Come everybody to the student of the month celebration. I do want to announce that our former mayor Tim Smith is here and happy to see him back in the chambers. And we'll just go right into the student of the month, Olivia Holmes from Panio
Baptist. Olivia here. Joseph Croll from Browning PS Elementary. Annabelle Benson, Children's Reading Center Charter School. Molly Miles, James A. Long. Belle Wright, Kelly Smith Elementary,
Trinity Tucker, Mosley Elementary. Congratulations Tyrell, is that an R? Okay. Tyrell Key, Putnham Academy of Arts and Science. >> Now, we're going to take photos. The first set of photos will be with your
teachers, educators, and then we will do a photo session with each of you and your parents or family members. link to the videos that we're I think >> in this way.
>> Don't move. All right. Good. All right. We're going to do individual families with their students. So, students can stand around the signings and then we'll
stand to the And where where's your family? You guys have to come over first. Got it. >> Don't worry about it. >> All right. Got it. >> Next. Good job.
Good job. Next. >> Congratulations We'll get the whole >> You want me to take a picture? >> Take a picture. Look this way. >> Okay. Thank you. >> This is why I said
not take pictures. >> Everybody Got it. >> Yeah, we got the I know you're turn. Everybody hands down.
Today we are beginning the city of Palaca, Florida city commission meeting on January 8th, 2026. I am calling the meeting to order, beginning with an invocation led by Pastor Malbury. Pledge of allegiance led by Commissioner Borum. Please stand.
Let's take a moment of silence if you will in the wake of the tragic of the young man that uh accidentally owned uh the other day. If you would for just a few moments. Father, again thank you for your
goodness. We thank you because you are still God. We look to you to give directions and guidance in all that we do. You said in all our ways to acknowledge you and you'll give us some directions. And so then God, we pray
tonight that you will bless the board members. You brought us through the year to this new time. We pray for the wisdom that is necessary to move the city in the proper direction. We pray God that your hand will rest upon this city even
now. We look to you and we trust you in Jesus' name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Please join me. Pledge pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America and to the stands one nation indivisible for God. Roll call, please. Madame clerk. >> Commissioner Blum, >> present. >> Commissioner Jones,
>> present. >> Commissioner Campbell, >> present. >> Commissioner Davis, >> present. >> Mayor Carrera, >> present. Thank you. We have quorum. Has everybody had an opportunity to read the minutes from December 11th, 2025? Motion to approve. >> Second.
>> We have a motion to approve and a second. All in favor? >> Any opposition? Thank you. We will move on to public recognition presentations. Presenters are limited to five minutes. Please give us your name and city or town of residents um homeless outreach
program for Meridian. Good evening. I'm Lauren Conn. I am the president and CEO of Meridian Healthcare and we are here to talk about our homeless outreach programs. I've brought with me Alan Pollen who's our senior vice president of community services and
Lindsay Smith who is the manager for the homeless outreach program. So, we're going to give you a little bit of details on what we've been doing here and answer any questions. Thank you. Meridian Healthcare is a private nonprofit agency serving communities in North Central Florida
since 1971, working to restore and build community with life changing care. Um, the TIA grant, our homeless outreach program, is federally funded. Uh the key element of this grant is to stabilize homeless persons experiencing mental health
and/or substance abuse crisis allowing them to access um and the capacity to establish and maintain housing. Um the grant covers Putinham and Elatchea County and the award amount is $500,000 annually
and it covers five years from September 2023 um for 5 years up to September of 2028 and the the core component is that it's run by an interdisciplinary team which I'll talk about the team members in just one second but the services performed
include integrated outreach and screening um with at community community agencies at shelters, uh, food banks, and also in the community where we're finding people are congregating or living unsheltered
in streets or accompanying areas. Um, so we have that outreach screening. We provide evidence-based trauma-informed care, not only by our clinicians, but also our other peer specialists and care coordinators. Um, the big another big piece of it is coordinating with
community partners. um that with that resource linkage and then after care and followup once someone is housed for their afterare program moving from the streets to being housed is a big transition and so they get that support even when they get their housing.
Um so we have a team lead which uh Lindsay here is our manager a clinician and she also runs the team of uh another clinician peer specialists which are um employees who have had lived experience with mental health or substance abuse and they have been in recovery for at
least two years and that's a real critical piece to engage with people who are where that person may have been um in the recent years. um and the outreach specialists which I which I commented on about how we do our outreach and the care coordinators to advocate for the
clients and find resources for them. Everything from sometimes we'll have people with no license, no birth certificate, no food stamps or anything. We get them that foundation and then we build from there. Uh we've also uh part of the grant was a subreient was Grace
Marketplace and they come from with their mobile outreach fan. they come to Palaka once a week to um team up with us to do those outreach activities for that engagement as well to help bolster um those resources. Uh
two minutes. So you can see on the page on the if we move forward a little bit the Putinham County collaboration resources we've listed um some of the components we work with or we would access. And at that point, so we have two minutes. I'll leave a question in case you have anything that you might
want a little more detail that Lindsay could assist with for accessing resources. >> Does anybody have any questions of Mr. Polland? >> Go ahead, Commissioner Davis. >> Yes. Um, you mentioned Grace Marketplace
comes over weekly. Um, may I ask what that looks like? >> Yes, of course. Hi, my name is Lindsay Smith. I'm the program manager for the treatment for individuals experiencing homelessness program. So, Grace recently received a grant to do outreach in rural counties. They have a van that they come
out with um and actually our reach outreach specialist works very closely with them. We often get referrals for them and the Grace outreach workers are often our first point of contact and referral for the individual. Um where do they go? And and I I hope I'm not being too tright. I want to know
what it looks like in our community because we have a specific situation >> and one of the things I'm finding I'm on the um leadership board for COC and one of the things I'm trying to do because that's the strategic portion. I'm trying
to understand more from a practical perspective. Um because one of the things I'm learning, I've been talking with Commissioner Wilkinson from the county and we've been trying to look around to look at what resources we have and we seem to have beds and I I can
talk about that when the time's appropriate. But one of the challenges is we have issues. What I found with resources and what we found is that there are some beds available but that's for um those
who want treatment or want to go into a place where the challenge is is who we see physically who either don't want to go into a program or residential program or get the help who I'm not going to say prefer but I see that they go somewhere
at night and come back during the day >> and So they're not what what does that look like? And I I think I understood you to say that someone goes around and and does some um >> Are you familiar with the point in time count? >> Yes, I am. >> And it's coming up. So a lot of the
locations we get for camps for individuals is through that point in time count information. Correct. >> But also with our with the grace outreach like they are going on word of mouth too. So they'll ask an individual, hey, are there any other camps around here? Any other people camping around here? And often times that information
will be given to them. But we do use a lot of that point in time count data as well to locate different camps or where individuals might be staying. >> So let me make my question a little clearer. So what happens if you come across an individual who does not want
to go into a program? Do they just thank you for the information you counted and >> that's what I'm trying to >> Oh no. So often times if an individual is not interested currently what our like outreach coordinator do we'll give we'll um give them a card. So if you are ready and then we do try to connect them
with other resources in the area. For example I see my toss shelter people here and we worked very very closely with them and so often individuals you know okay would you like a shower? Well let us tell us about this program or you can go and access these other resources. No, we don't just go bye. Once they um
express maybe um not so much interested in joining our program, but they do in fact need those resources and need that that support. >> Well, final question. Are you identifying opportunity for resources that you don't see? For
example, if we're giving someone a card and they don't want to go into programs or residential where we have them, have you identified an opportunity for our city? And the reason I say it is I live not far from the riverfront. I drive by there every day and I'm seeing es and
flows, right? Sometimes there are people, sometimes there are not. Sometimes there are people, sometimes they're not. And there was a period where it was like I don't know where everybody went, but I now see that it's increasing then. So do you see an opportunity that we are not meeting or
that we may in your line of work? Mhm. That is that is a complex question because I feel like just in general around everywhere you find there is a lack of resources and there is a lack of support for individuals who are experiencing
homelessness especially if they have a mental health and or a substance use disorder that goes along with that. So I don't think that this is just an issue that is particular to palaca. I think I mean even in Gainesville we have more people we have you know more resources. There still is a posity of those sorts of things for individuals who need it.
I think the the opportunity if I if I may is for us to continue this conversation through the COC's and the collaborative forums because I think certainly we identify barriers or opportunities uh where more resources or
more collaboration would be beneficial. um affordable housing, those types of of things for individuals who may not be wanting to enter treatment but may be interested in some supportive services in general. Where can we start? So, I think for us, we'd love to continue this
conversation with um all of the wonderful and fabulous partners here in Palka um to see what we may be able to do more of or differently or in addition to. Um certainly, you know, I think we've we've got a great program with
our, you know, treatment for individuals experiencing homelessness, but I think more can be done. And so, how can we work together to to do that? So, we'd love to be a part of those ongoing collaborations and discussions in any forum that that you may be willing to
have us at. >> Thank you. And clearly it's um we know it's a national issue and concern and this community has to come together and that means not just PALA but every municipality the county as well as any of the partners in the community that
can help because it is an ongoing thing and it's not going to improve given everything that's going on if we don't start to address it. >> Yes. >> Go ahead. >> I actually have two. Um, first thank you for what you do, but how many beds do you guys have in put at Meridian for the
homeless? >> We have beds allocated like in a in our residential treatment program. They're not necessarily allocated that way. Um, we accept from a number of counties. So any referrals will be evaluated and admitted or put on a waiting list if
there is one in our residential programs. So, our beds are are not necessarily allocated that way, but we absolutely take treatment referrals and we'll work to get someone in as quickly as we possibly can. Um, now inatient as far as crisis stabilization unit, that's
immediate. You know, if there's someone in crisis, that that's an immediate evaluation and you know, admission if appropriate. But for residential treatment, we would evaluate, accept the referral, and see how quickly we could get them in and provide interim services if there was a a temporary waiting list.
And we also have a transitional housing um at a program we call the lodge. And so if there is a gap in a wait list or um a delay in getting someone in residential treatment, we can use that program as a temporary um starting place as well.
>> Where are those? Oh, go ahead. Mhm. >> So the budget is uh $500,000 annually. How much of those funds are coming into Putnham County for services? >> I would say it's really divvied up for half. It is divvied up half. That's what
it was for. Um we do find that we're we are at this point a little more weighted for Elatchua. the engagement when we're out here in Palaca, it seems if you compare the populations, a lot of similarities, but tr it seems like the ones here are a little more
transitional. So when we make that initial contact, we go back, maybe we'll see them again, then we might see them when we're in that area a month later. and developing that relationship has taken longer um than we when Elatcha where there's they're somewhat more
stable not completely but somewhere it's a little more regular where we see them so it has waited but our our efforts have certainly been split to make sure that Palaca and Pton County does not get overlooked or the lion share
>> yeah and the money is it's very um the money itself does not include beds space. There's a small amount of flexible funds that we can apply u for some of the things like in the lodge or temporary housing if there's a plan for that person. >> Okay. >> But that's a very small percentage. I
would say a 5% or less. >> Okay. And and lastly, I have a a comment you mentioned about u working together and you mentioned it prior to me saying it, but collaborating with these other
agencies. We had an instance where agency came in and asked for services and referrals. How do you guys get referrals number one and secondly uh somebody's going to have to take the lead in collaborating these agencies together because we have
pods of people that doing pretty much looking to do the same thing and and reach the same goal but you guys are not coming together. Um, and I would like to see you guys come together some kind of way and workshop and kind of put your resources together. And I think we we
have somewhat of a solution because everybody kind of looking for the city and the county to do these things. But there is parts of money that's coming in and we found that out uh just recently that if we communicate together,
we'll see that. I think we could our monies will go a little further. >> Absolutely. make it a little more formal. Back to what what what Lauren Con was saying about us getting together really having that direction, seeing what the needs are, what the challenges are and um building on what we already have with the we have various ways to
bring in the referrals now, but having that lead is a is a really good idea, >> something we can continue to work on. >> And do you have something if you want? I mean like Commissioner Jones was saying, you know, we do have other agencies even in the school district that have um homeless for for the for our youth in
our community. So again, collaborating will also help with every segment of our community as well. And that's where you first see the homelessness when it's a first um detected with with our students. Absolutely. And and again with
like Commissioner Davis was saying about the agency that she's representing the uh she's the u the chair person for our area to be able to um communicate for homeless stuff. So again communicating collaboration is uh key silos don't get
us far. >> Yes. And the behav the behavioral health consortium that's held on once a month. We are attendees there and that has all the agencies there together. Everyone presents they communicate. Mayor, I know you've been there, seen you there. Um, so that is one really good positive uh
collaborative effort where everyone is unified and um addressing a lot of those topics that have come up here at this forum. >> Thank >> Thank you. Go ahead cuz it's okay. >> As you know, this is very passionate for me and I'm really working hard as we all
are to get some solution um that works for us. So, I think I heard you say that half. So, Gainesville 250, Putinham 250 approximately is your goal for the grant. Um, and this is a 5-year grant
ending in 2028, which means it's been going on now for a few few years. And so, are you expending the resources for Putinham? And, uh, again, is there an opportunity for some other collaboration? are those resources the
the financial resources >> we are spending it the majority of those resources go directly to staff to pay for staff salaries. So when you look at an interdicciplinary team with fringe benefits, everything else in transportation, that goes up to a very high percentage of what that money is
for. The as far as the flexible money that we would have, things to do is very limited and it's really for just some some small items like maybe paying a bills to make sure someone can can get to their paycheck to the next one. Some things to keep them some smaller expenses to keep them from ending up
being homeless or getting them to that next step of housing. Okay. And so the staff that's Meridian staff hired to do this work. >> Um do you have some kind of report card or report that you do on a regular basis? And where can we find that?
>> We do. We have the uh we work with the grant program official from Washington DC. We have monthly meetings with her. Um every month there's a report that they use for their own internal piece and there's also an annual report that goes out to them. um at the um for the
when you close out that year on September and um so we just submitted our second annual report to cover all the performance deliverables of that grant. >> Great. Let me let me ask a different question then. Is there a report of impact from this program available to
Putnham County to citizens or just not necessarily grant information but where you're measuring the effectiveness of the program here? >> Yes, we do. the the the people that we have, we have outcome measures of whether they've been um refraining from
an impatient stay um how they're well they're doing for employment. Um there is a list of measures that we have that that we do have that and we could be glad to prepare that for you. >> Yes, that would be very helpful. Um in addition, I'd like to just mention um Commissioner Jones asked about beds.
One, where um is the transitional housing? Where's the lodge? >> That is in Gainesville. It's right there right there in by our main building on 441 is >> so though if you found someone here who needed care who could not get into an intensive program immediately they are
eligible to go to the lodge if there's space until they get into is what I understand and how are they taken there how does that work what does that look like trans >> okay um I do want to put on the in this meeting again miss meeting with um
commissioner Wilkinson we were trying to look at how many beds were available in Putnham County and we have we found that there are more than we recognize. Um the Lee Connley house has 24 beds. A recovery point has 12 beds, six males,
six females. There's a youth inter I believe it's a youth interfaith program. We're familiar with 12 beds and those are ages 10 to 18 or troubled youth or kids with that. Um, and I'm happy to report that the Oxford House will be opening next week with seven beds. It's
men only. Um, but it's near the Ravine Gardens. So, that is coming. And next, um, in some point in January, um, SMA is looking to will be opening a 15 bed facility. Um, they'll be working with
those coming out of the jail system. So, which is a lot of um, our homeless population. So, we do have resources and to Commissioner Jones and the other commissioner's point, we would like to see and that's something I'm taking on as my with my role in the COC is
integrating and working closer with that. And I think we have to do a better job of educating our community as well because there are things occurring but physically and visually when we see it, it doesn't always look like it. So, I want to thank you for what you do. Thank you, mayor. That's all I have.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. anything, Commissioner Jones? >> Uh, Commissioner Davis hit on it, but I'm gonna be more pointant. Uh, when these agencies come and, uh, you know, people in the community do want to address the homeless issue, but you just
mentioned it. Majority of the money that you receive, $250,000, most of it is go to salaries. And that's why a lot of people not being serviced. I mean not just your particular well I guess and call it what it is. Um you said it
yourself that you know the salaries take up a large portion. So um just for numbers purposes what percentage of those funds actually go to salary I would say about 85%. Oh, so
>> yeah. So now >> if I could add the intent of this particular grant, since there were no um housing dollars or bed dollars associated, this particular grant was to get more people in the encampments and
out on the streets, talking to those, bringing people in, leveraging the collaboration and the resources that are available. As you just mentioned, some of those housing resources Lindsay is very familiar with and is working closely with. um so we can get our folks out on the streets engaging with
individuals applying for appropriate benefits because what that does is open the door for more housing resources and many other resources. So that's really the intent of this grant. So there there weren't housing dollars associated with
it. Um so just want to >> and grants are very specific have to live up to the letter of that particular grant. >> Yes, we don't have we don't have latitude with that. Um but that was the intent of this was for us to get people out in the communities on the streets in
the places where individuals are not um readily accessible or interfacing regularly with these community programs to bring people in and start the conversation about how we can help them. What can we do? Where are they ready to consider? Maybe not treatment, but how
can we help get you a shower, get you some benefits? Can I come back and meet with you? And then we can talk about treatment. building that rapport. So that was really the the intent of this. And so collaboration is is super important as we work to get people connected with the other resources that
may be available to. >> So I'm going to say because I actually um was kind of turned off when I learned that the bulk of this was going to administrative salaries. But thank you for the explanation that you had. So I
have a question with regards to boots on the ground. How often are those how often is your team actually in Putnham County? >> We have staff members out here basically every single day because there are clients that we service out here who
receive regular care coordination and this is just beyond the general outreach. So part of this part of this program as Lauren was saying is to help individuals access things like mental health therapy. When somebody is unsheltered they're not thinking like oh I got to get to my appointment at Meridian. they're just trying to
survive. So, this allows us to go out there and engage with them. And then once they become engaged with the program, we also provide care coordination. So, as Lauren was saying, that care coordinator is going to help that individual. Do we need to connect them with the sore worker and so they can apply for SSI, SSDI? Do they have um
SNAP benefits? Can we connect them with SNAP benefits? Our staff members will go out with a hot spot and a computer into a camp. obviously not by themselves or other staff members in order to complete these applications because individuals who are just trying to survive dayto-day. They're not thinking about
the sort of minutiae things like that. And so that is what this program allows us to do. It is allows us to go out to where these individuals are and meet them where they are in order to connect them with these various resources that they might not otherwise be connected with. So um as we move forward when we
talk about collaboration I want to make sure that because there are a lot of meetings happening and there's no real fruit that's being produced at these meetings. I feel like a lot of people are meeting just to meet. So, as we begin to or as you all begin to collaborate and I issue this challenge
to um Commissioner Davis because M Commissioner Davis has been very vocal um with bringing things back to the commission as well as Commissioner Borum who has been on the homelessness and the unhoused for quite some time. I want to say a few years now. Um but I want to make sure that we are seeing the fruits
of the labor and we're just not having conversations to have conversations to take back to our respective communities. as you can listen from the conversations that has transpired here tonight that we are very passionate about this and this conversation has not been one that has not been had. We've been having this
conversation for quite some time and quite honestly I have not seen anything that has been fruitful overall. So I want to make sure as you all collaborate that when you going into these meetings that we're going into these meetings to be proactive and not
reactive. >> Yeah. Well, and I will say this. We actually worked very, very closely with the to shelter while they were open. We were there for all of their case management hours. I'm >> not This is not targeted to you. >> No, I'm just letting you know. >> No. So, it's not targeted to you or your
specific organization. It's a general statement because again, when there's multiple people, and I say it all the time, we talk about things of why they're hot, but while they're no longer hot, we put them on the back burner. But this is something that has been at the forefront of Putnham County for quite
some time, right? For quite some time. And I really would like us to find a solution to the problem. It may not be a 100% cure, but again, I want to make sure that we are moving towards a solution to the problem that we have been faced with for so long. >> Yes. Thank you everybody. Any additional
comments? >> And just only one other thing. And I do know that we the commission did vote to have 200,000 set aside for the homeless for this year. And so if we have funds available as well as what we have also
in the opera funding for uh homeless, we can uh channel some of those dollars as well. So we do have some funding, but we would also like to see if we can get funding from other agencies as well to kind of >> combine those to meet the needs.
>> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. On to nonprofit organizations. Commissioner Campbell. >> I want to make a statement before we move to that. I hope that we are not going to sit through presentations where
we've already let me finish where we've already approved and that this process is just acknowledging those who we've already approved and moving forward. >> That's correct, sir. The only thing that I've asked the uh the nonprofits are
here tonight to at least express their gratitude for us assisting them as the city and the various missions that they did present during the budgeting process. >> Thank you. And so >> I do need to inform the commission that
there is a bill pending with the legislature uh HB 605 that will prohibit local governments from giving funds to nonprofit. >> But that's has not passed yet. >> It hasn't passed yet. >> That's just in the future perhaps, >> but it is out there.
>> Right. So what we would like um if you're which organization are you please? I'm just a business owner right in the middle of everything. >> We're not I don't think >> on homelessness. >> Oh, no. I want to speak about the homeless. >> That's on public comment. >> That's public comment. That's a different
>> Sorry. Then do you Yes. >> No, that's city clerk, please. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, can the nonprofit organizations just come up and express your >> gratitude if you're here, >> Miss Carter? >> Yes. Can we can we um just have them all
come up and we take a group picture and >> Yes, sir. >> and the rest go out with the >> public information officers. >> Yes, sir. >> Let's get a group picture with all of the >> nonprofits that the city did assist and this >> family life.
>> Family life. Uh we need to make a an actual presentation of hers. And you've already Yes, please. as we grew up >> and so I'll say the names um or you can say your name >> name of your organizations that we have
helped we have family life >> so the various we had at least four organizations that you know were awarded we have uh Putnham County Care >> Coalition >> coalition we also have feed the knee
need. We have Episcopal. I see you. And also the family life center. And so our commissioners have graciously uh continue to assist you in your mission. Okay. And this is your opportunity. You can look at them and
say thank you. >> Welcome. >> Okay. Yes. >> Oh, you want me Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you for all that you do. >> Thank you.
>> Yes. Just uh because you are here, please can you at least say one word about what you do so the public can know? >> Okay. Thank you. Go ahead. the reason I will briefly >> they told us that when I gave presentation >> they told us that when they gave it
>> go ahead >> commissioners I'd like >> please give us your name >> with that >> I'd like to say >> excuse me please give us your name >> I'm Danice Braramlet the executive director with Pen the Pman County and I'd like to thank you for the opportunity that you gave us to help
support our mission um I believe I put on each one of y'all's desk a um cover of how we've spent the funds so far and what our anticipation of spending the funds in the future. Also gave madame um mayor a copy of our newsletter that we
rec you know that we recognize and we also do social media Facebook and you'll be on our website. So we are appreciate the collaboration and feeding 800 students every Friday for the weekends is a task and we appreciate you part of
our being part of our team. Thank you. Thank you. >> Okay. Anywhere next time. >> Lolita Thomas representing the family life center. Um so at this time
>> um so for your donation, we really appreciate it. It will allow us to continue to serve um the community. we have been able to serve over 11,000 families um with food and securities as
well as to provide clothing. So these funds will go along with helping us enhance those capabilities as well as enhance the environment for our our citizens. >> Thank you. They do u way more than she u just
mentioned. But you know it's it's they help maintain the existing quality of life for um um community members who they currently serve and those who are going to be joining them in in the future. Uh they use um juvenile crime prevention. They are part of that.
Positive police community u relations police athletic league and those programs. Youth development skills. They continue to do things to serve all of our community. um among other things. And so we want to thank them for what they um they do for our community as
well as uh safe places. They create safe places for people who are in need. So they continue to serve our community and on behalf of the city mayor and our commissioners, we like to um extend this $10,000 check to Family Life Center with
Miss Lolita Thomas. Hello, I'm Britney Spangler, the vice president of programs at physical children services. And um what we do is we serve families residing in Pton County who need assistance with paying for child care. Uh these families are
either working or going to school and just need that extra help. Um, we also receive or serve families who are receiving services through uh the Department of Children and Families, the homeless, um, domestic violence, all of those different things to make sure that those children are safe and care. Um,
the money that you gave, which I will say we did ask for 3,000. We were surprised with 5,000. So, that was a wonderful surprise and thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I can't say thank you enough. Um, but what your money will do is you can look at it two ways. It's either going to basically serve 14
children with a full year of services or we can take that money and in one month it would cover 168 children's pair for one month of services. >> So um it's it's really great. I appreciate everything that you all do in the community and we are here. We're
enrolling. Um I just want to also shout out that our voluntary pre kindergarten program just opened their registration January 1st. So, if you have a 4-year-old on or before September 1st, they're eligible. No income requirements. And if you need anything, just reach out for things like that. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Georgia, please. >> Good evening, mayor and commissioners. Um, I think we know one another. My name is Georgia Mitchell. I live here in Palacta and I'm the executive director for the Plat County Perry Coalition. Uh
thank you so much for assisting us with our new program launch hope providing housing assistance to people before they become homeless. We think that this intervention program will be a very coste effective way to help people within our local area and a great way to
help train a little towards being attendance. So thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, Miss Connie, can we request in the future and and everybody doesn't have to come for that event, but that we do have a kind of a mini report breakdown of how those funds were used.
>> Thank you. >> Any other questions? We will move on to our proclamation for Aba Day. Is there any So, city of Palaca, Tree City, USA proclamation. Whereas aba day is observed throughout the nation and the world in recognition of the many
benefits of trees. And whereas tree whereas trees can reduce the erosion of our precious top soil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife. And whereas trees are a
renewable resource, giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products. And whereas trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business business areas and beautify our community. And whereas trees of wherever they are planted are a
source of joy and spiritual renewal. And whereas the city of Palaca is proudly a tree city USA. Now therefore, I Robera Koreah, mayor of the city of Palaca, together with the members of the Palaca City Commission to hereby proclaim January 16, 2026 as a day in the city of
Palaca. And we urge all citizens to celebrate Aba Day by supporting efforts to protect our trees and woodlands. And further, I urge all citizens to plant trees to glenn the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations. Do we have a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Second.
>> We have a motion to second. All in favor? >> I. >> I. Any opposition? Thank you. Is there anybody here to receive the proclamation? >> Apparently not. Okay. Uh we'll hold on to it and we'll get it along. But thank you.
Plant a tree. We're going to move on to our our reports starting with myself and then with Commissioner Campbell. These reports are to give everybody some information about the various boards we all participate in and what's going on with those. So I am on the police
pension board which we met in December and the investment portfolio continues to grow for the retirement for those police pension board members. I mean for those members of the police department that receive a pension. Excuse me. Um I'm also on the Putnham County Chamber Economic Development Council had a
lunchon in December. The presentation was by the company hired by Elevate Putinham to attract retail and restaurants to the to the county and those consist of generally franchises and train businesses. TDC. I'm on the tourist development council board that
we will be developing the fiscal year 2526 budget revising updating TDC grants and an RFP was issued recently and closed for a destination development of a destination website. Um the trail town committee Palaca is designated as a
trail town by Florida Department of Environmental Protection and we that means we are a trail hub for hiking, cycling and kaying. Um the trail committee will participate in a statewide meeting on Tuesday, January
13th. Um, the Putnham County Development Authority, which also Commissioner Davis and Commissioner Campbell sit on, will be in interviewing candidates for the executive director position this upcoming Tuesday, January 12th. And that concludes my report. Commissioner
Campbell, >> we are revamping um for the new year. Though none of my boards that are generally would um meet monthly took a break due to the holiday. So I will be able to provide a report starting January once we start meeting
effectively again. >> Thank you. Um do we want to continue this reports on a monthly basis or would quarterly make? I'm just asking the question while we're discussing mayor. It I don't see it being no different than the commission comments.
>> I think that's >> and and and in summary, what does that mean? Do we want to continue them? >> Sounds like >> No, that's what I thought. So, I just want to make sure that's clear. Okay. Okay. >> Thank you. >> So, on our agenda, >> Commissioner,
>> I want to make sure I have clarity on the agenda. >> I'll give you the clarity. We do not we no longer want >> they no longer want to do that >> with identifying each commissioner at a commission meeting. If we do need to share reports, we would do so during our
commissioner comments at the latter part of our meeting. I appreciate that. Thank you very much. >> Um, city manager and administrative report, Miss Potty. >> Okay. Thank you. Good evening, everyone, commissioners and everyone. Uh, just
quick highlight. Uh, we are in I'm in the midst or we're in the midst of um looking at our human resources department. Uh, we're looking at restructuring, adding more uh resources. Currently, there are two employees in the department, a manager and
coordinator. We are considering possibly a human resource director or generalist. We hope to have that decision made by the end of January. We're also looking at the salary study uh that was performed back in June of 2021. So,
we're hoping to uh have that updated soon as well. Uh we did get a number of quotes but um we'll keep going. Uh the other thing is what I'll we have policies that we are in the midst of updating more particularly our grievance
policy. Hopefully we'll get that completed in January. River Street retaining wall finally finally we are moving to construction that starts January 12th. We've already closed and blocked roads and started
safeguarding our public works. Uh we are now beginning the movement from where we were to the new facility and that started January 7th. Uh this is a project that was started back in 2023.
So we we have made significant progress. I also want to point out that our newly retained public information officer, uh, she came to me with a project that I think is very worthy. Um, I would like you to come up real quick, Miss uh,
Hall, and quickly explain it. >> Quickly, Palaco 175. >> Good evening. Um what I wanted to do is just kind of read this to this day is kind of very important for the city of black. January 8th is um the day.
>> Is that my time? >> Is it now? It's the only time I'm >> loud. There you go. >> Yeah. They want to hear you. >> Um actually January 8th is the anniversary of when the city was chartered for the first time. In two
years, in 2028, it will actually be our 175th anniversary. I propose to put together a year-long celebration that will combine our communities um and be able to do something every month to highlight the
amazing things that are done here in Placa. Um, so if you want to bump through that just a little bit, I will go through the executive summary, but this is a really great way for us to celebrate and to unite. Um, we want to go ahead and do maybe highlight every
month from if you look through this and I'll make sure that you have printed copies, you know, founders month, heritage month, um, help with the Aelia Festival, but everything will be grouped into these categories about our past, our people, our pride, and our promise
for the future. Um, the goal of this is a year-long, like I've said. So, I'm really excited. I'm working and have completed a binder for potential grant applications. Um, but I just wanted a second tonight because today's date was so significant. I felt if I missed this
day, that was kind of bad on me. But I hope that the public will, you know, embrace this. We're going to be doing committees to make this a really stellar event. Um, so look forward in the future for more information on it. But, um, I'm really excited to be able to start this
project. I just wanted to mention it today. >> And today is actually the birthday >> Yeah. >> of the city of the >> Any questions? >> January 8th. >> Thank you. No, it sounds exciting. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, next would be
the road completion, please. >> Can I Are you finished with your report? >> Yes, sir. because you moved along before we had the opportunity to >> ask questions. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> Um I have a question with regards to the policies. There was a time where
policies were being brought forth to the commission, right? >> Um for us to review and make changes. That has stopped. I would like us to revamp that >> so that we can be ahead on some of these policies and going instead of addressing
them as they come. So I would make that recommendation that that process comes back to us so that we can be proactive instead of reactive. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Any other questions, Miss Connie in regard to her report? >> I I do.
>> Go ahead. Good. >> Just update. Uh I wanted a universal update on the positions that we have. You mentioned HR. Uh I want to know the status of our legislative aid. Yes.
>> When are we going when will the interview start for that? And when are we expecting a timeline to have that person on board? Um for us, I can answer that. Um is Miss Jones here? Can you please come up? But we are
actively in the process. >> It's just been other process, >> right? the legislate. >> Now we finally have applicants. Go ahead, M. >> Okay. To all the applicants that we have received um of course afforded to um Miss Cardi for review for anybody that
we would like to schedule um in this past and with the holidays, we've really been focusing more on some m well and I know I'm not saying that's not a major, but we were without a grant writer um and the project manager leaving. So those were more of what they were trying
to schedule interviews and not just working on our schedule or being out. We were actually operating with people being out of town or candidates had already planned things that we couldn't schedule the interviews. So they were kind of scattered. So the legislative um the commission's legislative aid
position is one that I'm really I want to start scheduling that as soon as possible or next week to start scheduling. However, there were some concerns of how or how we're going to move forward with that. So, you all would have a say so on who's going to be because they'll be working directly for
you all. So, that's something that we're trying to work through on how that process is going to look as well as scheduling the interviews and choosing a candidate, but then there's still going to be more process. So, a normal um turnaround of which we I say two weeks and sometime it's less depending on um
how fast they move through medical and all of that. So that's going to take a little bit more time um on how we're going to maneuver this process as that if the candidate that we're choosing based on the job description and their qualifications is going to be um
somebody that you all are also in acceptance of. So that was one of the concerns though. Please go ahead. >> I got the floor. >> Yes sir. May I may I make a suggestion that as we're doing the selection process from talent acquisition that we
actually are probably provided resumeums. Okay. >> So that we because this person will be working closely with us. Um resumes so that we could review those. And as far as the
interview process, I think suggestion to Miss Card that maybe we don't sit in on those interviews, but it may be in an area where HR, whoever do the interview, does the interviews, but we could probably look in on Zoom or something so
that we also would be able to if you want to as far as commissioner kind of see how that person interact, how they interview, um, make it a little more personal because that is going to be a person that's going to have to deal with five different personalities. And I think that process is going to have to
be approved or at least by the majority of who we actually want to work closer with. And as Commissioner Campbell said, we did know that we wanted that position and it would been a great help during the legislative session to have that
person in place um with the with the bulk of information that we're going to be having in the presentation that we will be doing in Tallahassee. Um so that's why I wanted to know the update and I wanted to see can we all be on board with whatever we're deciding >> collectively.
Yeah, you want me to say something? >> Actually, uh, Commissioner Jones kind of made the point that I was trying to make or wanted to make. No, you're fine. Um, so I won't belabor the point. >> Okay. Thank you. So, I mean, just to recap, we're at the point where the
position's been posted. It's been closed for applications, and we have the applications to be scheduled. Okay. >> Right. We're scheduling interviews. >> Okay. >> U, I asked for a timeline, though. So when would we when you expect it? >> Because we not we don't give them we I'm
just being honest. We we we could expect it >> ma'am. >> We I mean because we knew that it it's time to we want that position filled. >> Yeah. For a while we were not receiving any applications >> and then the applications that we were um received
a lot but for the qualifications of what you're looking for >> right >> it they just weren't meeting. So, those are not I mean, we could interview every candidate that sent in one, but it's not going to be they don't if they're not meeting the basic qualifications of what you all are seeking for in the job
description, then that's what's being passed on for Miss Card to say, "Yes, let's interview this person." >> So, we are now starting to receive. >> So, Commissioner Campbell, >> I want to say that the hiring process should be a standard process. It is.
There should not be a reason of why you have to reinvent a wheel that has already been established. So I don't want you to overwork yourself in that sense and let's just begin the interviewing process so that we can try to get this person on board but trying
to identify this that and >> I don't think just go by the basic hiring practice as if this person was anybody else. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Hi, good evening everybody. Um, it's
just a quick update about the Rody Road uh project that we had begun back in October. As you know, we need to reroute uh a 13-in pipe from the for the sanitary sewer back from the river or stream out there off Rody Road. Um, it
took a few months, but they ran 300 feet of pipe underneath the river by 7 feet, so it'll never be an issue again. Uh, they completed it and it came out really well. They did a good job on schedule, on time, and at the expected price. There were no changes or anything. So,
came out well. Any questions? >> We have no questions on that. Thank you. Glad to see it's completed. We must >> I feel led lighting. So that Okay. Thanks.
>> Good evening. I just wanted to give everyone an update on the uh LED street lighting uh project that we have going on. We've received the contracts from FPPL. We've signed the contracts. They've been submitted to FPL. They've
given us the invoices. We've processed the invoices. and the check has been sent to FPL. Um, I've had conversations with our two points of contact from FPL for them. The lighting will be ordered
um, very soon from them. It'll take about four months to get the lighting in and then about a two to three month process time for them to get them up. But I will have weekly, if not weekly, bi-weekly communication with them to ensure that they're staying on track
with our project to have it done in the year time frame that you guys requested. So, if I may make a statement, and it's and it may be more to uh I don't necessarily like the way that it's worded on the agenda
>> because it was not just highlighting >> crime areas. It was highlighting low lit areas, right? >> And we made sure that we specified that when we were having this conversation. So, again, I want us to be mindful. I don't want people to see if they have lights going up in their neighborhood
that their neighborhood is considered to be high crime when we were addressing the issue of low lit areas. Yes, sir. >> Um so reasons I really want to make sure that I put that on public notice that it's not high crime areas, it's areas
that have low light and some of those areas may have been in crime areas. So we have to be mindful of how we put things out. Yes, sir. We had we had three different categories. We had high crime, we had hot spot, and then we had low lit. And we're actually replacing
more lights and low lit areas than we are in the high crime area. >> Exactly. And it does not reflect that on the agenda. >> Yes, sir. before moving on this portion. >> And we also did complete um
chief the um that speed >> also the um Viking street program or not program but project has been completed. It was completed on Tuesday and we have photographs here of the entrance from
St. John's and the um third street side. So, we have the two speed uh speed tables have been installed and all of the additional signage has been installed as well. That project was completed on Tuesday. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Appreciate >> Miss Carter, before you move on and um I
want to say city manager uh reports during the commission. This is addressed to the entire commission. Um during New Year's Eve, there were no fireworks. I don't know if she had expectation of
fireworks for New Year's Eve. Uh fireworks display at the riverfront and uh I got a lot of calls about it. You know, some people want to have fireworks, some people go to church, different things. Um everybody don't go to church. So, um I want to know what's
the pleasure of the commission about firework or some type of uh celebration on New Year's Eve. Could we have that discussion as a when we start at this
point it was not appropriate? I just wanted to ask because it would have been in this report. >> Yes. If I may respond. Um I'm meeting with uh the community affairs um director because we've identified it as well. Uh it will in fact it is our
intent to have it included in next year's New Year's Eve. It was it's just such an opportunity to bring the community together family event and uh so we are addressing that now. We will get back with you and provide you our intended plans.
>> Great. All right. >> Thank you. Okay, thank you. >> Um to that discussion, I also had a lot of calls and saw a lot of posts about um instead of in lie of fireworks to have a drone show again. People really wanted that
and >> for those that have neurological concerns for vets, for people's pets, and for the environment though, you know, that can be a better way to go and maybe we should look at that and the
cost of that. Thank you for the input. >> And um when we were still on positions, I I didn't ask and I should have the assistant city manager position. What's the status of that? >> At this moment, there is no status other than uh trying to complete the other
priorities and getting to a point where we're organized enough that um we can place the ad. We have already prepared however the job description that has been prepared. I'm reviewing it and the
intent was to have it placed initially by the end of January, but we are still looking at that. >> Go ahead, Commissioner Campbell. that is a priority >> and we made sure that we made mention of it being a priority so that it would
allow you to be able to administratively focus on other things that you can do. So I want to make sure that this becomes a priority. Okay. >> Just like any other vacant position that we have because we expressed that multiple times that the assistant city
manager would allow you to operate a little bit different and manage a little bit different. >> Okay. So, we have at least prepared the job description and we can move out of there. >> You Commissioner Davis. >> Thank you, Mayor.
So, Miss Cardi, there are a few things and um Commissioner Campbell spoke about one of them. One of my concerns is that we were very clear the commission when we provided direction for
HR. >> Yes, >> for the position of assistant city manager, we were very clear. I am concerned that these items are not being addressed efficiently and timely because they were critical
and they were a key component to the direction given when we made the decision to move forward um you you know with you as city manager. >> Okay. >> So I am asking that we have a status at
the next meeting. >> Yes, that's what I'll do. of action that is being taken on the items. If you could go back and review all of the items we've given direction on that were part of that, those need to happen as
soon as reasonable as high priority. I am looking for an HR restructuring because the directions were clear. So, please go back and revisit the minutes
and the documents and make sure that we are carrying out what has been directed to do. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Yes. And and to that point, I do want you to know it's not being ignored. We
are in fact doing it. But I will push this much much more aggressively. >> Thank you. because we've discussed it and every time I meet with you and you had January here we are in January and it's >> we're still in January. >> Well again Miss Cardi and one other
thing please >> we're just asking you to receive the information. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Go ahead, Commissioner Bar. Um on on my end, I've just um concerned with the uh engineering um position that we've been
trying to hire for >> the past three years. Every time we have projects >> um it cost us >> 25 300,000 plus dollars for various projects. >> Yeah. >> And we could save that for the number of
projects that we we have it we would save in the in the millions. And so if that's a key position that we can save money, >> right, >> as opposed to spending additional money. Now, as it relates to some of the positions that we had talked about,
um, you had put up a while back as to what you wanted to fill to save the city dollars. One of those positions, I think, was assistant city manager position, which we didn't implement that until probably 2021, 2022. in the city
had operated um without that position for quite some time prior to because we never had one. I think the intent of that position at that time was to align the individuals to be able to move into
the city manager. Um um so we kind of uh balked on even creating that position at one point, but it's your decision at the end of the day um or what have you as it relates to that. But again, just really
look at how our budget is structured and see what positions is going to give us the best impact on from our dollars. That makes sense. Commission Jones. It's not popular, but I I want to say it because we never get a chance to
discuss. Um, and it's about the assistant city manager, and Commissioner Bor kind of hit on it. Had never been a position in the past. It was created, and you guys that was here know the history of why it was created.
Miss Cardi has hired on at a rate and we've gotten the backlash at her hire rate for this community pretty high. And to put someone else in as an assistant city manager, what are we requiring Miss Carter to do? Because
I want to know I want to know the difference between what an an assistant city manager will be doing versus the city manager. And as we never had felt that position in the past, why did we succeed have a succession and
say uh we want to pay a city manager a significant salary as she gets and then bring somebody else in to do part of that job. That is that that's what the citizens should be asking us.
Why would we do that? And I think it's a fair question when they ask uh why are you hiring an assistant city manager for what we actually hired in addition to what we hired the city manager as in that range. So and we never paid a city
manager a city manager never made the amount of money as Miss Carly is currently. So, um, as we're being responsible to our constituents, that is a valid question and I wanted to bring it out to come out now, but quite sure that could
be revisited because those that position was in the budget prior to us making this higher and paying the salary that we're paying for. Um, I asked Miss Cardi to please show me
what would be the duties and responsibility of an assistant city manager that doesn't correlate to what her current duties are now. And so either Miss Cardi is capable of doing
the job that she has and we pay her for or she's not. And she have shown that she have is capable. Um, but I think when the the question is going to really come to us. We're pushing and why are we pushing? Can she
do do the job for what she get paid for or not? That's a question that I think we all are going to have to answer at some point in time. And when we're talking about we're pushing to make that decision and push the button. The constituents going are asking that
question and it's been asked and I guess y'all may already have the answer. I would like if you would have the answer tell me now today too so I could be aware. >> Commissioner Davis >> I can only speak for um my perspective. So I am a proponent
of having an assistant city manager and the reason I am has nothing to do with Miss Card's salary for me. We voted and that is her salary. I know there are people who agree and who don't agree,
but it passed by the board. So that is what we agreed on by vote. The reason I am a proponent of having an assistant city manager is for one for secession. Given the city's history with
city managers, we have had gaps in getting effective assistant um city managers that have oftentimes resulted in either resignations or firings. Th that's critical especially at this point
in the city's posture of on the brink of positive growth. Um, in addition, we don't know what we don't know, but since I've been on the commission, I have experienced too many
um employee concerns and issues, just too many. Now, while the city manager is not directly responsible for that, she directly manages the HR
leader, right? And so there's opportunity for the city manager to go up at a and I'm going to call it a more effective level of operating where it's strategic operation for this city so
that we can position ourselves in places that we need for growth where we need to potentially have some public private partnerships interacting more effectively in my opinion with the chamber. Um other
strategic level um executive level decision making and opportunities for our city. I see a need that there is opportunity for someone who could focus on operations at the
that level. And again, that's my um recommendation and I'm going to stop there. But overall, that's why. And I could provide additional details if needed, but I don't want to do that here. >> I agree wholeheartedly with Miss Cardi.
I'm not missing >> with uh Commissioner Davis. Um and just because the city hasn't had doesn't mean that the city doesn't need. And that's in more than a lot of our department. So I think again I agree, not to rehash,
but I agree wholeheartedly. >> I do also. And I do remember when the city didn't have an HR department and it wasn't >> I'm sorry. >> So I I just think we have to realize the city is moving forward. The city is growing hopefully in a positive manner and we have to be prepared for that. And we do have we've seen time and again we
don't have succession plans for key positions. >> Let's leave let's add legal. >> Go ahead. And >> well um and I hear I hear the commissioner and the mayor but um and I totally agree because everybody have have their opinion but I I think uh we're in the process of doing a
operational audit. I think um we should maybe take pause for a minute just to kind of at least let the operational audit happen so it can kind of help determine whether you're where your dollars are really going and and does and do they really make sense. The
operational audit will pull out all of those various things as it relates to um employee positions um operations revenue streams coming in. It's going to look at everything in a more uh micro level and it's going to
give us some reports that we have not had in the past and I we just never had an operational audit. Um so I just want to ask the commission if just just take a pause on it for a minute if it's not going to impact the operations of I mean
the cuz we got strong department heads. We didn't we we don't necessarily if we if we the the city manager is not in place. We got strong departments that can run themselves. I mean I'm just saying just get let's let's take a pause
for a minute and think about it. every department head and we've been in that position before to where the department heads are are the ones that's key to the city to help run and um the city managers that pretty much oversee administer um our wish and will and our mission and
vision. So just think about it. That's all I'm asking. >> Commissioner Davis. >> Um yeah, thank you Commissioner Borum. Um what I'd like to add now is this. We're okay. Our city is making it and
I'm gonna just and this is again my perspective but the opportunity I see for us to be a great city running more efficiently and effectively is being hindered by waiting and seeing the
operational audit is absolutely needed. One concern I have, which is why I'm an advocate for having an assistant city manager, is the reason we haven't received the salary review in my opinion, the operational audit, and some
of these other things we're asking because our city manager is doing so much and operating on so many levels, even some levels that are not even appropriate for an administrator in this city. She should not be operating in
certain day-to-day activities that we've had conversations about that she's doing, which is taking her away from the actual job of doing the work of a city manager for our city to be better. We do need an operational audit, but I do not
believe we can wait to get a city manager, I mean, an assistant city manager to do that. We approved a budget and in that budget, if I'm not mistaken, I know I voted for a salary for an
assistant city manager. Now, that was the same logic that was used for us to move forward with a water park. >> Oh, that's the same logic. The logic I
was given and I wasn't here was that we put it in the budget. So there was intent to have it. I know my intent for voting for the budget that we had was for us to get that position and for the reasons I stated and I don't believe we
can continue. Just tonight in this meeting, we're asking the city manager for items we have given direction on months ago. Now I don't know the actual reason why we haven't received them. What I know without doubt is that it is
unacceptable for anything else to be late because timeliness matters when we are looking at the benefit or what's best for our city. While we have I believe we do have good department heads, I think there's opportunity to be
better. So that's my feedback and that's what I'd like for us to consider. And with all due respect to Commissioner Borum and Commissioner Jones, the majority of us on this commission did advocate for
the filling of that position. So I stand by that, too. >> And we're not, and I'm I'm not going to beat a dead horse, but we're not saying we don't want to fill it. I I mentioned the economic impact of the other
position at hundred some thousand dollars uh salary plus benefits. Um and I don't I don't think I think if we have survived
without that position this far, it's not unreasonable to wait. Um but you know and and and it's kind of ironic on some things um this commission let's hurry up and
get it done but on other things we drag our feet and you mentioned about the splash pad the splash pad was about four years ago it wasn't just this budget cycle it it so it didn't happen overnight and matter of fact nothing has happened on that project as
far as groundbreaking yet so um and I don't take that stuff personal that's just that's those are projects This is a matter of when you're talking about when those come into Putham County and they start talking about appropriation uh positions versus accountability, we
all going to have to answer for it. So when you start talking about uh and that's why I asked what would be the task for these positions, you know, what would a you mentioned some things that we probably want to free up the city manager for. Um,
so to me it means we getting less for more cuz we're getting you're getting less responsibility for more money. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me, but I'm glad we bringing it out at in this type of
form so that the folk will understand positions of each commissioner. So it's not and and this is not a bicker deal. It's just everybody's position. So, um, that's mine and I'm I'm done with it. Thank you. >> If I may respond also, uh, Commissioner
Borum did, uh, ask about the status of the engineer and that position. We've had a lot of problems trying to get qualified applicants, but we actually have an interview scheduled for tomorrow. So, we're very hopeful that the position will be filled. And with
the directive received tonight, we will move more assertively with um completing and uh editing those job descriptions and we will be communicating with you. So next uh commission meeting we will have a very good status report. Thank
you. >> Thank you. Any other further discussion on to the financial report? Miss Pier. >> Hello everyone. Here to present the financials for November 30th, 2025. Please note that the annual budget has
been divided equally into 12 periods for the purpose of this presentation. Actual cash flows may not follow this linear pattern of receipt or expenditure. Certain special revenue funds that are not part of the budget processes are excluded from this report. The report
also includes a comparison with the previous fiscal year's results through the same period. This feature will provide the reader with additional insight into all the funds operations. This report represents the completion of 16.66%
of the 2026 fiscal year. General fund revenues year to date are $3,72,981 and that represents 12% of budgeted amounts. General fund expenditures year to date are 2,632,122 that represents 10%. General fund
incumbrances are 1,147,565 and are excluded from expenditures. Encumbrances are a function of the budget used to track and manage future expenditures by reserving funds for specific commitments before they're actually paid. General fund cash and
investments are 18.4 million. Citywide reserves are 18.3%. Palaca's reserve general fund balance is budgeted at 21.6% exceeding best practice guidance by 4.9%. The enterprise funds do not have a
requirement but are still budgeted at 23.3%. Airport fund revenues year-to- date are $268,180 representing 6% of budget amounts. Airport expense year to date are $265,334
representing 6%. ARPA fund revenues expenditures year to date are currently zero. Better Place Plan Fund revenues year-to- date are $524,188. That represents 3% of budget amounts. Better Place Plan Fund expenditures year
to date are $48,978 representing 2% of budget amounts. The golf course fund revenues year-to- date are $11,156 representing 6% of budget amounts. Golf course fund expenses year to date are
$42,527 representing 23% of budget amounts. Sanitation fund revenues year to date are $629,869 representing 15% of budget amounts. Sanitation fund expenses year to date are $388,83
representing 9% of budget amounts. Utility fund revenues year to date are 1,756,56 representing 6% of budget amounts. Utility fund expenses year-to- date are1,728,766 representing 6% of budget amounts. Tax
increment fund revenues year-to- date are $417,137 representing 15% of budget amounts. The TIF expenses year to date are $322,712 representing 11% of budget amounts. And that concludes my report unless you have
any questions or concerns. >> Anybody have any Go ahead, Commissioner Davis. Uh yes, Miss Pierre, are there any areas um in finance that we should be made aware of or anything or does anything stick out to you? Looking for
practical appropriate information? Well, the department has experienced um a number of uh staff shortages where staff has been out sick. um and we're working through that, but um we do have
a plan to address some of the um accounts payable um invoices that are currently outstanding. We're working through that. We've received some assistance from um other our counterparts in other departments that have offered to help um the finance
department. So, shout out to um to those folks. the uh procurement specialist and the executive assistant have um offered their help to um help finance and at one point we had our a temporary person come in before the finance specialist too
position was filled. Um so that position was just filled this week. So that's a that's a great um accomplishment. A shout out to our um HR uh manager, Miss Jones, for helping us get that filled. Do we have adequate I mean adequate
resources in the finance department? That is a concern of mine going forward that maybe we need to look at that. I know it's still all about money and budgeting, but it seems for the money that goes through the city um that I'm not certain we have enough
personnel to manage the situation. >> We're performing an assessment right now and we will bring that back to the commissioners. >> But we've been performing an assessment for quite some time. Well, it's different needs. Uh the assessment that
we did perform earlier was trying to figure out if we had the correct skill set. Uh but in the midst of that, we did have members that no longer were attending properly, uh long illnesses,
and we did address that by bringing in temporary staff. Now, we're starting to catch up. So we will know better within the next maybe 3 weeks or a month. For real, we will understand where we are. So we're not just living through it. We
are addressing it with strategies. >> Anybody else have any additional questions? >> No. Commissioner Davis asked a question that almost alluded to something and kind of had me wondering. Is there something that going on that we need to know about?
only what we've already shared and that was the staff shortage etc. >> Yeah. And and I think the reason I asked the question is because we asked for the financial reports and I appreciate the data. We're getting data and we're
getting these numbers read to us but I think what would be more beneficial is operational, practical information. I think that's that's where really where I was going with it. I'm not sure that this is adding value to read those
numbers. That's where I'm going with it. >> I love that you brought up that point. Thank you. Would would you kindly provide an example of what you're referring to just so that we're on the same page? >> So So perhaps it's just a summary report of um you know this month we had a
percentage of expenditures. We're on track. I I don't know, but I think that's information you guys should be able to provide. But we just need anformational summary here. We're not in the weeds like that at this meeting, and I'm not sure it benefits our cons um
>> our community to hear those numbers like that. >> So, should I just reduce this to one paragraph? Is that >> um I can take it up with I can make a recommendation to the city manager and have her follow up with you. I also think it would be helpful to have if if there is an issue with resources or
other things going on so as we get closer to budget planning we have a better idea of what the needs are and sometimes I think with with just getting numbers and stats we're not getting that we you know to be planful go ahead >> um it would it would come from that one
report that I received that one time that every commissioner received that's the level I think we we need that was a comprehensive um highlight a high level, but it provided all of the uh information as it
relates to every department, how each department was functioning as it related to the percentage of budget that they've spent, what they had, and where they where where they were and statuses on those projects. That's the one that we need to continuously um provide and
that's what I have asked for at least quarterly. But it's been it's been it's been over a quarter since that time. And I have spoken with Miss Cardi uh this this week Tuesday. >> Just to make sure I understand. I emailed you you everyone all the
commissioners the October report that you're referring to. Correct. You you sent it when >> it was October that I um emailed November >> that I emailed uh maybe a week or two weeks ago >> that particular report. Okay.
>> That you requested >> that yeah that report should suffice for a lot of the different things if we could just have that report. So >> so in lie of the written summary I have here we'll we'll talk about it. >> Yes. Thank you.
>> Another question. Go ahead. I >> I've been thinking about Commissioner Jones's question and I want to I want to um this is a question I I want to understand especially starting a new year. I mean
fiscal year obviously and here we are. >> What I really want to understand is are we on track with all of the financial administrative tasks that need to occur? I know we should have had year-end closing. I know that you we get tons of
um invoices to be paid. I want to understand is the finance department to the mayor's question and concern, do we have the right people, the right amount of staff, are we on track for
getting the work done that the city needs? And and I think that's really what I want to understand. Um more >> I think I want to feel better. >> I want to feel confident >> confident about the audit results of an upcoming audit and those kind of issues. And I'm I'm not feeling that confident
right now. And that might just be me, but I I think I would like to know more. I certainly appreciate your concerns and in this public forum wonder if um if we could have a side conversation or something about this rather than in this
kind of a setting. I don't know. I mean I >> there's a how much detail should I go into? I mean >> I can go into the weeds just answering that question, >> but I I think that's a yes or no. We are on track for completing the end of year.
Okay, >> we're good with processing cuz now I'm becoming a little more concerned. Okay, >> but that was my question. I think my question was pretty straightforward. We Okay, so I will say this. We just filled the finance specialist position. We um
as I stated previously, our staff have been calling out anytime someone is out, we don't have the room to fill it, >> but >> that's okay. That's not one. Okay. Yeah, that's not Go. You go ahead. I I guess
I'm still I mentioned the audit. I want to know if we are on track >> to have a clean and successful audit that's coming up soon. Is are every all our expenses covered? >> Yes. Are all our records and documents up to snuff? I mean, I'm concerned about that.
>> So, if I may may I respond at any time? >> Okay. So currently uh we are um finalizing the trial balance for the audit. Uh we're just getting into that more. We are later than we normally do.
Normally, uh, for the years that I operated as finance director, I would try to make sure by December 31, I had a good enough trial balance, but we're only a couple of weeks behind compared to prior years with all of the absenteeisms
and the vacancies. So, uh, that's why I said within the next 3 weeks, we'll know for sure where we are because we finally have staff. So, that's the best I can answer. >> Okay. And there was also an R RFP issued and
and it was closed and there is a committee has that started to happen that's going to review the RFP responses. >> The next step would be a calendar um invite or a proposed calendar for the audit selection committee. So I'll be
sending out >> in place right now. Do we technically >> we have the auditor for this year? Yes. >> Okay. We kept that on contract. Yeah, we did do a one year. >> No, >> you mean for not this year. You're talking about next year. >> Upcoming next year, right?
>> We don't have time. >> Would that clear? No. The RFP for the audit selection committee is for the fiscal year 2627. this current fiscal year 2526 we've already um renewed the additional
added additional year for HCT our current auditor >> I'm yeah I'm aware of that I again it goes by quickly >> and the process needs to be in place go ahead >> so so understand Miss Pierre you asked these questions due to the fact that I
don't know what Miss Davis know about finances miss Davis don't know what I know I I don't know about M what I'm saying about the information that we're receiving from >> from Miss Pierre >> and this is the only I know you don't want it in public but this is the only
time that we could collectively hear the information and give feedback. >> Okay. >> So okay >> uh maybe feel like it's pressure but it is pressure but you we we expect for you to know it. >> So >> I I don't want to repeat but >> you don't want to repeat it. >> I don't know. I can if you if you want
me to. That's >> No, I got I got pointed questions right now. So, I'm I'm >> because I I'm not good at beating around the bush. Okay. >> So, >> I received a phone call
from individual that um we receive some funds I guess out of special funds or whatever they uh the home repair and you guys know um that we allocated funds for people who giving them reimbursement, >> right? >> Affordable housing. affordable housing
out of that and they had problems with their checks that they received. >> When you say problems, can you um problems in terms of >> Did is that what you're saying? >> The checks did not clear.
>> We had Okay. So, we had um positive pay that was implemented a few months ago. Um we the positive pay function is designed to prevent fraud. Um the way it
works is we would upload a file into the bank website. If the file has a list of all of our checks, if the if a check is not part of the file that we upload into the bank website, then it the check will
be flagged and some a member of the team of the finance team would have to approve that check to ensure that it is a valid check and that it can be cashed. Th this is positive pay is a normal function of um finance. It's part of
what are what we call accounts payable function. Um and the issue we had there were about seven checks um total that were issued um but were not part of the file that was uploaded to the bank
website. The bank happened to be open on um December 24th which was a holiday for the city. So when those checks that were not part of the file that was uploaded did not clear they um the it
automatically and this is to prevent fraud. Um if we don't respond reply back if there was no personnel on staff that day because we were closed on the 24th then the checks will be automatically denied. So it's not that we don't have
funds in the account. It's just that that's a a feature um part of the positive pay function that will um deny a check if one if our personnel this is a function we do every day. Um one of the team members will go into the bank
website upload or look at the uh the list of exceptions what we call exceptions. Um the checks that get flagged that for whatever reason the system it doesn't recognize it. It could have been uploaded in the file, but for some reason there the name does isn't
right or the amount isn't right or the system just flags it and a human being has to go in the system and approve the check. And if that doesn't happen by said time, I believe uh 2:00 p.m. or 3 p.m. then the check will automatically be denied and the person will not be
able to cash or even if they take it to the bank, they'll get it. It'll be it'll look like insufficient funds, but truly it's not. It's just a feature that we implemented um a few months back and it just happened to be that that that day
December 24th we did not have we were not here in office but we have since prevent um put in preventative measures to make sure that that does not happen again. We we we've um looked at the the holiday schedule for the city versus the
holiday schedule for the bank to ensure that that that doesn't happen again. and we have reminders in our calendar to make sure that doesn't happen. So, I hope that was clear. >> Hope that that's the solution and it works. >> Okay. But before we move on, I have a
comment. as as in this commission seat I was told about I was called about the individuals >> but then we had a partner that we do business with and I didn't hear I didn't get any of that from the city and I
would like to been made aware of that that one of our business partners did not receive and it wasn't a small check okay and that's embarrassing first of Second of all, if we are
taking off for the holidays, madame mayor, getting off early, those things need to be taken care of before anybody leave. >> That should not happen again. Period. >> And and and you could talk about the
holidays, the 24th, what if we knew it, why didn't we take care of it? That's the thing I think someone said. It's the skill versus the will to come to work. It's the skill. You're taking care of what we need to do. And that I mean I can't say it any other way because it is
embarrassing to get a call and you don't know how these folk were planning their Christmas based on receiving those funds. And so they went through a hardship and I don't know if any other commissioner got >> I did get a call that was actually
>> from the county for the same issue that >> so if we can't and I'm sorry I have to come out in this forum each >> but we can't talk any other time. So I don't know what another commissioner knows because we don't have that kind of communication. >> Okay. I do apologize um for this
situation that happened. Um, and I will say that each payee was contacted either via email, via phone call to let them know that the check would not clear and that they were being reissued a check. So, if they if the contact information
that we had on file was not up to date, then they and maybe the the we can look at updating their contact information. But I personally went and made sure to call all the phone numbers that we had on file and send an email to each um
payee to ensure that they were made aware that um the the checks did not um would not clear and that we were reissuing a check because of this function of positive pay. And just to understand the way it works is every every day we go in and every morning we
we get that email from the bank with any exceptions for checks. So it's a everyday function where we go in and we have until first thing in the morning until 2:00 p.m. And it's and if it's a day that we're not here, we will still
we're now understanding we still have to put reminders in our phone and if we can do it at home or whatever we have to do, we'll make that happen. And I do apologize that we um we we did I did not I take full responsibility. I did not go in and and do that and I do apologize
and I did communicate with all the payes just to ensure that you know to let them know that we were reissuing the check. >> Thank you. >> Thank you for the explanation. >> Sure. No problem. >> Anything else? Thank you, Miss Pierre. Could we change make that a policy
>> prior to >> and that department supervisor cannot leave you know be screwed but for the holiday until we're sure that that's been >> right matter of fact those are the conversations we did actually have >> that's why she's prepared
>> um on to public comments which are limited to three minutes these are public comments related not related to items not specific on the agenda please give your name and city or town of residence I do have a few cards first. Miss Shanka,
>> good evening and happy new year. Um, I'm Shelley Shanker. I live in East Palaca. Um, but I work here at the um at the Lammer Art Center thanks to all of you. Um, and I just wanted to let you know it's been a quarter basically since the
LMER was taken over by the new group um that is managing it and the changes that we've seen and I and I know the mayor has come over, but I haven't seen the rest of you. Um, but I'd like to invite you. We're really excited about the
cleanup that has happened over there and the programming that has happened. Um we have new things on the calendar that are super exciting. They include concerts and workshops um with children, with parents. Um we have yoga going on over
there. We had somebody come in today who wants to teach um to do a sound bowl healing session. Um the concerts that are coming on um are 10 concerts throughout the year. um we have um a songwriters uh group
that's coming in. So, I'm just super excited and thankful um that you put that you entrusted that beautiful building and the arts to the new group and just wanted to let you know that we have received a lot of great feedback and we're excited about the future of
the arts in PALA. Thank you. >> Thank you, U Miss Duke. Picky Duke um Palaka, Florida. First, I want to say I've looked at our playground at the riverfront and it is beautiful and um it's something we all
can be very proud of and um I think it speaks well for us. I I would like a couple of more picnic tables that aren't inside the fence of the playground for those of us that want to bring a a picnic lunch and don't want to look like
we're some kind of perverts. And we did bring >> we didn't bring children with us. So to have a couple of picnic tables that were for those that want to just sit down and eat their lunch um would be nice. Just a couple. Um, the other thing was I was
with the Paka Art League at the Jingle Jam and um, we did our um, craft tables and that was um, fun. And um, but I I was ill, but I did wear my mask and work. The doctor said if I could stand
up that long, go for it. So I was there for about 2 and 1/2 hours. We didn't have the volume of children as we thought we would have, but um it was nice. It was um I think we discovered
that where we're located, we were right across from the stage. It was pretty loud, so it was hard for us to talk to the children and instruct them as to what we were doing. So maybe we'll go to a different location, still be there,
but be a little further away from the speakers. Um, but the I did have one I had one concern and I had a couple of other adults mention to me about um this
was a familyoriented um event and um and it was attended by families and I had I did have at least two mothers that came up and said we can't stay because it's so loud the
children's ears are hurting and they left. Um I know there just has those kind of things are just the way it is. But um some of the music that was played before I left,
they used the F word in their music. That was not appropriate. And now when the choice of adult music when you're having the beer walk or the wine walk, that's a different story. But this was a familybased
event. Thank sometimes music gets slipped in there that you don't realize those words were even in the music, but I would like to see that addressed and not happen again. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Is there anybody else here for public comment, Miss Kitchens? >> Please don't applaud. Thank you though. Allegi Kitchens, Palaca, Florida. I've sat here for two hours and listen to uh questions about personnel and finance.
And fascinating as it is, and it is very important. I would like to suggest that you all hold a workshop as soon as possible to uh discuss in detail what's going on with the finance department. Uh I've heard about let's call it what it is. The checks bounced and uh it's bad
enough for individuals but when a check to Putnham County bounces that looks even worse to for this city. It doesn't matter what the reason was. It happened. Reason doesn't matter. If I get stabbed it doesn't matter how I got stabbed. I got stabbed. So I would like to see a workshop the city commission hold a
workshop as soon as possible sometime in January. Go into all this stuff about employee relations, the finance department. maybe two or three different workshops, but one for the finance department going to detail and I like the idea of what several of you ask. It's fascinating hearing all the million
of dollars budgets, but let's hear little stuff. How many bills have been unpaid? How many bills have been paid? How many checks have come back? Let's get a little few details, not minute, but just a couple of paragraphs saying exactly what's going on in the day-to-day stuff like you and I deal with in our bank accounts. And of course
the other thing is as far as policy and uh all that kind of stuff I would like to see a workshop on that where you all discuss policy. You all have many many uh viable questions about various things with the city manager, the assistant city manager. I think we need to have a workshop on that so the public you all can discuss it and we can be part of it
also. I think that's very important. So I appreciate it. But please let's have some workshops and kind of tone down these two-hour discussions. I'm going to have to leave before I get to the main object, I think. But thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody else here for public comments? No. Yeah, that's for specific
agenda item, but anything for general public comments? >> I think the the lady in the >> Oh, she was on a specific home. Okay. >> Yes. Yes, it was the spec. >> It's only a No, we've passed it. So, it's a public comment.
>> Where is that card? I don't think I got it. >> No, I know you turn. Is it down there? I mean, I didn't get it. I guess hand it over to me. That's why. Um, Miss Creech, I didn't get it. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very
much. >> Goodness. Hi, everybody. >> Hi. Could you give us your name, please, just for the record? >> Thank you, >> Madame Mayor. Nice to see you. I had a lot of little notes, but I typically I came here specifically to speak on not
homelessness, but vacancy. I have the little building right at the river, as most of y'all know. I've been trying to sell it for a year and a half. Um there's been certain small
governances allowed to uh the church to allow uh illegal activities to happen right up against my building because I don't own that dirt around me. I own the dirt in the middle. So I can only trespass
people when they're on my dirt. But I have witnessed epidermic needles, use condoms, sex under the trees, um prostitution out of a car, all the men would go in the car, then they'd walk the little dog. Um
just before you actually trespass and I I called many times trying to reach you, but I I guess I got your assistant. I don't know. I don't know who I spoke to. Yeah. um to discuss trespassing these people
uh because what they're doing and we all know uh House Bill 1365 passed. It is illegal to have permanent encampments uh and such things that are going on around my building that the church is allowing to happen. And I do understand
and truly understand there are homeless people who definitely need mental help and housing and our compassion. But what I have just witnessed in the last six weeks is nothing but criminals and
having criminal activities with nobody doing anything about it. Now, when I have to holster up to shampoo my client because my clients are afraid to even walk out because open prostitution and condoms are all on your public sidewalks, I got a problem.
So, I have learned a lot tonight that you guys genuinely don't really know each other. Um, so for that, I thank her for saying maybe y'all should committee together because I mean, correct me if I'm incorrect. Okay. Do y'all know each
other very well? Do you That's incorrect. Each other is incorrect. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Because So, well, it seems like that y'all I just need help. Okay. We need help. And I I'm
glad to hear that everybody's knows each other, but this is a decades decades decadesl long. It's a decadesl long issue that has never been resolved.
Vagrance and homelessness has been going on before your administration and it's going to continue unless I would like to hear what you guys >> and I don't want to be rude but it's a three minute period of time to speak.
Thank Well, could we have something out for the public because um I need something to be happening more than what's >> we do provide responses after everybody comes up public comment. Thank you though very much. Anybody else here for general item public comment? Come on up,
Miss Votes. >> It's fine. Just that would be fine. >> Good evening. My name is Patty Vote. I live at 220 South Fourth Street, which is right off of Laurel and Fourth and where the dock is. Um, I would like to say that I have sat here for almost 3
hours. And prior to that, um, no one has all the all the time that's been given in reference to the homeless shelter and the committees and and so on, no one notified the homeowners. I'm
a homeowner. I live in the downtown. I'm in the commercial district. Nobody told me that was going on. I had to find that out myself from visuals. My property values. I haven't been able to sell my house for four years. This is just making it worse. I have five empty
houses around my property for the homeless. But I don't see any concern for the taxpayers. I am homesteaded. I have lived in the city of Palaca for 30 years in all the historic districts and no one
is concerned about me and my house and my safety and my property values and and all the work that we have put in and all the other homeowners that live there in that area. No one asked us how we felt about it. Are we okay with it? I have
nothing against helping homeless people, but it is not appropriate to have it. And then we have a CRA to eliminate blight and you bring you import blight in. It's been import you're importing it in and it doesn't make any sense. And I
I feel I'm a taxpayer. I pay fire tax. I pay county tax. Um you're giving money and doing these things. And nobody ever notified us. When you do a driveway at your house, there's a yellow sign. It's posted for everybody to know if they
have any problems with it. Nobody posted anything. Nobody notified anybody. So, I mean, what do what am I supposed to do as a taxpayer? I don't see the concern for the homeowners and the residents and and we are the people who vote you in.
And you are supposed to always do what's in the best interest for the city and the residents of Palaca. I'm a resident. I'm a homeowner. I'm homesteaded and so are most of all the other houses around me. And we are terribly affected by this. And I don't
see anybody having any interest who has any power being said or done for any of us. I started the petition and I did do the first code enforcement because I went through the processes hoping that something would be done and now I come
and I found out there's more stuff going on that I'm even aware of. What about me? What about all the your voters, your homesteaded people, the citizens? 30 years. What about us? What about your
merchants and their businesses? They're the ones that elect you and we're the ones that pay. I wish you would look into this. It's a a big concern. Thank you for your time. >> Anybody else here for public comment on
general items? Miss Garris? Thank you. >> I wasn't going to speak on this issue, but I must. Um Pam Garris, I'd live in the city of Palaca. Um I was born in the city of Pala. I never thought I'd see the things
happening that are happening here. We're all compassionate people. We don't like to see people suffer there. There's a time and place for everything and there are two sides to every story. Patty touched on everything.
The the citizens and the homeowners who are paying the taxes in this city have the right to feel safe and that their welfare is taken into consideration. So the appropriate thing needs to be
done is to if this money comes out of heaven for a homeless shelter that it be located in an appropriate place. I really don't knowing what I know I really don't see how Pala and Putnham County can get enough money to run a
shelter if somebody blessed us with a million-doll property. It costs a lot of money to maintain the services these people need. Oh yeah, these people are coming from Gainesville, but the money they promise is mostly for
salaries. Things cost way more than we ideally realize. We've had a stabbing here a year ago. Um, someone murdered somebody. They were homeless people. Nobody wants to say that, but they were.
We have a a playground. There are pedophiles amongst a lot of these people or they're just not right mentally and they may harm a child or an adult. I feel for Miss Creech. She should have the right that she can sell
her property and not have these nefarious activities going on by her property. And there should be a policy and this city should enact one that homeless people who are urinating, defecating and copulating
downtown on St. John's Avenue should be moved out of the city. They do not have the right to be here. They don't pay taxes. Let's address their needs somewhere else out of the city. Okay.
>> Thank you. Anybody else here for Please hold the applause. I appreciate it, but please hold them close. Anybody else here for public comment? Seeing none, we'll close public comment. Well, let us respond, >> please. >> Maybe I'm a little bit confused, but
addressing the homeless population is a part of making a determination what's best for our community. If you all have brought the concerns to us, we now have the ability or we have the we can have the necessary conversations. And I want
to address and I think it was Miss Creech when you stated we don't know each other. We're only allowed we operate under the sunshine law. So we're not allowed to have any conversations outside of these chambers that could possibly come before the commission. So
when it sounds as if we are not on the same page, this allows us to become on the same page because we're in this forum and it's a public meeting. So it's not that we don't know each other, we clashing with each other. It's the only
opportunity that we have to talk about what comes before us. So with you bringing your issues to us, we now have the ability to act on to see what we can do to assist you outside of this form. You would have to speak to us one on one
because we can't talk about anything that comes before the commission or could possibly come before the commission to for a vote. So I just wanted to clear that up. We've worked with each other for quite some time, but again, a lot of the stuff we're not able to address until we get into our
meetings legally. >> No, no, no. We can't do the given. I'm sorry. >> And no, that's why I wanted to make sure that that because I didn't want you to leave with the notion that we don't know each other, but there's certain protocols that's governed by the
state of Florida that we have to adhere to. And so this is the form that we're able to so Commissioner Jones, how did you get this information or do you know information commission mayor? So this is that's why it's kind of built like that. It it's nothing against any one of us
that sit up here don't know each other. We're only allowed to address certain things in certain by protocol. >> Go ahead, Commissioner D. No, we can't have the We don't do the give and take. We're going to try to respond to your concerns, but we can't do this
>> exchange. Go ahead, Commissioner Borum. >> Yes. Uh I I agree with uh Commissioner Campbell to a degree. I think we we can have um >> workshops or uh state meetings or whatever as it relates to hearing hearing uh community input. I mean, but
if there's more than one commissioner that attends, then we don't get engaged in terms of u positioning oursel to say what our position would be as it relates to the topic of the discussion that may come before us for a vote, you know. So,
we we would have to kind of have that kind of conversation with hearing the community concerns. So that could be a forum I think that uh we could set up. Um um cor correct I ask the city attorney is that correct?
>> And we have had multiple workshops on this. Um there is the legislation that passed the last legislative session with respect to public camping but that's only on public property. What we heard this evening is private property. that
private property owner, which I believe would be the church next to you, has to be the one to contact the police department to have them trespass. We have no ability to trespass on private property. >> And so, yeah, I was going to have the chief. Yeah. So, yeah. Again, so that
that's something that's outside of uh our control as it relate relates to that. But again, if it's in a public space, that's where we have a little bit more uh leverage. So, >> but and I I agree and I think again
perhaps and and I'm not saying gang up, but maybe people should be talking to the church and raising their concerns to the minister about the impact it's having on your business or on your residence depending what the situation is. Again, as Commissioner Bum said and
Attorney West, we legally have no jurisdiction on that property as private property, just like we couldn't go on your property and tell you what to do if you had somebody camping there. Yeah, I know it's difficult, but it's difficult for us as well. We also live in the
city. We also pay taxes and live in those neighborhoods. So, we're trying to grapple with it as you are all doing. And one of the reasons why we're supporting these agencies to provide programs and wraparound services is to get the homeless out of these situations
and out of congregating downtown or near your neighborhood. So go ahead, commission. >> Anything else? >> Uh the chief is like a couple of people down from you. I think if you contact the police department and share your
concerns >> and and and and we have added additional um police resources down in that area and I think that we can do some extra patrolling or something like that per request. If they are if they are doing
prostitution in open air and you can see it, you can do something. You can do something. If they're doing acts that's immoral, police can do something. >> They were at back in and they're all at the river.
>> Well, the riverfront is public for everybody. But but that is a law enforcement issue. Um and and and that's what I want to refer you to. So I don't want you to leave here without doubts on direction. That's the direction I'll give you.
>> Commissioner, >> this has become we're not supposed to do this back and forth. >> But we can't we can't do this. Answer. Nope. >> Then >> I I at this point I kind of disagree. I
feel as if we have citizens who have concerns who does not know the necessary protocol of our meetings that we should take those kind of things in consideration. This is with regards to business owners and I get it. I get it. I get it. But a lot of times when people
come for these meetings they are not familiar with the protocol that has been established. And so if we are going to engage, let's be mindful of those things. >> We are and I think that we should stay with protocol that has already been set.
>> So explain it instead of saying no. Give her to do that. >> So yeah, cuz y'all it's just no no like we're giving an exchange of conversation. I was trying to halt that for a minute. So public comment is the opportunity to do that. We did close public comment. After
public comment, we give our responses as best as we can and provide information about the issues or concerns you raised, but we can't have we can't have >> we can't have that back and forth dialogue. Um, yeah, because it no, if we
stop, unfortunately, if you make stop making exceptions, exceptions become the rules. >> I'm not saying it's not. And I think the suggestion was perhaps a workshop or something so everybody can come up and speak to that. Miss Miss Garris, please that we should schedule a workshop
because obviously this is an area of concern not just the fact that services don't exist but the impact the lack of services and the people that are on home are having on our community whether it's business or residential. >> We we can talk about that right now
please. Thank you. Go ahead. You want to say one more thing? Then we'll talk specifically about that. >> Just one last thing. It's not like the city is not doing anything about it. I mean, the city is very committed to helping to remove blight among everything else. We've committed, we put
$200,000 in our budget for homelessness. We also have funds again in ARPA. Right now, we don't have the full capacity to go out and just spend enough money to be able to pay for a whole um building,
multi-million dollar building with and provide the services. It we just don't have that. We so we're doing things in conjunction with working with other other agencies, but we the 200,000 plus the other monies in the ARPA plus other agencies. So, we're trying to do the
very very best that we can and we're going to address those things and we want to set up a workshop so that we can hear your concerns and so we can continue to help provide solutions. It's not going to be the city of Palaka that be able to solve this whole problem. Is
more complex than we we we can we we can um is more complex than we we we know. So, it's going to take every agency, this city of Palaca, the county, business owners, homeowners, we can we can all make sure that we collectively work together to help solve this problem
with homelessness. >> Okay. With that said, there was definitely a request for scheduling a workshop to discuss this issue. And so if we can kind of come up with some potential dates, we've obviously talked about several workshops now, but this seems to be they're all pressing, but
this certainly has risen to the top. So are we looking what are we looking at? Possibly >> fe in February perhaps. >> I'm sorry. >> Maybe in February >> um >> from March. >> We can't definitely know next week is out, but we have the last two weeks of
January potentially. >> Think we going to be in That's right. We got legislative days and well county days in January. >> Uh >> are we talking February? When are we talking? >> We need to have some time to
what we trying to accomplish before we do that. We just asked that group that was here to collaborate, right? >> We invite all of those groups and they have we have a discussion almost like a town hall. So safe as possible,
>> right? We got to come to wait >> announce it once it's scheduled and we will try to schedule as soon as possible to to clarify and per this discussion that we have to we are going to Tallahassee to advocate for funding for the city um to the legislature. It's
that time of year. So that is why there's not a lot of availability. Go ahead. >> Right. And when we go up there, we would like to have you guys to come help us advocate for the the the the need to address our homelessness issue because how of how it's impacting you and your
business and your in your in your um in your communities. So if you if you can coales with the the city to help go up and advocate, we could probably make make some >> to your representatives. I mean, it's difficult for people to all go to Tallahassee, but I >> together with me, we can all go up.
That's how you normally make things out. >> Can I just ask Can I just say when you >> No, we we can't keep doing this. I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. >> And how much money
that got for homelessness? >> Please, ma'am. >> On to the consent agenda. Are we ready to go on to the consent agenda, please? Okay. Is there any items to be pulled from the consent agenda? I wanted to pull item F to just get a
little more information. I did read about it, but I'd like a little more clarification. So, item F. >> Does anybody else have any other items to pull? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Do we have a motion? >> Motion to approve items A through E.
Pulling F for discussion. >> Second. >> We have a motion. Second. All in favor? >> I >> Any opposition? >> Thank you. Um Mr. Curry, um I looked at it and didn't know if like the full comm I saw
some reference to branding different neighborhoods and the city has a brand package as well and I was just confused by that and whether those neighborhoods were included in the discussion, one of them being my neighborhood. So I was just curious about Well, I guess the
word Brandon, do we need to lead into this? Eddie Cutright, the community affairs director, uh, 1900 Napoleon Street. Um, the maybe some words in the street plan that we had for the community affairs recreation department. I know in the original
package is saying for the city of PLA and it's not for the city of Palaca. It's just for the recreation department. And what we're trying to do is get accredited in 2027. So we putting a plan in place that we can start walking that line of for strategic planning. So when they come do our inspection, we'll have
those things in place that we need to be ready for for that inspection 2027. Now the rebranding, it was more or less just rebringing the energy back to the neighborhoods. Not maybe branding and changing the name of the neighborhood, but bringing the passion, bringing the
energy, bringing the livelihood that I've heard that area used to be back in way back then when when y'all was kids. Uh, so what we're trying to do is that maybe rebranding might not be the word and we can we can change words to help you. That's why when I sent this package a couple weeks ago, I want some
feedback. So if the words weren't right, we could change it. But we're just trying to revitalize that community over there. And we're trying to revitalize the city of Palaca, but we're taking the elephant approach one bite at a time. And right now we going to start with our backyard which is that community area
where we house and then next we'll move to next areas and areas we the approach is to hit every piece of the city of Palaka but you got to start somewhere first and I said let's start in our backyards. >> Okay, I appreciate that clarification because that wasn't clear in the
document and that was seemed to be AI generated. Yeah, it was it was a scribblers error uh by my and I'm I'm going to take the hit on my part because I should have caught it but we caught it and we thought we had changed it but when they when I seen the the publication I know hadn't went wouldn't make it through.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Any >> any other questions? >> No, just I mean I think um any anytime we have um communication I don't know we need to have our pio to maybe kind of overlook and see it maybe. I don't know if that'll be the proper thing to do
before it goes out from the city. Would that be appropriate? Maybe. >> Okay. So, I just at least make a recommendation towards that. >> Yeah, I agree with the mayor about the plan for the city. they need to be
threaded as well as the branding because uh we just spent a whole lot of money for someone to do that for us and it's not a separate entity. It's actually the entire city of Paka. So I don't think that we should be sending
out stuff and it look different from uniformity. I'll say that I think we need uniformity all of our stuff. So it shouldn't be a branch off away from what the city is. >> I'm going to jump in. I'm gonna jump in maybe because I've been going to the meeting so I knew of the intent um maybe
the wording but I know of the intent because I've attended the various meetings that have been hosted over at the center and again it's to not to redevelop anything. It's to again as Mr. cut right stated to bring life back into
those areas because there are several individuals from our community who are very well respected that was referencing certain areas as this that and the third and if you are not from those areas or grew up in that time you would have no
one knows what New Town is no one knows what those different things is so that's what the reference is is to bring the identity back into those various neighborhoods that once existed Did >> I Yeah, I understand. And I did go to the meetings. I just think the document
itself is not clear. I'm not I don't have an issue with the concept. >> No, no, no. I just wanted to put that out. I didn't want the the intent I understood what you were saying, but I just wanted to make sure that >> it was properly communicated >> as it was put out. >> And so with that, does anybody want to
make a motion to approve? I'm not comfortable with the book. >> Motion. Motion to approve. >> So no, >> I have a question. So I'll second for question. Are we approving just to move forward or are we asking them to bring us back something that's a little bit >> That's why I'm asking the resolution is
granting approval. >> Bring something back after. We're going to work with our PIO to make sure that um that individual is involved with before things go back out to the public. >> So, we're not approving the resolution. We're approving >> Well, we're approving with the
condition. >> No, >> no, we can't do that. we can't >> if there's a if there's something that is not agreed upon there's no need to >> the resolution >> approve the resolution. So that's why I wanted to make sure that >> the
um we'll bring it back with the uh branding and so forth the address that's so >> rephrasing word smithing a bit there. Okay. Thank you. Um does anybody want to >> I think we're all set if you bring us back.
>> Yes. I mean, so you're saying we we're going to bring it back with different guidance of it or you just want some different wording of the intent that we're trying to do. >> What what I heard is working with our PIO to ensure consistency with the city's overall plan. >> Okay, that's
>> and and review it is what I think we're saying. >> You can't move forward because the plan is not yet done and I ask that question as far as branding. So, how can you move forward with one thing when the other thing is not done? Oh, let me let me be clear. I didn't
mean branding. What I just meant in terms of the PIO with expertise in supporting the work that they're trying to do to make this >> strategic plan for community >> the strategic plan for the community center is what I this document we got I
think was a strategic plan, right? >> In order for them to move forward with their >> Well, I think branding was the wrong word. What I'm saying, yes, if I use the word branding, that's not what I meant. I meant the strategic plan to ensure that it's consistent with the where the
city's going in general, not just branding. >> I would definitely we will bring go back to the drawing board. We will make sure Miss Gr's involved in things. I'm just going to leave it there. We'll make sure she involved in everything and I will make sure I have a vet it again
through Miss Cardi and then we'll send it up y'all for y'all approval before we bring it back to the table. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Thank you. I'm sure nobody wants to take a recess. I'm guessing that um on to regular business direction discussion airport advisory board. Miss Cotty.
>> Uh yes. Um I'm the airport manager is also here, but >> we did receive um we voted on this and saw this back in July. Um and we just wanted to know should we start back uh starting the meetings with the airport
advisory board. It is actually a sever member board and currently we have two members and we wanted to start scheduling the meetings again. So we just wanted feedback. >> I thought we voted to dissolve that. >> No. >> Well, they quit on us. So
>> only uh not they out of seven there were five that resigned for various reasons and there are two that are still there. So we have not in my mind received specific guidance about what are we doing with the airport advisory board.
As far as I understand, the board is there, but we have not had any meetings. >> Plus, we designated specific feats and that wasn't in place before and it wasn't even in the charter. This board didn't exist. So, that's why we changed that. But yet, with the concept of
moving forward, go ahead, commissioner. >> That's what I was going to say. I I guess I was going to say we the decisions we made I don't know why we would need some additional direction for this advisory board if we have voted on
what should occur and we clarify the roles I believe of the am I >> staff was still slightly confused I just wanted I want confirmation so >> I think it's just a matter of scheduling the meeting and I would like to start scheduling the meeting
>> I'm going to say this and it may not be popular and I've said it in previous meetings where you lack understanding if there is any lack of understanding let's address it at the time that there could potentially be the misinterpretation of
what comes from the days because a lot of things have been coming back to us and I see another thing with the glass lamps we and we'll talk about that once we get to it but a lot of things come back to us that doesn't need to come
back to us that we had thorough conversation about that it was the intent that when we left and I oftent times say do you understand or if there's anything else that we need to clarify so let's do a better job
holistically as when we give direction the initial time that if there is any question that those questions try to be asked at that time and not come back to us because there's nothing different that's going to come from tonight that we haven't already discussed. >> Okay. So, as it relates to the airport
advisory board, we will start scheduling the meetings. Okay. >> Um, could I go ahead >> while the airport manager is here? Um, and he had dealt with the
advisory board firstand. Mhm. >> I would like to know what is the role of the airport advisory committee and is it actually needed because we I I remember distinctively we had the conversation up
here about it wasn't in the charter so they were existing basically not legally. So could you kind of give us a refresher? Could we have him? I'm asking you. I'm sorry. give us a refresher of where we
at and the need we talking about needs assessment and maybe we'll talk about this for these auxiliary boards and I think getting the feedback from Mr. McNair will be instrumental. >> You will McNair airport manager for
black municipal airport. Um so the question is is there a need? So we've had this conversation a number of times since I've been here. Um and I will tell you different communities
view it differently. You know if you look at the majority advisory boards are not in place. Uh a lot of them are set up for as needed basis. So if you got a big initiative going on you know communities will get a
group of selected folks business leaders. Uh some may have aviation knowledge some may not. uh that's not a requirement. Uh and chime in. But what you have here, you have a board that meets at one time just as much as
you guys were meeting. It it was it was get out of a city commission meeting and it's prepping up trying to get, you know, advisory board set up. Um my experience with this board, uh candidly speaking, the last two meetings
were not exactly good. Okay. So, I'm gonna be candid with you. I I think everybody sitting in this room will will acknowledge that um I don't know the history on having a board here. Uh Palaka is not that big of a city to have
the different layers. You you're not having a whole lot of um Jacksonville International construction activity and changes and and initiatives going on. So you have a very active commission
um and then you have a city manager in place and then therefore manager obviously reports to the city manager having another layer and this is purely from an observation of the board that was in place here. It was airport manager reporting to the city
manager uh then you had the advisory board then the city commissioners. So, it just seemed like there was unclear roles in place. Uh, and you know, for me, I I've been doing this 28 years, so
I'm not sure about the predecessor, but my my world is airport management. So, um, I don't mind advisory boards. Um, I think it's helpful. Uh I think when you have an opportunity to uh bring in folks
as needed basis um you know I think that's that's a good way to do it sometimes. Um but do I and can I honestly say you have a need for it um at that level? No. I I
can't. But you have to make that decision. Um you know I have been active with each one of you guys. Um, I extend tours. I want to make sure every initiative that is coming out there and being constructed on airport property,
you know, exactly what that is. Uh, so, you know, it's a matter of of of your preference. uh if you do see a need, you know, I would recommend, you know, quarterly meetings versus meeting every
month >> because you just don't have that type of need. I can't answer that question. >> Was it prescribed that it was going to happen monthly or would we be doing it quarterly? It's a question. I I don't remember to be honest with you. I think
u in the past during the time I attended they were doing it actually they were doing it monthly but that but I agree with their point talking >> that going forward that if you know because now it's in place it's legal and
all of that I I would suggest quarterly. So I have a question with regards to the what we voted on the role of the advisory board, the two members that we have. It still would
lack a quorum, >> right? >> So nothing official could happen until you at least get >> recruit two more members. And that's why I'm I'm just trying to make sense of it. >> Nothing official happens anyway because
it's an advisory board. Um so they can still have a meeting. Uh at the end of the day, they're they're not passing resolutions or ordinances or or taking action. They they make recommend >> recommendations. That's what they >> Go ahead, Commissioner Davis.
>> Sorry. I'd like to clarify when we addressed this before we it it's not in the um current charter. Correct. Now, we voted to do what? >> You adopted an ordinance and I I believe
the just pulled. >> She did. Okay. Thank you. Okay. So, since we adopted an ordinance, we do need to keep this advisory board at this point. >> Okay. Got it. Um Okay. Thanks. And >> this is a good example what commissioner
camel was talking about when we bring it up. It would have been good to get that feedback from an airport manager at that time to discuss the need because we approved something but to discuss the need uh how his working relationship is with
this particular board or any board and then their role their role is to maybe tell us what he said that. So I understand about the second layer, the manager going to talk to the city manager who come to us. So we just
adding a different layer to communicate the same >> information basically because they don't have any power, >> right? But I think part of it was getting the community a representation from the community involved and being transparent. um they are there like any
other board that we have in the city to make recommendations not to dictate policy or make any changes and I think it was under the same concept as any other board we have and as the airport grows and the city grows it was again to get community involvement. I thought we
did have Mr. McNe come up and talk about this prior to approval. >> Maybe I'm missing something. >> Not able to talk about a lot of stuff around that time. >> I didn't hear that. Go ahead. Commission. You're mumbling. >> They're mumbling.
>> He was not allowed around time to have a lot of candid conversations with regards to >> that. So I would >> if you would have had a conversation with him outside of that >> you maybe would have. But >> I did and I think that the the other
board and I appreciate their volunteering, but they had taken on a role that they thought they had more authority than probably they did. Go ahead. >> Yeah, I I I agree with the other with Commissioner Campbell. The opportunity to get the direct feedback needed the
opportunity was not available. But what I would like to say to and just remind us, we have an opportunity since the charter is being reviewed to consider this at that time. Thanks. >> Hey, go ahead, Commissioner B.
>> And getting back to the um things as it relates to meetings uh and what the commission give direct directions um to or for. Um I had asked a while back to make sure that we have a action
register. So that means that whatever we give direction to or for that it is recorded and we have a after the meeting uh understanding of what is expected or
going forward so that things don't fall off the um >> the radar or whatever. So that action action register is going to capture everything and you know we and it stays there until the things get done. That's how we continuously miss miss things.
So, uh, that's my recommendation that that we kind of continue to stay with that. We had something along the lines as to what we want coming from these meetings and we need a recap coming from this meeting to say, hey, this is what
uh I understood in the meeting and it could be uh something that we're not caught with months later or weeks later. So, that's just a suggestion. >> So, so mayor, I guess the question is what's the recommendation? what I hear us saying at this point since we have
this advisory board that they meet quarterly >> and and that's what I was suggesting. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Can we just do it at the discretion of the airport manager because he did state that >> there may be times where a meeting is warranted that if they meet quarterly
and we ran into that with the CRA that's why we made the recommendation. >> Yeah, that's fine. >> I agree with agree with Commissioner >> agree with that >> because I've also spoken with the airport manager as well. So >> as needed. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Thank you, M.
>> Direction, discussion, city commission performance evaluation of the city manager. >> I believe that's Thank you. Um, I did reach out to the Florida League of Cities and a couple of other cities and
the the general process where for a commission um evaluating the city manager is for the commission to have the same evaluation tool for each commissioner to evaluate the city
manager. It is recommended or suggested that the city manager I'm sorry that the um commissioner meet with the city manager individually if so desired. So what I found is that was not necessarily
the case to discuss and that the information from each commissioner is sent to human resources to compile into one evaluation document. Um, another option was that the chair of the
commission or in our case the mayor um had that job. That was not very often. I'm just saying. But the majority did what I outlined before, which is really the direction in which we were going. So, I did find that's the standard
process. Um, one of the things I think we're missing is, um, I did kind of jot down on something that I thought would be valuable to us is when we get the tool that instructions are included. Um, and
one example is that this form shall be completed by each member of the commission to evaluate the city manager's performance during the evaluation period. Each member of the board shall sign at the end of the form and forward it to the human resources manager. And again, just clear direction
so we're all on the same page. It's documented and a a timeline. Um, one timeline I saw, and I'm not holding to the months that it says, but it was very clear. And in this example that I thought was a good um example is that
the timeline was at the first regularly scheduled meeting in October. The manager presents the annual report to com um I'm sorry the annual document to the commission. The chairman I'm sorry um no that we get the evaluation for I'm
sorry the first regular schedule meeting in October in this instance. The second regularly scheduled meeting in October is the deadline for completion of the evaluation form and commissioners um are encouraged to meet with the manager to
discuss the evaluation and at the first regular schedule meeting in November the compilation of the manager's evaluation um and any recommendations are presented for ratification to the
commission. Thank you. >> So, sounds like we're on the right path. We just need to document it, move forward accordingly, and determine our schedule. I do recognize that what we're doing now is the post um
probationary period, I'll call it, um evaluation and and post what we're doing. So, >> thank you. We also asked HR to reach out to the county to see about how they their process for evaluating the county administrator, Miss Jones.
Madame Mayor, commissioners, um I actually um spoke with four different surrounding counties. U Green Well, Green Cove, I sent emails. I didn't get a respond back from them. I also spoke with the human resource director at the county. They do not do um county commissioner evaluations,
>> county administrator evaluations. >> Yes, they do not. Um I talked to the city of St. Augustine. Each commissioner, as stated, does evaluate individually the city manager, but it's not and it's up to the commissioner if they want to present that in a public
forum, but she said from the time that she's been there, which has been a few years, it has never happened in an open forum. Um, I spoke to the um city of the green cos um that was St. Augustine and the city of um
Green Cove. The county does not evaluate. No, Green Cove did not respond. The county does not evaluate and the city of um Palm Coast I I spoke to them and they do not have a process and do not do evaluations as well.
>> That's interesting. Well, that's interesting. Anyway, not a good sign, isn't it? >> So, um, my question is, what is our do we need to determine what our process will be? Is that something we need to vote on? What do we need to do to move this forward >> to give clear
>> to give clear direction? >> Well, yeah. And I think it's important that we have clear direction that's documented. We were talking about this is kind of segueing and and related on on board when a commission a new commissioner is onboarded or even the mayor that we have these things documented so that there's not this
floundering for months as to how to do something and in this case it's important >> if we had to make a recommendation I would go with the recommendation that was initially um recommended or that was brought to us because we did have uh Commissioner
Davis serve serve somewhat as a liaison to gather that information. I would be more um privy to you having that as the process or standard and moving forward with that. >> I agree as well with with that and it
and it doesn't have to maybe even happen in a public forum. I mean if if >> this public record if they want if people want to get it but at the same time I think we do have to have some kind of performance uh evaluation. So, are we recommending that we individually
do it, present individually to the city manager and share that information with the HR department, but that we don't present the actual population here? I'm just trying to get clear. >> So, let me let me say this. Um,
with the rec with the example I just gave, we do it, I'm sorry, individually. The commissioners do an individual evaluation, send it to HR to compile all of ours. >> So, I am concerned that if we just leave
it there, how will we know what her final evaluation would be? We need to know that and >> accept it. I suppose and that's the question I'm going to >> and I also think that the other piece of
that is if the community doesn't know if in the future there's and this is not specific to Miss Connie but if there's any disciplinary action warranted it will come out of nowhere like it's been coming. So I think the community needs to know what it's based on >> and that's what my statements were based
on the last time. >> Yeah. that we have to accept and approve >> correct >> population >> because no one of us will know what the final is. >> We would only know our individual. So I'm not sure how we could not do that.
>> Um because it wouldn't be a commission evaluation if we don't all see it and agree to it. So with that said, are we looking to have a motion made about the process or do we >> Yes. And I have one more question. I I'll be happy to make a motion. I want
to con um so the annual review um in this instance it was in October and November. My question is would we need to look at doing it? I I don't remember what was what month is her annual
>> her annual review would be from the time she was hired as city manager which is 225 so the month of February that's her annual >> okay I think so that's where we are right now >> right >> okay so it just coincides with the other thing okay great and so if that's the
case then I move that we adopt the process of evaluating the city manager um for individual evaluations by each commissioner. Our evaluations
are then sent to HR to compile. >> Um it is recommended that the commissioner meets with the city manager to review their individuals uh their individual evaluation.
And the first regularly scheduled meeting in January, the commissioners will receive the evaluation tool. The second regularly scheduled meeting in January is when the that will be the
deadline for completing the evaluation form. And the first regular schedule meeting in February is when the compilation will be um presented at um to the commission
for ratification. >> May I act? I'll second but for discussion. And with uh being that this is the first meeting, how would we move forward? Would that be adopted moving
beyond this point or how would we because this is the first meeting. >> So when I'm considering this because we have the form is that >> we there was some discrepancies with the form.
>> Right. But I thought we got a corrected form a clean form that was fillable. >> Yes. >> But we didn't vote on that form. >> Oh. >> Did we have to vote on that form? Um because I thought it was just the type that make it.
>> That's it. >> And so let me let me say that I'm making this motion understanding that we have the form. >> Not saying I'm true, but that that we already have the form and so we would still be able to meet this
recommendation, this recommended timeline in the motion. >> I'm fine. >> We have a motion to second. Any other the discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposition? Thank you. >> And with that said, at this point, we we
will present the population first meeting in February. >> Okay. Thank you. since we're on this note and I don't want to drag on but um we never truly when we had in November the 24th a
special call meeting to discuss the finalization of the cure period. We never closed the loop in I we never recommended a letter progressive discipline a letter in her file of any sort any of those concerns and we
probably need to discuss that maybe not right now but we need to bring closure to it unless we want to discuss it right now but we never did it there was never a letter of reprimand or any other type of disciplinary letter placed during the fire >> that was a recommendation that I made >> and it
So I think we need to >> make a motion or make a discussion specifically what what the letters of recommend should be about. >> Who would that you madam chair? >> I can with HR if that's well of the of
the commission. It's up to you folks >> and then I we can bring them back for a vote of approval. Let me ask this question >> to try to see if we can simplify this. >> Please, >> can the document not serve as
because there were listed things that had to occur? I'm just trying to simplify the >> we could pull if you want to pull this the more areas of bigger concern from that letter I mean from that document to create those letters or just the
document itself would serve as a letter of reprimand. Is that what you suggested? >> Yeah, I trust your leadership and I I would recommend that you um work with HR. >> Okay. I will work with HR to to bring something back. >> Yeah. And using the
>> using that document >> correct though that we're not introducing you because I think that was >> Thank you. Yes, Commissioner Jones. No, I think she said it um so that um from the document so that if there is any future
violation, it'll be covered. The infraction will be already covered. You know what I'm saying? >> Sure. >> Okay. Um on to >> Go ahead. I'm sorry. >> Go ahead. I'm so sorry.
>> No, no, no. Sorry. I interrupted. >> Okay. Um, discussion direction of gas lamp funding. >> Go ahead, Commissioner Davis. >> I'm going to try to make this really easy. Um, Miss Cardi, we gave direction,
>> clear direction, and that direction was that we wanted to move forward with the um, >> desire of what we heard back from the majority and I believe the direction was to provide
financial support for making that happen based on information from the gas company as to how much it would cost to do it to to one do it and to maintain it going forward
>> and with the knowledge that I can't P funds could be referred correct but cannot be used to pay the ongoing utility >> correct exactly >> I think that's where we landed on >> so I will start uh the information we
had gotten was that it was $6,700 um annually and that there was an additional 3,000 uh to set aside for maintenance. So, uh I did identify funding uh at that meeting. There was also
uh a comment from a commissioner that they would also be willing to put some of their funds there. But, uh if without the commissioner funding, we do have the account that I was recommending. Uh that's a capital outlay in the
commissioner budget 0010151166400. Uh it is budgeted for 20,000. That's the amount that's in that account. And so I'm recommending that uh 12,000 is used from that account to meet the goal for this year.
>> Maybe I'm a little >> Go ahead, Commissioner Davis. So, Miss Cardi, I'm I'm I'm not following that. >> When you said 6,700 plus 3,000 for maintenance, that's information that was
that we received already. >> Right. >> And when did we receive that information? >> We re we don't have it in front of me, but we did receive it >> recently since our last meeting. So where where I'm going with this is
that information was an estimate that was given when a lot of research was done >> right >> in the last meeting the direction was given to go to the gas company actually it was to and have a report of how much
it cost today actual numbers of approximately how much it would cost to light those keep them going and ongoing. Now, when you say maintenance, I'm not
sure what you mean by maintenance because are you referring to maintaining the lights if something broke or that? So, I just I'm we're looking for a comprehensive report. How much will it cost the city to
keep the gas lights burning? >> So, I did not get a new report. >> That That's what I'm saying. did not get a new report. >> That's what I'm saying. That was the direction. >> Okay. I thought the rep I thought the direction was to make sure that we could
find funding to cover it >> because if you don't know how much it cost, how you know what the fun what funding >> when we did the information um he used historical information. That's how when was that information given? Was it given in 2025?
>> I will get more recent information. >> I'm sorry. I I just want to make sure because to Commissioner Campbell's point, >> apparently there's misunderstanding after the meetings when I thought we were clear. >> I >> So we can't find money that we don't
know how much it is >> today. I will check to see if those amounts have changed, but we have spoken to him on several occasions, but I will confirm if the numbers have changed, but if they have not changed, I did have the
account number here with the accommodate. >> But then, can I ask a question? You said $6,700. What does that mean? >> What is the 6,700? Miss uh Karen, are you able to pull the agenda item up where I can actually read
the information that was in the because it's not here. It's not printed. So, I'm being forced to >> and that's probably why I'm asking the questions because we don't have the information. >> I have all the work for it and it was in there. >> Okay. I mean,
>> and while that information is being pulled up, I want to be clear when it came down to uh Commissioner Bow's statement, he stated that he would be willing to if we were not able to find >> the funding,
>> right? And that's why I search first. I'm not touching that. I did find this 20,000 that there was nothing that I'm aware of specifically allocated for that money. And I was attorney West just stepped out. I was going to ask her if that those funds that are allocated to
us can actually be used for this purpose, which I don't believe they can, >> but I we'll have to wait till Miss West comes back. >> Yeah. >> So, my approach is to use the funds. >> Want to wrap this conversation up because this conversation has been to
the forefront of a it went from the CRA. Now, it's in the hands of the commission. We've given direction. We've heard countless citizens who have come before us with regards to this. So I want to make sure when we close this out tonight
>> that we are ensuring the individuals that live within that community that are going to have gas lights >> whether they want. >> Are you able to pull it up? >> I see it from five to six people. So
>> but it doesn't matter. The amount that we received was 6,700 for the 17 gas lights >> gas lamps and that would be for the annual. >> Okay. Um so we need accurate data of the
cost and I do want to ask which >> this is it wasn't it's not a document. So, >> but can you make that larger that writing? >> No, >> not really. That's it. Okay, >> that's it. >> Yes, she can. She'll have to make the
actual page. >> Yeah, >> she can. >> She stepped out. I was going to say so when we've been talking about this topic and commissioner Borum offered the possibility of using the funds that were allocate each allocated is that
allowable for those particular funds aren't they designed for specific use the program around them the funds that we all receive at at the budget session um >> that's fans >> correct that's what I said so they can't be used for this
>> that's of course commissioner he needs to not to to bug you again, but Commissioner Borum needs to hear that from you, Attorney West, when I say >> what I can do is uh confirm that those numbers are still valid. Um my
understanding that it is, but I will ask him to give me an additional report at the time he did go back. >> Can we come back to that? >> We can. Oh, I'm so sorry. Can we come back to
that? Sorry, mayor. >> Yes, we can come back to that. Thank you. >> I was reading something else. I wasn't even holding >> it just >> Yeah. Can we May we have a just a 10m minute recess cuz
>> Oh, >> can we wrap this up before we have a 10-minute recess, please? Okay. Um, and Miss Wes, could you please reiterate? >> Uh, the question was whether or not the
commissioner's special event fund uh discretionary fund can be used for uh this purpose and it it cannot. It can be used for special event funding. >> Okay. I I I very well understand that. But if I uh return a portion back to the
general fund, then that would be up to the discretion of the city manager at that time. So, uh I can return whatever amount and then this is the discretion of the city manager to be able to put it with whatever fund. >> Exactly. >> We just wanted to be clear on that. Um
>> that would be achieved through a transfer. >> Okay. So, we're waiting to hear the information. Oh, y'all don't have >> No, it was just up and I don't know that >> Miss P. What >> to see? So,
>> so what we need is the actual numbers. >> I I would Is it possible to to at least let you understand that I do have that the account number where funds are available. there was nothing
definitively scheduled for those funds and I was tasked with trying to find where can we pull funds from. So that was my first option and uh I can always go and look for more. However, the amount that I used was the research that
I had been given previously and I can confirm if that that changed at all. >> Okay. and out there with final if we can have final numbers can we >> move forward folks have been sitting here for a long time waiting for an
answer and I think we need to make a decision about whichever fund you're recommending if we agree with that to move forward and you come back and give us those numbers because go on and on and on. Mhm. >> So, um, and and so is that something
somebody wants to make make, excuse me, make a motion to allow these funds to be used for this purpose at least for what this this fiscal year? We'll have to look at the budget season. Again, I think >> I'll make a motion that we use those
funds to be able to address um for this current year for the gas lamp. which includes refurbishing, paying the utility costs and maintenance, >> which includes refurbishing paying the
pay paying the um >> ongoing utility >> ongoing utility cost. >> Second. >> We have a motion to second. All in favor? >> We have a question. >> Question question. I'm sorry. >> And public comment. >> And public comment. >> Yeah. >> So,
>> yeah, I have a several. >> Awesome. I I I I can't support the motion if I don't know how much I I I just u we don't have enough information. I >> Okay, >> with that said, I'm going to open the
floor to public comment. Miss Garris. >> Garris, city of Pala. I actually call the gas authority manager. Is that his title? Brett Ruth uh last month and he told me 67 or 6,000 something is the ballpark for the gas. I can tell you
right now. >> And then there's a part of the money that is to refurbish, fix the whatever, and that comes out of CRA, right? >> That was what what I heard last meeting. >> If it was not recurring, it could come
out of CRA. >> And then I also asked him um about some kind of device that would time it. So the gas cost would be less. It costs a little more initially to put that good thing on there, but it will cut it off
during the daylight hours, and that's what needs to be done if you're going to do it. Okay. I actually found a picture in the garden memory project of what looked like gas lights to me and
collect them. Evidence thrown at me, just to let you know. Please don't take that first one, Mr. Jones. >> Okay. >> Um, homeowners in the South Historic
District of Palaka approximately 10 years ago had control over how they wanted their tiff funds utilized through the CRA. This needs to revert back to this policy. The purpose of CRA is to eliminate blight, etc. Commissioners, mayor, city manager, and
city attorney, you have been provided a historic photo of Palaca. The lamps depicted look very much like those in the um South Historic District. There
are many other historic photos in the um source showing such lamps in Palac and that source is the Florida Memory Project which is online. A lot of neat stuff in there. Um I implore the commission to fund the
re recurring cost of the gas to fuel the lamps which will authenticate and add value to the south historic district and the entire city. Our historic districts are suff suffering greatly in the last 5 years from neglect. Code compliance is addressing those issues at best they can
sometimes with cooperative property owners and sometimes not. Um, the Historic Preservation Board has said with their ruling that solar panels are not authentic and they're not appropriate in the historic district.
Please come to the aid of our historic districts before they succumb to neglect and blight. Take a ride around Pala and see what can be done to visually improve our city so it shines like many other cities in Florida. Please fund the recurring cost of the fuel for the gas
lamps. Thank you. Thank you, Melissa. Miss Roach, Cheryl Roach, Palaska. I did have some um pre-written comments, but I'm not going to go with them because of everything that has transpired. Um I
will say that I consider myself to be a meticulous person and I do believe in attention to detail. I put a lot of effort into the presentation and um I am very happy to have been able to follow through with it. Brett uh ha was
excessively cooperative pertaining to working with the city. He had uh discussed with Mr. Russo numerous times uh repairs and um costs for the uh gas
lamps and he has always stuck by what was the original quote. I'm going to say that I think he would still honor that and it was around $6,000. I agree with Miss Garris that um having
a timer would be a very good idea, very costeffective. that should be a priority and also that will um limit the emissions for somebody that is concerned about such things. Uh something else that I had suggested and I would very
much recommend you do it and I provided this to the gas authority is that the gas um excuse me the glass cylinder that um can be purchased that goes over the flame will prevent blowouts. That is a
big problem. Um it cost the gas company $40 per blowout. Um and I certainly don't want the city to have to pay for that. So um moving forward, if uh you are going to approve the the
reinstatement of these gas lamps, if you would consider the timer and also if you would consider the cylinder to uh keep them lit. And um I sincerely thank uh Mr. Campbell for all of his support in this. Uh, greatly appreciated. You stood
by from the very beginning and I I sincerely appreciate it. Thank you very much. >> Is there anybody else? We have public comment on this topic. Seeing none, we close public comment. We did have a motion and second on the
floor. Did you need to say? >> Yes. So, I would like I'm sorry. Can you repeat the motion? >> I don't >> I made the motion to approve the gas lamp
reinstatement to include the m ongoing maintenance and the cost of the um gas. >> Okay. refurbishing the gas lights, ongoing
utility costs and maintenance. >> Okay. Um and so based on the information we just heard >> Oh, yeah. for this year. So based on the information we heard, I would like and we consider the timer and the gas
cylinder to be added and um if we're amenable to a um like you losing words, I'm tired. an amendment. Um because if we're going to
do this, I'd rather us do it properly and in a way that would minimize um unexpected costs. >> I want to make that investment for you, >> Julie. So, I'll uh make a uh amended motion to also include the timer and
also the cover to go over the uh >> the gas cylinder as an amendment. >> We have motion in a second. All in favor? >> I >> I Any opposition?
>> Would you vote? I'm not listening. I >> Okay, thank you. On to public hearings. Do we want to take a recess first? >> We can go. Let's do it. >> I'm with going go going. Um second
reading ordinance 202520 in ordinance of the city of Palaca, Florida, amending the code of ordinances to prohibit smoking and vaping in all city parks. >> Any move? >> Second. >> The motion is second. Anybody here for public comment on this item? Seeing
none, we'll close public comment. All in favor? >> Any opposition? Thank you. >> You would name here. Okay. One. Um B. Request to annex, amend, and reszone 902 South State Road 19,
ordinance number 20261, 20262, 20263. And the posula ID number is 11-10-26-000000-574-0012. Mr. Lammo, >> last you like just like you indicated um
this is a request for annexation of 1.09 parcel right there at uh 902 South State Road 19. and also to amend the future land use and to resolve the property.
The intent of the property owner is to obtain water services and sewer services from the city. Uh we have reviewed the application uh for compliance with the Florida statute that governs annexation. We also check against the comprehensive
plan to make sure that it was consistent the future land use amendment and also we review the resoning uh criteria and staff is recommended approval. It was reviewed by the planning board on December 2nd and they recommended
approval as well. >> Thank you. >> I believe the the representative from the property owner is here in case you have any questions. >> What type of business? This is a commercial plaza and they have different uh businesses in that plaza.
And there was one that is um being proposed or it's already either in there is a a restaurant that was relocated to this plaza. In order to operate the the the restaurant, they needed to have connection to the sewer.
>> But it says unit one is the entire >> plaza. Yeah. the one unit. >> No, no, no. The one unit is just for the rest. >> So, we're only annexing the the rest. >> You want in the whole parcel, >> which is the whole plaza
>> era or is that >> you said unit one is the whole platinum? >> That's what I asked. So, all of those parcels is one unit is what you're telling me because it's like >> let me explain. one parcel of land that
has the commercial plaza. Inside the commercial plaza, there are different lots. Not lots, but the different stores or businesses, >> units, >> different. >> Yeah, different unit. >> But what you're annexing is the whole parcel. >> The whole plaza, it's this unit specific
that needs the services. Is that what you're saying? It's because it's different. >> That is correct. The intent of the annexation is to to get water and sewer services. So you inex that is that is go ahead because I can't >> I'm I have a question with Commissioner Jones. Let me just make sure we're
clear. 902 North State Road 19. This we're talking about this plaza. >> Correct. >> To annex into the city. Correct. >> The entire plaza. Yes. >> Then the question is why does it say
unit one in the property description? That is the description of the parcel. >> That's the legal description. >> That's the legal description. It doesn't mean that it's >> okay. >> You know, store one or store two. >> That's what it looks like. And I'm with Commissioner Don.
>> No, that is the legal description. >> What we adding is the whole parcel of land. >> So, and I called about this same question. This question. So, if you're familiar with the Sears Plaza, are you familiar with the Sears Plaza?
>> Yes. >> So, it's almost like the uh where you live, Commissioner um Rolling Hill. One side of the plaza is going to be city and the other side is the county and they share the same parking lot. >> No, no, no, no. >> Oh, yeah.
>> No, no. What annexing is the parcel of land >> that is in the legal description? Is that the owner? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Is that the owner? You said owner. >> The owner is not here. I was saying >> I thought it was here. >> Oh, you said it was here.
>> I don't know. >> It's the owner here. >> So, can you pull it up? Um, you're having us trying to describe it with my hand. Did you pull it up, please, Madam Clerk? And I know that we spoke about uh squaring the boundaries around town
where like in Rolling Hills you have one side of the the road is in the county and that's across the street is in the city. >> Yes. >> Yeah. That shows the parts of this being annex the orange one. And so the one that's
adjacent or across from it >> to the north of that is city boundary. So it's adjacent to the city. What is south of it is county >> south of this parel >> right that's in the same parking lot.
They use the same parking lot. >> Well I don't know it's the same parking lot. What I'm saying is that parcel is what is being annexed. Well, well, you guys are familiar with it. So, >> I think I think whenever whenever a property becomes contiguous to um uh
another Yeah. city boundaries is uh that the owner can um request. >> It's a voluntary. Yeah, >> I get that. So, let me just ask this question and I'm I'll be done with it because I have seen it. I did ask you a question prior. So,
how do we ever square off the boundaries? Is that what you're trying to ask? >> Yeah. And I mean, if we're doing an effort to square up the boundaries, why are we continue to do these kind of things? >> We have to >> because it's voluntary. >> Because it's involuntary annexation.
>> We if we force >> we cannot go and annex the parcel next to it >> if we don't have concern for the property. >> Me all them people talk about here. So can can can they this for the owners they're going can they just get the
services city sewer and war >> they can only get a war services and sewer if they part of the city and that's the reason that they're asking for the addexation >> I think he's asking for more and I we understand that I think it's more of a
future approach the future approach the future relaxation Happy you asked that question because this is part of the agenda of your next meeting with the county commission which is where we're going to be addressing
>> the ISBA which is the interlocal service boundary agreement which we're going to be able hopefully we're going to be able to agree to annexation of certain areas especially you know starting with the with the enclaves but that is something you're going to be
discussing with the county >> folks could get services without having to voluntarily annex into the city at a higher rate than uh city >> reg. If they're not adjacent to the city and they want to get the water service and the sewer they have to do an
annexation agreement with the city. >> So when it is contiguous to the city then they have to annex. If it is adjacent to the city already like in this case then the only way to get the water is to >> right now. So we need >> and that's what we're doing. Yeah. Yes.
>> All right. You had answer my other question. I wanted to bring it to the commission >> about I understand >> getting that done over this meeting. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um we have a motion. >> I move move to approve. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. Any opposition? Thank
you. Request to annex amend reszone 106 Comfort Road. Um and run to the city of Paka, Florida annexing into the corporate limits of the city of Palaca. This is ordinance number 202604
202605 and 202606 for number 3 37- 09-26-000000-230-000010. >> Yes. Again, this is a request annexation is a 3.66 66 acre parcel
uh for the purpose also of getting water and sewer service from the city. Uh we also are doing the future land use amendment and the resoning of the parcel once it annex. Uh we have reviewed this u for the annexation to compliance with
the Florida statute as well the comprehensive plan and the resoning criteria that we have in our code and we are recommending approval. The planning commission and planning board also reviewed this and recommended approval
and I do have believe the property owner here. The the the intent of them is to develop um an industrial uh parcel about 13,000 square feet of industrial use. >> Thank you. Um does anybody have any
questions of the property owners? Um with that said, any questions at all? If not, I'm going to open up to public comment. Is there anybody here for public comment on this particular item? Seeing none, we close public comment. Do we have a motion? >> Motion to approve.
>> We need a second. >> Second. >> Motion to second. All in favor? >> I. Any opposition? Thank you. Um, commissioner comments. Anybody have any comments? Um, just real quick, um, we have the annual MLK, uh, festivities
on the 17th, which is that Saturday. We will have a commemoration brunch that starts at 10:00 at the Calvary Life Center. Speaker for that event is uh, Pastor um, Jay, who is the pastor of the Calvary uh, Life Center. And on that
Monday, we'll have the annual festival, but we'll start off with a walk at 10:30 from the Jenkins Recreational Center down to the Booker Park area with the the festivities starting at from
entertainment starting at 11 uh to 3. We have several vendors that'll be out. If your schedule permits, please come out and join us. >> Thank you. Anybody else? Commissioner Jav. Yes, I I want to just give some um
comments about the meeting. The meeting was extremely long and I think there's opportunity for it to be much shorter and I'm going to ask again um which I asked last year that we can have summary presentation slides for this meeting. Um
there was a lot of going back and forth to gather information. In addition, the agenda, I was a little unclear on some of the agenda items. When we're having presentations, if possible, can we have who the presenters are, their names, or
so we can understand more information. Um, so just an opportunity for some cleanup and administrative and operational efficiencies, which we've discussed previously that I thought we were going to try to implement prior to the end of the year. I know
we've had some other work, but I'm hoping we can get this done immediately. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Bor. >> No comments, ma'am. >> Commissioner Jones.
>> Um, no. >> Okay. And I again in all the paperwork we had um >> Miss West put together a packet of the legislative session monitoring report and these there are several listed and
I'm not going to keep us here but look it over and we probably need to come back and see if we want to draft have her draft any resolutions in support of any specific just bringing it up. >> We have a motion. >> Hold on hold y'all. >> Okay. Thanks for being here.
>> Um this is not public comment time though. You can You you can't do that now. You have to look. >> You can you can get the mayor after the meeting till after. >> Okay, you can do that, please. >> Yes. >> We have a motion. J.