Good afternoon, good evening everybody. Um, welcome to the student of the month celebration event. We're always pleased and honored to have our students here and to recognize all the work they've done. Um, we're going to announce each student's name in individually. Um, they
will a certificate. Commissioner Campbell will give them a certificate. I'll shake their hand. They'll each come up and then once everybody has been name has been called, they will continue to stand up there and then we will take photos first with the educators, then with the family. Um, so we will begin.
Michael Bautista, Browning Pierce Elementary. >> Go Michael. Congratulations >> buddy >> Trenton Reed Children read children's reading center charter school congratulations
Dallas V James A. Long Elementary Dallas. Congratulations, Noah Price, Kelly Smith Elementary. Congratulations, Adelaide Figureroa Chrisos. Christo, I've mispronounced your name,
but I got Adelaide. Liam Pittz Meling Learning Center pre through K. Liam Cameron Moore Melon Learning Center K through 12. Cameron Congratulations. Liam Hson, Mosley Elementary.
Zachariah Meer, Panio Baptist. Aiden Flateau, Panal Baptist. >> Congratulations, >> Brazia Gillian, Putnham Academy of Arts and Sciences. Okay, congratulations.
>> You see? Okay, Liam Hson. Did Liam come in? Congratulations. Do we have everybody? is Liam. Did Liam Pittz arrive by chance
from Melon Learning Center? >> Okay, there you go. Okay, could the educators please come up so we can take a group photo? We do not want her to move. Commissioner Davis. So this will be the opportunity They're coming.
>> They work. You're good. What am I doing? Is this a >> cam? >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Okay. No, I can do a camera. I don't
care. I'll send you the perfect I'll try to do good. I got that walking up. If I go back, I'm sitting up. You guys Thank Not many kids
in his stomach as soon as he walked into the door. Okay. >> So proud of you. >> I always always It's about you.
>> Oh, look. See what I'm saying? Good evening everybody. Please quiet down. Welcome to the city of Palaca City Commission meeting on April 9, 2026 at 6 pm and we're call I'm calling this meeting to order. We'll begin with the invocation by Pastor Malbury. Pledge of
Allegiance led by Commissioner Barum. Please stand if you're able. Let's pray. Father, again, thank you for your love, your kindness, and for the multitude of your tender mercy. We thank you God for this opportunity to come
together once again to lead this city to further the cause. God, we pray for the wisdom that is necessary to do the things that you've assigned to our hands. We ask God that you will remind
us to be civil, to be people of good report, and to understand the need God for us to move in the right direction. We give you thanks and praise again for every leader that you've appointed for such a time as this. We ask God for your
help because you can help us in matters that mean the most. It is in Jesus's name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Please join me in the pledgece to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Roll call, please. Madame clerk. >> Commissioner Davis, >> present. Commissioner Campbell, >> present. >> Commissioner Jones, >> here. >> Commissioner,
>> present. >> Present. >> We have quorum. Thank you. Um, has everybody had an opportunity to read the minutes from March 26, 2026? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. We have a motion, a second. All in favor? >> I. Any opposition? Thank you. We're
going to go on to public recognitions and presentations. For presentations, speakers are limited to five minutes and no action will be taken on these items. Item A, VFW, honoring the firefighter and police officer of the year, Mr. Donnelly, commander of the Veteran of
Foreign War Post 3349. Please come up to the podium. Thank you, mayor. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Veterans of Foreign War players 3349 is here to present our policeman of the
year to officers Eric Gentry and Matthew Keith. Gerald Scher, our quarter man will present the plaques to the officers at this time. All right. First up, we got Matthew Keith. We got Chief Shaw over here.
All right. Those here. It's a pleasure to be here and be able to to give this uh glowing accolade to our officers uh that that share and and
give everything they have on a daily basis. This comes directly from Chief Shaw. It's a great pride that we the command staff of the Palaca Police Department announced that officer Matthew Keith as the recipient of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars Officer Year award. This prestigious honor recognizes his exceptional service, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the community that he serves. Officer Keith consistently demonstrates the high standards of law enforcement,
exhibiting integrity, compassion, and a strong commitment to public safety. His proactive approach to community policing, coupled with his ability to lead by example, has earned him the respect and the admiration of his peers and the citizens of Palatka.
Throughout his tenure, Officer Keith has gone above and beyond the call of duty, responding to community problems with courage and composure, mentoring younger officers and building lasting relationships within the community himself. His actions reflect
great credit upon himself, his department, and the law enforcement profession as a whole. It's without any hesitation we proudly recognize officer Matthew Keith for his outstanding achievements and exemplary
service. His dedication to duty and community embodies the spirit of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Officer of the Year Award. Sincerely, Jason Shaw, Chief of Police. And you get a handy dandy certificate,
too. >> Chief Shaw might be saying something. Congratulations. >> That's right. >> Oh. I forget about the picture stuff. We will present Officer Gentry at a later date with the police department.
The Veterans of Foreign War Post 3349 is here to present our fairman of the year to firefighter Ben Stevens. Gerald Scher will present the plaque to the firefighters. After the presentation, I have a special announcement for
firefighter Stevens. >> So, I just wanted to remind us of a mobile home fire on North Maryland Avenue on May 12th, 2025. Um, and I'll read some of uh Deputy Clue Wright's words about this. Engine one from Palaka Fire Department arrived on
scene. Conditions at the structure rapidly deteriorated and it was confirmed by neighbors and sheriff deputies that several occupants remained inside. Heavy black smoke venting from the back of the structure indicated worsening interior conditions and
limited time for a valuable rescue. Recognizing the urgency and risk, Falaca Fire Department, Captain Reed made entry through the middle rear window to initiate the interior search under extreme heat and zero visibility. While conducting the search, interior fire
conditions suddenly and violently intensified, rapidly transitioning to active flame over his head. With flames overtaking the room and eress becoming limited, Captain Reed was forced to exit through the front structure where Putnham County Engine personnel were actively engaged in fire suppression.
Thanks to the coordinated suppression efforts, Captain Reed was able to escape there. The hose line application and quick thinking made a survivable pass for a fellow firefighter. Firefighter Stevens from Paka Fire entered through the adjacent window from Captain Reed,
conducted a quick search in another room and exited with all clear. Then firefighters Futch and Stevens entered the structure through another rear window under extremely dangerous conditions. Firefighter Wily joined them and together they located and extricated three victims, an adult female and two
children who were then transferred to EMS personnel transported for medical care. This is a heroic act to take the time and to make the decision to jump in a window full of fire and then to start pulling people out. And we just this is
the kind of stuff that our guys do every day and are willing to do every day. And so we just wanted to make sure that everyone knew what Ben Stevens did that day. And so thank you Ben. I uh I have a special announcement to
make tonight with great honor. The state of Florida Veterans of Foreign War will be citing and awarding fairman for his outstanding. He is the state fairman of the year for the veterans of foreign war
for the state of Florida. as we do this picture. Once we do this picture, stay right there. Everyone else want to get Thank you. of the whole state. It's amazing.
Very good. I'm going to read the proclamation for Earth Day, April 22nd, 2026, city of Palaka, Florida. Whereas Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22nd, 1970, and has grown into a global observance dedicated to environmental protection,
sustainability, and stewardship of the planet. Whereas the city of Palaka recognizes the importance of preserving natural resources, protecting ecosystems, ecosystems, excuse me, and promoting environmental awareness for the health, safety, and welfare of current and future generations. And
whereas the residents of Palaca benefit from the city's natural assets, including the St. John's River Ravine Garden State Park are green spaces and diverse wildlife which contribute to the community's quality of life and economic vitality. And whereas responsible environmental practices including water
conservation, pollution reduction, and sustainable development are essential to maintaining a clean and resilient environment. Whereas Earth Day provides an opportunity for residents, businesses, schools, and civic organizations to participate in activities that promote environmental education, community engagement, and
stewardship. And whereas the city of Palaca encourages all citizens to take an active role in protecting the environment through individual and collective actions that support sustainability and conservation efforts. Now therefore, I Robera Korea, mayor of the city of Paka, Florida, do hereby proclaim April 22nd, 2026 as Earth Day
in the city of Palaca and urge all residents to observe this day by participating activities that promote environmental awareness, conservation, and the protection of our natural resources. Do we have a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Second. We have a motion to second. All
in favor? I. Any opposition? Thank you. Miss Finch, would you like to come up here on behalf of the St. John's River is our greatest asset here in Putham County and we're doing everything we can to make it a better, cleaner, and uh
just more beautiful river. Thank you all so much. Thank you. to a presentation by the department. Would you like to come up please? >> Good evening everyone. I just want to point out a just a couple
of ideas, a couple of uh points about our rise initiative project. Uh uh on slide one, you know, Putnham County has uh
is unique and we uh we need to change how we respond to to homelessness. We're trying to move from crisis response to a coordinated lasting solution. We are building a system and not a
service. Slide two, please. To understand why rise matters, we have to look at what's happening on the ground in our in our community right now. Homelessness in our community isn't just a lack of housing. It's about gaps
and access coord coordination and support. People often don't know where to go or they're sent from place to place without clear direction. Next slide, please.
So, what does RISE actually provide? It comes down to four core service areas that work together. Number one, co coordinated entry and case management.
What we don't have now is the coordinated entry and the case management in our in our county. We're beginning to get it, but we need more collaboration. Every person starts with
an assessment so we understand their situation right away. From there, they are paired with someone who will help guide them step by step. not just a referral but real support.
And number two, second, housing and navigation placement. We actively work to co connect individuals and families to available housing options. You know, that's uh can be very limited right now
in Putnham County. This isn't just about finding a place. It's about finding the right place and helping them to stay there. Next slide, please. Rise is not a standalone program. It is
a coordinated service hub. These are the partners that you see up there that uh will help us to be very successful. the behavioral health and recovery from SMA. Uh organizations like
the PLA housing authority, Catholic Charities, and the Putinham County Caring Coalition will help with housing and and stability. basic needs in outreach like Grace Marketplace, Interlock and Soup Kitchen and uh South Putnham Christian Service
Center will help uh be part of a touch point system that will help us be successful. Next slide, please. >> That's it. >> Next slide. >> That's all. You only have four.
>> That's only had four. Okay. Well, I got five. So, I don't I don't I don't know what happened. But anyway, uh phase one. Well, maybe this might be a good time to let me uh redirect. We did a presentation
uh to the uh COC uh last week and they uh they told us they would like for us to rearrange our um steps in order to to phase in rise.
Uh the first step was uh a a day center, but they asked that we change it to uh to a a low barrier overnight shelter that will operate from 700 p.m. to 7:00
a.m. with possible extensions during emergencies, offering 15 to 25 beds and complementing the Rise Hub daytime services. And and just so you know, the Rise Hub Daytime Services
is in implementation now at the heart of Putnham where in uh we've had quite a few homeless come in walking off the streets and we we are partnering with Grace Marketplace with the COC and we
get them into this coordinate coordinated entry system so we can begin to help them get off the streets if they want to come off the streets. So, the program will rely on both dedicated
staff and volunteers to provide a safe, supportive environment with a city provided building. The annual cost is $160,000 uh covering all operations and services. We ask the commission to approve this
initiative so we can move forward and provide a safe structured shelter for our neighbors as soon as possible. >> Thank you. >> Questions questions now want to ask questions. It's not usually
the time to do this. >> I don't think this is public comment. So we would >> we don't >> it's not public. >> So we should be able Well, we can you come come back up. Go ahead. Come back up, please. >> Yes,
>> there are questions and we'll go back. Go ahead. >> And comments. >> Um, so I I am a member of the executive board for the COC. As um Pastor Sheila mentioned, the COC
is the continuum of care of Northeast Florida and it's a consortium responsible for co coordinating and implementing systems to address those who are um our homeless population.
Um, Miss Sheila, Pastor Sheila made this presentation to the board last week and it was very wellreceived and I want to just talk a little bit more about it. One of the gaps I believe we have in Palka and and really Putnham County, but
we're the city is that we hear of resources here and there in pockets, but no one's putting it together, right? We have a lot. I'm saying a lot because it's more than you realize. One of the things I will say that this presentation
that Pastor Sheila just made would encompass all of those with a specific target and as she mentioned in this phase one that the COC recommended a day program first, you know, and hopefully in the to move forward in the future. Um
so I am a strong supporter of this approach. Um Pastor Sheila has proved that she is the person to coordinate this work in our city as we know her previous history. Um but she has pressed pause on some work to make a more
comprehensive program is the way I interpret it. And if I'm saying something that needs to be corrected, Pastor Sheila, please feel free to let me know. Though I will tell you that the CLC services several counties including Putnham. Elatchua is one of the counties
as well. I will tell you Elatcha County has more coordinated services. And one of the things I found here is that we're missing a similar program as to what Pastor Sheila is putting forth for us. So we can certainly address questions,
understand what that looks like, but I am a strong supporter of this both here and on the COC board. So I'll stop here and allow the other commissioners to ask questions. >> The only uh Commissioner Davis is they wanted us
to move the shelter part up. >> That's correct. Yes. And focus on the day program. Correct. Or what? I'm sorry. >> The shelter first. >> The shelter. Okay. So, the opposite of what I said. Yes, the shelter first. Thank you. >> Right. And I had a comment. I want to
thank you for what you do. You and your organization. Um, Miss McCoy. Uh, I'm certainly a strong supporter of helping the homeless. Um, as it relates, I've been a longtime supporter of that. Brought a few programs. I mean, we had the bridge house pro, um, the bridge
program from, um, Dand, which they implemented that down in um, Valuchia County. Um, so again, when you mention 160,000, that's that's just a drop in the bucket because I think their program, I think it was running in
somewhere in the neighborhood of 350,000 somewhere in there, and they had about maybe a I think double the beds, but at the same time, uh, the program itself and what it would do for our community. And I thank you for having the faith. You had the faith of of the grain of a
mustard seed. You kept watering it. you nurtured it and and you got your organization to where it is now. So, I wholeheartly support your efforts and um look forward to um hopefully the rest of commission does as well. >> Go ahead, Commissioner.
>> I don't want to lose focus on the ask that um she mentioned and if I'm correct and first of all, thank you for the work that you have put forth. Um, I am too a supporter of it, but the request that she stated is a city-owned building. Um,
while we can give her the accolades, we can do all of those things, at what point are we truly going to address this matter within our community. Um, I know we've had previously several workshops that did not come to fruition for whatever reason. and that this is something that we so say we are
dedicated to making sure we pop or protect or um provide housing for our um unhoused population. Uh again, I want to bring the focus back to her ask which
was a city owned building. Um so how would we or how can we proceed with uh consideration um of this request and is it something that we can solely handle or we're in a
position or even have uh facility that will meet the needs >> that I'm also in support of this effort and attended the homeless coalition movement meetings rather and have further presentation and I think it is
time to offer folks those wraparound services and a point of entry so that we can figure out navigate the system which is very complicated and so I appreciate everything you done and everybody on that group that has been working hard
>> well I know that previously um we did quite a lot of work uh trying to look at uh several locations namely the Willlet Cooper Uh we had that uh as a point where we did prepare that uh we will look at our
inventory of cityowned properties um see if any of them are appropriately zoned so that um she could possibly have the activity there that you're looking to have. Um that would be the step that we can at least take and bring that back to
the commissioners. And specifically, we're looking for some place for that overnight shelter versus >> Yes, ma'am. >> And that's from 7 p.m. 7 p.m. >> 7 to 7. >> That's called low barrier. Yes. >> And um I think what Miss Uh pastor,
maybe what you can do is explain to all of us what low barrier mean because some people may not know what that means. >> I could help a little bit. I don't know if Daddy is here. He knows. Okay, here's my take of of of low barrier. Okay, it's
uh >> it's structured where it's not 24 hours. >> It's just a part from from 7:00 p.m. to uh 7 a.m. to get them off the streets.
It's not a full-fledged 24-hour facility. It's just 12 hours that we need to to be able to to help them uh spend the night with a roof over their
heads. And also more importantly, uh there's a screening process associated with low barrier. That means that these are uh individuals that have a very low risk of being adverse to the community as well. So that's what's key. Uh there
is a screening process intent >> always. >> Commissioner, >> I'm fine. I'll yield to Commissioner Commission >> I think we just need to save time and and cut to the chase because we've we've done extensive uh looks at um our
properties and we've done inventory multiple times. We should know what we haven't added or acquired any more new properties that I know of. So we we have answers and we should be able to identify something or not and make the
necessary zoning changes whatever we need to do. My understanding is that people do not want it in not in my backyard. That's the main issue that we've been facing the whole time. So we
know what we have in inventory. Let's stop playing the games and just figure out if we're going to help, let's help. >> If we can't, we need to say that up front, but I think we we clearly want to help. So, we do have some limited locations and we can should be able to
identify like even tonight was those mentioned one was Willie Cooper, but there's some >> that's that's the one that that stands out most prevalent, Willlet Cooper. Miss Carter, there was a full um as Commissioner uh Borum stated, there was
a full on outlook of facilities and I know that we brought up the Willie Cooper Center and a lot of people were concerned with regards to the childcare facility being on the corner and things of that nature and like you said, not in my backyard and it actually was let me
get back with the commission with some additional choices and we have not yet heard that as of now. So I am making the recommendation that we have this brought back before us by our next meeting. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Did you have something commission? >> I defer.
>> Thank you so much, >> Commissioner Davis. >> And I'd like to be clear when we say bring it back to the next meeting. Bring us valuable options of buildings. Yes. >> That we can make a decision on >> as soon as it is feasible to do so. And
also I do believe that there was a um a meeting that was supposed to or did happen with regards to home uh the unhoused population with the county. Um and again if that's something that we need to bring back in the for because I remember at one point there was some uh
pumping of the brakes from that level as well. But if they are willing to assist in these efforts because of course uh people from all around the county may benefit from this. I do believe that they should be a part of this conversation as well. >> Yes. >> And we building is is available, there's
still going to be need need to be some work done on them to accommodate this um by fire code and other things. So that may be an opportunity for the county to partner with us. >> Thank you. I will pursue that.
>> Anybody else? >> Thank you. Thank you, M. on city manager administrative reports, airport reports. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Thank you guys for giving me about 20
minutes. So, >> five just mayor, city commissioners, um hello again. Hey, it is great to to be before you because I like talking about 28J and
I think some of the information that I'm going to share with you tonight uh which will be an update on what's happening and where we are. I think you guys will be real pleased. Uh you know, we're going to touch base on some of the compliance efforts. Um you know, it's
not a good topic, but you know, it's one that's going to make us better. So, with that being said, let's um move through this this update here on 28J. So, recent accomplishments um you know, every year,
you know, we're focused on safety and security of the airport and that's not something that um is necessarily controlled by us. We have to prepare for third parties, state level, federal level to come in there and do an inspection on their field and
and and grade us and see how well that we're set up. Um we've been consistent. Um I'm not saying that we get 100% scores. No one does. That's that's perfection. However, uh we have we had
as a team built a system at at the facility there that have been taking it to the next level each year that the inspectors come in. Uh so if you would next slide please. You know so so these are some of the key inspections state
level F dot this year unlike previous years F dot was accompanied by the FAA inspectors. So that's a different ballgame. So, they're looking at two different things, but um for the most part, you know, there was a couple of items that the FAA noted uh we're
addressing internally and you know, it's something that, you know, we were it was good to see them. It was also good to get understanding about their expectation for a rural airport like ourselves. In addition, one of the key pieces of our operation is fuel sales.
you know, we we're similar to the local WAWA and other places. So, the quality of that field is key. Third parties come in every year, sometime a couple times a year, and provide inspections on us. Uh, so we were successful. Uh, we have uh
staff that were recruited from larger complex fear driven operations that are trained in this type of business. Anybody can't do this. You can't be playing with folks lives selling you entertainment field and those kind of things. So the inspections successful
recent within the last 30 days or so. So we're in a good place. Uh moving on to projects. We was able to get our air painted all the markings that a the pilots and takeoff landings and those kind of things. So we got a grant from F
DOT uh and use the state contract to get that taken care of. So a huge plus because that was one of the concerns of the inspectors when they came through there uh over the years. Uh next major project was a trip project. So each ends
of the runway uh there was trees that was penetrating the imaginary surface. So we were getting ding over time, but fortunately we was able to get dollars from FOT to address a significant portion of the trees, especially over off of probably
the runway 35 side and that's over there um running down St. John's Avenue. Huge, huge project. Um, and as we sit here today, we're substantially complete with our emergency generators for the fuel
form, which was never in place before. So, hurricane season, state, federal government can come in and use our operation uh relying on the emergency generators. Uh, we also got a brand new generator for the terminal. So, I'm not sure if a lot of you guys know, but
during the hurricane season, the terminal is kind of taken over by my fellow city of Pala police officers. So, uh, so, you know, they're they're going to be well pleased that that today as we stand here, they got a brand new
generator that's going to run >> 24/7. All right, moving on. Now, this slide here is one of my favorites here. Okay. >> Yes. So good good trivia stuff for for the audience and for the commissioners.
So little old Pala airport 28J. >> So we are the eighth busiest untowered airport in the state of Florida. >> Wow. >> One more time. >> Say it one more time. >> The eighth busiest untowered airport in
the state of Florida. And that's out of about a 100 airports. >> Wow. Wow, >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> So with that information, it wasn't generated by the airport manager. >> Okay, >> this this came from the state. So um
this is a great acknowledgement. Um but it's also one that comes with some growing pains, you know. So noise complaints, you know, we we we got folks that's coming in in and out of the airport and it's not just recreational folks, corporate air taxis, you know, we
are hitting it all over the place. So you're going to expect to see this again as we worked through with the state government, the federal government. Being the eighth business untwowered airport elevated us to a position of
attention and it's all about safety. So uh there'll be more to come on what the state and the federal level will be coming to us with regarding solutions. Okay. So eighth busiest what that equate
to is 2025 we did about 100 105,000 ops. So you rocking and rolling, you know, 365, you're averaging, you know, probably three 400 aircraft um a day.
That's that's cooking. That's that's really cooking. So uh more to come. Next slide. These this this tree here, I like to call it, is the origin destination of our users. So if you look at the southeast,
if you look at the southeast, you know, our users are coming from all over the place. Now, these are transit uh customers, uh a lot of the base customers. Obviously, they're they're doing Florida routes. Look at the list on the right hand side of the of the deck slide. You know, that's all within
Florida. So, we got a lot of business, a lot of corporate folks that are moving around up and down the coast, but you also got folks coming from up north, out west, you know, back and forth in and out of uh Plaque Airport. And I would tell you the number one factor that they
share with me when I you do my airport manager unofficial survey, location. They say they can come to Palaca and they can go out. You go out a two and a half hour radius and they can get most of their business done whether that's
St. John's, whether that's Duvall Clay and just swinging it around. So location is key. U I would tell you I think the customer service at Paka is topnotch as well. >> It's come a long way. >> Come a long way. But but in all
seriousness, you know, we have a gym in this community and and as I've shared with many of you guys since I've started here, I want the community to understand that, hey, this this is your airport. You know, this is a gym. The young folks
um have been getting more and more exposed. The Putham County School District, they're out there every week, which is awesome to see. So as airport manager I want to push aviation, aerospace and all things related to the
young folks as well as others that have a genuine interest. Next slide. You know this is getting better and better. You know so what you're looking at here is phase one. Okay phase one of
the jet center hanger. Okay. So this is not a I hope and wish this happened. This is as we sit here today, we got the bids in for this project. Okay. So, this will be a city-owned about a 14,000
square foot facility. Okay. So, we're going to be able to accommodate multiple users uh jets as well as smaller aircraft. However, the way it's looking, we've been getting interest from jets wanting to relocate here out of Pac,
which is our goal. So jet service equates to large fuel sales. You know, they don't complain a whole lot about, you know, prices. Uh, you know, it is it is a great asset for this community, okay, to have base
jet aircraft here. So, the bids are in. We're working with FDOT as we speak as well as internally figuring out the best uh opportunities for us moving forward. >> That's phase one. Phase two, more to come on that. So, as you go to the next
slide, that's phase. Go back. You're giving up the uh >> my surprises too quick. So, phase two, and it's to be determined, >> you know. So, we're going to circle back to you guys with this as we get closer. Okay.
>> Uh but this is just a duplication of phase one, >> more capacity for jet aircraft. Next slide. Signature project number two. Okay, so this is taxiway E. The hangers in the
back are actually a byproduct of taxiway E. So this is a Federal Aviation Administration project. Okay, so we conducted a pre-bid this week. Three or four companies came out responding, which was great. Uh and we're headed
down the road of doing a phase one tax away. Second phase will bring it all the way down to the midfield of the airport. Phase one is what's going to get this community in the city is long-term
leases with corporate operators. Okay. Fortunately for us, we had to go before the FAA and present this opportunity. The FAA looked at it. Fortunately for us, we had folks
interested, okay, in doing this. So, they generated letters of interest and we brought that with us and that was a key factor in making this happen. So, as we sit here today, we have the first four identified that we're going to work
with to come up with long-term ground leases. And all of these things circle back obviously to to you guys uh for approval, but at the end of the day, we're in a good place. Okay, next slide. Just some more detail of the overall
phase one and phase two of the project. Little more little more uh focus. This this would be more the leasing plan of the four sites, phase one. um long-term ground leases, >> you know, 25, 30 year leases with some options
generate long-term revenue for the airport, but it also generate fuel sales. >> And this was probably one of the key factors that the FAA looked at in FD and said, "Hey, you guys are building things that's not necessarily generating an
expense. You're building things that's generating revenues, which is part of our effort to be self sustained. Next slide. Now, let's transition over to how do we get better. Okay, so today obviously
compliance, compliance, compliance. You know, we've been dealing with it. Uh we're going to get through it, but we do have a few things going on with compliance. Uh we got a FA a part 13 on um inquiry. Um building W4 ski range.
We've responded to the FAA. We're waiting for that FA to respond back to us with direction. U we got the land release. Uh number two, um very similar to one, you know, the inspectors actually came out for
this one. Uh gave us some options, went through them, we're going through them, and we'll be responding back uh with the inspectors with the options that the city uh choose to to take care of. Um item number three which is part
of compliance at it at its simplest form. We have about 75 to 80 customers at the airport. Everybody's supposed to have an agreement. Okay. At this airport most people do but
they're legacy agreements. They're old. They're outdated. Uh so you know we have taken upon the task as per a survey study that we had taken care of and um we're cleaning that up. Okay. So
we're about 75% complete. Uh airport staff has been working diligently on making this happen. So uh the commercial uh agreements will go out next week and that should be resolved um you know within the next 10 days or so. Last
certain not least um this item here I'm actually getting information quotes now uh as per direction of the commissioners I think two committees meetings ago. Um, so we're going to have an airport
complaint >> expert professional come in here and say, "Okay, let's make sure we're set up properly." Because what you don't want to do is have an airport in place, enterprise fun airport set up, and you get dinged with not being set up
properly. So, um, this is probably one of the best things ever that can happen to us because this protects us because you don't want to be out of compliance and jeopardize your eligibility for grants and those kind of things, >> right?
>> Moving on to the next slide. So, where are we going? You know, those four large corporate hangers, if it was real time, this is what you would see there at night, okay? or early in the morning depending upon when you go over there.
Um, and you know, this is this is real. This this is real for this community. Uh, and again, I uh the community should be proud that it's your airport, you know. So, you guys should enjoy your airport. Now, the next slide, we going
to transition over to what's coming. This is I did not make this up. I did not. This is real. Okay. So, all the airport managers in the state have gone through a training by now with the
state discussing the new aircraft that's going to be introduced into the aviation system. EVO, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Okay. We like to call it kind of the uber
>> Uber of the sky. >> Yeah. The Uber in the sky. Because this aircraft is actually designed to say, "Okay, uh, I want to go to catch a flight out of Daytona, a get on aircraft in Palaca that buzz you down to Daytona,
catch your flight, and bring you back home when you come in, you know." So, it's supposed to kind of extend the larger airports uh, service levels and make it more accessible for rural areas. U, I love it myself. Okay. Now, we've had a couple come through the airport,
and it it's real interesting to to to watch them operate. Uh quarter is supposed to be um you know, not necessarily long distance, but uh it is coming and we were told,
airport managers were told that Florida would like to be the number one state in the country for these. So 2028, 2029, you're probably going to start to see a lot of these. And I want to share with
you guys that this is not airport specific. So this is has the identical characteristics to helicopter. Okay? So it's in our master plan and I share with my colleague in planning that he needs
to include it in his comp plan because one of these charging pads could be downtown riverfront palaca. So that's our reality now. So, so for the for the folk that's seasoned like myself, it's just a Jets,
you know, it go way back to the Jets, right? >> So, so it it but it's here. >> It's here. And uh so, you know, this is what's coming. It's it's right around the corner and um you know, thank you guys for allowing me to come in and give you guys update.
>> Thank you. presentation. >> City manager, you got to follow that. >> Yeah, I'm I'm going to just say today is smile day. So, I'm going to smile. Please smile. Look at someone and smile. So, uh, city manager report, we have
just a lot of great news and we want to share, um, about the fire department, how they have recently been, uh, they had an assessment completed and it was to determine whether or not our fire
department has the capacity to um, become eventually a toxic program. And so anyway, they had the assessment completed on March 7th. The areas that
were looked at was uh team information, um capital and MRP equipment, uh looking at our personnel, uh training logs, insurance, and every item that uh was
examined proved that the city of Palaka fire department uh is uh staged to become a more capable and responsive type three program and we also serve northeast Florida and
surrounding communities. So at this point we our pathway now for our fire department uh as it relates to hazmat is um to become a tax program. They have demonstrated that they are
administratively capable uh looking at the areas that were evaluated. So that again that's good news for our fire department. Uh the next item, another good news is the progress that is being made with FPL
uh LED street lights. Uh there are three phases. Phase one will be completed uh on or before April 30th and that is looking at our high crime areas. We have about 36 street lights that will be
upgraded. The second phase is what we call like hotspots and this is really for our lease department police department initiative and that will be completed by May 24th an additional 115 lights will be upgraded and then finally
phase three not certain what that is called what area but it's s St. John's and Fifth Avenue that uh particular section we will upgrade have upgraded 108 lights. So by June 4th in total
there will be uh almost 300 lights that will be upgraded throughout our city. And again that's uh in the efforts to increase public safety and um so that's good news. Legislatively, I did speak to
our lobbyists uh yesterday, matter of fact, and even though at the moment um well, Karen, okay, at the moment, we do not have a lot of money uh that has been set aside for the city of Palaka. However, uh yesterday she mentioned to
uh this is not the final, this is just an update. Um the sanitary lift station, we don't have either the House or Senate. However, the house has said yes to fund our fire department ladder truck
and yes uh to fund the runway at the airport. So progress the budgeting process has not yet ended and therefore we expect that we may still receive funding. the uh there were 12 areas legislatively that was looked at that
our lobbyist is um trying to help our city and that's with education, sovereign immunity, growth management, guns, rural renaissance, diversity and also affordable housing. So the good news for the city of Palaka is that we
are still growing. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody have any questions? Oh, I'd just like to say great job. Thank you very much. >> Our pleasure. Thank you.
>> We're going to go on to public comments. Public comments three minutes. Please give your name and city or town of residence. And please note that no action will be taken on these items. Miss Reyes. >> Good evening. Thank you. Some of you know me, some of you don't. Iet Reyes
Boswick. First, thank you for supporting Michila. Um, it's long coming and I hope you guys can come to some kind of cohesiveness amongst each other to get this done finally. Um, my question today, two weeks ago, I submitted a
public request um for the ARPA homelessness money for $97,000 and I haven't received an update. I haven't received anything. I've left messages and called um called Miss Hayes and sent messages asking for an update.
So, how long does it take to get a public request? >> And as I said, we're not going to answer that right now, but we do have a commissioner and staff response time after we finish public. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Is there anybody else here for public comment for items not specific on the
agenda? General items. Come on up, please. And fill out a yellow card when you have a chance afterward. Thank you. Name and city or town of residence. >> Hello. My name is Joshua Florence. I'm from Melrose, Florida. Well, obviously.
So, I just wanted to come and speak for Michila and the Rise Initiative. Um, having a background in healthcare administration and working in public service for roughly 11 years, you get to see the needs of all the communities. And I've had the pleasure of going
across the whole county and seeing these needs. And I believe this is a first positive step to finally working on long-term solutions for these issues. And again, echoing all my cohorts, I would really appreciate
your support with this initiative and anything that I can do to help, please let me know. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Is there anybody else here to speak on items not specific on the agenda? Seeing none, we'll close public comment. Do we have I mean a response rather? I
do want to make a statement prior to the response. >> Um out of complete transparency as I operate in as I sit behind this dis and out what I was actually tagged in um the public records request and I spoke to Miss Hayes at our meeting on yesterday
to make sure that it was given to her. Now as far as where we are what staff I let that but I do want to let my fellow commissioners know that I was actually carbon copy in the response.
That's >> if I may go ahead. >> Um what I the information is available. I will need to sit with uh my finance team to let them understand how to secure it and send it. But uh I did see
that public records request. I did give guidance and say, "Hey, send it out." But I realize now that I need to give them a little bit more instruction as to how to find it in the shared. >> So is there a time frame for that?
>> There is a 7 to 14 days. >> Right. I'm I'm saying now that you need to go further and talk to staff about what to include or not um or what the information is. When do you think that will come? I'm uh tonight when this meeting is ended, I'm going to have
finance director >> meet with me so I can actually show if it's okay. >> Not tonight. >> Well, I just Well, tomorrow. >> No, ma'am. Not tomorrow. >> Yeah, I'm I'm not here tomorrow. So, then it'll be Monday. >> What was the request?
>> Okay. >> I've heard. So with regards to the request um for those that may be inquiring it was requesting documentation that pertains to the 99,000
uh ARPA funding that was listed uh airmarked for homelessness >> right >> because of change of staff uh the staff people that were here at that time and put all of that together they're not
here so I literally need to me personally stop and So I think the opportunity for the for us as we move forward and I do believe that it's being addressed that when we do have public records requests or any requests that may come from our
citizens, simple uh updates go a long way with making sure that uh citizens don't have to come to commission meetings in order to feel as if they are getting a response at all. So again, I want us to be more proactive in making
sure that if there is no update, just state there is no update at now. We're still actively working. It's our hope to get this to you within the next da da da so that our citizens feel as if they are being heard. >> I completely concur.
>> Thank you. Going on to um the consent agenda. But before we stop the consent agenda, um the mayor, one of the mayor's duties is to appoint individuals who are interested or who applied to the tree committee. And I just want to announce that the appointment of a legal kitchen
to the tree committee effective immediately. And on to the consent agenda. I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Regarding the consent agenda, I don't I move that we add resolution number 2026-R33
as the emergency item K. >> Thank you. Is are there any items to remove? >> Oh, is that the wrong one? >> That's not the appropriate place to put it. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> Yeah, >> I was. >> Do we put it on the consent agenda? >> No, we put on the res. >> I thought normally we do it under go on
the consent agenda. It is because it's a resolution. >> I thought generally we consent. >> What is that? >> What is that? >> That's correct. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> It was on our desk. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I was referencing the wrong document. >> It's the supporting documentation. Apologize. That's okay. It's correct.
>> No worries. >> Anyway, that's correct. Is there any items to pull from? >> Yes. But did we get a Oh, we don't need to >> I made a motion. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> Second. >> Second. >> Second. >> We have a motion to second. All in favor?
Thank you. Go ahead. Do we have any items to pull? >> Yes. I'd like to pull item B and item G. >> Anybody else have any items to pull? >> Item C. >> B C E >> BCG.
>> G. Okay. >> Is there anything Excuse me. Anything else? Um, I'll make a motion that we approve all items excluding B, C, and G. >> Second.
>> Have a motion to second. All in favor? >> I >> I. Any opposition? Thank you. Um item B adopt resolution 2026 R42 a res resolution of the city of Palaska Florida finding the Palaska housing authority resident invest vehicle for
economic resilience program consisted of a comprehensive plan in zoning code Mr. Bridgeford. >> I pulled it. I pulled it. >> I know. Yeah. I'm asking to come up, but you can. Do you want to go ahead? >> Yeah. I pulled it so he could come up
and speak to us. >> I'm reading your mind. >> Go ahead, Commissioner Davis. >> No, I'm good. >> Okay. Mr. Bridge, do you want to tell us a little bit about this? >> Yes. Hello to the mayor. Hello to the commission. Thank you for allowing us um to offer this this um quick
presentation. So, we have been working on something that we're very excited about at the Palaca Housing Authority, and it is the river program, which is a resident investment vehicle for economic resilience, which simply means that we
have developed a program to help fill the potholes of the traditional home ownership model and to offer it starting with our residents here uh in Palaca. You can go to the next slide. One of the biggest issues uh with the
traditional home ownership model is that you do a lot of work to get someone prepared for home ownership and once they cross the line, they sign the most important document of their lifetime, we kind of just leave them to figure it
out. Uh many times that's with if they're a first-time home buyer or they were a low income, they have a number of restrictions on what they can do with that property after they sign that document. And many times that property is not necessarily their dream property.
It is just a beginning and many times um that's a aging property. And so we've developed a program that begins to address those issues one by one. Namely, uh the first thing is that we have a program that allows us to stay with the
buyer for 36 months after they purchase the property to properly coach them and teach them on all the different opportunities that they have to build wealth, which we say is the American dream. As I already stated, uh post sale
support is really that number one issue uh with the home ownership uh model and we directly address that. And then the second thing is that when we say that uh to own a home is the American dream and when we say things like it's the best
way to uh build wealth for an individual and it's the best investment an individual can make uh is in their own property and their own home. the facts just don't line up with that statement. And so what we're trying to do is make sure that we put our residents in a
position where it does mean that. So our solutions is to provide five years that's two years pre-acquisition and three years postacquisition support helping them not only get ready and get prepared get their credit and get their
finances together to purchase a home but also knowing how to maintain that home. And our program even goes a step further. It's not just home ownership. It's actually a landlord program where we're teaching them how to manage their property and additional property. Uh,
which allows them to transition from being someone that's in need of services to actually a provider of services here in Putham County. Our target participants of course are individuals who are lowincome that
currently live uh within our area. those who are taking care of wherever they're at, whatever property that they're living in or whatever their living situation, we want to make sure that they are on time uh with their payments and that they have a minimum amount of rent. And what we're currently doing
with our residents is we've developed a special workforce economic program that takes them from where they are, many of them not working, and provides them working opportunities where they build skills. And now we put them in a position where they're no longer afraid
to get a job and their rent go up because now the goal of the program is that your rent goes up so that you can meet the minimum requirements of our home ownership program. We understand the uh payment standards here in uh in central Pennsylvania. And
so we've kind of been crunching numbers, doing the math on what it would mean to make it a self- sustainable uh proposition for our residents. Because at the end of the day, if we do all this work and we put residents in a position where they're over their head
in over their head and they are not able to maintain the properties that we have prepared them for, then it was all for not. So what we really want to do is make home ownership happen and we understand that we cannot do that unless we invest
in the person. A year ago, we there was a video floating around of a group of young people that we took on a trip uh on a once in a-lifetime trip. And a lot of people were wondering why we invested so much in this this this small group of
young people. It's because our motto is invest in the person first before you invest in the building. Once we invest in the people and the people are able to maintain their own sustainability, their own self-sufficiency, then we can match
them with with great housing and they will not only take care of that housing, they will understand the value of that housing. So once again, we have a full curriculum that spans five years. This is just a sample of some of the things that we cover in that curriculum. everything
from the beginning of understanding how money works, um, how credit works and how to get their credit ready, what the lending and home buying process, all the way through leasing and management, what it means to actually own a property and what it means to actually own a piece of
real estate asset. Um, all of these things we see that are critical. This is just another view of of how our curriculum is structured, but part of it is in-class session, some of it's one-on-one coaching. We have various
models and methods that we're delivering the materials to make sure that nobody is left out no matter what their learning style is. And so we are um very uh believe very strongly and are convicted that we have to put our money where our
mouth is. So for this project, we're putting in $8 million of our own investment. Uh we have some other vehicles and uh um other items uh that we love to talk about about other funding streams, but we're putting in 8 million of our own dollars to present
this this opportunity, which starts out as great just great housing that we're building from the ground up. And it transitions into a home ownership project. Um that brings new units into our community, brings new units onto the tax roles. And it's something that we're
very excited about. So, we thank you for allowing us the the opportunity to present this to the commission. Um, we're very excited about it. Uh, many of the partners that we've spoken to are very excited about being a part of this project and we want to make
something that the community is proud of as well as something that really pushes our residents forward. >> Thank you. Does anybody have any questions on Mr. Brford? >> I just got one comment. >> So, do we have a motion? >> Motion to approve. You got we can motion and sec. We can
motion and second for comment. Then for comment. >> Go ahead, >> madame mayor. >> Yes. Go ahead. Commissioner Davis. >> I move that we adopt resolution 2026-R42. >> Second. >> The motion is second. Is there anybody
here for public comment on this item? >> I do have a comment that I'd like to make. >> Go ahead. Um, in addition to what has been presented today, I want to commend the Palaka Housing Authority for the work that they have been putting into the community and the morale that they
have been building um amongst not only the adult residents but in the involvement of the youth on many different levels. I've had the um the pleasure of attending some of the community events that is going on within uh some of the communities. Uh the
barbecues, the paintings, uh uh the the Boy Scouts that's being introduced, the Lee Conley house partnerships, um just all of those things, the police department, just all of those things that are taking place are things I have not seen before within the public
housing. Um and so that alone, I just want to say thank you. Um because I've seen the morale being built. I've seen the the workforce thing that you did over at the James A. Long and I've seen some one of them was my classmate and just to see her um dress up and go into
that really spoke volumes. Um and when she saw me out in the public uh she said, "Classmate, I'm getting back to where I need to be." And so that's a testament of what you all are putting forth um within this community. So thank you so much. >> We thank all thank you for for that as well. We've all, I think I can speak for
all of us saying we've noticed a significant improvement in the housing authority services and how it's creating that pride for folks. Um, >> so they want to move forward with their lives and be a part of the community as a whole. >> Go ahead. >> Yes, sir. And yeah, I too concur the
same thing that the uh mayor and um commissioners has has stated again. uh but uh the investment piece uh in the youth at at an early age um you know we nurtured nurture our young people what you brought to the program and palaka
housing authority you have done quantum leaps uh from what we've seen in the past and uh Mr. Nelson he he also done an excellent job as well but you has take you have taken black house authority to another level so we thank you for all you do >> all in favor
>> I >> any opposition thank you Mr. Bridge. >> Thank you, >> Madame Mayor. May I take a point of personal privilege? >> Go ahead. >> Thank you very much. I'd like to recognize County Commissioner Josh Alexander, who is with us tonight.
>> He's hiding. >> Commissioner Alexander, thank you for joining us tonight. >> Happy. >> On to see. Adopt resolution 2026 R56 acceptance of amendment two for FDOC contract 10146 hardening of Price Martin
building extending the deadline. Who pulled that? >> I did. >> Okay, go ahead. >> Um after reading the resolution uh over again, I understand why we actually had the extension. So, but you could explain
to us Well, it's good you >> because it's been a long time. Explaining to the community. >> It's been a long time and I was going to put you on the spot, but I do realize that you are new, so I won't do that to you. >> Well, yes, I am new, but
>> but you can explain it. You can explain >> also been deeply involved with all of these projects. And with Price Martin, you may remember a few sessions ago, the commission voted to approve more funding for the project. That's also a part of this. One of the main issues that we
came across in this is hardening, storm hardening and hurricane hardening to make this a secure location during the inclement and severe weather events. One of the original concepts had been to remove the air conditionings from the roof, do the repairs to the roof, and
put those air conditioning units back up on the roof and have them strapped on. During the removal, it was determined that they simply were not going to be appropriate to put back up and so we needed to get new ones. The purchase of the new ones is part of the funding that
you approved as well as this time aspect. There was simply no way to get it done on time when we had to go the extra steps, order the new equipment, get the right people in to get it installed. It's just taken a little bit more time than we anticipated, but it is
moving forward very rapidly and is back on track. Want to say thank you to >> David. >> Yes, >> our project manager. He's been cracking the whip on them and all the projects and keeps them moving forward. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, David. >> Thank you, David. Yeah, >> David understood the assignment. >> David, too much. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, David. Thank you. >> Thank you everyone. Do we have a motion? >> So move. >> Well, I'll make a motion that we accept.
We need to be a little bit more specific. I remember uh the resolution 26 two 2026R56. >> I second. >> It's a contest here tonight. We have a motion, a second. All in favor? >> Any opposition? I forgot. Anybody here
for public comment on this item? Seeing now we close public comment, but it's already happened. Thank you all. Um G Commissioner and I appoint Miss Audrey Wise to public arts committee. Go ahead. >> Yes. So the reason I pull this item and
I want to make sure that we are being fair and considerate. Um and and there was a a I saw a draft I guess and it was pulled but there was another resident
um who was originally going to be appointed to this committee and I did not under I just really want to understand if we're appointing because I've received mixed responses.
One response was um I think a timing or some other things. I just want to understand if there are other applicants. Are we considering more later? Um did we get more applications? I know we just discussed
this uh appointing uh members to committees and boards. So I just want to get some clarification to make sure we're consistent. >> Okay. And I think that I can give some information. I'll let Miss Karen go
first, though. >> Okay. So, Miss Kitchens was on there and I didn't have a chance to um actually look at our charter to see where she fell and and all of that. So, I was
moving her to next uh to the next meeting. And we I realized that with the tree board because she applied for two different boards. So, with the tree committee, um she didn't need to be on the agenda because that that wasn't appointed by the mayor only, which the
mayor did tonight. So, I spoke with Miss um Miss Kitchens and she sent me some information and I was able to read it and I did apologize and so she's on the next agenda for the arts committee on number two. I believe she fell under. Um
Miss Audrey Wise passed in um two of them as well. She did a planning board one and the arts committee one and so we're waiting for Lorenzo to get back so he can look at those applications for the planning
>> and so we appointed we have Miss Wise on the on the board for tonight. >> I think it is complicated. I think the bottom line was that that by the charter we wanted to make sure that Miss Kitchens is already on the zoning board of appeals now is on the tree committee.
We wanted to make sure of the number and not exceed the maximum. So there's two committees that she's on and that's fine. And once we clarify that and I in fact was going tonight to just add that to this resolution to appoint her to the
public arts committee but we can also wait till next week if folks want to do that. >> A tad bit confused. Maybe >> I know when we had the conversation um the meeting that we and no disrespect to
uh former commissioner Kitchens and her still dedication to the community, but the idea was for us to try to get individuals who have not served or new faces, new visionaries to serve on these
committees. Um, and we actually made mention that there were multiple individuals serving on multiple boards. Um, so I just want to put that out there that I thought the direction we were going in was to try to get fresh blood
>> and has there been any other applications for the public arts? >> But public arts, no, ma'am, it's only been the >> There has also, >> but we haven't really publicized it. >> Exactly. Mayor, >> I I I think if we we could use um Ms. Paul's h help perhaps because it is a new committee to the city to maybe get
the word out there to encourage people to submit an application. >> But then again, I want to be respectful to the application process and I do believe that's why Miss uh Commissioner Davis brought it up. So I would want to
make sure that if that's how we are going to proceed that we proceed at this point, but then we adhere to uh what we talked about in the workshop. Thank you. Um, Mayor and, um, Commissioner Campbell is exactly right. I want to make sure we are with full
transparency operating in the way that we discussed in the workshop going forward. The other thing I'd like to do, um, I don't know if you have spoken to Miss Wise, but you said she applied for two committees as
well. She did. if if she could be appointed to one or was going to be selected for one or the other. Do we know was she just chosen for public arts because no one else was there? Do we know that there's a preference for one or the other? Since we want to make sure
we have um if someone applies for one or the other, I don't know that we can just say here we're going to put you here. I don't know. I don't know. I want to make sure we're fully vetting the people um who are applying, especially if they
apply for more than one. >> Well, Miss Wise um applied for the planning board, which she can be on the planning board and she can also be on a committee. Um I was thankful that Miss Kitchens actually sent me that information today. It saved a lot of time for me to wait and go back and
review everything, but she's allowed to do both and she qualifies for both. and and I I understand that. But to miss Commissioner Campbell's point and the commission when we talked about it, we do want to give other citizens
opportunity if someone's applying for two. Again, I just want to make sure that we're getting the right people in the right place based on their preference, not choosing one or the other without having a conversation. >> And are there other applicants for the planning board? Let me just ask that.
>> There's three other applicants for the planning. So, I think when Mr. Obama comes back that he's able to look at all of those. Go ahead. >> I have a concern and it feels or what I'm hearing is there's partial implementation of what we discussed in
our workshop because the process of having a department head review came as a result of the conversation we had in our workshop. So I prefer us not to partially implement and that we
implement in its entirety the conversation. I mean what we've set in place because I believe that something was formally supposed to come back to the commission for us to review and for us to approve before we start the
implementation process. But what I'm hearing tonight is that we're waiting on Mr. Agamo which was a new addition to what we discussed in our workshop. Am I correct? >> You you um being you're correct that we
are starting this process but what was it legal that you were going to get back to the board? There was something that you were preparing >> wasn't it? Weren't you trying to prepare before we started? I guess my that that's irrelevant at this point. What
I'm trying to say is what made us implement part of the policy prior to the adoption of a policy >> and I don't think that we understood that we were doing that. So I will look back at this. I I mean all I know is
that we did have the workshop. I would like to make sure that we implement the entire policy. Exactly. Because that could come back to bite us. >> Okay. So, my understanding is that we're in the midst of completing whatever the paperwork I'll just stop because I know
we're trying to prepare the information so that it can come back to you from >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> So, mayor, I I wanted to pull that. I'd rather wait, >> okay, >> to take any action on any appointments tonight until we get clarification on
which process we're following. >> Okay. >> Um, Miss Kitchens, public comment, please. >> Uh, yes, ma'am. I believe Kitchens Black, Florida. Since 1987, I served on three or four committees and one board with no problem. Uh, after the city uh
clerk brought the question to me, could I serve on a board and a committee? And I knew I could because under Ed Hstrom and under Don Holmes and various other attorneys that I checked with, I can I got two attorney general's opinions from the state of Florida. The latest one being Pam Bondi in 2023 saying you can
serve on advisory boards or committees as long as they're advisory and you can serve on a regular board. You can't serve on two different boards. So there's no problem with either Audrey or me serving on as many committees as we are eligible for as well as one board. That being said, uh I understand that
what for new blood that's great, but you better make sure the new blood has the qualifications. New blood is great, but again, I applied for what I thought I had the qualifications when I've been on the tree committee before. Thank you, mayor. I was on it before I was on the commission. Mr. Campbell uh appointed me
as a commissioner leazison in his place after he got elected and I was a voting member and that Mr. Jones had me removed and I wasn't notified, which is fine. Now I'm back on the tree committee and that's fine, too. However, uh I do have qualifications to be on the arts advisory council board uh committee.
Now, if you all don't want me, that's fine. And I have no problem with it being postponed till next week. The question had arisen. The city clerk being very diligent but not familiar with Florida law or the way works. Was not aware that you can serve on committees. The committees uh advisory committees are accepted for the dual
position period. Got two two attorney general opinions. I sent them to her. Not my opinion. Attorney General of the state of Florida. But if you all don't want me on one of those committees, that's fine with me. I I just I know I can do the work. The need was there. Nobody's jumped up to take the position.
If other people come in and and by the way, you can't even hold a gun to people's hands to get to get on these committees. I heard Betsy Driggers plead and crying for an hour to try to get people to get on committees or on boards. However, that's up to you guys. If you don't want me, no harm, no foul. I'm not mad at you. I don't care either way. I got the quality. I got the
ability. I'll serve if you want me. If you don't want me, same to me. And I don't again, I don't I'm not offended. Still love you guys. No problem. >> I must. >> Would you like to? >> Yeah. I came to the meeting today to try to be quiet because everybody else is
capable. But don't sling my name around when I did not remove anyone from any board. Okay. >> Sorry. I was told that. I apologize. >> Okay. So, >> that's that's number one. But I'll go a little deeper in our
conversation that we had in our last meeting when we actually said that we have some of the same people on several boards and that can cause conflict because you're quick to say mention sunshine to this commission but that
could actually happen when you're on several boards um operating in a advisory or whatever capacity. So I we all had agreed that we wanted to actually give other citizens
opportunities to get involved and this just one of those things and um we happen to catch it in this meeting but I think that it need to be bought to us when these applicants come up for review. We said that we're going to let the department heads review,
>> but the ultimate decision, Miss Kitchen, is our decision to appoint. So, I just wanted to make that clear. Thank you. >> Thank you. Do you have something, Commissioner Davis? >> Um, yes. Um, Miss West, do I need to make a motion to do
uh on how to move forward? Uh, my recommendation is that we >> um I'm sorry. Oh. >> Oh, okay. I'm trying to take understand what's what I need to do >> on item G. >> On item G.
My intent is to not adopt this. Do I need to make a but because you I don't want to make a negative motion. So if it's my understanding that the applicant meets the criteria um for the public arts committ.
>> Yeah. So let me ask a different question. >> Okay. In our workshop, we came up with a complete plan for accepting applications, reviewing applications, getting the information to the
commission for the final approval to appoint one. I have not seen that. >> Correct. That that needs to be. So, let me walk you through the process of how it works once you give direction. >> Thank you. So what happens is we have
that direction. We work on drafting a policy that is then vetted with all the department heads. It it is circulated to them. We have a meeting. They provide feedback and review. And then after it is finally vetted with the department
heads which is an important process um because sometimes they think of things that other members don't think of. Then it comes back to you. it's on the agenda for usually it's under regular business or discussion direction and you get an opportunity to finally review that
policy and that's important because this is something that's going to be going into our personnel policy. Um so it it it is a binding policy that everyone can look up. So then it goes back to the commission for final approval and adoption.
So to that point um what what I want to recommend is that we do not make any appointments unless it is a crit critical appointment like we needed for the planning board but I think we made a
decision for that. We have an un um managed board and committee process that has been unmanaged for far too long. I do not believe that we should continue
operating the way we've been operating just to fill boards. In the case of the art public arts committee which is a new committee >> if we have one as far as I know if we
approve this miss we wise would be the first person on that board so obviously there's no quorum there will not be a meeting and the what I'm trying to do is so I I perhaps the I make a motion and
we if we don't want her there? Do we decline it? I'm trying to understand what's the what's the appropriate table. >> So, how how about it sounds like she may be perfectly qualified to sit on this committee. You're just waiting for this policy to come before you so you can adopt it. So, why don't we table this to
a date certain? I would suggest probably um probably at least three meetings out. That will give um staff enough time to vet it and come back to you. >> Thank you. Uh if we could uh take a look at what three meetings out would be, not the 23rd, not the
>> be May 14th or May 28th. >> She wants three meetings out, so it's going to be May 28th. Okay. >> May 28th. >> So if you could make a motion for >> I move that we table item G until the May 28th meeting. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Is anybody here for public comment on this
item? >> Say no, we'll close public comment. All in favor? >> I. Any opposition? Thank you. On to discussion direction um employee cost savings incentive program. But before we get to that, Miss Cotti, could
you introduce Miss Caitlyn? >> Is she here? >> Is she here? >> I can't. Okay. >> Yeah, I see her in the audience and it would be helpful. >> Come on. Miss Caitlyn, please come up >> quickly. Okay. U Miss Caitlyn just started with
us on Monday. Uh she is our new engineer >> and we actually it took it took a year and a half >> a year and a half or two to find her but we finally finally have our engineer Miss Caitlyn if you would please give
them some excerpt of your expertise and please share. >> Okay. >> Hi my name is Caitlyn Warish. I um approximately 13 years as a licensed civil engineer. I began my career in land development and then had worked in
um utilities on with linear infrastructure for portable water and wastewater um collection systems and then more recently had worked for the water management district on some of their large scale storm structures and now I'm here. >> Oh yes.
>> REALLY GOOD. WELCOME. As you can see, we're excited. We're excited to have you. >> Yes. Very much so. And we also have projects already lined up for her. >> Thank God. >> Okay. So, I want you to know that.
>> Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you, Mayor. >> Um employee cost savings and incentive program. >> Yes, Miss Jones is coming up. Madame Mayor, commissioners. Um, so what's before you is, and I hope I'm saying it
right, I think Commissioner Campbell um made the motion that we um needed to come up with something for our employees that are saving the city money on large scales because there were several projects came up where there were hundreds of thousands of dollars saved by um our employees doing that work
inhouse. So what you have before you is just an outline of outlining a procedure so that we can determine how and what to give these employees as they move forward. Um one of the things that may not be in your packet um because it had
been um actually published um when this was bought is the another step into the ascent ward structure which is on page two of the document. there was a recommendation to um cover a issue of a
a cost savings between the 5,000 and $249.99. So that for projects of that value, it still would give our um employees an incentive of $100 or more in that area. the other things that were lined out for
50% um in $25,000 and above and then 50% um um of what how that was awarded for 500 and then for 200 um in those other areas. So that's outlined. So this is for your review um to make sure that if
there's anything that needs to be added or it's not correct um please advise so we can make the necessary corrections so that we will be able to use this procedure in determining. There's also a form that was generated to outline um that the department so whoever um does
brings it forward for the project will know who gets these awards and stuff and then there's a process outline as to how the payment is done. >> Okay. Anybody have any questions? >> Go ahead. >> Well, I mean I I want to thank Commissioner Campbell for help to re
reinforce or re reinforce that um idea whatever. But I do know I had brought that up sometime years back where where we had a major saving from the water projects and different things of that nature. So I know that um not only he
supported that but I had made uh a suggestion u a few years back. So I just want to let you apologies. That's on the but it's on the record right it's on the record. I just said support him for help reintroducing and and bringing this to fruition. I
mean that that's what we're looking for to make sure that we recognize our employees for the the well work that they do for our for our for our community. >> Yes, sir. >> Thank you. >> Does anybody else have any comments that I just want clarification? So, we will receive the updated version of what we
have in the packet. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you very much. >> Yes. And and we will then >> feedback. >> Yes. provide feedback >> and it will be on the agenda for voting >> next time >> on right May 14th. >> Okay.
>> Thank you. Thank you. >> Miss Kitchens, the public comment on this item. >> No, ma'am. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> I know nobody wants to take a recess. We want to finish this up. So, I'm making that call because I'm very intuitive
about the public recesses that we don't have. Um, on to public hearings number nine. I don't even know why we have recess on here. Um, but anyway, on to public hearing. Second reading. Adopt ordinance 202626 and on the city of Paka, Florida,
revising the code of ordinances of the city of Paca, Florida by providing for an update to the benefits payable to police pension retirees. Any questions? We've already This is a second reading. We have a motion. >> Second. >> We have a motion in a second.
I want to make I want I make a motion that we adopt ordinance 2026 26. >> Thank you. >> Second I second that motion. >> Second that motion. Is there anybody here for public comment on this item? Seeing none we close public comment. All in favor?
>> I. Any opposition? >> Thank you. Commissioner comments. >> I do have one comment. >> Go ahead commissioner. >> Uh I want to make mention of a saving our sons initiative that was started by our chapl.
Um we will be having a meeting on April 30th. This is our fourth meeting uh with regards to 20th uh sorry the 20th um at the Jenkins Community Center at 6:30. This is a call to all men within
our community. We're looking to formulate solutions to some of the issues that we are facing with some of our young men in our community. Um, and we actually have something that's this next conversation is going to be a pretty healthy one with regards to some
of the recent events that have transpired in Palaka that we're going to formulate some ways of how we're able to be all in. This is a open invitation to all men. >> Hello. >> All men that sit up the sound of my voice and that Um, if you can't make it,
send someone in yourstead. Again, we have a great uh work to do in this community and we can't do it alone. We need and this crosses racial boundaries. This race crosses uh financial this crosses all of those things. We have to really meet our youth where they are and
so that we can take them to where they need to be. And it's going to require each and every one of us um to have some buy in to make this happen. So again, if you are available, please If you have any additional questions myself, I'll be happy. Pastor Malberry is in the back.
Um, and let's help heal this community. >> Thank you. Commissioner Jones, do you have anything? >> No. >> That look, Commissioner Borum, >> I pass. >> I said enough. >> Commissioner Davis,
>> yes, I do have comments. Daniel was >> first of all I would like to say I'm very proud to be a Palatin we I hope tonight you have heard the amazing work that happens here oftentimes when we have controversial items that we have to
consider and discuss it overshadows the amazing work that our staff and those who work for our city do every day. You've heard examples tonight. We have an amazing um police department. We have
an amazing fire department. We have amazing all of our departments are amazing and they do this work oftentimes sacrificially. I mean beyond what you can imagine. So I just want to personally say thank you.
Last night we had our first budget meeting for the 2627 budget and I want to give some feedback because we had some very direct conversation last night and I know for me I was very intentional
but I want to make sure our city understands that we have some hard decisions to make and we're in a place we've never been before and it's time to make the hard decisions and it's no longer going to be business as usual.
So, we will be doing some things differently. I believe you know by now we are looking to make our city better. And better means we have to look for better ways to do things. We want to make sure as we go into this budget
cycle, first of all, that based on our plans and based on who we are that we can realign some things that have been inherited or that we've not had time to address appropriately. So, I'm just going to say here that we
are one team for lack >> with a lot of work to do. So, I want to personally invite you to the next budget meeting. >> It is open to the public. >> They're a lot of fun >> and they're a lot of fun. But it really
is time now to give your input into what we want. I appreciate the comments that are on social media, but we cannot do anything with that. We have a mic. As a citizen of this beautiful city, you have
every right and responsibility to come and make your voice heard because we can only decide on what we know and what we've heard. So, thank you. We are one palaca and we will continue to be better.
>> Thank anybody else. >> Thank you. Do we have a motion to adjourn? So, >> move