Good evening. I'm going to go ahead and call this meeting of April 7th, 2026 to order. If you'll join me in standing, the mayor is going to lead us in a prayer and the pledge. Please follow with me. For thank you once again for the wonderful city that we live in. Thank you for the staff that keeps it running smoothly and keeps it
very nice. We thank you for first responders that have protect us on a daily basis. We ask that you watch over city council and help them to make sound and right decisions. We ask that you watch over our winter residents as several of them head back north and uh that drive safe and also for the next
couple weekends, the events that we have, the amount of people that we'll have in town. We ask that you watch over and keep everybody safe and have a great event. We ask that all we do in your name, Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Pledge to the flag of the United States
of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right, Kathy, can you please call the RO? >> Here
>> All right. If anyone in the audience has something they'd like to speak about that is not an agenda item. Uh if you could fill out a public comment form up here and give it to Clerk Haley, we'll get to public comment later in the meeting. Report. >> I got several things here. We uh the last weekend was Easter. It was a great
weekend. A lot of events that went on had uh Southside Baptist on the Circle. They had I'll bet you 250 300 people came to the service. So it was kind of nice. Had the Stations of the Cross. Also had down at Washington Heights had two events. So, it's really a great
weekend, great Easter weekend. Had good weather in that. Um, up and coming, we have Sodaf Fest this weekend. So, if you all want to come and try to squeeze your way around the circle, um, ton of people are expected again and they have the Doc Dogs event going on, so it'll be pretty
cool. Um, and then the following weekend, we have Sipping on the Circle. The, uh, couple things. the uh burn ban is still in effect in the Highlands County, so through May 5th. So, be careful with what you're doing and when you're watering. We still need even
though we've gotten a little bit of rain, but we still need a lot more rain. The lakes lakes are kind of down, but um so just watch out what you do through May 5th. On uh the 15th, the new ladder truck that we got to tower 14 is the
washdown. So, at 10 o'clock, I believe, Chief, is that right? on the 15th. So, it's kind of exciting event to see the the um new fire truck, the ladder truck. It's a it's a really nice looking truck. So, um it just we get a lot of uh
compliments from a lot of our staff. Very few I get from the public works side of it. Um the water side of it especially. Um, we got a letter from a constituent that wanted to share a positive experience that they had with the water outage at his home. Called to
report an issue. His service was just outstanding. Had an on call member. Um, the uh Shannon from the water department had reached out and updated and continued to keep the the gentleman informed about the problem was resolved. He said, "I thought you'd appreciate
hearing excellent service your team provided. Thanks to everyone involved." So, it's kind of a neat thing to get these things. So, but uh they our whole staff does a great job and keeps this city running smoothly and and really the beautifification of the downtown and
everything else we got. It really they do a good job. So, we really appreciate it. So, that's all I have. Oh, wait a minute. I'm sorry. Mr. Wells, you want to come up?
>> Just go ahead. Right there. what uh uh we read a proclamation previously uh Mr. Wells was not able to attend at that one um it was uh for his event and it's um about the um
uh donatelife.org. >> Yes. >> And one of the most meaningful gifts that a human being can bestow in another is the gift of life. So Roy if you'd like to say a few words about the uh >> I would thank thank you. Yes. Um, and uh, Lifelink gave me some things to pass
out. So, as I begin my brief remarks, if that's okay. Sure. >> Uh, they're a an infinity pin symbolizing how organ donation allows life to go on and on and on. Uh, now I'm going to start off kind of strange. I'm going to say if you haven't been
already, I hope that no one here or your loved ones will ever be touched by organ donation. And let me explain what I mean. I hope that none of you or your loved ones are ever so sick or injured that you need an organ donation. And I certainly hope that neither you nor your loved ones are ever at an end of life
situation what we might consider prematurely that that would put you in a case to donate. But we do know that those things happen. Both happen. Uh, in my case, my son four and a half years ago when he was 17
years old was at a house in Lakeland with someone I'm sure he would call a friend. And for reasons I will never know in this life, that friend picked up a gun, pointed it at his face, and pulled the trigger. Uh, it's a miracle that he did not die on the spot. Uh,
what did happen was that the the bullet hit him in the face, shattering an ocular bone which went like shrapnel into his brain. Uh he he uh I I was hoping against hope as as any of you would do for a child that something would turn around, that
it would not progress, that it would not get worse. But on the fourth day when I thought we might be turning a corner, we turned the wrong way. And uh we found that the damage was spreading and that the part of his brain affected was the part that affects awareness. So he would
not be aware of anything around him, us, anything any longer. Um, when you're in a situation like that, you do a lot of praying and you ask a lot of questions. I peppered the neurologist with questions over and over again, making sure there wasn't any possible way, any
procedure, any experimental thing that could be done to save uh his uh his life and uh unfortunately there was not. Um, that's the hardest part honestly of organ donation is coming to the point
where you're willing to let your loved one go. Uh, once I got to that point after much consultation with family and everyone, um, the decision to for allow him to donate was actually pretty simple, pretty obvious. He's a
17-year-old kid in great shape from the neck down. He had a lot that he could offer. Um, and Caleb did save four lives that we know. He donated successfully his heart, his liver, and each of his kidneys that
saved the life of those four people. Um, while I sought contact from all of them, I only ended up hearing from one of them, a guy named Kevin, uh, from Tennessee. And, uh, several times a year, he sends me cards and text messages, phone calls. He stays in
touch. uh on the first anniversary of him receiving that heart, he sent me this bear. It's a bear that's normally used by pregnant women uh to capture their baby's first heartbeats. Uh but he took it to a cardiologist appointment and it allowed me to hear my son's heart
still beating in uh in his chest. Uh so that's uh that's my son that's my son's heart still beating. Now, a few days ago, uh we many of us uh including myself uh remembered Good Friday. Uh it's it's I say remembered
because it's even though it's a holiday, it's not one that I consider something we celebrate. I hate the fact that Jesus had to die for me. Uh but he did and he chose to. So, I don't celebrate it, but I do honor it and I remember it. And in the same way, I don't celebrate my son's
death. I'm not glad that he died. Uh, but I do honor it and I remember it. And just as we did a few days after that, we celebrate Easter and I do celebrate that day. I celebrate what Jesus did for us in rising from the dead. And I celebrate what my son was able to do in saving
those lives. Uh, in addition to saving those four lives, he donated his cornea to allow uh for two different people to have an eye that could actually see again. and he had donated other tissues that helped people uh like ligaments and things like that that helped so many
people. And um so as I said, I hope you never experience this, but I hope that if you do, you will make the decision to allow your loved one to help other people. It's a concrete way that no one can ever take away to show that their life not only mattered while they were
alive, but it still matters today. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Troy. Thank you for sharing that. That was a very moving moving story. Um all right, we're going to move on to council member reports. Our newest in, Mr. Lidell, your
first step. >> All right. Well, good evening. Um, I did have one thing I wanted to bring up to council to see uh what y'all thought about this, but um if you've been to any of the uh tourism workshops they've held or any of the downtown meetings that have happened, a lot of the feedback
that we're hearing from visitors who are coming here is that um they've seen Lake Jackson on HGTV. They would like the opportunity to be able to experience it. And one of the things that they have that routinely comes up is uh you know whether it's
captain guided boat tours or dinner cruises, things of this nature. And we've got a very underutilized asset down there at the city pier that might make that opportunity uh available. I
know up at Port 27 uh north of Lake Wales, they're offering they've got kayak rentals and uh stand up paddle boards, boat rentals, but they're also doing these 20-minute boat rides. And u it's something that people can go out, they don't have to commit to a half a
day or a full day to rent a boat. Um and they're running two boats, I believe, right now, uh every hour, you know, to keep up with the demand. So, my thought was is that that might be something that we could offer. Uh, put an RFP out to see if we could find an operator. And I
talked to Scott and to the mayor about it. Uh, and the thought was maybe to the left facing the lake, uh, of the swimming area, uh, put in like a floating dock, a operations area. Um, we could partner with the CRA to put that
kind of infrastructure in and, uh, and be able to offer that to guests. it would help to keep them in the downtown area a little bit longer, give them something else to do um in addition to visiting the restaurants and uh sites from HGTV. So, I just wanted to kind of
find out does council have an appetite for that? So, I'm on I'm on the TEC and that's one of the things, not that specific plan, but the idea that Lake Jackson is probably one of our best tourism assets that's not youth sports related and it's
hard for visitors to access it. Um, I would be open to investigating that. Sure. Um, obviously we got a long way to go to figure out how much that would would cost and what kind of liability the city would be under and if there's an operator who who would work in it.
Uh, would I be interested in concept? Sure. >> Same. Yes. >> Would y'all be interested in a motion to direct staff to begin the RFP process and meet with the CRA staff to investigate cost?
>> I don't know if we're RFP yet. I think more >> let's have some conversations with CRA TDC >> rough costs first >> because we got to have the infrastructure to have the RFP, right? You can't have an operator without without the uh docks. >> It would probably take about you could
probably work in conjunction, don't you think? >> Um, do you have an operator in mind already that is raring to go? >> No, but I mean, you know, the if we wanted an RFP and staff had to put it together, bring it back to us, put it
out for 30 days, go through the process of selection and everything. I mean, you're into June, July. You don't have to have a start date necessarily with the RFP. >> I think we would need to know cost of infrastructure before we had an RFP because if we get an RFP and we don't
have a dock we still have to put the dock in, >> right? >> So I think we would need that kind of information before we could put it out there for people. >> I I agree. I mean if it's a $30,000 dock, that's one thing. If it's a$180,000 dock, then my appetite might might be a
little less. Um I I would want to know the sort of rough cost before I ready to push for an RFP. >> Rough cost and then participation with other entities too. Does the TDC or CR have an appetite to work with us on that too?
>> Probably look at our back too. >> Yeah. >> What did you say? >> Look at our recreation event. But without a motion, we can still ask staff to start investigating cost of the dock first. >> Why do we do that?
>> Appetite. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. Cool. Anything else? >> That's it. Thank you. >> All right. >> Cost of dock and cost of maybe a facility. >> Yeah. Whatever storage might be necessary for Yeah.
I just would like I've had a lot of um people commenting on the flags downtown and just wanted to thank um Steve and public works for putting those up. I saw them putting up more today. Um it just really adds a little bit to our downtown. So I just want to compliment them on that um initiative on getting
those flags up. >> They're important. >> Okay. I've got just a couple things. Um first, welcome David, our our newest council member. >> Thank you. Um, next thing, the Rotary restrooms are in the last last last last
little bit. Um, and I've told everyone if they're not open by Sodafest, so I'm going to get run out of town. So, they'll be open by Sodaf Fest. Um, we're in our last little bit and, um, which will be great because we have a bunch of backto-back events down there. Nice to not have to have portaotties or at least
as back. >> Um, all right, moving on. We're going to now move on to the consent agenda. Are there any questions or comments uh from council on the consent agenda? >> I move to approve the consent agenda. >> One second. Anything from from the
public on the consent agenda? >> Okay. By way. >> I make a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. >> I second. >> All right. We have a motion and a second. Kathy, can you call the role, please? >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. Stewart. >> Yes. All right. There's no old business. We're going to move on to item number 10A, CIP and budget workshops. >> You're up Jared. >> Good evening everyone. Uh Jared Lee, budget and grants coordinator for the
record. Um I wore a tie tonight to make this a long meeting. Just kidding. Um need to have input for two things, please. Um, one staff's put together the request for the capital improvement plan to uh bring to you all for workshop. Um,
it's part of the comp plan state statute that we have to annually review this. Um, really trying to look at level of service versus u development coming. So, we're going to cover things like uh population estimates, the way our operating and personnel costs are moving
forward and um looking at the new requests, the things that have changed since previous and kind of wanted to see what you guys have in terms of availability for a workshop date. Probably a three to four hour block would be appropriate and as soon as
possible because I still have to get it through planning and zoning. Uh, Central Florida Regional Planning has to help out and get it through to public hearings with you guys or hopefully the budget to see what you guys might have available.
So, I'm um broadly open except for the last week of April. I'm out of town that business trip and uh I think midweek I'm open pretty much any other time or any other day.
>> I am more limited and so I am available the week of the 20th and then not until May 11th. Good most days. Let me throw this one out here. The next council meeting is the 21st. Would
the afternoon of the 21st does that meet within? >> So we could do it prior to that council meeting. Is everybody >> I like the idea prior to council meeting, not after >> I'm sorry. You don't have the CIP workshop. >> So this will be for the CIP workshop.
>> I just want to make sure. April 21st. >> Yep. Start at 1. >> In the afternoon. Yeah. Sorry. One o'clock probably. >> I wanted to make sure I was on the right. >> I can do that. >> You could do that. >> Workshop. >> Workshop. Workshop. >> Workshop. Yep.
>> But will you be bringing snacks? >> I'll bring snacks. We'll have snacks. >> Things that we can throw at people. She notes. >> Uh, second item up. So, the um, state legislators decided to stick their noses
into our budget process and we have some potential changes. The governor hasn't signed it yet, but things that I'm going to have to look forward to. Uh, and just kind of let you know, we're going to have to change the budget amendment process. Basically, I think you guys are going to have to see every budget amendment now prior to us doing them. So
that'll be thing. I have to put a calendar out in January. And just so you all are aware, we have to work around the school board and the dis and the board of county commissioners when we do our public hearings. We're going to have
to add another public hearing to that process. So there'll be a third one and some other various changes. The budget's going to look massively different going forward. So we're going to have to have some conversations about that. What I've heard from some of y'all is we go back
and forth on our workshops and how long they are and that we're here till, you know, 9 10 o'clock at night and people get tired and so I wanted to see if there is any appetite to change what we
do for those workshops. Um, when I first started here, we did four workshops. um two on general fund and then in July after each council meeting and then in August would be our enterprise funds that we would run after council meetings as well. Um then we kind of I don't know
that we've needed the four all the way again. We kind of narrowed it down to two but they're two very long meetings. So is there any appetite to move those to a daytime to like a full one day? You know, I did put some different options
in there just to kind of see what you all are thinking. >> I like the idea of afternoons, not evenings. So, prior to council, maybe block off after lunch until council meetings. Give us two four hour blocks.
That's enough time. >> I don't really have preference either. >> A preference? >> I'm fine with that. >> Roland's good with it, too. Yes, great comments from Snake. >> We don't show up. >> So, are you looking at the same day of a
council meeting? Are you looking at just any like you're saying sometime after lunch on the day of the council meeting? >> I think that would probably be best. >> I just >> Yeah. No, I can we can work >> So, instead of 11 o'clock at night, we'll start at one o'clock.
>> Go there. All right. 1 a.m. >> Well, she she's bringing the food for those. >> All right, take it easy. Thank you all very much. Appreciate the >> All right, we're going to move on now to item number 10B,
public hearing and ordinance number 1558. I'm going to go ahead and open the public hearing. As your AIS U describes, this is a required local
government law by the Florida legislature. The ordinance is entitled an ordinance of the city of Sebring, Florida, amending code of ordinances related to certified recovery residences to comply with the requirements of Florida statute section 397487.
Specifically amending chapter 26 zoning article 2 administration and enforcement division one generally by adding section 26-42 reasonable accommodation for certified recovery residences and amending article uh six definitions providing for separability providing for conflicts
providing for incorporation into the city's code ordinances and providing for an effective date. >> Good evening for the record Marissa Barby with the Central Florida Regional Planning Council. Next slide. Um this is a law that was signed June of last year.
It does require all local governments to adopt an ordinance that has a streamlined process um for the certified recovery residences to apply for reasonable accommodation from land use regulations. Um and it has to be adopted
by all local governments. Slide. Um certified recovery residences themselves are regulated through the department of community families. um they have an annual certification review and renewal process and they all have to meet the
requirements of the land development code. So like noise and parking and things nuisances things like that. Um we do have some definitions we are proposing related to recovery residents and recovery resident certified. Those
came straight out of Florida statute slide. And then we are proposing to create section 2642 which addresses the request for reasonable accommodation. Next slide. Um and that it's a it's a
somewhat long section. It does comes basically straight out of Florida statutes and it talks about what your application process is, how it's um the findings, how the council has to review it, what the expiration requirements are, annual certification, um those
types of things. Planning and zoning board did hear this on March 10th and they did vote to recommend approval. Um this is second reading and I'm happy to stand for any questions. >> Right. Are there any questions or comments from the public on this item?
Seeing none, I'm going to go ahead and close the public hearing. Any questions or comments from council? For the benefit of the public, this is essentially just an ordinance we're sticking in because the state said do it. All right. Uh, if there's nothing
else, I'll entertain a motion. >> Motion to approve ordinance number 1558 on second and final reading as presented. >> A second. >> All right, we have a motion and a second. Kathy, can you call the role, please? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Stewart.
>> Yes. Right. We're now going to move to item number 10 C, public hearing and ordinance number 1559. I will open the public hearing. Mr. That ordinance is entitled an ordinance of the city of Sebring Florida amending code of ordinances chapter 5 building and construction regulations article 9
unsafe building code to add section 5-303 to comply with the requirements of Florida statute 553.899 899 providing for repair requirements for such buildings with substantial structural damage providing for severability providing for conflicts
providing for incorporation into the city's code of ordinances providing for an effective date. >> Thank you for the record. Marissa Barby with the Central Florida Regional Planning Council. You all may recall back in 2021 there was a major condominium collapse in Surfside and
based on that the Florida lawmakers came in with a bunch of changes to Florida statutes and due those changes we are um adopting this language today. Next slide. Um it was signed into law June 23rd of last year took effect July 1st.
It has um a bunch of updates on how condominiums and cooperatives are regulated and it is required to be adopted by local governments. Next slide. Um the requirements are related to condominium condominium buildings that are three or more
residential stories and over 30 years of age. They have to have milestone inspections that are completed and um identify the requirements for repair and then there's requirements for municipal
record keeping relating to these repairs and and how that's has is being done through code enforcement or through the city's processes. Sorry. Thank you. Next slide. Um as stated we are adding section 5-303
recognizing repair work for condominium cooperative buildings showing signs of substantial structural deterioration. Um, and it addresses basically points us to that portion of Florida statutes that has all those specific appointments into it with the building official. Planning
and zoning board did hear this on March 10th and voted to recommend approval to you. This is second reading and I'm happy to stand for any questions. >> Are there any questions or comments from the public on this ordinance? Okay, I'm going to close the public hearing.
Questions or comments? I will entertain a motion. >> Motion to approve ordinance number 1559 on second and final reading as presented. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Matthew, can you call the role, please? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Stewart, >> yes. All right. We'll now move on to item number 10 D, public hearing and ordinance number 1569. You're going to run u the public hearing on this concurrently with item number 10E which is a companion ordinance number 1570.
Go ahead and open the public hearing. Ordinance number 1569 is entitled an ordinance of the city of Cedar Florida changing the future land use classification for a parcel that totals approximately 8.8 acres located at 1625 US Highway 27 and county commercial to
city commercial providing for severability providing for conflict and providing for an effective date. And ordinance number 1570 is the zoning companion ordinance and it's entitled an ordinance of the city receiver in Florida changing the zoning classification for a partial that totals
approximately 8.8 8 acres located at 1625 US highway 27 from county business district B3 to commercial district C1 providing for separability contract and providing for an effective date. >> Thank you for the record. Marissa Barby with Central Florida Regional Planning Council. The map on your screen does
show the location of these two parcels that um total approximately 8.8 acres in size. Um, as you can see, they are surrounded by residential to the south and the west and then it's
commercial along that corridor on the road. The property is currently county commercial. Um, with the change, next slide. I'm sorry. The existing zoning zoning is uh county business district
B3. Um the request is to change it to commercial future land use. Um next slide and commercial district C1. These would be consistent with the future land use and zoning that the
property has right now. Um when the property was annexed, they did not receive future land zoning, which is why they're requesting it at this time. Next slide. the um request is compatible with the character of the surrounding area. The as you can see the there will be
buffering required as the site develops um buffering against those existing residential homes um consistent with what's in the land development code. This is the view of the property from uh highway 27.
Um this is what you what is across the street from 27 so you can see the flavor of the neighborhood or the area. Next slide. Um this is the property adjacent along US 27. And then the next slide shows the residential properties um
abuing the west side of the property along Crane Street. Um so you can see this is obviously we'll be having buffering against that as that develops. Next slide. the um there is capacity in water and sewer from the city to serve this
property and uh the developer would be required to connect uh to those facilities. Preliminary review of traffic transportation shows there is sufficient capacity on the surrounding roadway network to accommodate the development of that commercial project
property. Um and a full traffic study would be due with the development. commercial does require a minimum of 10% open space be included in the development design. Um we're not anticipating residential uses. If the property does decide to
come in with residential uses, they would have to coordinate with the school board um to ensure we're meeting capacity standards for that. It is not located within any environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands or flood planes um as they come in with a
development application that will be looked at in more detail. Um and obviously they will have to get their required permits from outside agencies. The planning and zoning board did hear both of these items on March 10th and did recommend approval to you. This is second reading for these two items and
I'm happy to stand for questions. >> All right. We also have the developer available coming in remote. Um, are there any questions or comments u from the public? >> Jeff Carlson for the record. Thank you. I just have two comments related to this. The first one is there's a a
frontage road Broadway that attaches to this. My request at the planning and zoning meeting was at ever at any point where we're approving developments even though this is really just a clean up from county to city. Um we should do our best to not have curb cuts coming out on
the highway. I believe everyone knows that the highway is currently not very safe um due to the amount of traffic there no matter what the traffic counts say. Actually I have three comments. So, if there's any way we can have them have their access, not a curb cut onto
the highway, access Broadway like all the other people along that area. Um, the second one is when we we promise capacities and we have a little chart that shows up in the in our packets when we get those. I would just ask that we
put time frames on those capacities because right now we just promise we don't with an unlimited date and I think we really need to have dates that say you have the capacity up until two years but after that time frame we're no longer guaranteeing that you're going to have it and you might have to make those
improvements at your own cost later on down the line. Um, thank you. >> Are there any other uh questions or comments from the public on this item? Any from the applicant?
>> Hello, this is Alex Guzme, uh, 2818 Cypress Ridge Boulevard, Sweet 150, West Chapel, Florida. Um the staff members have been a pleasure to work with on this one. Um regarding the the curb cut on the highway, we will be applying for an access permit with FDOT
and um DOT will review our access spacing and capacity of of the state highway and will only issue us a driveway connection permit so long that it meets their requirements. Happy to answer any other questions the
council members may have. Anything else uh from the public? All right, I'm going to go ahead and close the public hearing. Any questions or comments from council >> to uh Mr. Carlson's uh concern about capacity is that that's not an ordinance
issue, right? No, I I think he's wanting a a better accounting method internally so that we're not promising capacity with no expiration date, you know, because we have we have PD stretching back 20 years that we had capacity for at the time and
I think the point is are we reserving that capacity forever or um if all of these suddenly get built, will we no longer have that prop capacity? If if I may speak to that please. At this point the analysis that's included in your packet looks at what your status is
today. No capacity is reserved or assigned for this prop property. It's just an analysis today to see could it be built if they built today. When they come in with their application is when we follow the the code and the related to the concurrency requirements and it's
it's when you come in with that part that you actually do get assigned that capacity. So, we just with the staff report, we're just providing an analysis of what the current situation is because to his point, you know, all all these other projects are coming in. We don't
account all of those in because I may come get my zoning and not do anything for 30 years or I may come get my zoning and do it today. So, it's when you come in with your site plan and your subdivision applications when we when when that becomes a more solid analysis.
I don't think I can legally let you speak because the public follow. >> Yeah. Okay. How about it? >> So, I want to make sure I understand what was just said that if if the property's reszoned into the city in the city zoning,
they come to get a building permit, which is all they need to that next step. They just come get a building permit for a fivetory or whatever building they want to build there. At that point in time, the city would say, "Sorry, we don't have enough sewer and water capacity for you. Does it does it
work that way?" >> If that project exceeded what we could provide? Yes. I mean, right now we do have capacity. >> So, the city's not inherently required to provide sewer and water for anybody
that's already in the city limits. the city the city has plans to provide for everybody. We don't currently provide to every property that's in the city because there's lots of undeveloped properties that had annexed in 20 years
ago and since uh that that currently have no water connections, >> then I think we need to be much more clear in development orders and ordinances that state that very clearly that says that this capacity is reserved for a certain period of time and may not
be available the date you come to get your building permit because that's not the way that I read those packets. So this these ordinances don't provide any guarantee of capacity. >> I understand that, but it that's not it. It it sounds like it does when you read it. It says this is compatible. We're
going to reszone it. Here's the amount of capacity we currently have. Here's the amount promised. Here's the amount we're promising you. So it gives the impression to the developer that the capacity is there if they wanted to pull a building permit to build 150 200,000 square feet tomorrow.
I think it's not very clear. So, >> we can always improve on our clarity. >> Yeah. But I'd also like to see the I'm not sure about the building permit process, but I'd like to dig into that a little bit more maybe with Mr. Naylor.
Any other questions or comments from council? >> I will entertain a motion if there are none. >> Do we need a second motion? Can we include 167? >> Two two one for each ordinance, please. >> Okay. Motion to approve ordinance number 1569 on second and final reading as
presented. >> Second. >> Right. We have a motion and a second. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Maidell. >> Yes. >> Stewart. >> Yes. All right. And I will entertain a motion on ordinance number 1570. >> Make a motion that we approve ordinance
1570 on second. Final reading as presented. >> Second. Motion in a second. Kathy, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Stewart, >> yes. >> All right. There is no business from the audience or city attorney's business.
So, we are going to move to item number 13A, city manager or city administrative project report. >> Good evening, council. In bold for you are any changes that we've had since uh our last meeting. We
did have a call with on March 26th. Um the discussion at that meeting was uh for that road swap, if you will, um between 27 and Kennorth would be treated as I'm going to say its own road swapper
project. Um and this is all contingent upon uh their road paving. So that road paving project is is further out in time. the road project on the count going
north through cow. Uh that project will have its own um environmental analysis for protected species currently being performed on location of the new public works utility site.
Don't have any update on it yet. that's currently being done. Bids for elevator repair on the Sunrust property 126 West Center are due May 11th. RFP for women's club is on your agenda for discussion tonight
and uh agreement for cost share with board of county commissioners was approved by the county commission today uh providing for 50% cost share. Any questions for Scott?
>> Thank you, Scott. >> Thank you. All right, we'll now move to item number 13B. Discussion on the future of the former women's club. >> Evening council. Uh, you had priorly
instructed us to develop an RFP. Jamie Cook has developed an RFP. We do have some questions in reference to it. Um, this is for the women's club property that we purchased in 2019. The intent at that time was uh to purchase it and uh
demolish it for future expansion on that property. U we're seeking to find out whether or not you want to explore that demolition or you actually want to issue the RFP for the the property. And then we've got
some items for council to consider if you want to go down the RFP process for use of the property. >> Uh Scott, some thoughts. >> Has a have we gotten any estimates on what the demolition cost would be versus
the cost to update that building? cost either. >> I I can tell you demo will be a fraction of the remodel cost. So I think that our intention with the RFP was to find out a long-term
person to lease it and let that be part of the RFP that they would bear those costs in exchange for uh very low rent essentially. So, I guess what we're looking at is we're going to have to lease this property a long time in order to
get our cost back. If we're going to assist property, somebody's going to lease it, vice versa, is going to want to lease it for a very long time in order to recover their costs. >> And what's the parking situation these
days over there? It's nuts. >> The last two weekends are packed. >> Yeah. >> Try to put your boat in. It takes you about an hour now. If you catch it in the middle of the day, but the parking lot the last two weekends, it's with no events there at all. >> It's highly used. Uh you see the weather
starting to warm up and and the the lack of parking is kind of affecting it. Had a couple calls about getting more parking or at least arranging the parking or you know, we've got half of the grass lot that everybody parks kind of pattywampus on. And I think we
probably my thought would we get engineer or traffic study or whatever you call it to do it to say okay lay out a parking lot that would be a functional to see if how many more parking spaces we could get as
it is or if we tear down the women's club what will how will that affect it? But it's really it's it's a the last two weekend it's been just full. >> And if you put a business in there that's going to require >> it's going to require more parking and I
think it's going to mess up more you know especially on the weekends if you have a tiki hut restaurant some kind of rental thing. It'd be kind of neat to have it, but I think you're just going to have more pressure because there is no more room. So, right now, so I think, you know, we may
take a look at get a parking lot layout at least, seeing what the cost is. The cost of that building, if you've been in it, the bathrooms have to be totally redone. They are not about that wide walking through the hallway. >> It's an easy three to 400,000.
Yeah. So, it's a it' be expensive. itself. >> Sounds like it might be more valuable as a parking lot. Then >> I think just to accommodate the the space needs and there's really no other room on the lake unless we buy the Elks
building and tear that down. >> And my only thinking with the restaurant is if they had designated parking then there has to be monitoring of the designated parking. So if you put any kind of facility there and they're guaranteed space then you're monitoring the space for um weekends when the boat
traffic gets heavy. So it'd be it be a little complicated. >> So are is the lot that is directly north of that restaurant >> or just call it a restaurant the women's club is it being utilized currently on the
weekends? uh in full already. >> It's the last two weekends is all both sides are pretty full. >> Both sides. >> The the uh south side is full. >> Okay. >> And then the north side was what I saw is about probably two/ird full of list.
>> And the north side does it hold boats and trailers? Is it that? >> No, it's not set up. >> Right. Just straight. Yeah, that's what I was thinking. The other side is boats and boats and trailers. Yes. and it's really the only access to the so that's problem right now because
that's where everybody has to go. >> It's such a wonderful location that if something could go in it would be lovely but there just I just don't know if there's capacity for something else. >> It hurts my heart to tear it down because if you've been inside >> it's a beautiful kind of mid-century
vaulted ceiling but they don't build like that. Okay. Uh, any other comments before I open it up to public comments? I >> mean, I would love to see something there that brings people down to Lake Jackson and
use a small hot dog stand, something like that that you could do kayaks on. I don't how practical. That's a lot of hot dogs and kayaks to rent to make that easily up. >> We We're expanding. We need the parking. We need the access to to the lake.
Well, then if you demoed it, there's opportunity to build a small structure if you wanted to do something a rental or small >> but in an airirstream, >> right? If you were I would say if you
going to do that, we put the structure on the lake so you don't have people crossing back and forth. >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> But you're pretty limited over there, too. >> Well, there's that little >> We are We have All right. Public comment. Fire away.
>> Jeff Carlson. For the record, I just want to point out that there are multiple access points to the lake. This is the only boat ramp, but there are multiple access points to Lake Jackson where people can go and recreate, including Pier Beach, Hidden Beach, Crescent Beach. >> Yeah. But there's no parking at Hidden Beach. And uh
>> well I grew up going there and I never parked there. >> You know there's a thousand homes within a mile of there and we always walk down there with our feet burning because we couldn't afford flip-flops. So that's what those parks were designed to be neighborhood parks. So access for the residents of the city of Sebring or we
worried about access for people who aren't in the city. But there are multiple access. Crescent Beach has no parking but there are people down there all the time in the summertime. Um and Pier Beach is the same way. The second thing I wanted to point out is that from a parking situation, you have a commercial business right next door
operating out of a house that the city has previously approved their utilizing part of that park for their private business. Um, so I voiced concerns about that previously, but that's something to think about as you start going through the capital improvement budget and the
discussions of the idea that Mr. Lidell brought up today is that we've got a large parking area at Pure Beach, but if we now give some of that for commercial operation, we could limit access for families and other people to come in there that can't afford to take a boat ride or rent a boat or do something else
that just want to go down and recreate. >> Any other uh comments from the public? Any other thoughts from council? need a we don't need a motion I don't think but we need a direction. >> So you're really just looking do we put the RFP out or do we just use it for
parking ultimately? I like the idea of just at least giving the public an opportunity that they can't come back and say five years from now I would have known I would have done something or I would have used that building. So I don't know if there's anybody >> put out the RFP and see what we get and
if if nothing is been pursued the route of demolition. >> That's my that's my my thought. I said that last time too but I don't want to continue to drag it on and let's if there isn't an offer then let's tear it
down and make it parking and better utilize the space. But if the greater need is that we need the parking and you're going to create more congestion by putting a business in that location, are we not going to just disappoint somebody if we get a proposal that looks
like it ought to be good? Well, I think it depends on the proposal, too. I mean, if we there's a proposal that comes back that we don't think it's going to be the highest best use of that space, like if it's going to cause more traffic, then might not be the best space. >> I mean, it's possible, too. We might get
a proposal that is based around existing traffic there where they're not going to be, you know, that feeds off people visiting the park, >> not just bringing in visitor specific to their business. That's possible. It's a
big building, so maybe not plausible, but um I don't know. I guess I'm I'm on this. I would rather at least see what's available. um any local proposers who are interested, these comments are available to them so they know where our
heads are at. Um we've had it for seven years now, right? Waiting another few months on potentially RFP is not going to kill us if we ultimately decide to knock it down. Now, with the RFP, could we say that part one of the options could be
that the city does knock it down and then if they wanted to build up a smaller structure that's more feasible, >> they could submit a proposal that includes demolition and using this a smaller space. >> Yeah. I don't want to limit anybody. If
somebody wants to they have a good business idea that they do want to put something like that with the kayak rental or the paddle board rental. I don't know if it's better across the street, but John was saying to have it on the lake too. I would say I mean if
the if we if the RFP can be more broad that there is potential city participation if we're going to tear it down anyway. Maybe somebody just wants to put a smaller structure. I don't see how it could hurt to give me the option. >> Why would you want to be printing things
on that side drag cross? That's a combination of the two. You go to that office there to rent it and pick it up on the beach. But I just I don't see dragging kayaks and stuff like that
across Lake. Several years ago, we had a company that wanted to put a kayak kiosk. >> I mean, just a rack that you swipe card or, you know, and then you pull the kayak out. So, >> we could have I mean, if somebody wanted
to rent or have a tiki hut or whatever you want to call it and then have their kiosk or storage on the other side, that might work. >> But really, we don't know if any wants to do it at all. So, >> well, I but to Harrison's point, I don't
I see, you know, there's value in at least seeing it out >> because you only get to demo it one time. Yes. >> And do that. >> Yeah. I would be fine with with putting out an RP seeing what we get and then if
nothing that is done for >> um but I don't I also think not part of the RFP but from what we need to look at is that grass lot is look at how we can configure parking on that side too. Can we do that sooner than later then? Is
that something that >> I would think you do that >> could at least get a design. >> Do we need somebody to draw those out or is that something that Steve and his crew can >> some lines? You want a design
for that entire parcel including this before you put it out? >> We're just talking about the grass lot to the south. >> Correct. Correct. Well, I guess my question would
try to maximize park trying to maximize parkes the fact that there could parking spaces you'd gain if it were >> I don't think it has to be something complex >> at this point. We don't have to
peritting process or anything like that. Okay. I'll defer to your wisdom. Think you know what you're doing in this regard better than uh than I do. >> So what any you got any any prohibited
us issues >> for the parcel? >> We're talking about exploring parking design for So, you're back to the grass light on parking. >> Correct. >> Design. So, did you finish the discussion? >> No, we did not. >> I thought maybe I missed something. >> We're meandering our way.
>> Okay. Okay, that's fine. >> So, prohibited uses for the RFK. >> Um, I do not like the idea of nightclubs or auto repair facilities. I think that's a good starting point as you have
highlighted. I don't I don't know what say that uses are complimentary to veterans speech. So we just don't want any kind of commercial business
that would locate that and interrupt me anytime you want Bob going down a path we should go down but you know complimentary uses so maybe restaurant right could be you know some
type of rental place or stuff to be used on the water but you know you want a hair salon there you Yeah, I just see where I'm going. >> I think your word complimentary would be
appropriate. >> I agree. Complimentary and low impact. >> At the end of the day, we're still going to vote on this. So, >> right. And any change in use under the it's public zoned right now. Any change in use has to go through uh a public
hearing process with PNC and council before that change in use. permitted the zoning code. >> Okay. So, even if we um voted on some use, then it's going to go through the hearing process where the public could have input before it was actually
>> you you would want to go through that process before you finalized it. But >> Okay. So, then an RFP selection that start that process. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, I think what I'm going to do is speak with this engineer whether or not we need to do a site plan
for that parking area. Okay. He says, "Yeah, absolutely." He says, "No, not really necessary." The RFP. Okay. Do you need any motion from us tonight then or was that uh your
guidance? >> So clear enough for me? I >> was clear for you. >> Yeah. >> So we're going to hold. Is that what we're saying? >> Scott is going to investigate parking.
>> Once he is clear on that, then we will uh either proceed with a parking site plan if an engineer says we should prior to an RFP. If not, then we'll proceed with an RFP. If we get no results from the RFP that we love, then we'll proceed down the path of demolition. >> So, the RFP is going to be for
like I mean like businesses that would >> complimentary business complimentary businesses. >> Okay. But then it talked about like so you're not going to go about the alcohol sales, the hours of operation or anything like that until you get what people or proposed or should you not >> personally
somebody wants to add a restaurant and they want to sell alcohol and they'll say we don't want alcohol again. Would that be to be part of >> I was understanding we're not moving forward with the RFP right now. We're going to Can we wait on those questions until we get more information on the parking? >> Correct. >> Yes. I think that's what we're asking
>> for the grass parking lot >> for the whole site. Yes. >> So, we're not going to answer any of these questions right now. >> Yeah. >> I'm trying. >> But we're going to investigate site. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Good. All right. Good. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Perfect. >> And maybe a an estimate of demolition cost if we were going to go that route. >> Sure. >> So, >> all right. >> Wait, hold on. Is this going to be enough time that next council meeting
we'll have some answers and that we can circle around? Right. That's that's the idea. >> I doubt it. >> Maybe 30 days. >> 30 days. Okay. >> 30 days. Come back to council in 30 days. Is that what you just said? >> Request. Yeah.
>> I just want to give Jamie direction too of this looks like our Jamie is pass. >> Okay. >> And he's going to get a demolition cost for that. Is that what you just said? >> Yeah, the breakfast.
>> All right. Are we all good? >> Okay. Moving on. Uh item number 14A. Okay. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion and a second. Can you call the role, please?
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Stewart. >> Yes. We're now going to move to item number 14B. >> Okay. This is um to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Naidell's CRA position that would have expired September 30th of
2027 have been given three names. Um I will call the names in order to use that vote not vote again. >> Okay. So >> before you so you can vote yes or pass.
>> Yes. Right. >> Yes or >> before you call vote? Does anyone have remarks or comments that they would like to make? >> Um just thankful that we can vote on this and it's just not your automatic end. Just people are interested in joining and serving and being a part of
the city and it means a lot. Thank you. Thank you all. >> I I would also say uh we have a uh an embarrassment of riches in applicants this time around. >> So, I'm sorry two of you are going to be disappointed tonight. I think uh I would be happy to receive each one of you as a
member of the CRA. >> It's very rare that we have three excellent applicants at one time. So, thank you and I wish you had not all applied at once. >> Please apply though if you're one of the two.
>> Anything else? By the way, >> I don't ask you. >> Oh, yeah. Okay, good enough, right? >> Okay. >> Pass. >> Pass. >> Pass. >> Stewart
>> pass. Okay, the next person is just Carlson. >> Yes. >> Pass. >> I'm sorry. >> Pass. >> Pass. Lidell. >> Pass. >> Stewart. >> Yes. >> Ashley Brook McDermott.
>> Um, >> yes. >> Lidell. >> Yes. >> All right. >> Thanks for bringing back. >> How does this work? >> Stay tuned. >> Thanks. next meeting when we have all five
>> back on the April 21st. >> So you have Jessica and Ashley. >> Well, right now, yeah, probably not. >> So, all all applicants would be voted all.
>> Okay, that has never happened before. >> All right, we're going to move on to item 14 C. election of council president. >> I nominate Can I nominate? >> Yes. Okay. It'll be the same
floor for nominations and um it's just require a second so council can nominate anyone and then again everybody will get one more nomination. >> So I nominate um Harrison as council president.
Any more nominations for nominations? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Steuart. >> Yes. >> Thank you. I think >> nominations for prom.
>> I nominate Roland. Here comes the train. >> Any other nominations? >> Nominations. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Lidell. >> Yes. >> Stewart. >> Yes.
>> All right. Thank you. This meeting is