on whether or not you want to uh if you would like me to investigate in the first place. If the
answer is no, then you don't need to reach on the issue of administrative leave. If the answer is yes, then you issue on can you move on that issue. And then a third issue would be if you decide that you do want to investigate and you want to place the administrator
uh the city manager on leave then you will decide on who in city manager. Um that is all I have. Thank you mayor. >> Thank you sir. >> Okay commission uh questions and discussion. [clears throat] Please put
your name in the queue so I can get to you in order. Commissioner or Vice Mayor Langden, please. >> Thank you, Mayor. We are here today because Commissioner Duval has filed a
verbal complaint with the city's human resource division, citing city manager Fletcher for disrespecting him and creating a hostile work environment. As a result, we are here to consider
conduct conducting an investigation into these allegations and perhaps placing city manager Fletcher on administrative leave while [clears throat] the investigation is underway.
My question is this, what is there to investigate? At Tuesday's meeting on uh December 9th, our city manager
um acknowledged his lapse in judgment regarding the poster, took responsibility for his actions, and apologized three times that I counted to you, Commissioner Duval.
an apology that you did not accept at Tuesday's meeting. You had the opportunity to end this when you took offense at the poster. We have direct responsibility for our
charter officers. You had the opportunity to sit with city manager, as I'm sure I know I do from time to time, and provide input on his performance and the results or lack thereof of our
efforts. You had the opportunity. You had the responsibility. You did not take it. You again had the opportunity on Tuesday to accept his apology putting this
situation to bed and you did not take it. So I have to ask you Commissioner Duval, what is it going to take to satisfy you? I suspect I won't change anyone's mind
here today by what I am about to say, but [snorts] I do feel compelled to share my perspective on what is really going on here and [clears throat] to let my fellow commissioners, the employees of this city, and the community at large
to know that I will not be supporting any investigation into city managers behavior and I will not vote for any type of administrative leave for the city manager.
I will not support any action or decision that continues this endless cycle of hate and distraction. And here's why. I view this current complaint as just
the latest in a series of baseless complaints against the city manager made in a deliberate attempt to ruin his reputation and force his firing or resignation from
his position in this city. It is a deliberate campaign to discredit him. a campaign that started even before he re he assumed his job with this city.
It is important for our committee to understand that this is not folks coming here to exercise their freedom of speech. It is not about that. It's not about people who want to voice their
disapproval of how we're running the city. It's not about people who want to criticize our policies or projects that are underway in the city. It is a deliberate and systematic attempt by a
small group of individuals to defame and damage the reputation of a man who has given his heart and soul to advancing this city and making life better for the folks who live here and the businesses who have located
here. How do they do it? They do it by spreading misinformation and sometimes outright lies on the social media platforms that they
administer and then they encourage their followers to share in the hate. Let's call this out for what it is. It is a hate group. Our city manager is not the only target of these people. Not only
have other staff members and elected officials been targets of their ruthless attacks, but other leaders in our community whose only crime is being vocal supporters of our city when we do
good and thoughtful critics when they think we've messed up or could do things better. And I appreciate that. And Mr. Rawlings, I am so sorry, sir, that you are one of those community leaders who
has been targeted by these haters when the only thing you have tried to accomplish is to bring emergency broadcasting to this city so that we can improve communications with the residents who live here and the
businesses who are located here during times of natural disaster. and I applaud your efforts. These character assassinations don't only hurt the people being targeted, but they also hurt the residents and businesses of our
wonderful city because they create dissension and distraction from our mission, which is to improve the lives of everybody who lives here. Damage to individuals is not the only
fallout from these destructive efforts. We use tax dollars of hardworking residents of this city to defend the city against these base baseless attacks. Over the past five years, we have spent
over $150,000 on outside legal fees to defend city staff and city officials from baseless ethics complaints and [clears throat] legal challenges presented by this small group of haters. All of those complaints
have been denied or dismissed by the courts for lack of merit. And this price tag does not even begin to estimate the amount of staff time spent researching these issues and
responding to public requests. All of this, the $150,000 in outside legal fees have resulted from the activities of two people,
two people in our city. Do you really think that conducting an investigation and placing the city manager on leave will satisfy these haters when a public apology didn't?
Let rem let me remind my fellow commissioners who were here for the Commissioner McDowell complaint made two years ago. We bent over backwards to address her concerns. We discussed it publicly for hours.
We participated in team building exercises to try [clears throat] to correct um what was happening and conducted an internal investigation that came back. There's nothing to see here.
Did that satisfy the haters complaints? No. Because the results did not support their destructive narrative. Commissioner Duval, you are not a victim
here. If and there is no need for you to be protected from the behavior of your subordinate, the city manager in his attempts to try to get you to abide by the charter of this city. If
anyone is being victimized here, it's Mr. Fletcher. So, fellow commissioners, please, I implore you, let's put this distraction behind us and refocus our efforts and those of city staff
where it belongs, which is to continue to advance our amazing city and doing everything we can to make life better for everybody who lives here. Thank you, Mr. mayor for allowing me the
opportunity to speak. >> Thank you. Um, Commissioner Dval, you're next, sir. >> Thank you, Mayor. I made a verbal complaint. During that verbal complaint, I had discussions
with our director of HR and also in the room was our assistant city manager. That made me a little uncomfortable. And I stated that
um I thought the situation probably made all of us uncomfortable. I was asked during that discussion to be quiet about that complaint
and I have done that. I presume that [clears throat] the other parties in that room have been quiet about it, which to me [clears throat]
indicates that Commissioner Vice Mayor Langden does not know of all of those accusations that were
made in that meeting and I want to uh address what I'm hearing about hostile work environment. I had a discussion during that meeting
where I said people had advised me don't go talking about hostile work environment and I did not work about talk about hostile work environment. There were other things that I talked about.
One of them was retaliation. And because of that, I think this should go forward as an investigation. But I am mad at the guy. Why would I want him to go out on leave
and have a vacation? I don't support putting our city manager out on administrative leave. I just want this to go forward [clears throat] by an outside a true
outside investigation. Not an attorney that once worked for the city. Uh maybe a friend of our city attorneys. Uh, I just want a a true outside investigation.
Now, I didn't want to have to address this, but when it comes to apologies, [clears throat] I spent time this morning relisting to the meeting from the other day.
And the city manager himself after he said, you know, he apologized, he also said he put it in context. He also said that if id asked him for an apology, you know, he would I would have got one. If you're truly sorry for
something, you apologize. You don't need someone to come up and and and ask for an apology. I think I've made myself clear on this. I want an independent investigation to go forward. I want I want people to
consider that if this was not city government, but if this was a board of directors and the city manager was a CEO of the company [clears throat] and if the CEO of the company had put
such a poster up, would that board of directors be in favor of keeping that [clears throat] CEO in place
with no correction. Now I want to you know uh people are bringing things up uh and I will maintain again
anything I say on this day is comes from my head. I am not following any group and I refuse to attack any person, any private citizen in this
city. I'm trying to do what is good for what I feel is right for the citizens of this committee of this city. There is no reason for anyone to attack anyone
else. Personally, I do not attack the city manager, but I do ask for respect for this office. If you disrespect this office, you're
disrespecting the citizens of this city. U some mention has been made of a future retreat. Believe me, if we have such a retreat, I'll have a lot of things to say. Uh but
right now, this is only about whether or not we should investigate actions that were taken. And the secondary question, you know, whether we should put our city manager on on administrative leave, again, I I
say city manager has work to do for this city. Um administrative leave that to me, um you know, I don't know, maybe that would give someone some idea of retribution or
whatever. I'm not about that. city manager has work to do here and it should continue but I would like the investigation to continue. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. Uh, Commissioner Stokes, you're next.
Well, [clears throat] I'm not going to comment on many of the things that have already been said by members of the public online on this commission, but I'll address the question that the city attorney raised, which is, does this
commission feel an investigation's necessary? And and he's indicated to this body that that is our legal right to do. Um [sighs] in this instance
I mean typically investigations are done for the purpose of assert of of ascertaining facts and truths and it's based on those facts and truths that decisions are made about what to do about a situation in this case a
complaint. Um this body has firsthand knowledge. We were there. This wasn't a story of did some supervisor touch some employee and who said what and did she approve it?
Did she did he brush against her? Did he touch? None of that is here. We all know what happened on this day. Nobody's in dispute of the facts. City manager laid it out.
What he did, what happened. what his intent was, [clears throat] the acknowledgment that it was a mistake. No two ways about it. Everybody agrees there. I don't see what
information an investigation would yield that would provide this commission with any more information than it already has to make a decision. um spending taxpayer dollars to have a
third party investigate what we already know because all the information, all the facts, all come from us. Not staff, not people in the city, not it's us. We were here for it. We know exactly what happened.
We're in a position to make that decision. You know, was it wrong? Yes. The question is what does this rise to the level of? I mean, you know, Commissioner Dval said if someone makes a mistake
and and and an apology should be offered, but when a party doesn't know that they've offended somebody, that's a problem. And for three weeks to
a month, this was an inside joke for us. Commissioner Duval wanted to make up a t-shirt. We said, "Maybe we should all make up t-shirts." This was a joke. However, a month month and a half later,
Commissioner Deval decided that it wasn't a joke. So, it was only a joke till it wasn't. And everyone has the right to change their mind. He has every right to be affronted, to be offended. I was asked after this event by
Stephanie Gibson at my town hall. Mayor at the time I was mayor, "How do you feel about this? If this happened to you, what would you have done?" I said, "First of all, I thought it was in poor taste. Two, I would have taken it off the wall when I saw it in his
office. I would have ripped it up in pieces, dropped it on his desk, demanded an apology right there like a man. And then if I didn't get it, I would have told him that he was going to give it to me in public in front of all the citizens of this city. That's the way I
would have handled it. And the reality is he didn't know this is city manager that there was any problem that Commissioner Duval was upset at all until his review during which none of
this was included. This all happened before that review was prepared. Not one word of it in that review. He gave him reasonably good grades and a raise. We gave him nothing about this issue until
the end of the meeting when out comes the picture and Commissioner Duval indicated how upset he was. So, I'm not sure how one could expect someone to apologize for something that they didn't know was a problem.
It was in poor taste. He acknowledged it. He apologized for it. My take on this is that Tuesday should w should have wrapped this up. That an apology was offered publicly, should be accepted. I [clears throat] can't imagine what
else should be done at this point. I'm not going to play this little group's game. This has been, okay, this has been a 4-year plus campaign to undermine and remove the city manager.
Former Commissioner McDow made it very clear she never supported him. She and her cutouts filed grievances and complaints with the ethics board that fell on deaf ears because there was no merit in them. And
now here we are back at it again. And I have to tell you, I'm not going to be party to that. I do not support doing any investigation at all. I think the apology was sufficient in this case. I think we have bigger fish to fry in this
city. Challenges. We were elected to do the best for the most in this city and represent this city and try to move this city into its next incarnation. We have enormous challenges. This is a distraction and this needs to end. These
people continue regardless of anything. [snorts] They just continue relentlessly to attack and you know quite frankly nothing we do will satisfy them. And you know uh I just feel it's time to
move on and work together as a five member commission to work on behalf of the citizens. That's what they elected us for. That's what we get paid for. Thank you, mayor. Sir, >> I yield. >> Commissioner Pro, you're next. >> Thank you, Mayor. I'm going to take this
at a different level. Uh to look at this issue from a different angle, if you will. Um first, if someone thinks we enjoy this, they're completely wrong. We as a board have to be uh united in achieving what's the best for the city,
what's best for the community, for the people [clears throat] who elected us. Whether they voted for us or didn't vote for us, we still represent those people who live in this city. Um, however, my question is this. If we as the board, if
we as the board do not have to follow the very policy that the board adopted, how does the city manager expect the commissioners abide by the policy that he put into effect and that is employee policy 6.8.
Uh my my question is this. Um let's look at this issue uh from the source. Why are we here? Why and how did we get here? And um I want to say that I want to I I desire to look into the source of
this issue and how we got got here. The city manager has done a fabulous work um in the area of economic development. Whether we agree with that or don't agree, he has done his work and uh as he
should uh because he was appointed to do that work and he's getting paid to do that work. Um but I would like uh you know with this issue of u this incident and I'm I'm I want to speak on my own. I don't want to get into that stuff
although it does affect all of us but I would that the issue stems from the same ultimatum that we as city commissioners cannot communicate with the city employees. Um and when we were told not
to do that there would be some consequences. Now this is one of the way this resulted in this way of being a retribution by the way which was not warranted
either joking matter or not joking matter. It was some type of a payback if you will if you continue to do this. Um and we as the city commissioners by no means have to abide by the policy that
was placed by the city manager. Um so it is not just a photograph incident. It's undermines the work of a city commissioners. Um it is not stepping that is not stepping into employees
areas. And I've hear this over and over again that we do not follow the rules. We don't respect the charter. Um, by the way, we we don't have to follow the rules that are being implemented by the city manager. He has to follow by our
rules. Uh so and it is it is important for me at least and as far as I can see for some other commissioners uh obtaining transparency and yes opinions too because
a lot of questions were raised why would you want to have opinion uh as opposed to a fact. Um, opinions matter and we told we we continue to be told that we have to listen to the opinions of
opinions of subject matter experts. So whether we listen to them or not listen, I I'm I'm a little bit confus confused at this point. And I was told many times, no other municipality has this provision
that you can go and freely converse with city employees. And that's my problem. my problem is this that I want to correct this problem and look into the source of this problem and the result of this problem that we are witnessing and
that's why we're here today um which is not very pleasant even for me I'm not looking for any recognition again and again I want to stress that I'm not being influenced by small group we keep hearing this small group small voice small vocal minority
[snorts] this is not about that this is, you know, I made a list of just a handful of uh counties and municipalities that local municipalities that have this open policy. Yesterday, I called the city clerk of Puna Gorda.
She told me, "Yes, it is practiced. any council member can go to any city employees and ask any questions they want as long as it does not overstep the authority of giving them
directions and again I'm bringing this if we don't have to abide by the policy that the very board accepted and adopted by looking into this investigation by taking this step into investigation phase
How are we being expected to follow the policy and rules by a policy that was not even adopted by us that is not to talk to the city employees? Eventually this topic if it's not
resolved and at this point it's not resolved it will end up in courts. somebody else is going to challenge or another different board will adopt the ordinance and specify that any commissioner is free and welcome to talk to the city employees. To me, it's a
transparency and accountability issue. To me, it's very important to represent the citizens of the city because I do want to get unbiased opinions. I do want to get more information, unveiled
uh information and as as I was told by the previous manager, whatever the conduct was, he did not pro prohibit the city employees from engaging into the into conversation
with the city commissioners suddenly got changed. And it was that and I was told many times that was his policy. That was uh it was adopted. It was in in practice. Well, was it or was it not? Um from what
I know it people could freely converse with city managers with the city employees, uh city commissioners, I'm sorry. Um I [clears throat] just uh you know it's not a distraction. Um
I I just I just think that we have to look into a deeper level of this issue and that is the source how and why we got here and until we resolve this we're going to have problems problems of
isolation problems of fostering a community of unity that is not really community of unity and talk about compromises when I was warned many times not to talk the to talk to the city employees. You know, I
would at least welcome some sort of compromise by the way by which I did not have to abide or accept but I was not offered that. Instead, I was warned that you if you do this, there will be
consequences. What kind of consequences? Well, yesterday I heard that there will be consequences to to be referred to the ethics commission and whatnot, but there are no rules to be to be followed by. There are no the charter is vague. The
charter states that we as the commission should deal uh we should not deal with administrative services. We cannot make or ask make requests of city employees. That's it. And if the
commission board accepted the third opinion, it's just an [clears throat] opinion. I still in my own authority, I can still converse. Will I do this or not? That's a different question. But I see that um
the culture of unity of where the commission should work together with the city employees. It's a perfect perfect setup. I think that's how we can achieve more
if that's how we avoid lawsuits. I think a lot of lawsuits or um settlements could be avoided and I'm speaking sincerely because we their the city employees are
afraid to talk to us. We are prohibited from talking to them. This is just the nonsense. I mean, and this is the this meeting is the result of that nonsense we got here. And uh no personal attacks. I respect the city
manager. Many times I told him on our one-on ones, if someone else was was sitting in your chair, I would be asking the same questions, same uh inquiries. Uh because we had some distrust issues
at the beginning, maybe we still do, but I told him nothing personal. This is just a city business. And the the real reason why I I ran for the seat is um is to make the city better. And now I'm
here and I'm being told you cannot talk to the city employees. How would you feel if you were in my shoe? [clears throat] How would David Duval, Commissioner Duval would feel? And this is the con is the consequence direct
consequence of how he feels. He I know Commissioner Dval, he has no appeal of intent. He would not be giving directions to any employees. He told me firsthand, I just want to see the process. I want to make recommendation. I want to be open. I want to go and ask
questions for the city's sake. Now, I'm I'm not defending D uh Commissioner Dval just because he's in the situation he is in. I'm defending this the the betterment of the city. this would be so much better for the city and there's no
compromise. There's only ultimatum and I'm the result of this ultimatum. I didn't I did not want to be in the article or for that matter in any TV program. I I don't want my name to be there but yet I'm there not by my own
promotion, not by my own desire, but because I want what's better. Now be careful what you wish for. I want to say that which I said at the previous meeting. You know, if we get another city manager who would be abusive,
um because we know we are not going to be in the same positions forever, correct? Um city manager will move on for some or he will be tired, whatever, or he will be terminated, whatever. Right? We're going to have another city
manager. And these city employees would want to talk to us and they would be shown this policy 6.8 that if you do you'll lose your job as we heard from another speaker that was exactly the the
uh similar scenario that we we've heard. Um, I think it's as as much as I want to work together, I think it's better to work efficiently, to work
effectively, to be sincere, and to be in unison as far as the city. Um I don't think I and I don't know I cannot speak for Dave Commission Duval but I don't have any agenda of division
in our city. I I was accused of being um in association of a vocal minority, but I want to hear their voice as well. And maybe they are vocal so vocal because they are the only one that pay attention
to to some mistakes that are being done in the city. But uh I think with the recent developments uh how we got here and that we're all aware of of all the details by now, I think
it's in the interest of the board, the city, the city employees and quite frankly the respect and the bite to the formal process. Uh I do believe it's beneficial to conduct an investigation regarding the complaint that was filed on December 8th, 2025.
And we know all the facts but we might not know all the facts. Uh the source of investigation uh will come from independent I believe review or whatn not but it will be we will not be initiating this investigation on our own
will be part of this investigation and this investigation might tell us what needs to be done or how we got there or what can be resolved. Um but um I just I just believe that you know we say it's
personal it's distract uh distraction I don't believe that that it's purely that it might have some might has some elements of it but until we solve the issue commissioner Dval is not going to be um
the last victim if you will, of this humiliation. Yes, it was a joke according to the city manager. Yes, it was funny. But all of us process insults differently whether
it's joking way of it or serious. You know, at the last meeting, I was berated. I don't take it personally. I was told, you know, that I don't follow the law, which is not true. I was told that my
character I brought baggage from a my previous past and that's how I project my perception of the government. Well, show me one person who trust the government. I have not met anyone.
>> I have not met anyone. So that's why I think I think we have to be um we have to be transparent. We have to be transparent in the way that you know I'm as much as I can I cannot push against
the majority of this board but I do think we have to look at the root of this issue and this incident is is to some might be minor but um I'll wrap up uh
quickly this is this is not a minor issue I'm not talking about the incident but I'm talking about the the the the real issue, how we got to this. We have to look at how we got to this. Um
because if we don't fix the issue, it's going to have more problems. More problems, more problems. I'm talking about the uh the concentration of uh city business. We do have to concentrate in city business and but I'm talking about from
a point of transparency and accountability. And if I'm not allowed to ask questions, I'm sorry. I'm not doing my job effectively. Um, and the if the majority of the board feels this way that we should not but be talking to the city
employees, this is the way it is, but u it is what it is. Thank you, mayor. Sorry for the long. >> No, everybody's allowed their time. Uh, Commissioner Dval, I know you're in the queue, but I'd like to say something since this is our first round.
Um, first off, the other day on Tuesday, I want to um get something clear with Commissioner Pro. When I I asked every commissioner up here if they were going to follow the charter and the policy once we discussed it and found out that
the attorney had gone out and got an opinion and everything coincided and worked together. So when I asked that question, you had said you would follow the law. Both of y'all did, which is fine. So we were brought up that
policies are not laws. So I take that as you will follow the law. The charter is the law that we follow as commissioners. So, if the policy states pretty much the same thing as the charter, then you must
follow the charter. Not saying you got to follow the policy, but you must follow the charter. And the charter says all communications will go through the city manager shall. That's the law. Now, it does not state
that you cannot have general conversations with the employees, which I do all the time. That's being cordial. But when you start talking about the dayto-day business, city activities through the workplace,
that must go through the city manager. You can talk to them all day long, go out to dinner with them, but you cannot discuss the dayto-day business. That's what the charter states. So, I just wanted to remind you of that and that's what needs to be followed moving
forward. >> No, you can't because I have the floor right now and then Commissioner Deval will go and then you will go because that's the order of the queue and I'm following the queue today. Now, with um
with this policy ongoing through human resources and through the attorney, it it was put in place 21ish 19 between 19 and 21. But we've also had
policies in place for our regular employees on what is supposed to happen when they seem to find themselves in a [clears throat] jam or whatever. And normal procedures are and I see human resources sitting out there is that
normally that employee will be taken aside and given an oral reprimand. Step two is if that behavior still keeps going, then that employee would get a written reprimand.
And then if that employee still keeps going, and there's time limits involved, too. I believe it's a year. I'm not sure. If they repetitively compete completely doing the same thing over and over again, then it would go out to an investigation with possible termination.
Now, if we were to follow those scenarios, I would have to ask the city manager. City manager, how many oral reprimands do you have currently? >> None. >> How many written reprimands do you have currently? >> None.
>> Okay. Thank you. All right. Commissioner Nval, you're up. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, I would just like to state as the city attorney stated earlier, a policy is not a law. I want
people to keep that in mind. Secondly, the way this procedure is lined out for what we're doing, um, we're going to be taking a vote on whether or not to continue this
And my fellow commissioners are only thinking about the picture that the city manager produced. [clears throat] That is not the totality of my
complaint. that HR department asked me to be quiet about this, but how can I be quiet when we're going to be voting and we're not voting on all of the information?
We're not voting on all of my complaint. So therefore, I'm going to reveal some information now about what was in my complaint, in my verbal complaint. There was the picture when I went for my
one-on-one with the city manager, saw the picture, then continued on into the room. It was not a laughing matter then. We did not have any good laughs about it. The city manager continued to go out and get a
page from the policy that said I couldn't be speaking with people and it was outlined and he stood there at the table after he put it down in front of me and he said
it's been a solid year. I didn't hear any laughing. There was no laughing from me and I didn't hear any laughing from him. Now, subsequent to that, I did run into my fellow commissioners out of the parking lot
and the topic came up and yeah, I did make a statement like maybe I should, you know, get a t-shirt made, but it was no real laughing matter. Now, what has not been discussed here, and I'm going to bring it forth right now,
is that subsequent to the meeting when I held that picture up, I let people know how upset I was about it. After that, my one-on-one meetings that are normally
held in the city manager's office were changed on my calendar and put down in room 204, which is the city clerk's conference room. I was being
excommunicated, if you will, from the city manager's office. I [clears throat] had a meeting scheduled in the city manager's office with our communications division over our rebranding. That was also changed.
To me, that is retaliation. That's all. >> Okay. Uh, Commissioner Pro. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh just to respond about uh you know the law if we follow the law and that stuff.
If the policy was if the question was brought to outside council asking a question if the policy confirms to the charter that does not become a uh that does not become a law. That's one point.
Second point, if the question was phrased differently and legal team can confirm that and any lawyer can confirm that if the question is phrased differently asking
for example, can city commissioners ask questions with the exception of dealing with service uh administrative services as it clearly states that we are not allowed to meddle into the uh administrative
services that is creating budgets uh creating uh documents of comparison what not what vehicles to buy but if we stay if we state the question differently if we can convert if the city commissions
are prohibited by the charter to converse I think we get completely different conclusion so yes I'll follow the charter, but the charter still doesn't forbid us from talking to the city employees. Now, the next question,
will it conform to this policy? Uh, most likely, yes. I'm not going to be going against uh madeup policy. Will my job be as effective as I want it to be? No, it will not be as effective
as I want it to be because getting different opinions and it's good to get different opinions from employees as you probably know there there are many ways where the management gets into the
senior management gets into the uh frontline workers and ask them what what what do you think about this? What do you think about that? Not only it's a good marketing and improvement plan, it's a it's a good evaluation process of what can be done as a recommendation to
the city manager from a second set of view. We could be so much beneficial to the city manager if we were allowed to do that and I'm think I'm I'm speaking sincerely. I respect the city manager's work. I respect what
he does. I might not agree with all what he does. That's a different issue. But if only we could we could be allowed to do that and there were no compromise. I I just want to say it again. There were no compromises made. Yes, we'll think
about it. Uh you cannot talk to me. That's it. So I'll follow the law. Will I be effective to some extent? Will I be fostering the the it will be a
culture of uh unity? probably not. I mean, we can see it from people can see it from the where they watch us. And uh I would be very skeptical to accept the statement
where are those people? They don't come here. A lot of people work and the previous meeting was in the daytime and a lot of people were working. But I can assure you a big majority of people that are interested in the politics of the
city, they watch us. They watch us online. They watch us where they can. Um, so again, I just wanted to say what I said and make an emphasis that the real issue is not a picture incident,
which is important. Now we look at differently even public looks differently at this situation as we heard from public speakers but that's just the result of what the real issue and the real issue stands
that we cannot talk to the city employees. I'm probably beating this to death but this but unless it's changed I don't know how it will be changed but it will be changed. I I I welcome that
change and I really sincerely welcome that change. Not to overstep the charter, but if only we could talk freely, [clears throat] how awesome that would be. At this mo moment, we're trying to
correct and resolve something that you know stemmed from the very real issue that is I'm bringing up again and again. And I think this would be the last meeting that I did as far as this board um because there's no point. I can see
the the the opinions that and votes that have been produced regarding this issue that there's no way we can go or there's no way I can go against it um unless through legal matters and I I
don't advocate that I will do that. Uh but the charter I will conclude with that the charter does not prohibit city commissioners from talking to employees [clears throat] regarding city business. That's my take and that's how I read the
charter. And uh just to make the list, Palm Beach, Wakula, Orange County, Puna Gorda, I spoke with Punagora's uh city clerk confirmed it that this is the way it's been practiced. Uh city of Venice,
Sarasota County, and yet I was told no other municipalities allow that. I guess somebody was wrong. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. Um, there's nobody left in the queue. The one thing I will say
is I've heard this twice now from I believe both commissioners. If not, it was from one that they would want to be able to be giving recommendations to employees. In my opinion, and the way that I hear it, that's direction. Because how would an employee bark back
to a commissioner saying, "Hey, you're all full of beans. We've tried that years ago. It just doesn't work." The best way to do it is to go through the city manager, have him go through his staff and come up with the proper, you know, questions and answers on how that
policy or whatever is being done at that time gets done properly because it depends on the subject matter, but we're going to be moving on. And city clerk, do we have any uh public comment? >> Yes. Jerry Singh, I fully support city
manager Jerome Fletcher. City manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city and city commissioners are the legislative body to make decisions. How hard is that to understand? In any government position, communication through leadership is important. So information is accurate with no issues. How do you think it is
done in other units of government and military? It's all the same in keeping leadership in the loop to be effective. Keep it simple and work together. Stop the pettiness. Michelle Moore. Good morning, honorable mayor, commissioners, and fellow citizens of Northport. My name is Michelle Moore and I am a resident and
business owner. I am speaking today to strongly oppose the motion to place city manager Jerome Fletcher on administrative leave. I know Mr. Fletcher personally from the chamber leadership class of 2022. His leadership has consistently focused on serving Northport with the clear mandate of doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Since his arrival, he
has successfully managed multiple devastating hurricanes and champion greater transparency and proper governance. As a graduate of the Northport University class 2, I know that our city operates like a seamless business. Our charter rules are the speed limits of good governance set in place to protect every citizen and
department. The motion to place Mr. Fletcher on leave is rooted not in its in his failure to lead, but in an alleged disregard for the charter by a certain commissioner who sought information outside the proper recourse. The city manager's duty is to uphold the chain of command. By all accounts, Mr. Fletcher has done just that. The law is
the law. It does not bend for feelings. Bringing this matter forward in a public emergency setting consumes valuable commission time and taxpayer dollars on a distraction. We have far more pressing issues related to growth, infrastructure, and recovery that demand your collective focus. I urge this
commission to cease this unnecessary expenditure of time and resources. Respect the laws in our city charter and the will of the citizens. Stop poking the bear. Let's get back to the vital work required to continue to live and love Northport. Thank you, Cheryl Cook. I want to focus on the structure that
guides our city. The commission manager form of government along with our charter and state law creates a clear separation between policymaking and administration. The separation protects staff from political pressure and keeps operation stable and predictable. A complaint has been filed, but its contents have not been shared publicly.
Because of that, it is important not to assume what it involves or what actions are necessary before the investigation is complete. Many organizations allow leadership to remain in place during an inquiry to preserve continuity and avoid destabilizing administration before the facts are known. Maintaining consistent
leadership also helps uphold the safeguards and boundaries fundamental to our form of government. We also have relevant local precedent. A group of residents filed a lawsuit against the city and then commissioner Debbie Mcdow alleging she improperly listened to an
offrecord strategy discussion involving private citizens during COVID and further alleging she shared information obtained from that discussion. During the litigation she continued to serve. No leave was taken. The city allowed the process to proceed while maintaining stability. Past interim periods have
been challenging for staff particularly during public meetings. For example, in a joint meeting on 3:3021, a sitting commissioner directed what appeared to be an an antagonist comments at staff and stated she would escalate her behavior unless the meeting was recessed. No one at the time publicly
defended staff, nor was any complaint known to have been filed, returning to an environment where staff may feel unprotected could unintentionally weaken the structure our charter is designated to uphold. For these reasons, I respectfully support allowing city manager to continue to work during the investigation.
Anonymous employee, I would like to start by expressing my sincere respect for both our current and former city commissioners as well as our force as our city manager, Jerome Fletcher. Jerome joined our city during a period marked by internal challenges and unrest that affected many employees. Despite
these difficulties, he has worked diligently to foster a constructive work environment. In recent months, we have not represented our city in the best professional light. We have aired our grievances publicly. It saddens me that these matters have dominated our city's focus for so long and the situation continues to escalate uncontrollably. As
a long-term employee of the city of Northport, this is particularly concerning to me. Mr. Fletcher has not only shown genuine remorse for his misstep, but he has also taken accountability on multiple occasions, publicly acknowledging the impact of his actions. Throughout Mr. Fletcher's tenure as city manager, I have never
felt afraid to speak with a commissioner about topics outside of city related business. I do not perceive a hostile work environment. I understand the importance of maintaining discipline within our organization while also appreciating the significance of offering second chances. Mr. Fletcher has consistently demonstrated commendable performance as city manager,
reflecting professionalism in his duties. Although his leadership style can be demanding, his intentions are always focused on fostering the best outcomes for his team. I believe that making the decision to terminate our city manager would have detrimental effects on our city's progress and disrupt the stability of our work
environment. Something we have faced too often in the past. Such a move would not only dis be disruptive but would not benefit the city. Anonymous person to Commissioner Pro. I am submitting this virtual comment because your remarks on Tuesday were deeply upsetting to me as a current employee who lived through the
Lear era. Hearing that period referenced the way you represent you presented it was not only inappropriate, it was disrespectful to many employees who experienced significant dysfunction and distress during that time. For those of us who worked under that administration, it was not a political taking talking point or a matter of opinion. It was a
difficult chapter marked by instability, confusion, and a serious loss of trust in city leadership. Many employees witnessed actions and decisions that created a harmful work environment and violated the standards we expect from those in leadership roles. Regardless of what has been officially documented, the
impact on staff was real and long lasting. When you casually invoked that error in your comments, it disregarded the emotional strain employees endured and continue to carry. It reopened old wounds for many who worked hard to help the city recover and move forward. Instead of feeling supported, employees felt dismissed, minimalized, and
retraumatized by the way that period was used as a comparison during your discussion. If your intention is to advocate for employees, then you must consider how your words affect the very people you say you want to protect. Your position on the dis carries weight. Your statement influences morale. They shape
whether employees feel respected or disregarded. The next time you bring forward an opinion in a public discussion, I ask you that you think about the employees who lived through that era and are still dealing with the aftermath of it. We deserve acknowledgement, understanding and respect, not comments that cause unnecessary workplace distress by
bringing up a period many of us are still trying to move past. Thank you. In person, I have Joe Morgan, followed by Pam Tokars. I've [clears throat] been here for 53 years. I have been on so many boards I can't even name them all. And I've been a city commissioner. And let me tell you
something, folks. The Sunshine Law is a pain. You know that, okay? And some of the things you have to go by at times are disturbing. But let me tell you, I don't think I've ever seen a happier group of employees. Who are you talking to that's so afraid to talk and all this stuff? I'm not seeing that. and
Panagorta. Do you want me to list their problems? I mean, I'm sorry. They're not utopia. Okay. Everyone's got their problems. I don't think I've seen a happier group of city employees. They love our city manager
and unity. You guys determine that. I told you how they hated me. Believe me, they did because at the time I was in my young 30s and they were in their high 80s, some of them. Okay? But let me tell you something, folks. I made them. I worked with them. That's your
responsibility. That's your ability to do that. Okay? And that's what you have to do. So, you got to work a little harder at it. Go work hard at it. But you can talk to people. Just just say to them, it's not a hostile area here. I am
not seeing any hostility. I do have a problem with seeing on Facebook things like, "Oh, I was glad I was at the post office and the commissioner was with me." Oh my gosh, that's sick. That's sad. That's That's not the way it should be. The picture I told you under when I
was in office, we had Marge Jenn, the mayor, smoking under a no smoking sign at city hall. That was up for months and months and months. Okay. Sadly, it didn't stop her from smoking. Okay. But on the other hand, workplace stuff is
workplace stuff. Not saying it's right. We had an apology. What's there to investigate? You're making a huge issue out of something that came out of a small issue and now you want to add everything into the world about it. Folks, get together. Unify. You are here
for Northport. Don't tell me you're not here for Northport because that's what you're here for. Not for yourself. And if you're going to say, "I can't go to meetings. I can't go to public events. I can't talk to people because I'm in such a hostile situation. You are not. Okay?
So, start over. Unify. Realize what we have. We are third in the nation. Our slogan is achieve anything. And let me tell you something. Here's where you can do it better than any place else. So, end all
of this stuff and let's move on because yeah, we're making it look bad. And yes, we've had people who have wanted to get rid of our city manager since before he stepped into his office. >> Thank you.
>> [clears throat] >> Hi, Pam Tokars. Uh, for the record, I'm only speaking for myself. I do not hate Mr. Fletcher. Um, I probably do see the benefit of what he's doing for the city. Um, I will voice my opinion when I see
something that's just going to affect it that I don't I don't like personally. Um, and then the the five of you are all entitled to your opinion. I think I know how this is going to go. It's going to go three to two. However, we have to
look at the optics of this. You've got the complaint and if it goes through, just let it go through cuz if he's found that he did not create a hostile work environment, then that's good for him. Then we can just move on and just get
going. Um, I don't support putting him on leave cuz this is your last meeting. Well, Tuesday was the last meeting before um the holidays. So, and we all know nothing gets done in the holidays anyway. So, he still has to get ready for January. So, that's uh the only
thing is just uh consider following the process. The investigation goes through and it f and uh it determines whatever it's done. It's an it's a independent investigation. I am concerned that if you do decide not to
go with this investigation, how that looks to other city employees that might want to file a grievance or something and they're just going to say, "Oh, well, nothing's going to happen." And then they just won't file the grievance. So, that's my two cents. Thanks. Oh, and you also forgot, Commissioner Pro. the
city of Sarasota, the uh commissioners are allowed to speak to the employees. I actually had a conversation with an employee from Sarasota. So, there's another Thanks, John Rawlings and Peggy Burton. >> [clears throat]
>> I listen I listen to you and and I've had you on my live stream and I know there's some some background there with trust with the government. I I tend to agree with you on that. Um, I was a little confused because I've now
listened to you twice and you double talk yourself a lot and there's a lot of times where I want to tell you to stop because you say it and then you don't say it, you unsay it. Um,
I I I've worked all my life. It's and I've I've been in charge in places. I've been in the service policies and procedures. You guys can't follow them and and you
keep saying that you're going to and and I believe you and then you tell me you're not going to and it's in the same breath. So, I I want you to be careful because I like you. I I think you're going to be, you know, you can be good
at this. Okay. And I know you're new, David. I this this isn't a picture problem. This is a I'm don't I don't want to follow the rule problem. For somebody to be able to walk
into an office and [clears throat] and say, "I've been after you for a year." How many of you had kids that you would go on for a year saying the same thing over and over again without some correction?
You would get fired at your job, David, if you would have done this at your plant. It it it comes down to simple. And and that's that's my problem right now is because I saw you work hard to get
elected. I I heard your stories. I I know what you did to get in that seat. I'm not even questioning [snorts] why you're there or or what position you hold. I I just can't believe you can follow
structure because you can't. You did it for a whole year. You didn't follow policy and you didn't listen to the city manager. And as far as getting something corrected, I this isn't the forum to do
that. This is a a a a side committee. Let's fix the policy. Let's let's look at it. And you've now blamed him twice, but he told you two days ago that he didn't write the policy. He didn't edit the
policy. He adopted the policy from before he was here. He signed it. And you're making him accountable for everything. Nobody is unaccountable for any of it. But this is I said it the other day.
It's BS. You guys can't follow rules and regulations. >> Thank you, sir. >> Peggy Burton. Good afternoon. Um, I'm just your average citizen of
Northport. And I've read a lot of people stating about don't ever go to the commissioner meetings cuz it never gets done. Nothing ever gets done. It's just it's always a 32 vote and, you know, they don't listen. They're up there filing their nails and picking their
ears and whatever. Um, I'm embarrassed today to to witness this commission. Um, I'm embarrassed for the city manager.
I'm embarrassed for Commissioner Duval. I'm embarrassed [clears throat] for Commissioner Petual. Um, Mrs. Langden, you don't have to go talk to us about teenytiny Facebook groups.
Um, you know, everybody knows what's going on in this city and everyone is extremely disappointed in the way the city's being run. It's being run into the ground. There's money going all over the place, but nobody knows where it is.
We we've heard bids that have gotten passed by and somebody's got a job that the bid didn't even go through, but they got selected for some some other reason. They weren't allowed to bid the job because someone else had already got the job.
There's a lot of crooked stuff going on around here. And the this this this poster thing or picture thing, this is a distraction. It's a distraction because none of y'all can get along. And if you can't get along, what the
hell are you going to do for us? Thank you. >> Thank you. >> That's all. >> That's it. That's all the public comment. All right. We're going to be moving on and uh I request a motion.
>> I'll give it a shot, Mayor. >> Okay. >> I move to not conduct an investigation regarding the complaint filed on December 8th, 2025. I have a motion on the floor made by
Vice Mayor to not conduct an investigation regarding the complaint filed on December 8th, 2025. Do I have a second? >> Got a second. >> Got a second from Commissioner Stokes.
So once again, we have a motion on the floor made by Vice Mayor Langden to move to not conduct an investigation regarding the complaint filed on December 8th, 2025. And that was seconded by Commissioner Stokes.
Anything to that, commissioners? If not, please vote. >> [snorts] >> And that passes three to two. >> All right, that ends that. Any clerk? Any other public comment?
>> Excuse me, Mr. Mayor. I Does this vote preclude our needing to vote on the administrative leave? >> Yes. >> Yes. because the action is actually the administrative leave, >> right? But it doesn't go into >> Okay, I just want that to be really
clear. >> It doesn't get used until the investigation or if an investigation was done. That would be part of that fence. >> Yes. City clerk, go ahead. I'm sorry. >> No public comment. It's 2:45. This meeting is adjourned. Part: 2
the public works customer service a call. >> In Northport, families are finding more and more places built just for them. >> We opened um this past June. We are an indoor play center for children ages 0 to 7.
>> Uh today is Thursday, December 11th, 2025. It's 400 p.m. We are in the city chambers and I call the city commission regular meeting to order. Commissioners present are Commissioner Dval, Commissioner Stokes, Mayor Emerage, Vice Mayor Langden, and Commissioner Pro.
There is a quorum present for this meeting. Also present are city manager Fletcher, city attorney Fino, Assistant City Clerk Powell, board specialist Linder, Police Chief Garrison, and Fire Chief Titus. I'm going to call on Mr.
Powell. Since I've been picking on that cherry date to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for
all. >> All right. Before we start this meeting, there's an announcement that the fire chief asked me to put out to everybody. Northport Fire Rescue solemnly announces the line of duty death of firefighter
Frederick Cleveland who passed away on December 11th, 2025 following an arduous and courageous fight against cancer. His passing represents profound loss to our department, the city of Northport, and the fire service. Firefighter Cleveland
faithfully sta started his service to the community as a volunteer firefighter with the Nakomaomas Volunteer Fire Department and then became a Florida Forest Service firefighter for almost four years before coming here to serve directly as a Northport firefighter for
the past almost 17 years. Throughout his career and with each of those agencies, he was recognized for his professionalism, dedication to duty and commitment to the safety and well-being of others. His contributions on and off the emergency
scene reflect a legacy of honor, perseverance, and service of the highest standard. In the exercise of his service, he paid the ultimate sacrifice to occupational exposures inherent to firefighter professionals.
Northport Fire Rescue extends its deepest condolences to firefighter Cleveland's family as they are now and will always be a part of our fire family. And I would also like to state that this commission would like to present them with our condolences as
well. And I'm sure all the employees here as well. So, that's all I got on that. Thank you. Um, I need a motion to approve the agenda. >> Second. >> I have a motion on the floor made by
Commissioner Stokes. Uh, seconded by Vice Mayor Langden to approve the agenda. If there's nothing to it, please vote. >> I vote at this time, Mayor. And that passes five to zero. Um, assistant city clerk, is there public comment, sir?
>> We do have one e comment. >> Thank you. >> City employee, I want to thank the city commission for doing the right thing this afternoon regarding the city manager item. Joan Morgan is correct. We are a very happy group of employees under city manager Fletcher. That is all, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you, sir. Okay, moving on to the
welcoming of new employees. Um, city manager, this is your item. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I will call up our HR director, Christine McDade, to introduce the newest members of our team. Thank you. >> Hello everyone. For the record, Christine McDade, human resources
director. It's my honor to formally introduce and welcome some of our newest team members. When I call your name, please stand. From the city attorney's office, we have Michael Fuo, city attorney. From the police department, we have
Jacob Hensley, a police officer cadet. From public works, we have Aean Aisu, who's a solid waste equipment operator. John Gaudy, solid waste equipment operator. Enrique Amen, solid waste equipment
operator. Frank Culis, solid waste equipment operator. Wendy Mcola, solid waste equipment operator. Randall Hey, solid waste planner
scheduler. Jeffrey Shatzer, solid waste laborer. And finally, from public works, we have Kyler Adams, an equipment operator, too. From utilities, we have Nicholas Deed, collection and distribution tech. Anthony Hoffman, collection and
distribution tech trainer. Diane Torres, meter service rep one. Jason Van Bodigan, a water distribution operator. Two, and finally, Philip Weber, plant
maintenance mechanic. one. So on behalf of city, I officially welcome all you and I wish you the best of luck in your new positions. Thank you. >> City manager, I hope we got enough money in the budget for all that equipment we're going to need.
>> I'll find you, sir. >> Thank you, sir. >> All right, we're going to do our proclamations and recognitions and we'll be heading down to the floor. Commissioners, will you find me, please? >> Let's go. Smile. All right. First up, we have I don't
know why this is first, but we just went over that. But city clerk, would you like to join me and we can This is a very very special award. Go ahead. Good afternoon, mayor, commissioners.
Thank you for having me today. My name is Scotty Lynn Kelly and I serve as the Southwest District Director for the Florida Association of City Clerks. It's my honor to be here today to recognize your city clerk, Heather Faustst, MMC, for achieving a significant milestone
and becoming one of the first municipal clerks in Florida to earn the Florida Certified Professional Certification Clerk Certification from the John Scott Dailyaly Florida Institute of Government at the Florida State University. Miss FA
has worked for the city of Northport for six years and has served as your city clerk since March of 2020. Heather graduated from the 20-month program on October 7th, 2025, make marking a historic moment for Florida's city clerks. The Florida Certified
Professional Clerk Curriculum was designed to provide practical tools for leading municipal clerk teams and processes while building upon the foundation of Florida municipal organizational management. The program specifically targets exemplary mu m municipal clerks who are
committed to sharpening their leadership skills, embracing their vital role in Florida government and pre preparing for both current challenges and future opportunities. To quote Miss Faustst, "The Florida Certified Professional Clerk program was challenging and rewarding at the same
time. It forced me into the unknown with a capstone project which ultimately helped build my confidence. It taught me not only about my leadership style, but how I can use my style while adjusting to the style of those I lead, which is very important in the day-to-day
operations of what we do as city clerks. For her capstone project, Miss Faustst explored advisory board management to determine ways the city of Northport can increase board membership as well as ensure that the advisory boards are being utilized to their fullest potential and that members feel they
have a purpose. Currently, the Florida Association of City Clerks has 615 members. As one of 18 graduates in the inaugural FCPC class, Miss Faustst has not only achieved professional personal professional growth, but has also
established a new standard of excellence for municipal clerks throughout Florida. Please join me in congratulating Heather Faustst on her achievements in achieving the Florida Certified Professional Clerk Certification. On behalf of FACC and the
Southwest District, we are all so very proud of you. Congratulations. All right. So, first I have to thank past Commissioner Debbie McDow because she did write my letter of recommendation for me to be accepted into this program and my current commissioners for supporting me in my professional development, but most
importantly my team. sorry my team because they carried the weight every time I was off doing something that had to do with this program and any other professional development that we do and I could not do it without them. So thank you >> your time. >> What about your charter brother? >> Oh and my and my charter brother. Even
you Michael even though you weren't here then your support. >> But you see you had to ask for it. Do you want to sit on the inside? >> Can I get one? Can I get one with my people? >> Come on, my people. >> You too, Mike. Matt and Tiffany. Sorry.
>> Come on, Peeps. >> They might want us out of this. >> You want us in or out? Heather, >> no. In >> your >> We're innings now. >> I'm in. Can you get all of us?
>> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Cut out of the picture. >> All right. Up next, we have Miss Shelby, please. >> Thank you, sir. >> Good afternoon. Shelby Mendelson,
recreation manager for Northport Parks and Recreation Department. The city of Northport's Trick-or- Treat at City Center event was held on October 24th, 2025 on the Front Green and surrounding City Center campus. This signature event presented by Sun Coast Credit Union was
a huge success with over 6,500 recorded attendees, 45 Pumpkin Trail organizations, and 10 sponsors who helped bring this event to life. Our city departments went above and beyond with their creativity this year, each bringing an exciting themed display to
the pumpkin trail. I would like to thank the following departments for their participation at this year's event. Parks and Recreation Department with Toy Story, Public Works Department with Groovy7s, Police Department with Grim's Fairy Tales, the Human Resources
Department and City Clerk's Office for Inside Out, and Northport Fire Rescue with Superheroes. After tallying the votes, I'm proud to announce that the Toy Story theme created and led by the Parks and Recreation Ignite team earned an
impressive 717 votes, making them the winners of this year's pumpkin trophy. Parks and Recignite is an initiative dedicated to nurturing, shaping, and upholding Northport Parks and Recreation's core organizational values through clear communication,
camaraderie, and a strong focus on staff well-being. This team continues to foster a positive, connected, and engaged work environment across the department. Parks and Recreation staff members Lindseay Stratton, Whitney Baddard, Chris Lawrence, and Blake VI served as the representatives of the
parks and recognite team during the trick-or- treatath booth preparations. In addition to their outstanding work on this project, they have served the department through creating a focus on employee onboarding, culture engagement, professional development, team building, recognitions, and customer service.
Congratulations to the Parks and Recreation Ignite team on their well-deserved win. And heartfelt thank you to all city departments, employees, commission, and officials for their collaboration and creativity. Together, we delivered a unique and meaningful quality of life
experience for our community. Thank you. Thank you very >> winning. >> I know. >> I do believe we need some economic development people up here at this time.
Yep, it's right here. Everything's here. Who would like to do the >> There you go, sir. >> I need my glasses. I can't see anymore. I'm old. >> Hi. Good afternoon, everyone. Good afternoon, commissioners, mayor, and city manager, and everyone in
attendance. Today, economic development is proud to introduce a new honor, one that celebrates the spirit, character, and dedication that make our city truly shine. It's called the GEM Award, GM. This award recognizes a local business
that has become essential and irreplaceable part and an irreplaceable part of our community. The recipient of the Gem Award is not simply a business that operates in our city. They're a business that lives within its very DNA. They inspire pride, uplift neighbors,
and strengthen the bonds that connect us. They remind us that when local businesses thrive, our entire community thrives with them. This award This award honors those who go beyond providing goods or services. It honors those who help define who we are.
Businesses that reflect our values, our history, and our shared hopes for the future. Today we celebrate the business that has woven itself into the fabric of our city. With gratitude and admiration, we present the inaugural gem award to a
true cornerstone of our community and shining example of what it means to be part of the city of Northport's DNA. Today's recipient has done just that. They are the longest continuously operated business in the city of Northport. This barber shop located
behind Aby's Donuts since the early 1960s even featured in our book, excuse me, out of the wilderness. They've out outlasted names like Marco Brothers, Food Lion, General Development, the
Northport Mall, Uncle Guido's Pizza, even the Old World Cheese Shop, and my favorite, Piggly Wiggly. So they started as Art's barber shop, moved on to Tom's barber shop, and now it's Sam's barber shop. So we wanted to introduce Sam, the barber of Northport. It's Sam
Evventantia. Did I say your name right? Yes. >> There you are. I'd like to bring you up and say a couple words about Sam's Barber Shop. >> Thank you very much. Uh uh I am originally from Arbania. I came
to United States in 1991. Uh I used to be a musician in my country but uh coming to United States I learned the trade cutting hair. Um, and I start
cutting hair already more than 30 years in New York. And two years ago, we gladly moved to Northport area, which I love very much. And I was looking for a job as a barber.
I was hired someplace and did not work. Another place also did not work. And I said, "What's going on?" And in my mind I always say we have to trust in God. And in God's willing I
stop in this small barberh shop which is almost a dying as a business and the lady told me uh would you like to be a new owner of this barberh shop? I said
yes I would love to. And uh then uh since December 1st, I'm the new owner of the barber shop and the gentleman's they told me that this business was the first business in Northport.
So I was uh very surprised and very honored to continue this legacy and bring up uh the barberh shop and hair cutting uh in Northport in more higher
level and serving to my community. Thank you so MUCH right here. Make sure I grab the right one. Like introduce. Here we go. >> I know what you're thinking. >> I'm so sorry.
>> Congratulations. Thank you so much. >> Yes. Congratulations. That's great. >> That is great. >> Great story. >> You told you don't do much for me. >> All right, we got this last one. Do I
have anybody from human resources here? >> Yeah. >> Come on up. It's time to shine. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Hi.
>> Fancy meeting you here. >> Come see us. >> Wait a minute. What's Parks and Wreck doing up here? No, I'm just kidding. just got to be in the limelight. >> Well, >> well, I'll I'm going to go because >> There you go. I just wanted to get that
for you. >> Me to do it. Hi, good afternoon. Thanks everybody for being here for this amazing award. Um, this is an actual symbol of how fantastic our wellness program is at the city. And none of it could be done without anybody standing
up here. um our leadership giving us all of the ability to have these great events and have staff show up. Today's event alone and you are up here. Michael was a phenomenal instrumental at we had over
72 vendors that were local at the event which is fantastic. Our account is over 400 employees were able to attend and this is all sponsored 100% by Etna and
that's how come we keep getting high awards for the things that we do for the employees for the morale for our health and for our mental wellness and stuff like that and you guys participating in everything is just absolutely fantastic and why we get to do what we do. So,
thank you and thank this entire team and the people who couldn't be here because there's a lot more that were a part of today's event and throughout the year of what we get to do that didn't get to get be here. So, you guys are absolutely amazing. So, thank you.
>> We might have some extra shares. What are we doing? >> Gucci. >> Oh my gosh. >> Sideways. >> She's like, there's so many. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. I don't blame them.
>> Handshakes. You crush it. That's it. >> I I like stopping at that spot. I mean, it's >> all right. Assistant city clerk. Do we have any public comment? >> No more public comments, Mr. Mayor. >> Well, thank you so very much. It's 4:23
and we are out of here. We love it.