lives. The following comm comments are --------- based on my personal observations and experiences of his choices and actions and they are intended with respect and constructive intention. It has been my experience over the past years that Mr.
Mortell in his role as city attorney and city manager operates from a p a position of personal personal agenda more than representation of the public at large. And I've told him as much in the past correspondences.
Some examples, Caner CPU, where he appeared to be the developers attorney representing special interests over community even when the ALJ had judged the city's actions as inappropriate. His questionable alliance and information
feed for local propaganda media such as Friends and something. Questionable negotiations regarding a Bright Line station. questionable election signage removal policies that appeared to favor the incumbents over the challengers. Questionable judgment and dealing with
members of the community. I've left the names incomplete to protect them, but some examples are Miss Linda, Miss Rob, and Miss Sarah, the Hamiltons and extended families of all those folks. You can contact me if you need further elaboration.
So my prayer is that you all be filled with the knowledge of the Lord's will and all wisdom and spiritual understanding to make the right choices for the well-being of the communities you serve. I believe it is time for a change in fresh perspective which more
closely reflects the will of the people who elected you whether it be in policy or personnel. Thank you. >> I have Will Laughlin. Good evening. I have the privilege to serve on the CRB. And while at that
meeting we had this past Tuesday, I heard a couple of small business owners discuss some very uh well interesting things. One of the things they brought up was a 10% year-over-year property taxes. That was one concern of one individual. the other mentioned another small
business owner identified that they had a little complaint about capitalism. Well, we don't really have true capitalism uh here in America anymore. The the most dangerous words that you're going to hear are, "I'm from the government and I'm here to help." Right?
And I know the one person complaining about the 10% year-over-year tax rates is accurate because when I had a small business, I had a 12% followed by a 17% followed by a 13%. I was basically a small landlord a mom and pop operation. I recognized that the trajectory said
that you know initially I could eat those cost but I was not able to pass that cost on to the potential tenants that I had in in my particular unit. So I chose to sell when I could not when I
had to. Now my cons and actually you know again commend you all for that tax cut that you had. I'm hoping there's uh at least a limit there. I was talking to another small business owner who's been here for 22 years, lives in Stewart,
pays taxes. He lost out on a contract to an out of county contractor. It was in the contract was in excess of 10,000. So, it had to go out to bid. He lost out by $500. Their bid was $500 cheaper. I'm hoping that the board or the committee
here can come up with a plan to maybe have whoever reviews these contracts consider, hey, this is close. This guy's paying over 5,000 a year in property taxes. I don't know exactly his number. I'm guessing it's over 5,000. Okay, maybe we can cut him a little slack on
that $500. And then it goes to the question, well, what is all the money going spent to or where's all these property taxes going? Well, we have a grant that well, it goes to cover the streets and things. We're talking about the streets and and that.
Three years ago, this comm commission voted to give away parking spaces to FPNL. So, they got to have a charging station. So, a potential small business owner who wanted to develop their own charging station. Well, they can't. They have to compete with this multi-billion dollar corporation, FPNL, who's owned by
Next Era. And next era just recently was asking for a 10% hike rate increase. Why are we helping these big fat cats? Next, some of the money gets given away in a grant to a nonprofit. This nonprofit, millions of dollars, will not be paying taxes in all likelihood. And this
nonprofit most likely pays themselves a substantial amount. So, I got to ask the question, what are we really intending to do with the people's property taxes? Thanks for your time. >> Thank you, Will. Audrey Creech. Good evening. A Creech. I live in Palm
City, but I work in the city of Stewart. So, I didn't even know that uh there was an a discussion about the city manager tonight. I was here on other matters. However, I'm going to give you some thoughts. First, I am a part of Steuart
Main Street. Uh the um the lease for the uh particular center that we work out of Flaggler um is up for uh review. So I hope that you will support that. Additionally, as the city manager, you have an extreme opportunity here. You
have a wealth of knowledge sitting at your table. You have decades of experience being city commissioner, being an a city attorney, being a city manager. I understand it may not be popular to say this, but there are very few cities that have that ability to go
and say, "Have you seen this before? Has this ever happened?" Whether the city's been sued, whether the city's been suing others, whether it's anti-growth, progrowth, it doesn't matter. He has been there. And I would sincerely ask you to understand that you have a
veritable source of very significant intel that very few cities have. Additionally, I sincerely hope we are not judged only on the people that dislike us. Cuz frankly, there are a lot of people that dislike other people. Um, honestly, if there's
not someone that dislikes me, I'm doing something wrong. That means I'm not standing for anything. Somebody should be pissed at me somewhere. So, I would say that regardless of the many people that I'm sure are going to come up here tonight and be very vocal and very
passionate, and I don't disagree. I don't know their stories. I'm not even going to try to know their stories. But I would suggest that you should not necessarily judge a person's career on a couple of people who are not enthused with that human being. It should be
taken in complete and utter summation of that person's career. Have they done their job appropriately overall? Thank you. Robin Cartwright. >> Good afternoon, commissioners. Um, I would hope that the deliberation and
discussion will be up as open for public discussion because I have some thoughts, but my public comment is specific to Commissioner Gob's comment about everybody's favorite friend and neighbor. As you may recall with my case, uh, our favorite friend and neighbor was provided with very specific documentation and information about what
were supposedly confidential talks about my legal case. And I can say looking at the dis two of the commissioners and the current city attorney were not part of that, which potentially limits the number of people who could have possibly shared that information with everyone's favorite friend and neighbor. And it was
only taken down from the public purview once the developer called and said they were really ticked off about it. And Mr. Reigns, who was the attorney for the developer, reached out to him to have him take it down. Now, when this happened, I reached out to the city to express my concern because I acted in
good faith because I was told absolutely this was confidential talks that nobody should discuss. And yet, here it was published on a blog in a newsletter that is paid for and sponsored by developers. And in amongst that conversation with the city was a conversation with former
acting city uh manager or attorney Mr. Nicoleti who said very clearly, "We will look into this. This breach will not be tolerated and we will look into this." That was three years ago. And yet here we are. It's like Groundhog Day that everyone's favorite friend and neighbor is being provided information that
nobody else is privy to and it is being published with the sole intent of swaying a vote or a conversation. And I get that everybody does it. We all share things because we want things to go a certain way. But when you have somebody who is sponsored by developers and which
is interesting, no longer listed on his news site, they've all been taken down, but he is being sponsored by developers for the purposes of. So I express to you, I implore you, please find out who is leaking this information. This is not the first time it has happened, obviously, and it will not be the last.
But as long as this kind of shenanigans is tolerated by this commission and by staff, it's only a limited number of people who can provide it to him. So, I strongly recommend that you do an investigation, look at public records, because there's only a limited number of people who could possibly do this. Thank
you, >> Robert Hamilton. Good evening. Robert Hamilton, 1895 Church of Stewart. You all know me. Last time we were here, we had brought up to you guys um section 20230 on the
procurement method. Now, we believe that still applies. You all received an email today. You really need to read the email. But before I go into that, let's let's think about something. We have a lifeguard.
Lifeguards at the beach doing his job. Little Johnny drowns. Mother goes back a week later with her other kids. Same lifeguards there. Why would you keep the lifeguard? Why
would you keep a cancer in the community to damage us personally, damage our home, drag us through the mud? I still come in here. There's an out for everybody on this.
With the McKe renovation being accepted by the historical people, by commerce, and by the city itself, I'm not here to fight with anybody. Here's an opportunity to resolve it.
What you all decide to do or not do, that's on you. It's our home that was destroyed. our home that the lies about the roof ridge vent system that were discussed last week which you have the report and the report clearly states
there's no roof ridge vent system. So again, Mr. Jenkins from Guardian came in here and lied to our city commission at the behest of the city manager. Remember I was going to get hurt and we was going to get hurt real bad. We're going to be wounded.
It's time we move on. There's an opportunity with the federal law here to use the federal code. Now, we'll all be happy probably when HUD opens back up. I'm sure some of you got the same emails we did. Everything stopped at the moment.
So, between HUD and the OIG again, I come here and here it is. It's it's right here. It's it's plain and simple. It's self-procurement. Uh 200.230. You know, the the sad part about it is
it didn't need to have all this happen. We would have went away quietly if it would just been fixed. We just want our home, our historical building fixed. The last thing I'd like to say, I was at the building department and uh Mr. Hatton was going through
stuff with me, which I appreciate. And when I mentioned the grace and we're doing the paperwork, it's historical building. She doesn't want to put that on the paperwork. Now, what's it going to take to put the state ID number that the state of Florida recognizes our building on the
paperwork that every other previous permit had on historical building permit? You have a job you need to do. Again, we're still injured 15 months later. We need to get to the bottom of it, move on with section 200. Thank you.
>> Did you wish to make a comment? >> Yes. Um, Robert, forgive me. I'm I'm confused. I thought we were we had a revised scope of work that you guys were going to sign and we were going to move forward. >> Did you look at the scope of work >> that included the
>> It's erroneous. It's got improper stuff in there. It's not complete. It wasn't correct. It's in the email I sent you today. >> Lee, can you chime in? >> He responded to my email. I looked at it for two seconds before coming into the
meeting. up. It was very lengthy. He had comments which we were asking for his comments on the revised scope of work. >> Okay. >> I'll I'll address it tomorrow. It'll be one of the first things I work on. So, >> okay. Got it. I >> I I'll be honest. I didn't see what he's mentioning some of the things he put in the email. But
>> Mr. Jenkins will never come on that property again. The man came in this room and lied, sir. Last week. I'm not going to get in big argument with you guys. He came in here and lied. It's on video. He lied again and again and again. We don't have to tolerate this. Do you understand that? Our home was damaged.
The man came in here and lied to a government body. Now, you may have them under control. But you damn sure don't have me under control. You hurt my family. You hurt me, my property, and you all running around making like it's somebody else's problem here.
>> Oh, you're going off the rails, man. >> I'm just trying to figure out what the next step was. >> Well, then let's get it resolved. >> It sounds like all the commissioners read the email. >> Yeah. and speak with Mr. B. >> One of the issues is Mr. Antonio uh with Guardian needs to go back and reinspect the home, which was discussed at the
last meeting. Yes. But I guess we're hearing from Mr. Hamilton that you're not going to allow him to do that. >> I never said we were going to allow that at the last meeting. I never said that. >> The tape's there. >> I I I've read most of that email, but I think you need to do it. It's it's really idiot proof. It's bullet point as to the things that are not correct and
compared to the >> legal description and all that. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I mean, I'll leave you with this. It's pretty sad. Now, I'm I'm going to leave some levity here. It's pretty sad, counselor. How many years and they can't
get the property description right? >> Yes. >> Come on, man. >> And you wonder why we get emotional. That's my home. Mr. Baguette, if I come to your house and trash it like the mayor said was done to ours, you're not going to be a happy man. Let's just get it fixed. This could have went away a
year ago. >> Mr. We are trying to >> No, >> we are trying to. >> He came in here and lied, sir. Mr. Hamilton, I'm trying to >> I know you want to shut me up. It's >> Mr. We gave you a >> That's okay. >> a good audience last week and we
continue to listen to you and thank you for the email and I'll provide us a context for our discussions with Mr. Martell and Mr. Bagot, M Commissioner Reid. Yeah, for clarification purposes, Lee, is it a requirement for Antonio Jenkins to come
into their property and to inspect in order to move? >> We need to have it reinspected by the project manager, and that's who's the project manager. I don't think Guardian has another project manager. I I I offered in the email that Mr. Haden or some other city official could be there at the same time. Um, and and I got
crickets. So, uh, that was unless he responded to it in the email um, a couple hours ago. I I don't know. >> Okay. But right now we we Mr. um Antonio needs to go back out and re Jenkins Antonio Jenkins of guardian needs to go
back out. All he's simply needs to do is reinspect the property if we need to have the building official with him or I'll go out there myself if it if to be a mediator if that's necessary. But that that is for for clarification. So it is a requirement. Antonio has
>> unless we utilize the 200-230 which will last >> it doesn't matter no matter what under the CDBG grant the scope of services has to be formulated by the project manager.
So even that's before it goes out to RFP to come to the agreement on the scope of services. The project manager has to look at it. The Hamiltons have to look at it. Then it has to be sent to Florida Commerce. If Florida Commerce signs off on it, then it gets sent to Shipo. Once
Shipo signs off on it, then it would go to procurement. And then the federal statute that they're referencing would actually be a state a state procurement rule that you could do a sole source procurement if you could demonstrate that there were no other contractors
that could qualify to bid. >> Okay, I'm good. So, so when when I guess Robert Nolga, when you do respond, I mean it sounds like he has correct. I I briefly looked at it as well like Lee
said, >> I gave two dates that >> I understand, but in order for him to even move forward, they would have to come into his house and he might not be comfortable with that and I don't know how he would be comfortable or if we go that other avenue. I mean, it sounds
like we're we might be back to square one unless >> Well, I think first we need to >> Hang on, I'm not finished. Unless between the Hamiltons can come up with where they would feel comfortable with Antonio being in their residence again, but there is no ridge vent system there
and and Jenkins did stand before us at that meeting and say there was one >> and I did my own due diligence, Lee, and they don't make a ridge vent system for a standing seam metal roof, by the way, or any metal roof at all. Um, so he's
that project manager and he's supposed to go in there again and inspect and he stood in front of us and said there was one. There is not one. >> If if if he's not going to inspect it, it's going to delay it even further. I mean, I'm I'm trying. You guys asked me
to get this thing quickly done. I have tried and I'm doing my best. >> No, I listen. I know you're >> I'm not gonna expect inspect. >> No, I know. And listen, you're doing your job, >> but Antonio Jenkins failed and he absolutely stood in front of us as board
members and lied and said there was a ridge vent system. Here's >> I think I first off I >> we shouldn't be accusing him saying he lied >> when when he's not here to defend himself. So let's I I I understand I >> you can contact the company Cobra and
>> I I don't I don't need to. I'm just saying please don't accuse him and he's not here to defend himself. And I'm not saying that to defend him. I'm saying we need to give due process. We're a public entity. >> I understand. >> Um and we've done that in the past and and then we brought him here to answer the questions.
>> Uh then that question should have been posed to him if you you were challenging him. We should have challenged him when he was here. >> But I don't want to All he's got to do is inspect the property. I mean >> there's there's no dispute that everyone's agreed to put a ridge vent in. >> Right. >> So that's not >> Yeah. that's that's in the revised scope
of service. >> They might not be comfortable with him going in their house and that might put us back to not >> and we can we can go through Florida Commerce and and go down a different path then if that's the case, but it's just going to be delay. >> Okay. >> Thank you.
>> Both parties have obligations. >> Excuse me. >> Regard to this process. Sorry. Okay. >> I do have one more public comment. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> Olga Hamilton. Good afternoon, Olga Hamilton 311 Southwest Street. Okay, that church
that you all tied to here on August on August 4, 2024, we notified Mr. Jenkins of Guardian Community Resource Management. He represents that firm. We notified the
city manager that the contractor did not install the roof reachment system included in the CDBG scope of work. Instead rectifying the situation, Mr. Jenkins wrote to us demanding the full
payment on the roof 19090 including roof reach system that was not installed. It was faked. Yes, we hired home inspector who was given to us by insurance company. He wrote report. He
confirmed there no any functioning roof reach van system count from August 2024 to today date 202. How many days of lies? We repeatedly
asked the city administration for reinspection, reopen the permit, reinspect, deduct for work that not complete. No, the city administration paid the full amount
without any deduction for the roof reach system despite we provided with the beat. And by the way, as the city wrote to us that he included that uh Cu Roof
um Cret Rufus who inspected and gave beat no excuse me that firm called uh Red Rupes they did
not write wrote in they did not write in their bit that we have existing roof reach vent system. what they wrote in their in their bit to remove the rich cap not rich V system and to remove the
metal it's non vented Z metal there are no Cobra roof rich V system there are no any roof rich V system on our roof this is days of lies plus including as Mr. Jenkins, guardian community resource
management vetted contractor review contractor certifies their review supervises their work certifies their work and he certified 85%
windows complete when he had in his hand since December 1st 2023 the state historic preservation letter and the structural engineer report stated it. All windows have to be removed and damages all have to be repaired to our
windows uh openings. 85% he certified and paid tax base money doesn't matter federal tax base or the city of Stewart tax base for over 46,000 of the tax base money given to patriot response group
for fake roof reach V system and show the installation of the windows I hope we can move forward but I do have concern even not just Mr. Jenkins to have on our property, but Guardian Community Resource Management who sent
us documents with falsified dates and for signature. >> Great. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Does that conclude? >> That concludes the uh public >> Thank you. >> Um can I get a motion for the approval
of the consent calendar? >> So moved. >> Second. >> We have a motion by the vice mayor and a second by Commissioner Clark. Is there any public comment on this item? Seeing none, roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Collins, >> yes. >> Commissioner Gio, >> yes. >> Commissioner Reid,
>> yes. >> Commissioner Clark, >> yes. >> Mayor Rich, >> yes. >> Item eight. So, will you read item eight for our consideration, please, Mr. Bagot? Resolution number 101-2025,
a resolution of the city commission of the city of Stewart, Florida to authorize a three-year extension to Absolute TripleNet Unsubordinated lease agreement between the city of Stewart and Stewart Main Street Association, Inc. for the Flaggler Center located at 201 Southwest Flaggler Avenue, Stewart,
providing an effective date and for other purposes. Uh we have attached the original lease and the original u ordinance uh I'm sorry resolution that initially u propos
or approved it. It it provided for a initial three-year term and then there was two additional three-year terms. This is the second additional um extension term. So you have this is will be years >> 7 8 9
>> 7 8 9 uh nothing else is changing in the contract other than extending the time. I I do I pointed out into the summary that there seemed to be a scribers error in the original commencement date. In the original lease agreement, it was
dated at the top um in August of 2019, but in the original resolution, the commission authorized it to commence on January 1st, 2020. I think the August date was around the time it was finally executed by the city and and and Steuart
Main Street. Uh, but I I the the first renewal for an extension, they were consistent with it starting in January. I just wanted to point out to to the to the board in case you guys caught it, uh, that that seems to be a few months
off. Uh, they've requested that it to be extended. I provided their letter in here and we have a draft of the extension for the uh, for the lease for the second renewal. I'm happy to answer any questions. I believe someone from Steuart Main
Street is here if you have any questions for them. >> Mr. Vice Mayor, >> so I don't know if you feel comfortable, Mike, but just kind of briefly walking through these three different agreements that we have with Main Street because my
my ask here would be to have all of them line up together where we have three different agreements. I think it's something that's needed to happen for some time that are sort of floating out with independent time frames and I think all of them need to land basically on
one agenda um in the future for future commissions. I think it's it's a little fragmented. >> I so for what it's worth obviously to for the edification of the audience the three agreements are the Rock and Riverwalk, the Green Market and the
Flaggler Center. And so we can bring back the green market and the rock and river walk and combine it to this um lease at a future date if that's if the inclination of the board is that u be pretty easy. Historically what really
happened was Main Street started doing Rock and Riverwalk. They were having to pull a special event permit for every single Sunday. So it became an absurdity. So what we did is entered into an annual deal with them to pull one special event permit for 52 Sundays
so they could do the Rock and River Walk. Unrelated to that, several years later, they responded to a request for proposals as it related to operating the Flaggler Center and were award they were the selected applicant and they started
operating the Flaggler Center. Then on a separate matter, they also responded to a request for proposals to operate the green market. And as a result, we have these three staggered contracts. The Flagler Center's before you guys tonight. If you want to address that
tonight, I can bring back the other two contracts. And if all we're doing is changing the dates, I can meet with um Candace at the at Main Street and have her bring it to their board. I don't think there'd be any objection by their board if you're not changing any terms
or anything just to consolidate them so that they all come back annually for the commission to review at the same time. And it probably makes sense for it to be in like May so that it's before the budget. >> I I say that because they all all of the agreements in some way kind of play on
each other. So we we pay 70,000 for, you know, Main Street to do Riverwalk plus they lease and then they give us back money for that lease. It it really should be all looked at together, I think, for a commission to be able to review and it's
>> but if you remember last year we said that we will not review the annual allocation we make to them. >> Remember we lost that. But to be able to holistically look at the city's relationship with Main Street, not to criticize >> to me,
>> but I think so that because otherwise these these just one of these lands on your agenda over here and then over there, we can't really >> and if something needs to be maybe they need more than 70 maybe, you know, you can look at it holistically and say, "Okay, this is our relationship with Main Street. These are expectations."
That would be my ask. >> I Okay. Um, are there any the questions of Mr. Bagot regarding this? >> Actually, the city manager if Well, you go ahead, but that's okay.
>> Um, Commissioner Clark. >> Okay. So, in light of what Commissioner Vice Mayor just brought up, uh, if we're going to vote on this, um, item number eight, resolution number 101, 2025,
uh, we'd like to vote on I'd like to vote on this separately tonight since that's there and your suggestion would be something. >> Yeah. to wait >> to wait so that they all land on one agenda for future commissions for us as the >> to bring them back next time.
>> I I can get them on the next agenda because this is already done. I would literally just put this on the next agenda and then just add the other items. The only thing is a matter of speaking to Main Street. Obviously, those other >> the the Rock and Riverwalk contract for
the special events permits easy, but the green market one is an RFP response. So it may or may not be but we can still bring it back at the next agenda. >> It's also the address the annual allocation we provide them. That's an additional item >> right. Well that was that's budgeted. >> Yeah.
>> So that's in the contractual >> budget. >> Right. >> So the funding is there. It's >> are you saying you want >> you want to put vice mayor? Do you want that to come before us every year again? I think it should all be a part of that
package for us to consider our relationship with them. And again, I'm not saying that to cut it or but but just for transparency. >> That motion failed last time. I just want to remind you. >> Well, >> but that doesn't mean we can't bring it back. >> Yeah, I think they should all come back
together again so we can holistically look at them. >> Okay. I don't have a problem with that. >> Okay. >> Commissioner Jobi, >> I my question is to the city manager and he and I have emailed back and forth. I was looking. It's my understanding that there are some sublets over at the
Flaggler Center and you did not have a copy of those or you were going to look for >> Well, I sent you um the blank the unsigned copy. So >> So like when the city enters into an agreement like with a zoo to land lease, we don't get copies of the 49 sublets
where they lease the units out. When we entered into the land lease with Heisinga for the um Sunset Bay Marina, >> they have 202 subleas leases for the leases. Then they have a sublet for the marina. Then they have a sublet for the sailor returns. And then they have a
sublet for >> um I can't think of the coffee house, Gilbert's. And so their lease requires the city commission to approve any assignment of that. Just as the lease that you have before you tonight has a
requirement that in the event they're inclined to sublet the parties paragraph sub paragraph 9 says that the um leie may not assign all or any portion of this lease or sub lease the whole or any part of the premises
including portions of any improvements erected thereon by less or other portions of the premises for any purpose without the express written consent. consent of the lessor open parenthesis city manager which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. And so
when you look into the the going back on it, when we were looking into what unreasonably held or delayed meant is obviously it would not be unreasonable for the city to deny a sub lease with someone that we were in litigation with or deny a sub lease with
an entity that was not zoned to do business there or something like that. But as it relates to the amount of the lease, it really has no bearing on the city of Stewart. They, this goes on to say that no matter what, the lei shall
remain liable for the full performance and obligations under this lease and no sub lease can extend beyond the existing term of this lease. >> Was your point more who or how much? >> No. Who? I don't really care how much. >> So it's so the reality is number one, the Flagler Center, I'm sure, doesn't have 23 subleasases. No, they have I
believe it's one with an engineering firm that used to be in the building that >> and we should certainly have a known who is that lease. >> We do. >> Okay. >> And I provided you a copy of the unsigned lease because when the fire
city manager got the letter from Steuart Main Street, it had their proposed lease in it. When I was at my desk Friday looking for it, I happened to find that like on the computer. I'm sure I could go through the clerk's office and get a copy of it, but I in my email to you, I
said I don't know if they've updated that lease because it was signed in 2019. >> So, we don't even know if they're still there. That's another I know they're still there. >> Maybe double check with Candace, >> right? I mean, >> and do they lease out any property for no fee? I mean, are there other people
using the facility at Flagist? >> They're not they're not allowed to. So, if they did and they and I didn't know about it, then I don't know, >> right? >> I'm not sure of that. But they didn't they haven't informed us of that, >> right?
>> Um, but I do know. >> Can we ask if there's anyone using property at Flaggler as an office, a desk somewhere? >> I mean, >> again, it would be that would be something if they're not even paying a rent, but they >> Doesn't the vice mayor sit on that board? Mhm.
>> But I I feel like that's more of a city manager. >> I mean, I'm happy to find out >> conversation so it gets back to all of us. >> Thank you. >> And and and for what it's worth, if they're subleasasing and someone's using it as an office and and maintaining a business tax, the city has an interest
in it. But if the uh entity itself is saying that they can use office space, I don't know who's using the office space or what the allegation is that's not paying rent that's just going in and sitting there. I don't know that that it's actually a lease or not,
but I I will ask. I don't believe that that's happening though. >> I guess that's the point. We don't know and and it is our property that we lease. I guess that was the point. We don't know. Okay, great. Thank you, >> Commissioner Reid. Yeah, my question was pretty much answered and I I think
probably what you're getting at um Commissioner Job is probably that consultant for Bright Line that was using that property address for a mailing address I think tied to their Sunbiz corporation. >> Ah, okay. >> I'm assuming yes >> that's what you're talking about.
>> That was the I forget the guy's name several years ago. He was a >> Sam Yates. >> Yes, Sam Yates. he was using it their property address as a mailing address for his I think like registered agent maybe or something for mailing purposes >> and I'll ask I don't know if he's still there or not and I don't know
>> and I don't know if he was ever there >> I I don't know I just know on Sunbiz it was listed I'm assuming that's what you're talking about >> it's still listed >> right but then if you're listing it >> as occupyers you mind coming to the mic Please.
>> So Sam Sam is still there. He actually is the executive director of the Gold Coast Builders Association. He's occupying space provided to him by Co Pepper and Turning uh on space interpreting that they lease there. I mean I know that's
>> so it's a sublet of a sublet. >> Well, and I don't know if he's employed by Co Pepper Interpreting, but if he is, >> he was doing some PR and marketing for them. How much now? I don't know. I mean, I know he officially is using that space. >> Let's let the city manager find >> I
>> There aren't any If he has an actual lease, then they were supposed to get our permission for that. The commission could declare it a breach and terminate the contract. >> Now, when you say our permission, it says city manager. >> Well, I when they come in, I would bring
Exactly. >> Okay. Um uh and so I have no idea. I assume that Co Pepper Turping Co Pepper Turpining's office used to be where Toby Overdorf's office is. >> Okay. >> When >> their 10 years ended because it's
waterfront property. Instead of having a referendum, >> they got moved to um they got they had to move out. when they had to move out when the uh whatever the Steuart Main Street
rented the Flaggler Center, Co Pepper Turpining then went and worked out a deal to rent office space in the back of the Flagler Center that was approved by David Das back in like 2019. >> But was it ever on the agenda like agenda?
>> I have no idea. Um, and then the Sam Yates, it sounds to me like, is occupying that space as an agent of co pepper interpreting, not as a tenant. >> Yeah. >> But no different than your employee
would be occupying it as you. Not that he has his own lease with them, but rather that he works for them and uses the space that way. I have no idea. But if the commission wants to change it, release is right in front of you right now. >> Why would you characterize that way if you have no idea?
>> Because I know that that Candace has come to us and told us they were subleting. There'd be no reason for us to deny a sublet, whether it was Sam Yates or whether it was uh Co Pepper interpreting. We didn't have a basis to say that he was a no. So if they were
doing it just for permission, there'd be no reason not to bring it forward. >> But what would be accurate is we we have no idea. Well, except for Mark's telling us that he's using Co Pepper's office. >> That's the space that Co Pepper leased. >> But aren't you made aware of these, Mr. Vice Mayor, when you attend the board meetings? Aren't you aware made aware?
No. And you don't ask these questions. >> Uh, this is all sort of coming out now. >> It's all new. >> Yeah. >> Open government. >> Yeah. >> Um, so, so Mike, going back to it, if it was a sub sub lease, it would come in front of the board on a consent agenda item of, I would imagine.
>> That's what I would do. That's what you would do. But we don't know if Dave Das did it when he was city manager. >> So the lease doesn't require it. >> It's not a requirement. I know that. Correct. >> I know that when it happened, >> I know the city manager discussed it. Yeah. >> With the individual board members. And
because Co Pepper Turpining had been a tenant of the city for 20 years prior to that in the building that's right here in the corner of the parking lot where Toby Overdorf's office is. But what happened was when the new law came into play or the new code came into play that
you couldn't stay um in waterfront property for more than 10 years without a referendum. >> Yeah. >> When 10 years ran out they had to move. So they got moved out of that space and were looking for space. So I think it all just kind of happened at the same
time. >> But I don't remember the details of how it got negotiated or what it was. Now, for clarification purposes, they could tech, and I know these might be new leases, but we have other leases in the city. And I don't know if this
one's just more controversial because of who rents it and then who subleasased it to a potential Sam Yates consultant with Bright Line. And I don't know if that's why it gets more I guess attention, but
what I'm getting at is are other leases like that in the city to where you would have the authorization and then I understand you would bring it to the board on a consent agenda. Is that how it would be done for other ones? >> I'm not aware of any other leases in the
city >> that that have the sublet language. Joe, I know that the ground lease for Sunset Bay Marina >> Mhm. >> allowed the Heisinga group to originally
sublet it to a restaurant and then Bill Dave or uh Bob Davis built the Sailor Returns. I know that when Heising Group sold it to the next company that manages it, they had to come before the city commission and the city commission had
to approve the assignment. The city commission was not given the financial terms of what Heisinga was paid for it. It was just to approve the new managing entity that was going to be managing the marina and operating the marina. >> So did the pelican have that lease where
because I remember the pelican >> the pelican when it assigned its lease to uh Mike Matakitis same thing happened >> had to come in front of what was paid to the pelican were not public. It was just just like when Mulligans used to be
right next door at Boat House and they sold the balance of their lease to the Boat House company. Whatever they sold it for, whether it was a dollar or a trillion dollars was not disclosed. It was that the city commission had to decide whether or not it was accepting
the new land or the new tenant as a operator that was going to be s financially stable sufficiently enough to maintain the building or do whatever it was. >> So is this the only lease in the city that has this option? >> Well, okay. Is that is that essential
that we know this to either approve this motion or not? I appreciate that's a good but >> she's asking some question. >> I know but it has nothing to do with this item. If you would like to make a request to the city manager that all city leases be
brought on what I'm saying. >> Why can he not ask his question? >> What does it have to do with his decision? >> Because we're talking about the flag lease. >> This would be the talking about the Pelican lease now. >> Well, I'm talking about >> Gilbert's lease. Why why can he not ask
his questions? >> So in in short, >> the Florida statutes require you to mitigate damages. So if you're a tenant in any landlord situation and you're in a position that you can't pay your rent
any longer and your landlord's evicting you, the landlord has the right to sue you for the balance of the months that are due. >> Correct. But if you can mitigate those damages by finding a sufficient tenant, even if your lease doesn't have the assignment language in it, the courts
will interpret it to include that language and allow you to fill those shoes so that you can avoid or mitigate the damages for the remainder of the breach of that contract. the leases that the city has as it
relates to its long-term land leases all have the assignment language because when you have an 80 or 90year lease, it's not anticipated that the person's going to run the through the tape. So, they they generally do it, >> but those aren't waterfront pro.
>> The waterfront's unrelated. >> Okay. >> But the Sunset Bay is waterfront. Hudson is waterfront. Waterfront is waterfront. >> So, what is it? land lease versus >> it's a land lease >> versus a building. >> It's well Hudson's
and Waterfront were both considered land leases because what we say is you're renting it as a triple net land lease. If the air conditioning breaks, that's your problem. You have to maintain it. We're not providing you a tenant where we provide you with working air
conditioning and working windows and working heat and if it leaks or any of that. We say no, it's just a flat land lease. And then that's your responsibility for everything else. Insurance, taxes, maintenance, everything. >> And that's just been a policy of the
city. >> I get it. But those would have to come in front of the board. This one would not. That's all. And that's all I was asking questions on. Mayor Ridge, >> this this one >> I know you would bring it >> if they if they if they had a different
tenant that was wanting to move in and it came forward. It's just as easy for me to put on the consent because I just put on the consent. But >> that's what you would do. >> I don't know that it requires it one way or the other. >> Doesn't require it. >> It doesn't require it. That's that's going above and beyond which I would appreciate.
Um it would be nice and I'm sure most people would. Thank you, Mayor Rich, for allowing me to finish my comments. >> Commissioner Joby, do you have additional comments? >> I just wanted to say my whole reason was that it is city property and we should know who's leasing it or subleasasing it. That's all. >> Okay.
>> We do. We have a motion >> with regard to resolution number 101205 as presented. >> I think that we gave city manager direction to bring that back. >> Yeah. >> So, no, that's what I was going to say. if we're going to do it separately. I asked that before, or if we're going to
actually table it and bring it back. There was no such thing about actually >> having them all be on the >> makes more sense to table it and bring them all back. >> Well, is it going to be is it going to affect anything, Mr. Martell? >> You said we need to do
>> I mean the only thing before us today is the lease. I don't know that we're I'm I'm not taking any action to tell them get out. I mean, so Right. So I don't think it has any >> technically the lease does not renew till the end of the year >> cuz they >> so under the under the lease agreement
they have to let us know within 120 days that they're going to renew it. They did that and so at the next and it says at the next agenda meeting we have to bring it up but I'm letting you know that we have until the end of the year. So >> we have a motion. >> So if you want to do a motion to table it to the next meeting and uh Mr.
Mortell will bring back the other time. Mr. Martell that'll open up comment mark. >> I don't believe it. It's not a problem for our staff. I don't know. I can't speak for Main Street. So I I mean I'm just >> So and I'll I can talk to Candace tomorrow, but I don't think it should be a big deal. I mean >> So we can have it be a date uncertain in
in >> Right. I just bring it back and I'll plan on next meeting. If it's not, I'll do the meeting after >> ASAP, but uncertain. >> Right. >> All right. So, so mayor, I'd like to make a motion that we table this item for now and that the city manager bring back as soon as possible, but at a date
uncertain uh these multiple different um items for one agenda. >> All agreements relating to main agreements related to main street. >> We have a motion by the vice mayor and a second by commissioner go. Is there public comment on that item? I don't think
>> I do have public comment. Mark Breville. >> Thanks, Mr. Mayor. I just had a quick comment. Part: 2
October 2025. >> Um, thank you all for attending. Um, the invocation will be provided this afternoon by Pastor James Harp of the Steward Alliance Church. And whether you then please lead us in the
pledge of allegiance. You stand. >> Okay, let's pray. Our father, I thank you for this day and uh thank you God for this opportunity that we have together here. Uh Lord, we want to bless your holy name today. And it says in
your word as as you are blessed, you bless us. And I think everyone here would just be thrilled to receive a blessing from you today, Father. So we just commit this time to you. Thank you for these elected officials that serve us in this community. Lord, we do ask your blessing upon them and their
families. Uh protect them. uh provide for them, Lord. Keep keep them healthy. And we thank you, Lord, for the work that's being done uh in and through our community, Father. So, Lord, we just uh once again commit this day into your hands, this afternoon into your hands, this meeting into your hands, and we uh
thank you in advance for how you're going to uh reveal yourself and that your presence would be manifest with us. We pray in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, Pastor Harp. And I'm always delighted to see tutus.
So before I introduce you and the arts moment, uh my daughter was a professional ballet dancer. She danced professionally until she was 30 years old. You cannot imagine how many nutcrackers I have had to sit through. Yes. Could we
have the roll call, please? >> Mayor Rich >> here. >> Vice Mayor Collins >> here. >> Commissioner Clark >> here. >> Commissioner Gobi >> here. Commissioner Reid >> here. So, this is the Florida Arts and Dance Company, and they're going to provide us with
a very compact recital. >> Miss [Music] Is there something on here? All right. Push your chairs back. [Music] [Music]
You're missing me. [Music] [Music] Thank you so much. Chinese.
[Music] We did it. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music]
[Music] [Applause] Thank you very much. One more. Oh, sorry. Last but not least, [Music]
[Music] [Music]
[Music] [Music] [Applause] Okay, all of you come up. Come up front with the moms and the teachers.
[Applause] Miss Nina. >> Oh, there you are. >> Close up. >> Beautiful. >> Thank you, >> Nina. Please tell us when the shows are going to be.
>> Nina. The shows will be at the Lyric Theater December 12th to the 14th. >> Thank you. Well, thank you. >> Good job. [Applause] >> Okay, Mr. Bagot. >> The first of our two proclamations this
afternoon, Florida City Government Week. Florida City Government Week October 20th through the 26, 20125. Whereas city government is the government closest to the most citizens and the one with the most direct direct daily impact upon its residents.
Municipal government provides services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents, making their city their home. And whereas city government is administered for and by its citizens and is dependent upon public commitment to an understanding of its many
responsibilities, city government officials and employees share the responsibility to pass along the understanding of public services and their benefits. And whereas Florida City Government Week offers an important opportunity for elected officials and
city staff to spread the word to all citizens of Florida that they can shape and influence this branch of government. And whereas Florida League of Cities and its member cities, of which Steuart is a member, have joined together to teach citizens about municipal government
through a variety of activities. Now therefore, I, Campbell Rich, mayor of the city of Stewart, do hereby proclaim October 20th through uh October 26, 20, 2025 as Florida City Government Week.
>> And accepting this proclamation in recognition of Florida City Government Week is the city of Stewart's own clerk, Mary Kendall. [Applause] It's not often I get to be on this side
of the microphone, but um thank you very much for the proclamation. It's just uh as you guys know are aware, city government week um happens every year, usually a third week in October and uh we just try and celebrate it by bringing awareness to what the city does and um
what you know things we offer, different things. We've done several different things throughout the years. Um but this year we we kind of it snuck up on us a little bit. So we're making it simple, but um we've been working to gather photographs of our departments. Um kind of doing something silly. We wanted to
be a little more light-hearted this year. And u Misty is going to be taking care of that and putting that on our Steuart Life um Facebook page. You know, just for fun, introducing our departments and and what that department does for the city. >> Well, that's it. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Yeah, I guess we'll dance. >> Thank you, Mary. Okay, Mr. Bagot. On a more serious note, >> domestic violence awareness month October 2025. Whereas domestic violence
is a serious widespread issue that affects individuals in every community regardless of age, race, income, or education level and leaves a lasting impact on survivors, families, and communities. And whereas more than one in three women and one in four men in
the United States have experienced physical violence, threats, or abuse from an intimate partner during their lifetimes. The effects of domestic violence extend beyond the immediate harm caused to survivors impacting children, workplaces, health systems,
and entire communities. And whereas safety, support, solidarity is the theme for the domestic violence awareness month 2025. Uniting communities nationwide and here on the treasure coast and standing with survivors,
safe space is the only certified domestic violence center serving Martin, St. Lucy and Inu River counties providing life-saving services such as 247 shelter, a confidential hotline, le leg legal advocacy, children's programs, and
financial empowerment to help survivors achieve safety and stability. And whereas it is vital to recognize the importance of safe space work and to encourage community members, employers, faith leaders, and civic organizations
to act by raising awareness, learning the signs of abuse, and offering a compassionate support to survivors. Now, therefore, I, Campbell Rich, mayor of the city of Stewart, do hereby proclaim October 2025 as domestic violence awareness month.
And accepting this proclamation in recognition of domestic violence awareness month is the CEO of Safe Space and apparently a few members of her team, Jennifer Fox. Good afternoon, Miss Fox.
>> Good afternoon, commissioners and community members. Again, Jennifer Fox, the CEO of Safe Space. On behalf of Safe Space, our staff behind us, and our board members, and survivors of domestic violence, I want to thank you for recognizing October as domestic violence
awareness month. I do think this proclamation sends a strong message to survivors um across our community that says you are not alone. Domestic abuse can be found in every neighborhood, workplace, and school. Yet, survivors do feel alone. Every statistic represents a
person, a parent, a child, a neighbor who deserves to be safe in their own home. Safeespace is the only state certified domestic violence center serving Martin County. And just to give an idea, our crisis hotline answers between 200 and
275 calls every month. Uh last year we served 891 survivors of domestic violence. 165 of those were kids. 378 people stayed in our safe home and we provided legal advocacy and
representation in court thanks to our attorneys here uh to 359 survivors in our community. So we're talking about almost 900 people almost 900 people who found us and 900 people who are safer because of the support of this
community. This year's domestic violence awareness theme, safety, support, and solidarity, reminds us that everyone has a role to play.