our council meeting. In the interest of time efficiency and ensuring that everyone who wishes to address the council is given the opportunity to do so, the following will apply to all comments made by the public. Each speaker shall be allotted three minutes to address the council unless such time is extended by the mayor or by questions
from councel. group shall designate a spokesperson to avoid repetition and comments. Every effort will be made to avoid interrupting speakers. Thank you for your participating in your city government. I'll now call this meeting to order. And can we all please stand for the invocation
by Pastor Ariel Sanria from the Soul City Church. Let us bow our heads and pray. Heavenly Father, we gather in your presence with grateful hearts, lifting up our beloved city of St. Cloud. We thank you for the
blessing of community, for the beauty of our neighborhoods, and for the opportunity to live and serve one another in peace. Lord, we pray for our mayor, Chris Robertson, and for each member of the city council, Jennifer Paul, Co Col Kobby Urban, Ken Gilbert,
and Sha Fletcher. Grant them wisdom beyond their own understanding, courage to discern your truth, and compassion to serve every resident with justice and humility. May their decisions be guided by integrity, fairness, and deep concern
for the common good. We lift up our chief of police, Douglas Gerky, and our fire chief, Jason Miller. Bless them with protection, clarity in moments of crisis, and a spirit of service that reflects your steadfast love. empower
all officers, fire personnel, and first responders with courage, discernment, and compassion as they protect and care for our community. Lord, we pray for the entire city of St. Cloud staff. Those who work in administration, public works, parks and recreation, utilities,
planning, and every department that serves the daily needs of our city. Strengthen them with diligence, unity, and a servant's heart. Help them to work together in harmony, to innovate wisely, and to reflect your love in every task they undertake. We lift up the families
of every City of St. Cloud staff member. Bless their homes with peace, their hearts with strength, and their lives with joy. Protect them, provide for their needs, and surround them with your grace as their loved ones serve our community. May their families feel supported, encouraged, and deeply
cherished. Grant to all our leaders and servants a deep commitment to serve the least of these, the vulnerable, the marginalized, and those in need of mercy. May they lead with courage and humility, uphold truth and justice, and always seek the welfare of every
citizen. Lord, fill our city with peace, peace that surpasses all understanding. Bless our schools, businesses, neighborhoods, and places of worship. bind us together in unity and help us to support one another in times of joy and
in times of trials. We dedicate our city into your hands, trusting in your loving guidance now and always. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Thank you, Pastor Errol. Will you please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance?
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Please be seated.
>> Will the clerk please call the role? >> Mayor Robertson >> here. >> And Deputy Mayor Gilbert >> here. >> Council member Paul >> here. >> Council member Irvin >> here. >> Council member Fletcher. >> All right. >> I heard it through the through the phone. Oh, is he on the phone? >> He is.
>> Can you Can you try that again? >> I I hear him. >> Council member Fletcher. >> Wait, hold on. He wasn't on speaker. >> Yes, Mayor. I'm here. >> All right. Thank you, sir. >> All right. Do we have any updates from the city manager? >> Yes. Thank you. I would just like to
make one clarification. Council action number one. Um, it says discussion and possible action. Um it should have said discussion and possible direction regarding the 4 exemptions and that's all. Thank you.
>> Yes ma'am. Thank you. >> Hey and first up we have presentations. We have presentation of team of the month for the month of February to JB Miller and Ledric Johnson. And this is um we're going to call up David Bridle to present this.
>> Good evening everyone. I want to recognize two people who most of us only notice when something doesn't work or when the podium needs to be turned. And thanks to them, everything works well. That's JB Miller and the Cedric Johnson from our public information office and
our IT department. Jay and Ledric recently completed the council chambers audiovisisual upgrades and they didn't just swap out the equipment. They took us from 1080p to 4K which means everything is crystal clear now including unfortunately the wrinkles on
my face. So I apologize. The improvements they made to our cameras, audio, and displays have dramatically enhanced how residents experience council meetings both here in the chambers and watching from home. led the video system enhancements with a
focus on visibility and transparency and Jay handled the camera and audio upgrades. Typically within a project like this, the contractor would do this work, but Jay and Leedric took initiative by stepping up to do this portion of work, which led to saving the
city over $10,000. What really stands out is their professionalism and ownership. They worked independently when needed, collaborate, collaborated when it mattered, and delivered a finished product that directly supports this council and the community. Both Ledric
and Jay have been been employees of the month before, and given their dedication and work ethic, it's no surprise they're here again. I also want to thank everyone from our facilities, IT, procurement, building, and PIO teams who played a role in making the chambers
remodel a success. I'm proud to recognize Jay and Ledric as team of the month and to thank them for their outstanding service to the city. You want to say anything Jay? I know. >> I should point out the whole project would not have been possible without Mr.
Bridal coordinating all of it. So, thank you. Thank you, Dave. >> I I think there's an elevator that you had the rap for, too, that you did a wonderful job. Had heads off to you because that was an awesome move. So, we
don't see it, but that elevator job, that's all on you. So, thank you, my brother. >> Yeah. Now, the staff here, these folks, they're all rock stars. Jay and Deborah up in the booth every night, they make sure these council meetings go off without a hitch and make sure they get broadcast out to the citizens at home that can't make it here. Obviously,
Leedric, he ensures that our tablets, our phones, our our computers that we're all in working in order so we can do the best uh serving our public. So, appreciate you guys. All right, next up we have the consent agenda. The next portion of tonight's meeting is the consent agenda, which
contains items that have been determined to be routine and uncontroversial. If anyone in the audience wishes to address a particular item on the consent agenda, now is the opportunity for you to do so. Additionally, if staff or members of the city council wish to speak on a consent item, they have the same opportunity.
>> Will the clerk please read resolution number one? >> Want to read? You're just saying this is a consent agenda. >> Oh, it's a consent agenda. You're right. All right. Do we have any items on consent? Yes, sir. Council member Fletcher, >> I'd like to I'd like to pull item four for a separate vote, please. Thank you.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> And can I get a motion on the consent agenda for items 1, two, three, and five, and six? >> Motion to approve. >> Motion to approve from Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> Second.
>> Second from Council Member Paul. Madame Clerk, please call the role. >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> I. Council member Fletcher. >> Hi. >> Council member Paul. >> I. >> Council member Urban. >> I. >> Mayor Robertson. >> I. >> Motion carries 5-0. >> All right. Council member Fletcher, item
number four. >> Um I just No discussion. Just a sep. Thank you, sir. >> All right. Can I get a motion on that? >> Motion to approve. Motion approved from Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> Second. >> Second from Council Member Paul. Madame Clerk, please call the role.
>> Council member Fletcher. >> No. >> Council member Paul. >> I. >> Council member Urban. >> I. >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> I. >> Mayor Robertson. >> I. >> Motion carries 41. >> Thank you. Next up, we have citizens forum. If a
person desires to comment on any item not on this agenda is provided this opportunity to address the city council. Each person is requested to complete a signin form to be provided to the presiding officer prior to or as soon as practical thereafter the person addresses the council.
And first up we have Bridget Jackson. Good evening everyone. >> Can we please Yep. I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Sorry. Sorry. Good evening. Uh my name is Bridget Jackson and I am a local business owner here in St. Cloud. I own >> Can we get your address for the record, please?
>> Sure. 101 Exchange Place. >> Thank you. >> Um and I own Key Life Fitness and Training. It's a local gym here in St. Cloud. I also um am the founder of the Key Life Cares, which is a nonprofit for women's resource, women's health benefits. Um we do a 5K every year down
at the St. Cloud Lakefront. It's called the I am Enough 5K in order to raise money, raise resources, bring families together. This is our third year doing the 5K. Um and I've had the opportunity to speak with Councilwoman Paul about being able to partner with the city to make this a St. cloud event to be able
to expand our reach to bring community wellness together um to be a expand uh the actual event. Last the first year we had over 400 attendees. Last year we had about 650. So we want to continue to increase that but also be able to create an environment for family and
communities to come together to experience wellness, experience community. Um and we want St. Cloud to be a part of that as we further our um research and further our resources for um the city of St. Cloud. Okay. Thank you, ma'am.
>> And next up, we have Lavel Monger. >> I wish I can walk faster you all. Um, good evening. I am Leaveel Mer. Address 2533 Aventine Street. Um, CBI, Florida. 34744 and I am here to um piggyback on what
the wonderful Bridget has stated. Um as you all may know that I am a distance runner. So I've been all over Central Florida running and I was wondering why St. Cloud doesn't have as many running activities here. Um from Winter Park and Park A and all the races that they have
to Claremont and I believe that St. Cloud has one of the best infrastructures for 5Ks, 10Ks, maybe not a half marathon right now because of traffic and we don't want to get beat up for having those slow walkers finishing six hours later. But I do believe that
our lakefront and that our downtown area is way more than conducive for a nice 5K. And um if you all haven't been seeing the numbers from a um economy standpoint that it brings a lot of visitors in and they can utilize the downtown businesses and the other
surrounding businesses here as well as run and get a nicer look of the amazing things that's going on at St. Cloud. So I recently ran about 10 miles Sunday um Sunday's long run. So if y'all see me between six o'clock to 10 o'clock in the morning fighting for my life um that's
me. Um, I finally was able to run down Florida a and I love that trail, that pathway that goes from um right here in 192 all the way down to the lake to lake shore and it's just beautiful and the pavement that you all did for um the lakefront is amazing as well. >> But I think would be even better if we
have thousands of people before 8:00 in the morning able to really see the beautiful um infrastructure that we have from the old modern the old houses, the century homes all the way into the new things that we have downtown. So hopefully at one point I can create a formal proposal for you all so that we
can consider how can we bring more people here to the to St. Cloud and see the wonderful things that we are doing and utilize health and wellness as a anchor for that. Thank you all. >> Hey Lavel. Thank you sir. Um what is the date uh that you guys are looking at? >> Uh well this date is already locked in
for the I am enough 5K. That's May 2nd. >> May second. Okay. Thank you. I thought you already did 10. >> All right, next up we have Ununice Torres from Hopkins Heroes. >> Hello, my name is Ununice Torres, uh, treasurer of Hopkins Heroes. Our address
is 1100 Massachusetts Avenue in St. Cloud. So, the request is with the rebuild that's going on, it was originally for March. So, we did not plan our Easter um egg hunt extravaganza because of of the rebuild. Now that that's being pushed back to June, now
we're trying to plan that and with the condensed planning time, we're asking for a waiver of the liability insurance if that can be approved. >> Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. All right. And next up we have James
Moore. >> Hello Jim Moore 3855 Santa Cedro Circle St. Cloud 34772. Just like to piggyback on what uh Councilwoman Paul brought up last meeting and that is the work at Hopkins Park. Um I had opportunity to be at Hopkins Park on Saturday which bunch of
you guys well you were all there. It was an amazing event. Really great u community there. Nice to see the community get together. I also went back last night and spoke to them and uh they have an event. They have the construction coming up. Um and I just wanted to get the the
get it rolling with you guys. I know that you've probably been reached out to already, but the construction has been pushed back and there's some concerns around the timing with summer camps and that the summer camp kids will be able to still have their camps going on. Um, I know there could be other
opportunities going on that the city has that can get into a different environment, but there's 40 to 50 kids that um attend the camps regularly and just looking for something that we can do to make sure those kids still get that camp process going through. So, make sure that you guys are aware of it
and something we can look at. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you, Jim. Um, and guys, I I've spoken with some of the folks from Hopkins Heroes. It was an amazing event Saturday, so first start with that. Great seeing the number of folks out here that were there. Nina, um the the
camp, you know, I I understand the concerns and I know it's under construction. I think we need to look at the the numbers of kids that it serves in that community. I think we need to dive into those numbers and see. Um, obviously with what's going on in Tallahassee, those a lot of programs are
going to get cut here. Um, hope hopefully it doesn't, but um, with the Avalor taxes, I think that parks and recck services are going to be the first ones taking the hit. So, I I would like to look at the numbers of where the kids live and if there are kids in that community. Um, and I've talked to
Stephanie Hul Camp with Parks and Wreck about um possibly aiding in the the um transportation or whatever we can do to make sure these kids attend a summer camp of some sort. We got to make sure those services are provided. Um I I just don't know if if the funding is there um
during the construction. So, I'm going to look into it more on my side if you all obviously I think we should all take a look at it. A great comment, uh, mayor. Uh, we want to help all the youths and, uh, the map right here with Hopkins, uh, uh, camp, there's 46, uh,
uh, kids that are within that area. There's five which are outside the area that live in Asol County, but we have many camps throughout. We have a civic center camp. We have many camps. We want to accommodate them all. Mayor, I don't have the answer, but I I I know we want
to make sure these camps are taken care of, but we have no districts in our council. So, I want to make sure that all the St. Citizens are taken care of for for that. Underprivileged, overprivileged, whatever. We want to make sure we care for the youth. So, I I
don't have that answer yet, but I know Hopkins is a big part and we're putting in I think what is it? Uh 12 to 14 million additions and I think there'll be more camps there when that happens. So, the transition, we don't want to
leave these kids out, but how do we make it viable? I don't have that answer. I asked the pleasure of the council to help me figure out for this. Every kid's important. So, if there's 48, 46, 50, they're all important. How do we transition that? I ask the pleasure of
the council to help me uh decide how we how we accommodate these children as we build Hopkins Park into the greatest park in St. Cloud history. >> I agree 100%. Um Stephanie Gilbert, would you like to talk to council about this? We talked a lot about this today.
>> You don't have to, but you have more knowledge on this than than any of us. Um >> I guess my comment I've got more comments I guess than you know when we spoke about this and I think it's important to keep uh programs alive for children you know that's um we do
obviously funding is tight >> and looking at the map it it does look like there how many students would you say are actually in the Hopkins Park community >> 42. No. No. How many are in the Hopping Park community that live there? >> Because we're talking about transporting
ensuring these kids have a summer camp together. >> I believe like 20 or 17 >> like right in that quarter mile. I mean a little bit towards the middle school. Um I'm aware of a couple out in um
the manor but right there within a quarter mile. I mean they all >> Okay. I see one there's one out in Holapole. I don't have the addresses for >> Okay. No, I I my concerns um is obviously staffing. >> Correct.
>> We got to ensure and I don't think while it's under construction that we're going to be able to provide the best camp possible out there and I in talking to staff, they don't feel that that they can. >> Okay. Um, and I I would have to to agree with staff and the fact that, you know,
if it's if there's half a dozen or what, however many kids actually live in that community and can't make it to camp, that we could provide a means to make that happen. >> And I think we can. I I I I hope we can. >> I mean, we can work with some transportation resources.
>> Okay. And and that's while it's under construction. While because we hope it to be under construction this summer, correct? And and hopefully next year we don't have this problem. You know, I think we >> the only other problem would be is the cost. I had a meeting with Stephanie
today and atund I think it was $25 or $150 a week, they couldn't afford that. I mean, that's why they go to that camp. Also, the same thing with free lunches. There's going to be issues getting that. These kids rely on that food.
>> Okay? So, it's a reduced amount at that at the Hopkins camp. It's different >> vague >> pricing structure, >> right? We don't they don't pay. They fill out a form and they're all financially um I guess whatever through the grant program and that's why they can go
there. I guess we get you know whether it's disability, social security, food stamps, I don't know the grant how that works. >> Okay. >> But they don't pay for it there. >> Okay. Are these these are disadvantaged children that are going there? Yes. At >> at a different rate than what we would
charge at the school. >> It's it's it's free. Um we don't vet the people who attend. >> Oh, you do. >> Um I used to fill out a form whenever my kids went back and it's been years, but I know I had to fill out a financial affidavit giving all my information when
my children went. >> Yeah. if when when we do when we get there's times when we can have opportunities like CDBG and things like that which is what I would be looking for for transportation if we had to it would allow us to vet to ensure that somebody actually needed the financial
resources um for for us to do for transportation things like that. Uh we've typically been using the CDBG funds for the main camp to help support the field trips. >> Okay. >> But not at Hopkins. That's the the main camp that we've been working with the
CDBG every year. >> All right. I mean, it's something I definitely want to dive deeper in and and try have a better understanding. This is the first time I've seen the layout of where the the children reside. I didn't know that it was a um I think we spoke about it earlier last year about allowing it to be free during this
time. But if if it can't function there at all, we need to find we got to figure something out. >> Um Mayor had a comment. >> Yes, sir. Council member Fletcher, >> I just want to say thank you um to to staff this week. Um some of this was
brought to my attention and staff worked really diligently to get a bunch of information over um in a short amount of time and uh I just wanted to say um it's great to work with council um on Hopkins and the the Hopkins renovation and uh you know, thank you to everybody for all
the hard work that they do um out there um for the kids. So, thank you. >> Thank you, sir. Council member Urban. >> Um, sort of on the uh same conversation. I I wanted to look into I like you said, I'd like to do some more research on
this, but I would like to look into doing something that's um like an income based program. If uh families can submit proof that they're a lowincome family, then maybe we can use CBD jeep funds or fund funds to help supplement the cost of that. I agree that this camp is very
important. We want to keep kids out of trouble and in camp. Uh but we uh I I think we need to find a way that where where there's some some uh I guess vetting that we could say we'll we'll we'll supplement the cost for the the lower income families. Some way to make
it uh where it's fair for for all of the all the residents of St. Cloud. >> Yeah. Council member Paul. >> Um I do like that idea as well, but I also wanted to get clarification. Um, you stated is Hopkins Park actually a pro summer camp under the city of St.
Cloud? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, what is the difference between this camp and the main camp? Because I heard that CDBG funds were used for the main camp only. Why do they not include the Hopkins Park area as well?
>> I'd have to ask the um parks and recreation director to come up and give more information. I just know that previously when we did the field trips, it was through the main camp. Um, and there was children who couldn't afford to go on the field trips because the
parents pay extra. And so CDBG funds was was being used because some of the children weren't able to go on the field trips, but I'd have to rely on Miss Holt Camp for more information >> because if it's under the same umbrella, summer city of St. Cloud, then it should
be all squared equally is my thing. Hi, Stephanie Olamp, parks and recreation director. So, um CDBG funding is also for Hopkins Park. So, for instance, last year uh we they fill out a form with an address and it's vetted
that way. So, Hopkins Park has received some funding um for camp um and we plan on Leslie and I have already after I met with Stephanie and them earlier this morning, Leslie and I are already working on getting ready to have them fill out the forms to see who qualifies
this year >> for the field trips. >> Yes. For funding. Yep. >> So, we could use that same vetting for the transportation needs or for >> trans or for whatever. Yeah. Yes. Deputy Mayor, >> I I don't want to come convolute uh what
we're talking about, but I think we're talking about two separate issues. CDB funds were used for field trips in Hopkins Park also got that and and uh with the pleasure of Miss Paul, we just want it spread upon every park, every
recreation to help every kid. So, I know we're doing that, but we have to be clear in what CGB funds are for. I've heard that for field trips. I heard that for Hopkins Park just like just a straight playing field for every St.
Cloud citizen and to find a way to fund all this stuff and I don't know how. So the pleasure of the council I may ask you all the camps and and I've had kids and have grandkids in the camps >> and we pay a certain amount of money. We understand that
>> but I don't want kids not to have that opportunity without the funds. So, mayor, I'm asking you and council to help us figure out how we take care of every citizen of St. Cloud. And I say citizens, the youth to to be able to enjoy summer camp because when I was a
kid, that was one of the best things I had with summer camp. >> So, I yel back to you, mayor, but I just I don't think they're uh not including Hopkins Park. I just think those are funds for field trips and things like
that. So, we just need to be clear to the citizens of St. Cloud and Stephanie, I think you're doing a great job. Uh, you got a lot of lot of kids. Biggest uh employment center of the of the city, I think. Is a police bigger than the parks.
>> I think they are. >> It's really close. But being a safe city in the state of Florida, those are two cool things. We order some good things for for for for the kids and for the parks and we also are the safest city. So council I ask you to how we figure
this out so every kid in St. Cloud can go to camp if they can afford it or not but we keep it the safe city. That's a big that's a big wish and a big big ask. I yield back to you mayor and as council can we figure that out and city manager I yield back to you mayor. These are two
great programs and I think all kids should have some capabilities. >> Yes sir. Thank you, Stephanie. Uh, so Hopkins Park is a free camp. >> Correct. >> Okay. And but when we do field trips, are they offered to the kids at Hopkins Park as well?
>> Yes. >> Okay. And so the the CDBG funds are also used for field trips at Hopkins Park. Correct. >> So when they are used, they are used across the board already. >> Yes. >> That's what we want to make sure. >> Okay. Um,
and yeah, if if I agree with the uh my fellow council members on uh any applicants if they are um if they are um in need and in their disadvantage, I I believe that we should find a way to provide the same services to them at the
civic center if we can't provide it at Hopkins Park this year while it's under construction. Uh, I spoke with the the parks and recck director earlier today and we talked about all the great things and the investments that we put at the civic center in that that complex and and I think we have heavy staff there
and I think it would be a at least in this interim if we can house it there and then next year I think if we have that large facility there we can have we can attract more kids over there and then we kind of split the program up into two different >> and at the end of the day this this
argument may be null and void based on what happens in Tallahassee where next year we may be having to privatize these programs, you know, because we're going to have to uh we're going to have a lot of funds not coming in. So, for the homestead properties if that happens.
So, just want to make everybody aware that, you know, yeah, we're talking about this now, but it could all change next year. >> So, >> absolutely. >> All right. We're working on that trying to figure a way to get partnerships with the city so that we can get funding
her payments for that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Stephanie. Appreciate it. >> Thank you, Stephanie Gilbert. >> So, I can I get some clarification on the direction for >> Well, I think there's more factf finding to do. I don't know if there's really direction yet. >> Okay.
>> Yeah, I'm going to look into it myself and I think the rest of them are as well. >> Okay. >> Um and then maybe we come back. We've got a workshop next week. Maybe we can talk about it next week. >> Okay. >> We can bring it up. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Would anyone else in the audience like to speak during the
citizens forum? >> All right. Thank you. >> Hi, Jeff. It's good to see you, man. >> All right. First up, we have public hearings. Uh, with the clerk, please read it. Public hearing number one. >> Public hearing for resolution number 2026-010R. A resolution of the city council of the
city of St. Cloud, Florida, amending resolution number 2025-098R, which adopted the fiscal year 2025 2026 budget for the city of St. Cloud finding the city manager has certified their prior year fund balances and or current revenues available in the budget for additional projects and programs and
various funds not to include the original budget requiring the budget to be increased to include set additional funds in the various funds and making supplemental appropriations within the funds. >> Good evening. Jeff Cooper, finance director. This is budget amendment
number two of fiscal year 2526. Uh so the city manager has certified funds are available to appropriate appropriate for the following projects. Uh the first one being a total of $1 million in revenue from federal grants
public safety from Department of Justice and a million dollars in expenditures for police machinery and equipment grant funded for police barricades. Uh so that is out of the general fund. Fantastic. a total of 38,000 in revenue from state
grants police um FDLE and 38,000 in expenditures for police operating supplies for 20 rapid ID devices that is also general fund a total of 15,000 in prior year fund balance and 25,000 in state grants
police again FDLE to fund 40,000 for police machinery and equipment for the purchase of eight license plate readers That is also the general fund. A total of 35,000 in prior year fund balance and 35,000 in expenditures for
machinery and equipment to replace two sixton HVAC units for temporary fire station 32. Uh don't want our firefighters um being uh super hot this summer. So that is out of the 1% search charge fund.
a total of 4,825,000 from interf transfer parks impact fees and the same amount in expenditures for contractual services to complete project PR1906 uh trail extension lake shore to chism
otherwise known as the ruml road trail uh that is the capital projects fund um this is the parks impact fee portion so 4,825,000 from prior year fund balance and the same amount for interfund transferred to
the capital projects fund to complete that project and that's parks impact fees. A total of 700,000 in revenue from state grants uh Florida Department of Environmental Protection and 700,000 in
expenditures for machinery and equipment for two clam trucks and one rolloff truck for the sanitation fund. a total of 70,000 from prior year fund balance and 70,000 in expenditures for professional services to evaluate and
update modify our required landfill monitoring uh liability. Um so we have an established liability uh established through FD and our lee levels are at such a level that if we get it re-evaluated we can lower that number
and that frees up money for the sanitation fund basically. And finally, a total of 180,000 from state grants other uh other uh res and this is resilient Florida and 180,000
for contractual services uh grant funded for a flood plane vulnerability assessment and this is the storm water fund. Uh so just uh special thanks go out to our procurement department, police department, public works and city
manager's office. So, if you didn't notice, five of the seven items in this budget amendment are grant funded. They total 1,943,000. And for those that don't know, grants are not free. They come with a lot of
administrative burden to get them through the application process, the approval process, the funding process, the moni monitoring process, reporting and so forth. So, um special thanks to those um those people for these grants.
It it's always um welcome to the finance director. And so staff recommendation is approval of resolution 2026-10 and we're requesting city council approval of the same.
And if you have any questions, I'm I'm available. >> Thank you, sir. Would anyone in the audience like to speak on this item? and council. >> Motion to approve. >> Motion to approve. Council member Urban. >> Second. >> Second from council member Paul.
>> Madame clerk, please call the role. >> Council member Paul. >> I. >> Council member Urban. >> Hi. >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> I. >> Council member Fletcher. >> I. >> Mayor Robertson. >> I. >> Motion carries 5-0. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much, Jeff.
>> Will the clerk please read item number two? Public hearing for resolutions number 2026-003R. A resolution of the city council of the city of St. Cloud, Florida, granting a site variance B25-00001 to reduce required open space from approximately plus -0.48 acres to plus
-0.17 acres on the previously approved site development plan on the highway business HB zoning district on the plus - 5.94 acres of land known as Nusi Common South 18-75.04 04 allowing the open courtyard between
units 136 1386 and 1388 to act as an outdoor playing space for Adventure World's Kids Childc Care Center described in the body of this resolution. >> Well, they give you all a teeny tiny podium now, huh? >> Yes. >> I got to look over here for y'all. >> Um, good evening, council. Tisha
Manning, interim director for community development. The project before you is um a site variance for adventure rural kids. Just a reminder, the conditional use for this project came before you in December and was approved and this site variance was a condition of that
approval. Um the future land use is commercial. The hot and it's um of course in the highway business zoning district and the proposed site variance is reduction of open space between units 1386 and 1388
of a commercial complex. This is just a graphical depiction of the um highway business zoning and the same for the um sorry that's a graphical depiction of the commercial future land use
and this is the depiction of the highway business owner. Um this this image is a actual um asbuilt survey that shows the um correct dimensions because that was one of the things that came up in the conditional
use approval. Um they did go out and they got a professional survey. So this asbuilt survey does depict the correct dimensions for the space between those two buildings um in which they have already um fenced with the aluminum fencing. It's about 925 square ft and
our land development code requires that they have 45 gross square feet um outdoor play area per child. So if you kind of do the math on that, that gives them about 20 children would be able to be in their area. Um staff did go through um review all of
this and so staff does recommend um approval of this site variance with the following conditions. Um the approval of the requested site variance does not constitute approval of the provided concept plan and changes to the site will require approval of site
development plan and any additional approvals by the land development code. Essentially they need to get a building permit for the fence that they installed. And the second condition is the site variance is for the reduction of open space between units 1386 and 1388 and is
valid only while the initial certifi and it's only valid while the initial certificate of use remains active. If the certificate of use expires or the business changes ownership, the new operator must apply for a site variance for continued use of that outdoor space.
Um, and the request to action is city council to approve resolution 202603R with conditions as stated by staff. Staff is available for questions as well as the applicant is available. >> Thank you, Tisha. Deputy mayor,
>> uh, I've been out to the property. Uh, I think we our meeting in December. I I noticed that there was a a fence behind that where there was a pond. So I I I look at it as escapees. When you have children uh we own autistic schools, you
just want don't want them to escape. I I think this applicant has demonstrated good faith and put the fences in the right place and has the adequate uh per permission and insurance to do so. Um,
and it's a a childc care center and there the playground is big enough for my visual, but uh, so it's right on on Narusi. I I think it's good. I would like you the pleasure of the council to look at it, but I think we should approve it because I think it conforms
to what our uh, uh, applications and our needs are. And I I know there's codes and there's this and that. They've got the kids in in a back backyard taking care of themselves with gates and employees watching those gates. So, um did it
physically looked at it and I think it's okay, but pleasure to the council. I would like like to leave it to you, but I think the applicants did their job to to conform. I yield back to you, mayor. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. Would the applicant like to speak on this item? >> Good evening. I don't have anything to
say. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> But I'm present. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Can you get her name? >> Yeah. Can we get your name and address, ma'am? >> Nicole Morales, Adventure World Kids, 1388 and 1386 South Narusi Road, St. Cloud, 34771.
>> All right. Thank you. Would anyone in the audience like to speak on this item? >> All right. council. >> Um I also did take a tour of this facility as well too. So um I know the applicant has been working hard to
ensure she's doing the right thing to um make this happen. So I don't have any issues with approving this as well. >> Would you like to roll that into a motion? >> I will. Motion to approve. >> Motion approved. Council member Paul >> with the conditions. >> Second.
>> Second from Council Member Urban. Madam clerk, please call the role. >> Council member Urban, >> I. >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert, >> I. >> Council member Fletcher, >> I. >> Council member Paul, >> I. >> Mayor Robertson, >> hi. >> Motion carries 5-0.
>> All right. Thank you. And will the clerk please read public hearing number three? >> Public hearing for resolution number 2026-005R. A resolution of the city council of the city of St. Florida granting a conditional use for an automobile body work and painting in the I1 industrial
zoning district on the plus - 1.47 acres known as Emerald Edge Auto Body Project CNU 25-00006 located at 40 400 DMI Court as described in body this resolution. >> Good evening council members. Tisha
Manny, interim director for community development. This project before you is for a conditional use for Mo Edge auto body that will be located um in um on H that will be located um in DM u 400 DMI court.
Um the future land use is employment um with the um zoning as industrial I1. the proposed automobile body work and painting. Um, their hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00. Um, they stated they'll have three full-time
staff and it'll be appointment only for the customers. Um this is a depiction of the industrial um future land use and the um industrial I1 zoning.
Um this is actually a depiction of kind of the whole site. So you'll see there are four buildings on that site and this applicant will um eventually take over two of those buildings. Um, so one of the buildings they will use completely for a shop and the second building
they'll use kind of as their office, a little bit of prep area. Of course, it'll have a bathroom and then it'll also have a paint booth. Um, staff is requesting approval of this resolution with the following conditions. Outdoor auto body work and repair shall
be prohibited. All work must be completed within the proposed bays or designated interior. Two, outdoor storage of vehicles, parts, supplies, materials, or equipment is prohibited and must be approved by a
separate conditional use. Three, all vehicles shall be parked in designated spaces only. No parking is permitted on the grass or in the rightway. Four, no reduction in parking shall be permitted. Five. Pursuant to the approval of
resolution 2025139R, a legally binding and recorded parking agreement shall be executed by the property owner of DMI Business Park prior to the approval of the conditional use. This agreement shall clearly define the allocation, location, time, and use
of parking spaces that will be utilized by the business of the proposed conditional use. and six, the approval of the requested conditional use does not constitute the approval of the provided concept plan. Changes to the site will require a site
development plan and any additional approvals required by the land development code. This project did go to planning commission on January 20th and was approved by the planning commission with the conditions as stated by staff.
Likewise, we're requesting approval of city council with the conditions as stated by staff. Staff is available if you have any questions as well as the applicant. >> All right. Thank you. Would the applicant like to speak on this item? >> Mike Riley Jr. representing Ledge Auto
Body. Address is going to be 480 BMI court, St. Cloud. And I'm just here for questions. I have no comments. >> All right. Thank you, sir. We have council member Urban. I think we got questions. >> I have a question for the applicant. It's more a question for the the city
council is um I I'm good with this, by the way, but I was talking with staff earlier and I always look at things from a business point of view and uh even though we're the safest city in in Florida, I also want to be the the most small businessfriendly city in Florida.
And my question is, it seems a little redundant to have to do a conditional use for a property that's already in an I1 industrial zoning district. It's just an extra step, extra cost that small businesses have to make. So, I would ask
council to consider looking into um in the future, maybe just making this a staff level approval or something to make it simpler on small businesses who are are trying to do business in our city. That's all I have to say. >> I think that would be something we'd have to um change the code. Yeah, it's in the land development code. Land
development. We can do that. It's just actually we could just make that take out the as a conditional use and just make I192 almost similar. Right. >> A permitted use >> as a >> Yeah, but it would require an LDC change. >> Right. >> Well, that's what I would recommend if
the council would would support me on that. >> All right. Yep. Maybe we can uh bring that back up. And >> anybody else? Can I get a three to the city manager? >> May I have a question to Mr. >> Yes. Please. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Go ahead. >> 100% agree with jobs.
>> Uh um your family has a very successful rate of creating um jobs for people in St. Cloud. >> Y >> and we're very thankful for that. Um as Kobe said, we we want more of these things. And I don't know how you do it,
Dan, and how you change it, but uh we want these kind of businesses in St. Cloud. People have cars. We have more cars. People need that stuff. Uh great reputation of you and your family and your and your and your folks. Not saying that, but at the end of the day, you're
bringing jobs to St. Cloud and we really appreciate that. So, I agree with Councilman Urban. I asked the mayor how we >> we just did it. That's your third to go ahead and let's work on that. >> Is that okay? >> That's it. You have the third as soon as you said you support that. >> Thank you, sir. Thank you. I just wanted
to support that and thank you mayor. >> Yep. Absolutely. Yeah. Obviously that has nothing to do with this project. Um that's something in the future where we have to bring back for code but right now we're going to focus on yours. >> Uh any other council members have any comments or questions for Mr. Riley?
>> No. All right. Thank you, Mike. >> Thank you guys. >> All right. Anyone in the audience like to speak on this item? >> All right. Can I entertain a motion? >> Motion to approve. >> Motion to approve. Council member Urban. >> Second. >> Second from Council Member Paul. Madame clerk, please call the role. >> Hang on, mayor. Mayor
>> Oh, I'm sorry. We do have somebody. You're right. >> Uh, Jacqueline Odum. >> Good evening. >> Thank you all for seeing me. My name is Jacqueline ODM. I reside at 617 Bibbon Street in St. Cloud, which is right
beyond uh the project that Mr. Riley just spoke about. I have one thing to request. When you are improving your property, will you please consider the fact that
the residents attached to the property there have had tremendous flooding issues and everything that is built around us is higher than we are. So, if you could please when you're building or improving
your property, consider the fact create a ditch retention area or whatever you need to do, but please protect the property of the residents um attached to your property. Thank you so much. >> Yes, ma'am. Has any
>> is Bibbons is attached to this? Is it >> It's beyond it. >> Okay. >> If you look I'm I'm looking at at the area right now just trying to find out where we're what we're referencing. I I am familiar with your property. I know there's been past issues um with flooding in that area.
>> Yeah. Excuse my paranoia, but I can't help it. And I think if people >> Oh, I see. You're right. You back up to Hopkins, correct? >> Yes. >> Yes, ma'am. Okay. But you're not adjacent to this property. >> Okay. >> And I think that that there was something built on this property in the past. >> Uh it's been developed. At least it
looks like it's had something. So, there's a site plan associated with the new building that's going in, and there will be a storm water pond as part of that. Um, I I don't know what was on this property previously, but um I do know that that's a separate application,
a different applicant um that that that's been going through. I I don't know if we have a Do we have an image of the site plan by any chance? >> Um I don't have the site plan with me. Um, but I can tell you I've reviewed it and there's actually going to be a storm water pond on the side where Bibbons is.
So, the storm water pond is going to be there and then we'll also have a 40 foot setback I believe. >> Okay. Does Bibbons tie in to the >> You can see the east boundary of this property or No, it doesn't look like I can show you. >> Can you switch back to the last slide? I
see the pond, but Bivvens is south of this property like where it ties in. >> Okay. There's Orange Avenue. Yes, ma'am. >> Beyond Orange Avenue is where Mincy and Bibbons are, >> right? >> I can't see what you guys are looking at. I'm standing in the mail showing me
the layout. >> Bibbons is on the east. >> So, there's >> Yeah. >> So, so the Bibbons address that's the one that's north of of Bibbons. That one is adjacent to this property. >> Okay. It's at the foot. >> You just don't want any any issues with
the water coming from this property onto any of those properties. >> Exactly. >> I appreciate you sticking up for your whole community. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And um but you're that's good. I'm glad to see that the pond is right there and that will capture any any rain. >> Thank you for hearing me. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you very much.
>> And you do have a motion and a second. >> All right. We have a motion to approve and a second. And madam clerk, will the please call the role? >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> I. >> Council member Fletcher. >> I. >> Council member Paul. I. >> Council member Urban. >> Hi. >> Mayor Robertson.
>> I. Motion carries 5-0. >> Thank you. All right. Next up, we have council action with discussion, possible action regarding 4 exemptions. And uh that's going to be either Scott or Veronica or Tisha.
>> Tisha. >> Yes. So tonight, um again, Tisha Manny, uh interim director for community development. Um this is being brought forth because when we annex some properties into the city um they have 4 exemption. So this is being opened up for discussion and direction from
council. Um so we recently annexed some properties through an incumbrance annexation and discovered that there was a 4 exemption on one of those properties. Um so St. Cloud's language compared to Oyola County allows for a 4
exemption with some requirements of compliance with zoning regulations. Whereas Oyola County, you have a 4 exemption. They you you don't have to comply with those zoning regulations. Um the property coming into the city will
be designated an R1B zoning designation. So this is the St. cloud language and I started with 87 so they're kind of out of order. Um that speaks specifically about the exemption and the part that is of concern is where it says
provided that the activity is consistent with the requirements established in section 86 for animals in the agricultural district below and proof of 4 or future farmers of America registration.
So now if we go to section 86, it speaks about agriculturally zoned properties and then it specifically talks about the property has to be a minimum of half acre with 25 ft setbacks from the
property lines. Now Ocola County does have those same requirements without a 4 exemption. So once you have the forage exemption through OciOla County, they do not require that you meet any of the zoning regulation
requirements. Um, and this is the Oyola County code that speaks about the 4 exemptions. And you'll see where it says they're not subject to the requirements or limitations herein. So everything prior to um this section G of Oyola County
code that has the setback requirements that has the maximum number of six chickens and all of those things goes away with the exemption at Oyola County and that is not the case in the city because we still ask that they comply with some of the zoning regulations.
So staff makes a recommendation um to update our land development code that specifically states upon annexation of property owners with a current 4 exemption in the county at the time of annexation be allowed to continue the
program and keep said animals until the expiration of the current program provided that the 4 exemption or future farmers of America registration participation can be provided upon request. Um, I've had a lot of conversations with
Jessica Sullivan and Jessica Sprain at the um, agricultural um, buildings and so what I've learned is a lot about 4. So they have some programs that expire at August 31st. They start September
1st, they expire August 31st of the following year. the animals in some of those programs don't get sold at markets and the animals don't go away. So the participants retain those animals. So
that is a concern as if you're one of the 4 programs in which your animals don't go to fairs and markets at the end of your program what will you do with your animals? Um another um situation is because some of the animals do go to
market and they do get sold. So then those animals won't be retained um by the actual property owners. So those are some of the things that I discovered. Um we do have a program in the city which is the chicken keeping program. Um
Ocyola County um the agriculture center they do not have a minimum requirement on the number of animals to participate in the program. So even if you had one or two animals you could still participate. Um but they also allow 4 exemptions for
goats, pigs, cattle, different things. So people that may have that 4 exemption that participate in those programs that are now living in the urban areas um may have those animals as well if we annex them from the county.
All right, Tesha, you're saying that your recommendation though that there's some some where it it doesn't kind of fit with some of these kids. >> It may not correct. >> Well, hold on one second. So, the I'm
I'm sorry. Um, so if they didn't, for instance, the poultry the the husbandry program where they're >> it doesn't end at the end of the school year, they could stay in the program and continue registering in the program and they would still be able to provide a
certificate that they were active in the 4 program. So our our recommendation is still the same. It it it's I think the the point she's making is some programs will end at the time of the animal being sold at the fair being sold. Um and some
of the programs they would have to continue registering so that they could prove that they had active participation in the program. >> Okay. So we will still but I don't see that language in there. Is there >> the proof of um the participation can be provided upon request.
>> Is it the same program? Well, because if if the KVLs season is over and they still have their animal, >> it's not really the same program, they're still they still have their animal, but how what what do they provide? >> So, it would still be the same program.
So, even though the season is over for the KVLS, they still maintain or retain those animals. So, they just reregister for the program to it's kind of hard to explain it, but
they don't necessarily reregister for the program. They their program continues because they can do other things other than just the KVLS. So, they can do husbandry. they can do um showing the showing the um like they
loan them out and go to other clubs and different things like that with the same animal. >> Okay. Yeah. I just that that term program I I was applying it to the KVOS event. Um Deputy Mayor Gilbert before you let's
ask Jessica Sullivan to come up here since Tisha referenced her already and she's got a form here. She's the the leading expert in chickens from what I understand. >> She most definitely is. >> She teaches our backyard chicken program for us. >> I saw her in the audience. Uh,
>> yes. >> So, >> all right. So, what are your thoughts on this? Well, you I mean, you filled out a form, so let's hear it. Let me hear. >> Just have her state her name, right? >> Yeah. Can we name and address for the record, please? >> Yeah. Jessica Svin, 714 Kentucky Avenue here in St. Cloud. >> Thank you. Um, so we were concerned
about a few points with the whole thing and uh, one of them was the issue you just talked about where the language is a little unclear. It says at the end of the initial 4 program and if that should
be interpreted by city officials to mean the end of the program year or the end of that >> animal >> you know animal cycle then that particular member would not have the option to procure another animal. So end
of 4 program for them you know with that type of animal. So that that would end. Okay. And then also if they intend to keep their animals like a flock of chickens or rabbits or other you know
small animals then the intent is never to get rid of that animal at the end of that program year. So does that mean the city is intending to prevent them from having those animals after the initial 4 program
that that was >> I believe we still allow chickens >> confused >> and we still allow rabbits and we still so I guess there's a it's a based on a number >> that's allowed and I know that we had a number of people from the agricultural community help write this ordinance or or provide input on it. Um, so how many
chickens are they still allowed to have? So if they if they don't sell their chicken and they keep it, let's just talk about chickens for a second because that seems to be the the animal of, you know, conversation. Um, how many chickens can they have in the city?
>> Six. A maximum of six. >> Okay. Would that fit any of these programs that the kids are in? I mean, how many chicken? could certainly still participate as 4 members with six chickens, but if they had more, if they had, you know, a breeding program or something, then,
>> you know, you're putting an end to that. >> Okay. So, as long as the breeding program, how many chickens are in a single family subdivision? I can see where it it can get a little um out of control if they've got, you know, 150 chickens in a, you know, quarter acre
lot. I think that that might be an issue in a community. But >> her suggestion for, you know, smaller lots would be a maximum of 30 chickens. >> 30 chickens in a single family neighborhood. >> Okay. I think that's a lot. Um I don't
know. All right. And that's in in an existing How many kids are currently in a program like that in in Ocula County? And let's just say >> so we have >> in the St. cloud area 42 4 youth enrolled right now in the current
program year that are in the areas immediately >> outside of the city of St. cloud and >> 242. They have that many chickens. >> No. >> Oh, >> no. I don't we don't keep track. We don't keep track of >> Yeah. Let's talk about chickens because
I think that's really the how I mean you're going to have 30 goats and on a quarter acre obviously, but chickens you can pack them in and and that's where they'll have these programs that we don't know about is I know in in one subdivision we annexed in on Neptune that that's kind of what kind of brought
this conversation to light. Our suggestion for the limitation of animals is based on the amount of space that that particular property has to accommodate them on a peran animal basis. So like for chickens for example you know four square feet per standard
size chicken for you know outdoor space plus you know appropriate roosting space and if that property can't accommodate that then you know then no the answer is no. >> Okay. Do you know how many we have in our about with chickens of that
magnitude of that size of population? >> Mr. McConna, what do you think? >> No, I'll just if you want to give your input on it. I I know you can you want to come up here for a second? You have Mr. McConna ran a feed store in this community for many many years.
>> You're not just talking about chickens. >> Can I get your name and address for the record? >> Oh, I know. I'm I'm just going on chicken because that's what can really create an issue in a community which there is one that that we're trying to sort through. Um, have you seen this in single family subdivision like your
customers in the past when >> if pe if families are raising animals? We're talking about hogs. My granddaughter won Grand Champion last year in steer. But if they're raising animals, when that animal's gone, does that mean
next year the same family that lives in the same place can't do another one? that program is done with that one animal >> and they've lived there for a long time and they want to do it again next year, which is wonderful for the kids. A lot of kids need to do that.
>> Does that mean they can't start the next program the next year? I see a problem with that because they were there. Who was there first? >> Yeah. And I think um when Heath and and JJ and and Matt were on that committee, I think they addressed a lot of those.
>> Chickens are a minor thing. We got hogs. We've got steers. >> Yeah. Oh, I was going to go one by one and kind of figure out where the the problem where we come into these issues with when it comes to this >> because if you if you bring them into the city and then cut them off next year, >> that's the wrong you're going down the
wrong road. >> Absolutely. No. And that's where >> opinion >> um >> city manager. Yeah. Where's it? Do we have the ordinance at hand um on hand about what was passed with Matt and JJ and all them the
recommendations? >> I can pull it up teacher unless you have it fast >> because they had a committee >> uh >> prior to me and and I know um one of the gentlemen on there had had attended one of our meetings a few meetings ago actually. It wasn't long ago when this issue came up and he said, "We need to
stick to this." You know, what's already been on the books and that's what I need to look and see how that does affect hogs. You know, obviously if if they've got an acre in the county that allows it, how does that translate into the city? >> And the and these hogs aren't running
loose. They're in pens. You can put a raise a nice hog in a 10 x 10 elevated pen and be cleaner than a lot of other stuff that's in the city. But I just hate to see him get cut off the next year because of this being annexed into the city. That's that was my concern
sitting back there and listening. >> And this isn't taking anything away that's already there on the books before I got here. >> This is so I only understand what comes forward and I'm seeing the words on the screen. >> What this is doing is actually allowing them to keep it where it it's not
allowed already in the city code. So this is given an exception to the kids who want to who are continuing their program as long as that they are in that program. >> But one program stops when that animal goes >> and and that's >> will they be prohibited from getting the next year for the next year.
That's that's the problem I see. Okay, you're in the city now. You can't do that anymore. And we're going down the wrong road in this town. That's just my opinion. >> Well, that was before me, Richard. I didn't pass. >> I know. And I know you're one person among many. >> Yeah. And that's what we're trying to figure out. What uh
>> we got to remember where the city came from and try to preserve some of it. >> I agree 100%. >> And I'll be quiet now. I'm sit down. >> No, I asked you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, Richard. Uh Deputy Mayor Gilbert, >> sir. Sir, >> Richard. >> Richard, >> I'm sorry. I guess Deputy Mayor's got a question for you.
>> You're right on. You're right on. I and I don't know as much as as Kobe and and and and Chris and Jen that grew up in the city, but that's what our city's about. >> I've been here 60 years, >> right? And as we grow, that's what our city's about. And what we don't want to
do is we annex and we welcome people into our city, which is the safest city in Florida. We got the great greatest uh chief, greatest fire chief. But we don't want to punish AOA County to come in the city. We want to tell them how great we
are. We want to tell them what services we have, >> but we don't want to punish them be for them become members of our city. >> So, I don't know. I I I'm again, everyone will tell you I'm from Detroit. I've only been here 36 years. I have five kids that born and raised here,
eight kids, >> grandkids. But this is the city I love. in and part of the cities are cows, our pigs, our chickens, our horses. So, I don't have that answer, but I don't want to reject somebody coming
into our city and saying you could do this in the county because we have great a but then you come in and you're punished. So, I don't have the answers, but I know Chris has been here his whole life, Kobe and Jen. Let's find a
solution to to to to bridge that gap to keep the city soldier city, Chris. >> Well, and that was prior to me and that's why I brought this >> prior, but we have to our shoulders now, right? >> Well, whatever was passed prior to me, we'll have to address that because that's not what we're talking about
tonight. What we're talking about tonight is actually allowing more, right? >> What what we can talk about in the future is how it >> because I'll have to go dig deep into work in the past. Okay. as to when I don't know if you were on council at the time, but it was a few years ago where
um we had members of the agriculture committee community come in on a committee, help staff write a code, they created the code, and they still stand by that code, the agriculture community. So, I want to look at that. I want to look at what's going on in the county, look at the city, um JJ, Heath, Matt, I
mean that group, they stand by what they worked on. So, I don't know if you've spoken with them or looked at their code. >> I talked to Matt today actually >> and they're proud of that. Well, I'm telling you, mayor, is how do we adapt bringing these people in the city and allowing them to be not punishing them to become
>> That's what we're doing right now. That's what this is. >> That's why that's why I'm asking council >> and this is on on this particular obviously this chickens. I think this is really what kind of brought this up was um there was a subdivision that was annexed in um and I don't know if they
were in accordance with the county code with the forex exemptions. I don't I don't have all those particulars. I know we annexed them in and whatever the the amount of chickens they had. It wasn't in compliance with the code that was like I said passed before I even got here. So I'm kind of digging deep going
backwards trying to figure out how we do this. and staff's worked on this and I'm gonna let the city manager chime in on this one. >> I I found this section of the of the code that you were asking about. So, I think I might be able to answer your question. Um, specifically for for small
animals and this is where um so weighing less than 40 pounds and mature. This is the agricultural section that the that the agricultural community drafted a couple years ago that they made the special committee. Um, and just so everybody knows, um, that was because we were we were moving forward to annex
some properties that had agricultural zoning in the county and we were trying to preserve their uses, trying to, you know, respect our heritage and and and bring them into the city. So, that was why we worked on this land development code with them. There was a there was a a veterinarian that was on the committee
and and multiple property owners. Um, so for small animals weighing less than 40 pounds at mature weight, including but not limited to chickens, rabbits, birds, and fowl, property shall be limited to a total of 20 per acre with a minimum halfacre property. And any structure for
housing the animals shall be a minimum 25 ft from the property line. So, the problems that we're having, if we talk about chickens and and the properties that we just annexed, they the lot that has these chickens, um,
does not it's not a minimum half acre and it does not have the minimum 25 ft from the property line. So, so that's where the the conflict is where we're trying to find a way to allow them to continue but also be respectful because
a lot of this also came up due to um complaints from the neighbors um because of the the setbacks distance of the setback. >> And I'm not concerned about adults with their chickens. I'm concerned about these kids and it's a insanely good
program for these kids. You don't know what all the work goes into this. We don't want them cut off because >> I participated in those programs >> because of annexation and growth. >> Yeah. 100%. And and it's very this is a very rare issue. So it's not like it's a widespread issue that we're annexing in
and kids are having to sell off their animals. This is a one out of how many lots? 2,000 lots. I think we just annexed in one. >> One. >> And and >> on a half acre with 20 with how many chickens? I >> not in it.
>> Oh, it was full 20 28 20 per acre. But this solution would allow that family to keep the chickens that they have as long as they stay registered in the 4 husbandry program, right? As long as
they're current currently registered in it, then they would be able to continue that program. I understand Miss Sullivan was concerned about the the language. So maybe it just says >> Yeah. Let me Can I ask Jessica one more time? Come back up here. >> Um >> so thank you Richard. Appreciate you sir
and all your knowledge. Um what is your position over there us at >> the >> I'm an agriculture agent. So I >> the extension office. >> Yeah I'm an agriculture agent. So I work with >> so plants >> if we have somebody that annex is in >> and there will be a lot more
>> as you work your way towards the manor >> but most but no that that's really not the the area that we're really focused on. It's these are right now >> your ordinance now apply to a lot of >> but that was 2014 when that was created. We're talking about, you know, how we actually if you if you've paid attention
to how we've been annexing these are encumbered properties most of them where the developer before they developed um they turn them into subdivisions which are not you know they they went outside the agricultural realm. Um but there we still I think prior to that they didn't allow all these chickens. I think going
back four or five years ago >> it was outlawed. So, I think this the councils have passed. I think they've kind of addressed that issue to allow chickens to come into subdivisions that have already been approved to be developed. But my question is um
the your position you can certify. So, say say we annex a subdivision and a child in um say one on Narusi Road, some subdivision that gets annexed in has 25 chickens. the end of the the the fair is
over, they can come to the extension office and get some a document that can be presented to us to the city to say they are still in the program. >> Yeah, absolutely. And then >> that's what I'm saying is who who verifies that? How how do we >> we do >> you do the OciO county extension and
then furthermore like you know as a service to the city and for each members like we will go and personally look at you know the animal welfare and care and management of any particular property if it's you know in question and you know
verify that like those animals are being taken care of that they have appropriate space and housing and and all of that. So, I mean, we're we're willing to go the extra mile to, you know, back up and and make sure that our members are, you know, in accordance with proper management practices.
>> Okay. So, if somebody had a goat, um, which most subdivisions probably wouldn't allow a goat in their subdivision. I mean, I don't know how many goats are in in, >> you know, Sawrass or one of those subdivisions. Um, but let's just say
there is one. So if the market animal is sold, then they're not in the program anymore, right? Is that something that >> they would they would potentially reenroll if they're, you know, under 18, then they would reenroll in 4 and then they could procure another animal for
the next season. >> And I would be okay with that if it's already allowed and and that's but I don't know that many of these subdivisions allow that already. That's our concern is not to try to open up a whole bunch more doors, but when people are being transitioned into the city and
voluntarily annexed into the city and they already have those animals, >> you know, that's kind of the first issue that we'd like to kind of address is like how can we all work together to make sure that like they don't just have to get rid of animals if they would otherwise be keeping those animals and
that they can continue in the 4 program. And you know also for future consideration you know look at how can animals live in the city and still be compatible. Now HOAs control HOAs, but when there are those rare properties
that you know you're annexing in that may be residential, but still they have been allowed by the county to have property or have animals on their property. If those animals welfare and health and and well-being and space is
all appropriate, then you know our concern is okay, then why are you telling them they can't do it? You know, >> I don't think anybody has that particular anybody has yet. >> I I I don't think we in fact we haven't we've we've held off on all that. >> That's why we're working to find a way
to still allow it and and and work through this transition. >> I don't believe that if there's a subdivision that we annex and very rarely since I've been on council do we annex somebody in uh involuntarily that's not in a
subdivision. I don't know how many we've done. Maybe a handful if that to connect >> subdivisions. >> An actual involuntary annexation in my entire non subdivision. >> Talk about a non-s subdivision. >> A non-s subdivision. >> There haven't been a lot of those. There may have been some small >> enclave. And we just annexed in over
2,000 lots and not one of them >> that I can recall. I mean, there may be a handful on the the north side of Neptune. Do we do any of those? This is the only we've only had one law with the current issue of a 4 exemption wanting to be honored in the city limits if that's what you're asking.
>> And that's in a subdivision >> um with no HOA. >> Correct. >> And that's so most of the time HOAs may have rules already in place. >> Exactly. >> So we can't say yes, they can do it if they don't comply with the HOA rules. And so that's where if they're already
doing it, they they need to make sure they're in compliance already. And I think maybe that's all on YouTube. Those aren't those aren't the cases we're addressing. Like if they can't have it because of their HOA, then that's on. >> But who checks that? >> Are you going to verify that before you give a certification that they're in the
program legally? >> That's that's a got that's got to go on y'all then. If if >> I mean, we can. >> Yeah. Because if they're going to say that they're in a subdivision and they want certification, then and you show they show you where they live, their HOA, you know,
>> that's a lot of staff work, I think, to to verify they they should be acting accords with their their HOA already. >> I mean, that'd be a yes. >> Accurate statement. Um, I'm in favor even if they sell their their say their goat and and they're in
a on a piece of property, you know, and they get annexed in and they're legally allowed to have it already in the county, then I think they could stay, if we'll call it in the program and get another goat as long as they continue through the, you know, the agricultural program, the FFA, the 4, I think they're
still technically in the program. Um, >> so the two potential conflicts with allowing that would be the the mention in the existing code that specifically goes back to that one half acre.
>> Well, well, and that's where >> and then also the part where it says the initial 4 program will be required to comply. So if that's going to be interpreted by city as >> they're not complying with the 4 program
now. >> No, the the language the language in your existing >> can can I help you? >> Yes. She's concerned that the the agricultural requirements would still
apply, but the way the code is written, the the 4 exemption exempts them from those agricultural it it does because it's the section 8.6. >> It says as long as they comply with Help me, Tisha. It says as long as they
comply with so it goes back to that one half acre, >> right? And so so I think what you're concerned is that the at the end of the how the city interprets the initial program that this that the people are participating in when that program ends and they would have to comply with the
land development code provisions that that are currently in place. So this the language on the screen actually gives them a the way you read gives them an exemption to comply with the land development code provisions related to animals as long as they're in the program. That's how that would work. But they can
stay in the program if they reertify through the 4 the extension office. Right. This allows them to do that. >> That's we understand. We don't do the certification. >> I would like the wording to be a little more clear so that it's not misinterpreted. >> Right. And that's why I I asked the
question about what's technically the end of the program because I've raised animals through KVLS and the end of the program is the end of that year. >> Yeah. Um, but if they come to you, if we're going to call the end of the program where they no longer get
>> when they're 18, that's the end of the program when when that child is 18. >> Okay. Well, that's if they if they don't discontinue like so say they if they don't get reertified through you, then that would be the end of the program,
>> right, for their exemption. >> Yeah. We don't we don't like certify anybody, but we're more than willing to verify and write a letter and and you know check out. >> But but the correct me if I'm wrong, Tisha, what it currently reads that is
not being proposed to be changed is that they don't have an exemption. For does not have an exemption if they are not already on a 1/2acre lot. Is that correct? >> No. Yes. Correct. That's the way it is.
But this proposal is what we're saying is and and it's exactly as the mayor is stating. If they continue to be enrolled in the program, then they continue with their exemption and this exempts them from the compliance with 86. But I also
understand what you're saying when you're saying the way this is written, maybe we just need to and city manager um and of course um city attorney can chime in. I think what she's saying is to have language that says unless you continue your enrollment in a program. I
think that's what she's trying to convey >> as long as there's continuous enrollment in 4. >> So I and I think that's definitely a question that staff needs direction from and and I I think it's been said a few times I think I I think before we bring
back a final I just would like clear consensus. um the way this was written if you're once your program was done you couldn't necessarily reregister in another one right so so but I I think what I was
hearing was you you sold your hog you guys are okay that the next that >> I would allow them to go yeah because these kids they do it not just one time they start in when they're elementary school they work their way up you know sometimes it starts with a goat then it
moves on to a hog if it's allowed in their subdivision, which they would have to be allowed in their subdivision. We can't just say everybody can have it. If it's not allowed uh in their HOA, you know, obviously that would be a whole different issue. >> Um
>> so so then it would be um would you could just have at the time of annexation be allowed to continue the program provided that proof of 4 exemption. So you could remove the and keep said animals until the expiration of the current program.
>> Yeah. And I think to make that easier if if even the 4 if they would come to the table and say look we'll we'll you know verify that this child is still enrolled in 4 and >> yeah we're we're here. We're we're verif
I'm speaking for all of the extension agents in the 4 program in this capacity. So yes that's that's been determined. We're more than willing to write that letter and to do an on-site verification if the city would would like that. >> Okay. Yes, ma'am. >> So,
>> I I'm okay with w with what she's saying. Um until 18 with the program to allow them to still have their animals year after year after year that they're still in the program, right? I saw two >> not not just waiting for the animal to
either get slaughtered or pass away on naturally, but you know, >> right? >> I saw two nods looking >> I'm going to let Deputy Mayor Gilbert speak now since we've already kind of g clarification, Mayor. Uh we talked about homeowners associations. They don't
change when they go from the county to the city. So, we're we we're not >> uh doing anything from homeowners associations that are in the county and then come over to us. That's the same entity. What we're doing is passing that. And we talked about homeowners
associations. Well, if they're not allowed in the county, I truly don't think they're allowed in the city. So, Dan clarified the homeowners when we uh annex, they have the same jurisdiction. Correct. >> Right. So, remember that homeowners
associations, deeds, covenants, and restrictions are essentially they're different than ordinances or laws. They are contractual obligation when you buy your property to your homeowners. So it doesn't matter what the city does in n in most instances what laws or ordinance
you pass. You could you could allow you could pass a code that says you chickens could be on every property in the city if the homeowners association and these covenants and restrictions prohibit those animals that people living there can't have them. >> Right. >> Those are rules on top of ours
>> on top of ours. Exactly. And but what I was going to suggest is what you're really talking about right now is allowing folks that annex into that are annexed into the city who had basically approvals, entitlements, let's call them that, with regard to animals in the
county to continue that. Right? So what you're basically doing is you're basically establishing what's referred to as a non-conforming use. So you're basically saying that these these homes these people that come in that have been in these programs who are allowed to operate in these programs again as Miss
Sullivan pointed out we assume that their homeowners associations either don't prohibit it or are okay with it whatever. So they're allowed to operate but now they're going to come in the city and they're going to get they're going to have a non-conforming status. The reason why that's important and I think this is how we can move forward with this is we can write that in but
with typical non-conforming status you put certain restrictions on. In other words, the use can't be abandoned. So in lie of maybe saying we're gonna say to the end of the program, maybe we put in there that if there's no verified 4
confirmation on the property for a period of a couple of years, maybe they'll the use would be abandoned, right? So that would allow families with multiple children to continue to participate in the program. You also could put restrictions on it that limit it to the existing property owner. So if
they sell their property, the non-conforming status would be uh the new owner of the property couldn't simply come in and say, "Okay, I bought the house from somebody who had the 4 program for the last 15 years and now my kids get to be in the 4 program, too."
And I mean, get to be on in the 4 program on our property here. So, we could put those kind of restrictions in which I think would allow at least some control, but would provide the ability to continue. I think as long as there's 4, as long as somebody is in there from
that household. So if you've got a say a brother that's in the 4 program that's in fifth grade, but the fourth grader wants to do it because the fifth grader's in there. Now we've annexed them in I think as long as it's allowed on that property, we allow that child
the the the you know to to allow that activity 4 activity. The moment that 4 activity is discontinued, then that's a different >> right. And that's that's basically how you how you apply how we interpret non-conforming uses. You get to keep it for as long as you use it.
>> Okay. But it it shouldn't just be on that one child. I think it then >> we do it by a prop. We would do it by >> on the property. Okay. >> Does that make sense? >> Is that was that comfortable? Is that fair? Is that >> it's it's a look, it is a very difficult conversation to have because I grew up
on six acres and we had animals and and my parents where they're at, they're they're most likely going to be annexing the city in the next few years, maybe even next year, this year. Um, and so everybody, you know, in this community, which used to be a heavily
agricultural community, um, they have those fears that they're not allowed to do what they were doing in the county. And I want to make sure that they still have that ability. And obviously these subdivisions where um I've never put that many chickens on one
a small house. I'm you know I just I haven't lived in a subdivision like that. But um we always had larger properties. So it's a very unique situation. I think it it's not something we're going to encounter all the time, but we do want to make sure that those those residents are protected as well.
So thank you for speaking up for them to ensure that they are protected. >> Thank you for working with us and listening. >> Absolutely. Thank you. And I'm going to go back and look at the full ordinance with um that that committee created or worked on with staff um and see how that applies to other properties and other
animals and because you know I don't think there's going to be a steer on a on a halfacre piece of property and you know Coington estates or you know >> unlikely probably won't have to address. >> Yeah. Thank you very much Jessica for helping us with this. >> So do we have a consensus?
>> All right. Are we okay with sort of working through a bringing back an ordinance that kind of has what guy suggested a non-conforming status for these properties and get them move forward as long as they continue to participate someone on the property continues to participate the program? >> That's good for me. Yeah,
>> those three sound good. >> We will we will have to take a I'll tell you right now >> and please come back when we do >> bring this forward. Obviously we you know we can fine-tune it during that meeting as well. >> So the process so you so everybody knows is we have to draft a revised ordinance. It is a land development code provision.
So it have to go to the planning and zoning commission and then it'll have to come in front of the council for first reading and then final adoption. So it's not going to be at the next meeting. Probably not going to be at the April meeting, but we'll work through it. >> Thank you. Yeah. And thank you, Richard. Obviously uh with that feed store, I
know you um sold feed to a lot of students and and a lot of a lot of kids out there in the um not just the feed, but all the everything that came along with it. So you heard all the stories as well. So you probably bought a few You probably still do.
>> All right. Any other comments on regarding Yes, we do have one more from the audience. Uh Rachel Fernandez. >> Good evening. I'm Rachel Fernandez. I'm a UFAS extension agent. I'm the livestock and forages. I do have a big chunk of 4 on my appointments. So I do
get to work with the market animals and the kids are addresses 1921 CMI Lane, CMI, Florida 34744. >> And I just want to piggyback on that. It's um yes, there's a lot of kids. The majority are on larger properties, but
also I like to comment on the kids that are in the subdivisions. as long as their HOA is okay with it. These kids, they learn so much from just raising let's say a chicken and you can have a good amount of chickens in a backyard and it doesn't bother anybody. They're
happy, healthy, there's no animal welfare issues. So that's I think is a good ch point of making sure that that forex exemption counts to those kids as well. And also wanted to say I would like to commend the city of St. Cloud for their support in urban agriculture
initiatives that allow for people to raise their own food and animals such as community gardens and the baryard chicken um keeping program. As our city grows, agricultural programs encourage resilience communities in which our residents can be more self-sufficient, have opportunities to interact with the
natural world, stay active, and improve their diets through growing their own healthy foods. Please consider expanding youth participation in your programs by allowing for reasonable continuation for responsible animal keeping and annex properties. And I would personally be more than happy to go to properties. And
just like Jessica was saying, we do have a background in helping with that kind of thing. So, we'd be more than happy to go to properties and if you guys need us to go and make sure that this kid is still in 4 and they're the animals are happy and healthy and there's no animal
welfare issues, more than happy to participate and help with that as the new agents here in the county. >> Yes. Thank you very much for all your help. >> Yep. Um I'll be out there this Saturday and the following s Saturday helping those kids sell off their their animals and their trees and their you know the
goats, pigs, deer, and trees. So, last year I even bought one. Still waiting on it. All right. Anybody else? Anyone uh anyone else in the audience would like to speak on this item? Yes, ma'am. >> And can we get your name and address for
the record, please? >> Hello, council. Uh my name is Millie Gonzalez. The address is 2140 Emperor Drive. Yes. >> Okay. So, I'm the chicken lady. Obviously, we all know. Um,
I have a question about the space where it says you have to be 25 ft from the property line in the code, but in the backyard chicken keeping program description, it says uh 5t from the
property line and 25 ft from residential structures, which that's how mine is. um maybe like two or three feet from my property line, but I know that this might be a problem. So, >> is there a conflict in the code that we know of? >> So, the 25 ft was the agricultural
zoning which the 4 exemption is going to we're not going to have to worry about the 25. >> Yeah, if you go on this path, she won't we won't those setbacks won't apply. >> Okay. >> Okay. Just asking because I know it's going to be an issue later on. >> Okay. Thank you, ma'am. >> Um any questions about the chickens or anything?
>> No. Thank you, Scott. All right. Anyone else in the audience like to speak on this item? And council, any other discussion? All right. Thank you. And we're going to go ahead and move on. Discussion and possible action regarding appointments
to boards and committees. Sorry, Madam Clerk. I took your council action number two. >> Hi, Scott. You don't like that podium? I strange to to go back and forth. >> You got us looking all over.
>> Good evening, mayor and city council. Uh Scott David off, deputy city manager. Uh what would like to do this evening to make the process a little bit smoother uh to make sure that we're keeping track
of of everyone as cleanly as possible as we go through these council. You should have in front of you uh you were all given and and mailed an updated one and I believe there was one placed on the dis for everyone uh the committee board
appointment action sheet. So what this does is this lists all of the boards and the vacancies as part of each of those boards showing as well what council has previously requested which are those members who have requested
reappointment. So you can see those as well as uh noting if there were any alternates who had requested reappointment when there is a vacancy as a full voting member.
So what I'd like to do then is go through these with each one. Obviously the intent would be to have one uh motion at the end uh for the slate and then we can go through it at at that
point. So we would start with the uh CRA the community redevelopment agency. Uh and right now there is one vacancy for that for seat six. >> All right. Can I get a a motion on
an applicant for the CRA. >> Is there any uh alternates, mayor, at that position? At this point, >> there's no such thing. Not on community of dub development. That's the five council members and two members. >> Two members. So there. Yes, sir. Okay. Thank you, sir. >> Yes, sir.
>> Do we have any applications for this position? I've been approached by Jeff Perry on this one. Um, I'll make a motion on Jeff Perry. >> All right, we have a motion for Jeff Perry and a second from Deputy Mayor Gilbert. Do we uh call the role on each
one? >> We're going to do it at the end. >> All right. Correct. >> So, how do we how do we say yay or nay on these people during each step of the way? So, if we could since it may be easier just to take a motion on each board.
>> I think we're going to have to for each individual board. >> It' be easier to keep track of. >> So, you got a motion. >> We have a motion to second. Uh, with the clerk, please call the role. >> Council member Fletcher. >> Council member Paul. >> I. >> Council member Urban.
>> Hi. >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> Hi. >> Mayor Robertson. >> I. >> Motion carries 5-0. >> All right. The next board in front of you. >> So, we'll make a motion on each board. >> Yes. Yes, sir. >> So, we'll do the slate and then make a motion that >> because we can all kind of >> are we okay with this person, that
person all the way through and then we vote on the slate. >> I think we did that kind of last year. >> Correct. So, the next board in front of you is the planning commission. Uh on this board right now, there are a number of vacancies. Uh there's a
total of five vacancies. Of those vacancies, uh seat one, Philip Lantry has requested reappoint. Seat three, Russell Alexander has requested reappointment and the alternate two which is Megan Marshall
has requested uh reappointment. And this is the one I did want to point out that there is the opportunity if council so desires to move an alternate into a full voting uh space. >> Yeah. And I would like I'm going to say
something about that. Last year there was a little snafu there. um she graciously agreed to stay on as an alternate even though she was on as a permanent it a voting member. So um I would like for her to be move up to that one of those vacant positions for an out
a voting member seat an alternate seat at this time. Mayor may ask if uh this is other committees that somebody's as committed as this person was to be an alternate, could they be our first consideration for when a position's open
because she graciously continues the alternate and now is getting appointed and I think she deserves it. But would that be appropriate for every committee? Uh mayor >> I think we do it on a case by case. I think that's you can speak up for one. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I I just think an alternate that
stays with it and works with it. They should be considered. >> Oh, yeah. You you could put that into consideration when you when you request that someone >> council, you you guys we're good >> on on Megan Marshall for >> Yeah. I mean, as a general practice, I' I'd like to move uh if there's a vacancy
on a regular seat, I'd move up an alternate to that. And I I do agree with moving up Megan Marshall into a regular board seat on this. >> All right. So, we got Megan Marshall. I would like to see Philip Lantry and a vacant. >> All right, I would agree with that. So, we got uh Philip, he's going to stay on
as a voting member, correct? >> Yes. >> I'd also renominate Russell Alexander >> and Russell. So, those are the three. Are we good with all those three? Those three. Those are the three voting members. Russell, Phil, and Megan. Now, we have our We have two vacant
alternates. Um, I see Theresa Dohy um as a second choice, but I don't see her as a first choice on any other committee. Does that mean she did not select a first choice on any? >> It's whatever you have. It's what how you have it in front of you. >> It doesn't like they just leave a first
choice blank. How does that work? >> That's how she filled it out. >> Okay. >> There's a number of those that were submitted that way. Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> So, she'd rather not for the first choice? Anything? Um, no, but I I think Teresa would be great as as an
alternate. What do y'all think? Okay. I know she had expressed interest last year and I think missed the the application process. I think there was something. >> Yes, she did. >> Is that what it was? Okay. Sometimes I
can't remember a year ago, but I do this time. All right. Uh, the other alternate seat. Anybody have any maybe a Patel? I mean, he's next. Amit Patel. Yep. All right, I'll put them at Patel.
All right, there's our slate. We got Megan Marshall, Phil Lantry, Russell as fill in the vacant seats one, two, and three. And then the two alternates, Theresa Dhy and Amit Patel. Can I get a motion on this slate? >> Motion approved. >> Motion approved. Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> Second. >> Second from Council Member Urban. Madam
Clerk, please call the RO. >> Council member Paul. I. >> Council member Urban. I. >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert. Hi. >> Council member Fletcher. Mayor Robertson. >> I. >> Motion carries 5-0. >> All right. The next committee is the
recreation advisory committee. There is a vacancy in alternate one. Uh Christina Jones is requesting reappointment and then a vacancy for alternate two. >> Recreation advisory. We have two alternates.
The the other seats are already filled. >> Yes, sir. >> They're not expired. >> Correct. Okay. So, just two alternate seats. >> Yes, sir. >> Um, well, we had Ariel up here today. What do you guys think? He did the invocation
for the recreation advisory committee. >> Yes. >> And I know he's gone through the the um city the citizens program academy. Yes. Thank you. >> All right. And alternate number two,
>> am I reading this correctly? The person that requested reappoint went to zero of one meetings. >> There was only one meeting. >> Oh, you're looking at the other >> did not attend that that one meeting that they have had since then. >> I would I would nominate the reappoint
for that. >> Okay. Christina Jones. >> Yes. >> Gotcha. >> All right. So, to fill the two, the alternate one is Ariel Santa and the alternate to Christina Jones. Can I get a motion on that slate?
>> Motion to approve. >> Motion to approve. Council member Urban. >> Second. >> Second from Council Member Paul. >> Madame Clerk, please call the RO. >> Council member Urban. >> I. >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> I. >> Council member Fletcher. >> Council member Paul.
>> I. Mayor Robertson. >> I >> motion carries 5-0. >> And the final board is the zoning board of adjustment. Uh seats one, two, and three along with alternate one and two are vacant. Uh seat one uh Julian
Caligus uh has requested reappoint and seat three Courtney Fetzer has also requested reappoint. And just to point out um you cannot serve simultaneously on the planning commission and the board of adjustment.
>> Okay. So AMT Patel cannot >> because he we just put him on the planning, right? >> Correct. >> And neither can Megan Marshall >> and neither can Russell. >> Mayor, may I ask a question? >> Yes, sir. >> Miss Fetzer requested a reappoint. uh
zero two meetings. Correct. >> Are you asking me? >> Uh that's why I'm saying the updated statement. >> That is what Yes, sir. >> I'm sorry, sir. I'm just stating that as what I see in my piece of paper, I think she'd be a great uh asset, but I don't
know what percentage of meetings that that we qualify or quantify. >> So, >> how many meetings do we typically have for zone? That's as needed. >> It's as needed. It it meets just probably four or five times a year.
>> So, is it is a scheduled meeting because I I I I respect everybody's time. >> Well, >> so do we set meetings? >> It has a set meeting date and if there are cases, the board me is is brought in to hear the cases. If not, then they they're advised there are no cases this
month. and the other um members um the three other current members who are not up for reappoint attended attended one out of two meetings. >> So I I would like Courtney to be back on the board at just some um guidelines of
of attendance of meetings of percentage- wise if the if uh the council uh so pleasures it. >> Okay. So you want to reappoint Courtney Fetzer? >> I I do. and uh Julian also. >> Okay, let me write them in here. Seat
three, we're going to put Courtney in the same seat and Julian seat three and and one respectively. Um, seat two vacant. >> Jennifer Maz. All right, Jennifer Maza
C2. And lastly, we have the alternate one. Any names for for alternate one? >> I'm sorry. Urban, you have >> I was just gonna say Jose Hortiz, but if uh >> Okay,
>> Jose Ortiz. All right. Is everybody good with that one? And we have a slate. So, seat one, Julian Calus. Uh, seat two, Jennifer Maza. Seat three, Courtney Fetzer. Alternate one, Jose Ortiz.
Can we get a motion to approve? >> Motion to approve. Council member Urban. >> Second. >> Second from council member Paul. Madam clerk, please call the role. >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> I. >> Council member Fletcher. >> Hi. >> Council member Paul. >> I. >> Council member Urban.
>> I. >> Mayor Robertson. >> I. >> Motion carries 5-0. >> Nice and easy. Thank you, Scott. All right. Next up, we have our first readings and introduction section. The next items on the agenda are ordinances for the council for first reading and introduction for the sole purpose of the
council to authorize the publication of the ordinance for final hearing. The council will not take final action on the item tonight. Full presentations and public input on the ordinance will occur at a final hearing at which the council will consider final action. Will the clerk please read item number one? First
reading introduction for ordinance number 2026001 an ordinance of the city council of the city of St. Cloud Florida assigning a future landing designation approximately plus - 20.39 acres identified as Neo city south phase 1 project CPA2-000018 generally located north of um of future
Renulti road turnpike interchange southeast of Cross Prairie Parkway and west of Florida's turnpike from MDR medium density residential to IND industrial providing for amending official future land use map. We need a quorum. >> Ken, I'm gonna need you.
>> Yeah, council member Urban's out. We have one on the phone. >> I didn't see him. He stuck out on me. >> Just gonna leave me in. >> I apologize, mayor. He's a sneaky guy, isn't he? >> I mean, we can with We can hope. >> No, no, we're good. No, no, we're good. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. >> I apologize, mayor. I apologize, mayor,
and all council. industrial providing for amending official future land use map of the comprehensive plan following a planning commission's um recommendations proof of publication applicability effect servability copies on file an effective date. >> Can I get a motion?
>> Motion. >> Motion approved after Mayor Gilbert. >> Second. >> Second. Council member Paul. Madam clerk, please call the role. >> Council member Fletcher. >> Hi. >> Council member Paul. >> I. >> Council member Urban. >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> Hi. Mayor Robertson. >> Hi.
>> Motion carries 41. >> Madame clerk, please call read item number two. >> First reading introduction for ordinance number 2026-02. An ordinance of the city council of the city of St. Cloud Florida providing a zoning amendment for the zoning map of the land development code of city of St.
CL Florida specifically changes zoning designation approximately plus minus 20.39 acres identified as Neo city south phase 1 project ZMA 25-000024 from AC agricultural and cons conservation to P professional generally located north of the future NI turnpike
interchange southeast of Cross Perry Parkway and west of the Florida's turnpike providing for entering the designation official zoning map following the planning commission's recommendations proof of publication servability and effective date >> and can we get a motion Motion to approve.
>> Motion to approve. Council member Paul. >> Second. Second. Council member Urban. >> Madam Clerk, please call the role. >> Council member Paul. >> I. >> Council member Urban. >> I. >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert. Council member Fletcher. >> Mayor Mayor Robertson. >> I.
>> Motion carries 41. >> 4. >> I mean 4. Sorry. >> Sorry. Didn't mean to correct you, Ivy. >> No, no, you're fine. And will the clerk please read item number three? >> First reading an introduction for ordinance number 2026-03.
An ordinance of the city council of city of St. Cloud, Florida to annex into the city of St. Cloud approximately plus - 5.26 26 ac 26 acres identifies as Bird Burr Oak Boulevard commercial project ANX25-000022 generally located north of Bur O Burr
Oak Boulevard east of Tai West Drive south of East Earl Bronson Memorial Highway and west of Live Oak Lake Road in accordance with the voluntary annex annexation provisions of chapter 171.044 Florida statutes. >> Can I get a motion? Motion to approve.
Motion to approve. Council member Urban. >> Second. >> Council member Paul. Second. And will the clerk please call the role? >> Council member Urban. >> I. >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> Council member Fletcher. >> I. >> Council member Paul. >> I. >> Mayor Robertson. >> I.
>> Motion carries 40. >> Will the clerk please read item number four? >> First reading and introduction for ordinance number 2026-04. An ordinance of the city council of the city of St. Cloud, Florida, assigning a future line designation approximately plus - 5.26 26 acres identified as Burr
Oak Boulevard project CPA 25-000013 generally located north of Bur Oak Boulevard east of Tai West Drive south of East Earlo Bronson Memorial Highway and west of Life Oak Lake Road from COOM Commercial County to COM commercial city
providing for amending of official future land use map of the comprehensive plan filing the planning commission's recommendations proof of publication applicability effect severability copies on file and effective date. Can I get a motion, please? >> Motion to approve. >> Motion to approve. Council member Urban. >> Second.
>> Second from Council Member Paul. >> Madame Clerk, please call the RO. >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> Council member Fletcher. >> I. >> Council member Paul. >> I. >> Council member Urban. >> Hi. >> Mayor Robertson. >> I. >> Motion carries 40.
>> Will the clerk please read item number five. First reading an introduction for ordinance number 2026-05 an ordinance of the city council of city of St. Cloud Florida providing the zoning amendment of the zoning map of land development code of the city of St. Cloud Florida specifically changing the zoning designation approximately plus minus
5.26 26 acres identified at Burr Oak Boulevard project PUD26-0000001 formerly ZMA25-000017 from PD plan development to county to P to PUD plan unit development preliminary master plan PUD PMP city zoning
designation with a commercial future land use designation adopted by ordinance number 2026-04 generally located north of Bur Oak Boulevard east of Tay West Drive south of East Earl Bronson Memorial Highway and west of Live Oak Lake Road providing for entering the designation official
future official zoning map following the planning commission's recommendations proof of publication servability effective date. >> All right. Can we get a motion on that? Motion to approve. Motion approved. Council member Urban. >> Second. >> Second from Council Member Paul. Madame Clerk, please call the RO.
>> Council member Fletcher. >> I. >> Council member Paul. >> I. Council member Urban. >> I. >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> I. Mayor Robertson. >> I. >> Motion carries 5-0. >> And will the clerk please read item number six? >> First reading an introduction for
ordinance number 2026-09, an ordinance of the city council of the city of St. Florida amending article 13 special purpose overlay district section 3.13.3 entertainment district amending subsection C outside consumption of the dis in the district sub paragraph 1
district possession consumption hours revising the days and hours for authorized consumption of alcoholic beverages within the entertainment district providing for conflict of ability administrative corrections codification publication effective date. >> Can I get a motion on that?
>> Can I make a comment before I motion? Absolutely. >> Um, so I had had discussions with our uh chief of police uh about this and um I think it's best if it's uh for to come back for the second reading to keep the cut off at midnight just by talking to
the law enforcement experts in the area. U I like the seven days a week still. It simplifies things but still to cut it off at midnight and we can always revisit it um as our city grows. So if that if the council's good with giving that direction coming back for the second reading, I would make a motion for approval.
>> Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> Yeah. May I comment on that? Uh thank you. Uh Councilman Urban, uh I've got a lot of reactions from um uh citizens and owners and such. And there is a residential area within
entertainment zone. Um, and the longer you keep the entertainment zone open, I think the excuse me, please, the more nonsense goes on. Uh, so I I I would like to have it seven days a week. I'd have it like to have it uh kind of a
city ordinance for loud music or uh fireworks or anything like that in that same uh consideration for those citizens that live in that entertainment district, which we do have occupancy there. Um,
Sometimes you don't know it if you don't live it. And I don't live in the entertainment zone. I've had people say, "No, we want to get to sleep." They don't adhere to it anyway. So, I'd like to ask council, if we all lived in an entertainment zone, where would we like to at least
slow it down? So, so, so it goes that way. Uh, you can have whatever you want, but to transfer that to another location is advancing the closing. if that makes sense. So, I'd like us to consider as a council, you know, the re residents and
also that and what impact does it have and and also the police because of course with the CRA, the police are not we don't have police there anymore with the CRA. We still do, but they're not assigned to it. So, let's look
reasonably how we satisfy. I don't really think it helps the restaurants and bars. if I think it hurts the the residents. So, just please consider that as we pass these ordinances and we pass this entertainment. And I would certainly
like the uh chief of police or or MAC to come up and tell us they lived it. Does it affect us? Does it not? Uh what would what would they think? Because they're the ones uh making sure we continue to be the safest city in this state. >> Chief, hold on one second. City
attorney. >> I just want to this is first reading and introduction. So, uh, I don't know if Mr. Gilbert, you're asking for more basis for justifying this ordinance or or more discussion as to where we're heading. >> I just want information from the people that know. I'm I'm looking for
information only. >> Okay. >> I'm not looking for uh uh to to vote on it or anything. I'm just looking for the experts that walk the streets. >> That's all I'm looking for. If that's okay, attorney. >> Yeah. Doug Gerky, police chief. Uh,
Officer McDonald is here. He's our CRA officer. He he is still truly assigned to the CRA. So, we do have officers there. U, he he gets around with the business owners quite a bit. He does speak to them a lot. Uh, we have very very minimal uh, challenges with people carrying alcohol outside and and what we
do right now is more of an educational piece. If they did not recognize that, um, it sometimes it's not necessarily I think that's the posting is something we were uh, going for so people understood them and I know that's something we've been working towards in the workshops and everything. So, uh, more education is perfect for them, but, um, currently
we're really not seeing that, which is which is why, uh, Councilman, um, uh, Urban and I, we had that conversation about potentially just leaving it at midnight. Um, that was one of the reasons that because after midnight, we really don't see a lot of people walking around with alcohol. Uh, we certainly don't want that anyway. It's easier, let
them finish their their drinks wherever they are in their facility after midnight. Um, and then they can go home and go on their way. So, um, I think the midnight was a was a definitely a good recommendation. uh from the police department, but as far as encountering a lot of open container alcoholic beverages, um it's very minimal um at
this point. So, um and we can only strengthen that as we grow the city and and the downtown area. And that's why I recommended we can always revisit this in the future if there's challenges. >> And council member or deputy mayor Gilbert, you mentioned the noise as well. Um yeah, it does sometimes get a little crazy downtown
>> past midnight. It's booming. So there there should be a noise ordinance already on folks, but um that I think that needs to be enforced. >> It gets pretty bad. >> Um so >> well, thank you, mayor, for allowing me to ask. >> I know you're not usually downtown at
midnight in >> I work 24 hours a day, sir. I'm not sure. I'm on 16 right now, so no issues. No issues. Uh but that that is something we can potentially visit down the line with decibel meters and things like that to >> to to make sure that we're addressing that as well. Um, and again, we try to
do that as an educational campaign to start. >> Yeah, I don't I don't think it needs to be blaring three blocks away or, you know, at two o'clock in the morning. >> The only thing I can say to that, honestly, is uh as the as it gets cooler at night, the air thins. And believe it or not, sound does travel further at night. Um, we're even even using that
when we're responding with lights and sirens at night. We we're cautious of that because it actually does travel quite a bit. When the air thins out a little bit, you can actually hear for further blocks, like blocks away. So, >> well, thank you, mayor, for let letting me ask those informationational because uh between Mac and the chief, we want it
to be a good balance between our entertainment district and also our residents. But I've heard from the entertainment district, if it's 11 or one, it doesn't change the the revenues in which these establishments make money. >> By that time, people are pretty
stationary where they're going to finish their last couple hours. >> Exactly. I mean, by that time, we don't want him walking to another place. >> Okay. >> So, that and I appreciate that, Dan, but it was just information. >> So, you got a few nods to add that into the >> There was a motion.
>> He made a motion. >> He said motion. He said the motion with the change. >> Well, no, but this is first reading. members. >> His motion, as I understood it, was would be if the council was agreeable to it, he would make the motion to to approve first reading changing the hours from 1:00 to 12.
>> It's not an actual motion. If the council >> That's why we said so. >> Yeah. So, I would make a motion to approve changing the hours back to midnight, but for seven days a week >> and advertise amending it to include that. And I would also ask >> approving this, but with that
>> I would ask council councilman Urban and the rest of the council to use it at 11:00 p.m. uh concentrating on weekdays, week nights instead of 12 a.m. to bring it down to 11. >> Are you saying on weekdays 11?
>> I think we keep just look my opinion to that way everybody kind of stays understanding what it is. Just 12:00 for >> Okay. I'm okay with that. I just I've listened from both parties. people may forget what day. >> I've listened from the patriots. I've listened from the residents and they say after 11 o'clock.
>> I do understand and and with respect to I think um uh the the the point of my idea of this was to kind of simplify it for the residents and for the police officers enforcing it to just have a consistent policy seven days a
week instead of saying, "Well, it's Tuesday, so it's 11 or it's Saturday, so it's 12." it just gets confusing for residents and for everybody enforcing it. So, I would prefer to keep it consistent throughout the seven days, but of course, it's up to uh up to the council. >> Well, I believe the mayor thinks the same way you do and I don't know the
pleasure of Paul, but Miss Paul, but I >> I was going to ask what do other areas who have the entertainment district, what are their cut off times? >> I don't have that. >> Winter Garden, Winter Park. Uh >> can we get that information? >> This again, this is first reading. We can bring this back. We don't
necessarily have to uh we can leave the first reading of the ordinance as it's currently before you, which is 1:00. When you do when you do the final motion at the the next time this comes in front of you, you could figure out whether you go to 12:00 or 11:00.
>> So, we just we just need a motion to approve the first reading as >> All right. Before we move forward, Officer McDonald, do you have anything else to anything to add to what we've talked >> Oh, you can come on up here, sir. Yeah. Thank you. Officer McDonald. >> Oh, you got to say into the microphone now.
>> Your boots on the ground here. >> Officer McDonald St. Claw Police Department. >> I've been uh in the CRA district for going on three years now. Just for clarification, first of all, I think amazing the 7-day thing and and this is me speaking to my business owners on a regular basis, every single day. Chief
already stated it. The the cuto off I think just I'm not saying maybe I'm assuming the cutoff isn't to stop. It's not last call. The cutoff is referencing when they can walk around the city with alcohol in their hands. >> 11 12 as everyone has said here. It's
it's really does not affect revenue. What does affect revenue and you made a very strong point very very smart point is this why not seven days a week. You have you're inviting people to come downtown to enjoy a wine to enjoy a beer but only on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday which cuts off revenue to
the businesses on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. people would like to have a wine, a beer or what have you and walk around and look at the businesses and the shops. I've personally had the opportunity to speak to the business owners who thinks that would be amazing idea. Why can't they walk around with their wine or their beer and see our
shop and see our goods and increase the the productivity and the revenues, especially with 300 new units coming right across the street and bringing in more people. So again, chief and I have had this discussion. He asked my opinion. I gave him my opinion. He said everything exactly the way it was said.
and the seven day a week thing, I think that would bring a massive influx of revenue to our to our city and to our downtown area. >> Yes, sir. >> That's just my opinion. And that's based on speaking to the business owners and getting to know them over three years. >> That's just my opinion. >> Yes, sir. Thank you very much.
>> Thank you, Chief. >> Thank you, Chief. >> Okay. So, we're doing a motion with the change >> and changes to midnight >> just to clarify. I was suggesting you just approve it as first reading, >> but you've already getting a kind of nod to
>> we got an understanding of where the council's headed with this and then we can finalize the the hours at the time at final adoption. >> Okay. So, it's advertised the way it is. Be well because it doesn't reference it in >> it doesn't reference the hour. >> So, we can do that just >> got good direction that we know it's not
one. >> All right. Can I get a motion to approve this? >> Motion to approve the first read. >> Motion to approve. Council member Urban. >> Second. Second from council member Paul, will the clerk please call the role? >> Council member Paul, >> I. >> Council member Urban, >> I. >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert, >> I.
>> Council member Fletcher. >> I. >> Mayor Robertson. >> I. >> Motion carries 5-0. >> All right. City attorney, you have anything to add? >> Just one quick uh heads up at the your workshop on next week. I will be we'll be discussing pending bills before the
legislature. I do have several of them that I'd like to talk to you about and and we'll get some direction about how you want to move forward. But if you have any that are of particular interest to you uh that you'd like uh to discuss next week, we please let me know and we're happy to if I'm not if they're not
on my list, I'll be happy to make sure that they're on the list. >> All right. Thank you, sir. >> City Manager. >> Thank you. I have a few items. Um, first the Ocola Council on Aging has asked um
and I I had a meeting with them and with the Ocola County um housing and community services department um Ocola County administers our SHIP program uh which is um money that we do receive from the state and um we're being asked
if we would support um our SHIP funds being allocated to the Council on Aging as a subreient to directly serve seniors with rehab assistance in the city limits. It would allow the direct services to be provided to seniors by a trusted source and in an expedited
manner versus going through the normal application process. So these um the county would still administer ship funds um but it would be another resource. Um the Council on Aging has direct access
to a a lot of people within in need that are already in our city limits. Um through both agencies, they would be vetted. Um it would just help as as it's explained to me, it would help people with the smaller projects to be
completed faster. for instance, um going through the county process, it's usually bigger rehab projects that are going to take more time that need to be sent out to multiple contractors for quotes. Um this would allow the Council on Aging to do the work themselves on smaller
projects such as um a roof replacement and and so um I think it's a great move. It's an additional resource and it helps a lot of our seniors and veterans that are already working with the Council on Aging. Just looking for consensus for me to send that letter.
>> Are you Are you good? As long as long as that county ship bleeds into St. Cloud, >> it has to be spent here. >> All of it? >> Yes. 100% has to be in the city limits. >> So, >> perfect. Thank you. Um, also, Council on Aging, um, we just passed the, uh,
proclamation policy this evening. Um, they received grant funds, and in order for them to get their funding, uh, for the, um, March for Meals, they need to have, uh, they're requesting that we could please adopt a proclamation at the
March meeting for the March for Meals so that, um, it will help them with their grant. Otherwise, it would hurt them. Um and um nor the new process, you would vote at the next meeting for a proclamation at the at the following meeting. I'm asking for consensus that
um if we could go ahead and put it on the March meeting now that we're doing proclamations again. And this does directly um go along with the policy. It's just it would be expedited process here. >> I'm good with that. >> Okay, got three. Um,
just because we have a lot of citizens that come up on a regular basis and ask us about the hotel, I just want to remind everybody that the St. Cloud Hotel is going back to the code enforcement special magistrate on February 18th. So, we are still moving forward with action against that.
Additionally, um, I wanted to now move to positive things. Congratulate all of our employees who received the service a their service awards last Friday. Thank you to the council members who were able to come. Um, and then some other good news. So, we all recently saw that our
beloved deputy police chief Zilki went ahead and retired, but that did allow a lot of opportunity for advancement in our police department. So, I just want to recognize that we have a new um, deputy police chief, Denise Roberts. It's the first female deputy police
chief in the department. Um, but we also had some great um, advancements. So, I wanted to recognize that our new captain Anthony Mandello and our new sergeant Dave Fenenko also. And last but not least, uh, engine 35 will be going into
fire engine 35 will be going into service next month. And, um, with that, we had the opportunity to have some additional advancements in the fire department. Um, so I didn't want to leave them out. So, we did promote um some fire lieutenants for that engine
and I wanted to recognize the new lieutenants, Daniel Thibido, Angel Rodriguez, John Luzy, and William Tilford. And that's all. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, city manager. >> All right. We'll start on the end here. We have Council Member Paul.
>> Yes. So, I wanted to bring up a um well, get clarification on the process for an hourly employee to get the cola. Um I know HR is not here and typically we're not in the dayto-day, but I just
wanted to get clarification on how that process is handled for hourly employees to get that. Every October 1st, all the employees um typically get whatever amount the city council adopts as the
cola added to their next um paycheck or their next the next payroll. >> Okay. So, what makes an employee not eligible to get the cola? >> I don't have the personnel rules here in front of me. Is there a specific instance that we need to look at? Was
there a mistake? Well, there is a concern and there is a valid one where um an employee did not get it but then they just started getting it this year. So, I just wanted to find out what makes um an employee an employee not eligible
to get that. I I I would need to look into the specific situation on to why someone didn't receive it. I don't have that. >> Okay. >> If you could tell me the employees name, we could look into it and I can provide you that information. >> Okay. I can send you an email on that.
Um then secondly I wanted to bring up um a conversation. Um, last year I attended different conferences and um, I know some cities operate with full-time and part-time, but as far as when it comes to the mayor, I think because we're
growing rapidly, wanted to get um, opening up for discussion on the possibility of a full-time mayor because I know with the city growing um, we this is part-time but for us, but I think for
a mayor should really be more handson part full-time. So, just wanted to see what the council thought. I know I spoke to other mayor >> more work. >> I also spoke to other mayors um in surrounding areas and they thought they
love the idea. Some of them are already doing it um because of the growth of their city, but um no one opposed it at all when I had a conversation with them. So, I think that would be through a charter amendment. They would have to
correct, Dan. I'll let you address that. I'm not the attorney. >> Thank Well, the all your positions are part-time. You certainly could say, "Okay, a position is going to be full-time." And then you could we could talk about an adjustment in this
compensation for it. I'm not sure, Councilwoman Paul, if you're referring to what's referred to as a strong mayor position or as a full-time mayor because I if you're referring to what what's what is called typically called a strong mayor, which the city under your city
charter, this is a city manager, former government. The council the council establishes policy. The mayor votes like everybody else. He has additional duties related to representing the city, ceremonial duties, running the meeting, those kind of things. But the day-to-day activities are determined by the city
manager. Um, if that's what you're referring to, which is commonly referred to as a strong mayor government, then as the mayor just pointed out, that would require a charter change, uh, which we would have to draft an ordinance to move in that direction, and then it would have to be placed on the ballot uh, for the voters to decide whether they want
to change the form of government here in St. Cloud. >> Okay. And the other was a full-time mayor. That's a whole other >> That's Well, full-time RA to me doesn't necessarily >> I think I'm there already. >> Well, thankfully you guys the more you
work >> the chief works a lot for less than I do, >> right? >> Believe it or not, it's >> um so yeah. So I mean there that wouldn't be the way I understand that wouldn't be necessarily be an expansion of any duties that are contained in the
charter already. Right. Correct. Uh so >> don't we have a resolution that can be amended to increase the pay for our electeds commission it with a a full-time I think that that might be part of what you're asking >> look into that because it's it's a you
have an ordinance in place that establishes your pay. What the city what the charter says is the city >> council shall establish its pay. There are um from a from a ethics and a conflict provision there are issues with regard
to voting to give yourselves your own salary increase. So we'd have to work through that. So if the if the idea is to increase the mayor to full-time to give him the the ability to spend more time doing
this doing what he's doing by compensating more so there's less distraction. having to have another job, frankly. Um, then we probably could work through that. But we'd have to go, we'd have to understand that the charter still sets the duties for the mayor and
what the mayor can be involved in. So, really would be expansion of the duties you currently have. Now, >> those are the two things. Which one were you referring to? >> Um, I think we can open it up for discussion. Um, I mean, I've heard strong mayors as well, and then there's some that's full-time. So, I think it's
just uh conversation further to decide which >> I've heard a lot of different I know um Winter Springs has a different kind of thing that they're trying to change theirs up and where they have a non- voting mayor. >> Yes, there's a couple of cities that >> I think there's seven members.
>> They have seven members and the >> and they're trying to make him a voting member, >> right? Some it's a weird >> some some of them are set up where they will have some some will have six members including the mayor and the mayor only votes in the case of a tie or seven members and the mayor only votes
in case of a tie otherwise the mayor just runs the meeting. Uh but the mayor still does all the same things that for example that you do but um doesn't get the vote most of the time >> and with the tri county league of cities Florida league of mayors all the trainings I've been doing I've met most
of their council members and see them quite often so All right. Yeah, we can. Uh, so is that something we'll add to an agenda in the future, a workshop or to discuss both? If you can bring back the information on both. >> Sure. If that's the pleasure of the council, certainly. Okay.
>> We can put it I would suggest you put it on a workshop then. >> Yeah, I can go ahead and tell you. Go ahead and put it on a workshop. That way we get that facts and figures for Council Member Paul. >> All right. So, we will be having Roots and Rhythm um on February 28th. That is hosted by St. Cloud Main Street in
Granny's Southern. Um, so that is celebrating Black History Month. On that note, I know we just um passed the proclamation policy tonight. Everyone, well, the entire council um participated in Dave Ed Day on Saturday, which was a
great event. Um, hearing of a community member who has done much for his community um by giving back as well. wanted to see about presenting a proclamation at this event in his honor. >> Uh, and that falls in accordance with
the new proclamation policy. Is that kind of how we do it? >> Well, >> I don't I don't know. That's why I'm just asking. >> I I >> Or are you asking for something a little different? >> No. Um, I know because we just passed it tonight. Um, basically I would have to
bring it up at the next meeting which February 28th is in a couple of weeks and the next meeting is in March. So >> well we have a workshop next week. Correct. >> Yes. >> Deputy mayor just an idea. Uh uh counc
>> did you just hit your light or hit? >> Yeah I did because I was there in a wonderful presentation. Wonderful. Everything is awesome. Uh Patience is thing I learned at 63. At 32, I didn't have it. But could you imagine if we
have the uh the field dedicated to him when Hopkins Park opens? >> Oh, the baseball. >> Could we have once we renovate Hopkins Park and not the little 22 by 28 signs? >> Yes.
>> But a banner and a thing. And would that be something you would think of? I I I thought of it when I pulled out of there and drove by. Would that be something you would like to see? I would. >> Oh, yes. I mean, just hearing his bio from um his niece, definitely. Um which
is she's the deputy mayor CMI. Is she the deputy mayor CMI? >> Yes. Angela Edy. Yes, that is her father. So, >> but but I thought about dedicating the fields like they did coach Fields that coached at St. Cloud in Harmony for over 40ome years. They dedicated a field.
It'd be great to dedicate the field to him and we can vote on as a council as Hopkins gets built. Just a comment and I know it's your comment time, but as I drove away, I thought that'd be cool to have him to have that forever memories. >> No, that that would be cool. I I agree
with you. I think we should look at that. I I think it's on that outfield fence along the road. I I never knew it was named David Eye Field. Um I now know it's on the outside of that fence as you drive down the road. I think it should be prominently displayed, more
prominently displayed in the park and we should be able to do that during the um when we open that park up. But I think uh in the name of Black History Month and that he was a a leader in our community, uh I would not be opposed to that. obviously uh listening to um
friends and family members speak about him and I saw the pictures. Obviously I uh I wish I'd have known him, but um I I made the joke he he couldn't have been a council member because he went to bed every night at six o'clock. Who does that? Um so Council Member
Urban Oh, you go to bed at 6. >> Not 6, but 8. >> Is that where you go when you walk out? Um, what are y'all the rest of y'all's thoughts on that? I'm I'm not opposed to that. >> It it is consistent with the with the proclamation policy. Just just to jump
in here. >> Okay. So, we vote on it. We can vote on it now. >> You could vote on it now. >> We've already approved the policy >> and it could be presented at a private event outside of a city council meeting if if requested. So, it it would be consistent if you voted on it this evening. >> Would you like to make the motion on that?
>> Motion to approve proclamation for Dave Ed. Second. >> We have a motion to approve the proclamation uh from Council Member Paul and a second from Deputy Mayor Gilbert. Will the clerk please call the role? >> Council member Urban >> I. >> Deputy Mayor Gilbert.
>> Hi. >> Council member Fletcher. >> Hi. >> Council member Paul. >> Hi. >> Mayor Robertson. >> Hi. >> Motion carries 5. >> All right. Let me keep going. Um I first I want to say um like to send
my thank yous and um back in December um some of the firefighters reached out to me and they wanted came up with an initiative of a way to um celebrate Black History Month and represent the unity in the community. So, um, they
asked me if I can find sponsors for some t-shirts that were made. And want to say thank you to Deputy Mayor Gilbert as well as Everglades Equipment Group for sponsoring these firefighters. Um, Darien White did pick them up today. Um,
I told him to send me a picture with the Chief Miller in his shirt. Um, so wanted to say thank you again. >> All right. So, thank you for that. Um, as well. So they were very appreciative of it and happy to get that. They said it was the first initiative that they
did and um our chief Miller did bless the approval. So thank you. And um next I last week I had a meeting with um the chief of staff with us hunger. Every year I participate um in the MLK Day of
Service in Orange County at the convention center. So, um, the actual CEO is actually from Narusi area, raised under the Wed family. His cousin is there, Jackie. And, um, I always bugged
him about doing this event in OciOla County, which brings hundred thousands of food to um, communities um, that are in need. So, we spoke to Dr. Shenoff. He was on the call last week. and Sarah Lee
is actually funding um 250,000 um to have events over here. They can have up to 10. So Dr. Shanoff was considering having it at the schools because they do have pantries at the schools where students come and when
they're in need and the the food that is packed will be given to the pantry at the schools. So, I spoke with to to some other elected officials um who are in on it as well and was hoping that we can get St. Cloud in as well um to
participate in this event and more details will come. >> Is Sarah Lee one of our residents? >> No, this is the Sarah Lee brid >> know Sarah Lee. >> Yes. So, um more information on that as
well. And then lastly, I wanted to I know I reached out to um our city manager earlier in the week regarding Toho. Um as Miss Odum stated before um about the flooding area and some of the
problems that it's causing in this area. I know Toho is working to get this their project completed, but I want to see if we can have it at least prioritized because there are residents in this area
who um is at risk of their septic failing and you know, the grant money was received back in 2023 um for this project. And I think um to avoid the residents going out paying for
something that is already a grant provided to the community um wanted to see if we can at least prioritize that cuz I don't think it would be right for the resident to go pay for something and then they're going to be converted to um sewer later. So just want to
>> Could that be a reimbursement if they had done it? >> Well, I asked that question and Mr. Swinging said he was going to he added Caitlyn in to see what possible assistance would be available. He said
>> y'all's both y'all's lights on. I hadn't noticed that. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> I forgot to turn mine off also, but I I have Mr. Swingle's email up. it it um he said they'd be happy to engage any of the residents that are in this situation to review their specific challenges and see if there's anything um in terms that
I am missing in terms of a way to support them and that um Caitlyn would work closely with our um deputy city manager on community coordination matters. So, we could we could bring up if anybody has one of those specific situations. And I know Miss Odum has
issues of her own, but she's also reaching out to the community in that area to see if they're having issues as well to provide those names as well, too. So, and that is all I have. >> Yeah. And as you saw tonight, she was
here speaking on behalf of her community, not just her property, you know, her neighbors as well. So, it's great. >> She's very vocal. >> Yeah, that's good. All right, that's it. Council member Paul. And so next up we have we'll go ahead
and do Council Member Fletcher. >> I have nothing at this time. Mayor, thank you. >> All right. Thank you, sir. Council member Urban. >> I have nothing. Thank you. >> All right. Deputy Mayor Gilbert. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh exciting stuff in the city of St. Cloud. Uh one thing uh I
was sworn in as the transportation disadvantaged local coordinate board which is the board of uh uh of the tri counties which is seminal AIO and Orange County and what we do as a chairman we coordinate all disadvantaged uh
transportation and it's it's it's exciting but that's going up um in disabled transportation that goes anywhere from appointments to ambulances to you'll see the links buses and the vans going on all all that I was honored to be a chairman of the 22 person board,
but I'm starting to learn Seino County has a scout program where they're not having buses but vans which hold 12 to 25 people and they have distribution routes where they have buses. As you know, St. Cloud Lynx has uh left us
alone pretty much with buses. They've cut our routes and they've cut and we need transportation. So, as a chairman, I'm going to represent the city of St. Cloud, Nasio County, because that's what I'm supposed to do. As in thinking differently on transportation for
disadvantaged, not buses, but vans, not uh single, but multiples. Uh there's autonomy. There's a lot of stuff going on in this world right now where we need to get these people to their appointments, their doctor appointments, to those kind of things. But it's not,
hey, jump on a bus. They can't. So what I'm looking at is a scout program that's in Semino County to bring it here to AOA county which shortens the length of the transportation mode the bus to be vans. So I will update you on that but I'm honored to represent uh the city of St.
Cloud as a chairman. It's a 22 person board but I'm also excited to see how we can change transportation to be more efficient in in Oo County as we move forward. So, I'd like to thank the the the the uh council for allowing me to
continue my position as a a member of the Metropolitan Board and also as a chairman of the Transportation Disadvantage Coordination Board because it will help our county, but it also will help disadvantaged people. So, I have to bring that report back to you because I can't talk about the exciting
stuff we have on a daily basis, but we're doing it. It's working. There's 2.4 million people in the tri county area. That's bigger than the state of Delaware. There's 75 million people that are transported in the same counties,
but my important thing is taking care of the disadvantaged people. They need need to make their doctor's appointments that that that can't that need to make those kind of things. So, we're working on that and I'm pleased that the the council allowed me to stay with this board and I'm not sitting down. I'm
stepping forward. So, I'd like to thank you for that. And I also like to look at we went with grant situation to eliminating grants, but we also step up and and and award money to certain entities. I would like the board to
think about how we base our fee waivers, our um help to establish community partners that actually help the people of St. Cloud on a daily basis. Not on a day basis, but on a daily basis. not on
an event, but on a continual basis. And if you look at the report, and I'll send it to you, there's certain reports that we still give uh early learning coalition agreement, $12,000. U community engagement grants is over $100,000. Uh, and these are broad
instances, but if we want to spend the money wisely in this community, in this council, I would like us to look at what these folks are doing for us on a daily basis to give a hand up, not a hand out. So, let's look at that as a council. And
I don't know how to do it. City manager, I ask for the pleasure of the council to look at the grants. Even though we got rid of our grant program, we still give hundreds of thousand dollars away for events and grants. I will have the city manager pass that out to everybody, but
I want to look at a program that helps advance the city in advancement for all underprivileged, but for every underprivileged. So, I don't have the answer. I just have the questions and I don't get to talk to you guys. And I'm asking you to think of how we look at
some of these entities and and if we can, city manager, pass this out. I think coupe, I think you put this together. Uh, and then let's work on the the the dailies. I mean, community grant training, uh, Christmas parade, uh, help now. I mean, there's so many out there,
but I would like it to get I'd like us to zone in on a daily basis of helping the community. I don't know the answer and that's the only president I ask is ask you council to let's help the people that are helping St. Cloud uh in in the
transformation of being dependent to being independent if if that's a good question. >> Yes, sir. City manager, you had a comment? >> Yes. >> Oh, thank you. Um I'll I'll pass that. That's a printout of our actual budget line item from the city council's
budget. Um several of those entities are not getting the grants. the community agency grants. The council just did did away with that. >> AS400. >> Yes. Yes. The AS400 printout. Um there there's um in there the the transition house. We we're not do doing that again
this year. So um I might I might recommend instead of passing out that email, maybe I can give you a spreadsheet that that kind of shows what's been discontinued and what's actually still act active maybe just to to um help. that the I I agree. Um
you're having a lot of individual um individual requests now that the grant program went went away, >> right? And and again, I'm all into helping, but I want to hand up, not hand out. I I don't know if that makes sense, but I feel you grow with that. And I
don't have the answers, but I have the questions. if council could consider how we forward the taxpayers dollars to help individuals get better. Instead of feed them once, teach them how to fish, feed
them forever. Don't have the answer, but we have a great council. I'm honored to be a part of this council. I'd like you guys to consider what organizations we handle that actually help build the future of our citizens of St. Cloud. With that, I yield back, Mayor. And
again, I don't have the answers. And thank you very much for today. >> All right. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Um, first off, today was kind of cool. I ran into I was at Home Depot and got to talking to a gentleman and he was actually one of our new residents in Twin Lakes and he said,
"Hey, yeah, I met you and the chiefs and and it was so cool to have us there." So, I just wanted to bring that up that we are making an impact when we go out there and visit these folks and and show them that our um our law enforcement and our our fire department that they're they are there to protect them and and and uh and give them great public
safety. Um I'm going to ask the fire chief to please come up to the podium. I know he's busy doing a lot of hard work on that phone >> playing a couple games of solitire or something. the chief >> chief Miller gave me a tour of the uh public safety headquarters, the new I'm
sorry, the new fire safety headquarters and station 32. I wanted to kind of give a recap of kind of what we talked about and how amazing that those facilities are becoming. So to start with um the day that the fire rescue fire administration and the crews moved into fire station 31 on Minnesota in I
believe it was 2007 we had already surpassed the occupancy that it was designed for. Um we had literally moved a storage room and made it an office that day. Um as we walk through our new fire headquarters which uh construction's progressing marvelously
on we're super excited as far as the time frame. Um, we have a couple of public conference room areas, so we could have some outside meetings that won't impact the rest of the operations because they're off to the side kind of cord and off. Um, so we have some public areas there. You can proceed down. We
have our own kind of like pods for our fire prevention folks. Our logistics folks have their own little pod as well as one whole wing of the building for all of our fire department needs. Um, we have over on the other side, this will be the first time we actually when we are all done and designed and built out,
we will have nine extra offices. >> No, you cannot move over there, Doug. As much as I like you. >> He He's >> George is more than welcome, though. >> He's going to take over the whole building. >> George is more than welcome. >> He just want He just wants one of the bedrooms in there.
>> So, we when it's all said and done, we'll also have um what is it? um 52 104 by 26 um area for future expansion. Um that area was originally designed for a a gym per fire headquarters and locker
rooms um due to the cost of developing that site and some of the issues we've run into. Um namely there was columns that were not on any of the plans. So that kind of caused us to have to do some redesign. Um the windows when they were put in there were uh not waterproofed as we found out. and we're
upgrading to impact windows. Um, surprise little things that just popped up, right? Um, but with that said, this is going to be a great facility. We're going to be moving in there. It's designed to meet our future needs as far as for our inspectors, our logistics, and our office space for many, many
years to come. Um, there's also storage area, secure storage area for finance records, and for all of uh the city clerk's records. So, I'm sure they're anxious to get that off the third floor so the floor maybe won't sw slag so much up here. Um, as for fire station 32, we
are a little ahead of schedule. Don't have an exact time frame. Um, but they are moving on that building. They were painting it today. As a matter of fact, the outside supposed to be dried in tomorrow. Interior walls are already up. They're getting ready to throw um do the rough electric and plumbing. Um, so
before long we'll be doing a groundbreaking out or not a groundbreaking but a uh hose uncoupling ceremony out there to move in there. Um, in the meantime >> was so cool with the the drive-through bays now as opposed to what we had in the past. Yep. >> Um, and the separation so the the exhaust fumes don't get into the the
living quarters. I think >> it's a very uh what's the word I'm looking for? Um, >> cancer resistive building for firefighters, right? Um, a lot of the old fire stations, you know, they used to have the they basically they used to hang out in the apparatus bays and they had all their bunker gear that would
have diesel exhaust blow all over it and they, you know, they just they didn't have air locks in between buildings that were all together or breezeways and then of course studies show that cancer is prevalent in the fire service. Um, there's no doubt about that and those were some of the leading causes of cancer. So, we're taking pro proactive
steps. Um, also with your support, um, the council's support, last budget and this budget, we replaced all of the bunker gear that had POS in it, which was a known cancer agent. So, we're taking great strides in making our firefighters safer. >> Very cool. I thoroughly enjoyed that
tour. I recommend anybody else reach out. >> Anybody else feel free reach out. We'll go for a ride. >> Very cool. Me and me and Deputy mayor took one what, six, eight months ago. And and the everything they've done there is just amazing. Um, and they're still working at their logistics. They were bagging up gear and
>> so, and just I want to touch on one more thing with fire station 32. It's future home. Obviously, we'll have an engine, a rescue, the tower truck out there, and we have flexible space there. So, if we ever decide to put an additional unit in service, whether it be for a hurricane or growth of that area, it's already designed for it. We build it at today's
construction prices instead of 10 years from now remodel prices, which is going to be a whole lot more. Um, fire station 35 to Hokua. Um they are doing the the stem wall. They've already got the footers in and we're off to the races on that one. So uh I would expect um I want
to say that one's got about 340 days left on construction time, but I would guess they're probably going to run ahead of schedule on that one, too. >> Yeah, I know you guys are rocking it. Um obviously the um uh Sunday night when it got freezing cold or Saturday night, you guys worked all night. I know you a
number of Dairy Queen. >> Um Dairy Queen, I know our poor blizzards. Um, I was actually out of town, but I was listening to the call um, somewhere around Coco K off the coast there. Um, and I was actually coordinating some stuff back here um, on
the states. I was doing some phone calls with that. Um, last but not least, um, next Thursday afternoon, Friday, and part of Monday, our fire admin will have reduced um, availability. Um, we are transitioning over into the new fire headquarters building into the one
section there where we have a couple offices built out. We're going to cram in there. Um, this is anticipation of our next graduating class of safer grant employees. Um, we need the space at 31 so we can start uh getting them trained up and get some more additional trucks in service. >> Yeah, my apologies. I couldn't make the
the last uh the ceremony. Uh I know we had a number of council members there and how many did you swear in that >> depend >> promoted six I want to say we had 11 promotions if I'm remembering correctly and I think we swore in 19
>> 18 19 yeah that's the most work you've had to do is >> that was our largest ever ceremony. Um depending on how the timelines fall our um our next one won't be quite that big but it'll be pretty close. It'll be uh we're sitting there. >> Yeah, you're doing a great job advertising out for these these spots.
Uh how many have you have you got in? So, of the 48, what are >> So, of the 48, we've hired 36. We're uh we're kind of taking it easy on those next 12, trying to see if we can't recruit some more paramedics. They are trickling in. We're still advertising for those firefighter paramedics. So, we
welcome everybody to apply. I think I uh actually invited a few to apply at our swearing in ceremony from other agencies who were there. So, >> yeah. No, that safer grant really helped our city. And how many millions do we get for that? >> 9.4 >> four 9.5ish. >> Yeah. And that pays for the first three
years of salary for all of these. >> A percentage of >> percentage of >> Yeah. I believe it's 75 65 35 >> 65 65 >> 65 65 35. >> Very cool. >> That's why I have the finance director. He keeps me straight on my numbers. >> I know what needs you getting that. And as we continue to grow, we have to staff
these stations. And so, thank you very much for everything you do, Jason. >> Thank you. Um, and thank you guys. They were out at Soldier City Sunday this past Sunday. They brought the ladder truck out and um, you know, they're really getting out there in these with these community events. So, I do appreciate that.
Um, also with that that Saturday, what was that? The um that cold the coldest night in St. Cloud, we it was cold and these, like I said, I heard those sirens all night. And uh, that next day we had Civil War Day. Officer McDonald and uh he's out there
in the lobby, but he was out there while we fired off the cannons behind St. Cloud Hotel with the Jacob Summerland camp and Sons of the Union. Um you know, we're going to start bringing more of those events here. And with the Museum of Military History, I have access to a lot of those folks that I'm going to
encourage them to continue to to to bring that history and and the education to our city. and and I know you sit on the TDC board where the museum applied and we received tourism grants and um those grants are important and and
instead of having it always at the west in the west side of CMI we need I'm I'm trying to bring more of that here. I know the city of St. Cloud they take advantage of that grant process as well. So it's a really good tool to to build on our tourism and as Congressman stood uh stated you know you need to focus on
our veteran and military tourism here in our city. So, um, also with that, I think, um, what do we have? I I told you I got KBLS this Saturday, the following Saturday, and, uh, other than that, everything seems to be going great in our city. Deputy mayor. Yes, sir.
>> Do we have a pinning tomorrow, mayor? >> We do. We have our deputy, uh, police chief, uh, is being sworn in here in council chambers. I believe that is at >> 2 o'clock. >> 2 o'clock p.m. right here in our council chambers. Uh,
>> yeah, that's all right. Our deputy police chief, Denise Roberts, will be sworn in as our the first female deputy chief. >> Yes, it's it's at 2 o'clock. >> Yep. So, the whole everybody's welcome. >> Very qualified, right? And don't we have a a parade or something? What's going on? >> Well, there's a rodeo parade. Yes,
there's a rodeo parade. That's not in my notes here, but yes, we do have a silver rodeo parade. We will be we're going to have our boots, our hats, and uh our Spurs, and Kelly's going to have give us candy to throw out, folks. I think I don't know. >> That's exciting. >> We're all going to Yep. It's
>> It's rodeo week, right? >> Yes. It's going to be a great time out there and um a very long day for me. >> Don't you spend a lot of time out there, Mayor? >> Yes. Love it. I grew up out there like hanging out and um so that that was the history of our city, you know, growing up. And um but yeah, I encourage
everybody to join us uh whether it be tomorrow for the swearing in or the rodeo uh this weekend, the parade. So, I think there was one other thing I wanted to bring up and I just forgot it. That's okay. Um, anybody else have anything to bring up before we close it out? You're
good. All right. We have our information section. Thursday, February 19th, 2026, City Council workshop, 2:30 p.m., City Hall, Council Chambers. Monday, March 2nd, 2026, City Council strategic planning workshop 9:00 a.m. Fire
Training Facility. Uh, Thursday, March 12th, 2026. City Council meeting 6:30 p.m. City Hall council chambers and every single Sunday we have Soldier City Sundays out there at Veterans Park 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Vendors Veteran Resources. Come on out, bring your
friends, bring your family every single Sunday in Veterans Park, hosted by the St. Cloud Veterans Council, sponsored by Orlando Health, City of St. Cloud or at Orlando Health St. Cloud. And with that we have the reports warrant list number four fiscal year 26 fiscal year 2526
first quarter budget report. And with that this meeting is adjourned.