start the invocation. I just wanted to wish uh Chaplain Edward Skea happy birthday today as well. Today's his birthday. >> Happy birthday. [applause] >> So, we have invocation by Chaplain Edwardke from the city of Stewart Police Department. And if you could lead us in
the pledge of allegiance after. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, city council members and staff and most importantly the citizens of Stewart. I thank you that we're allowed once more to bring the presence of God into these proceedings.
I I have a little thing to say beforehand. I I heard a woman uh say that she was fed up with all the flags and all the 250th birthday stuff and she didn't want to hear it anymore.
I have been all over the world. I lived in Africa for four years. I've been to many European countries and South American countries. There's nothing like this place. >> This is it. Our Constitution is a piece of paper that the rest of the world
cannot understand. They can't digest it and they couldn't possibly live by it. We don't realize what we have here. I just wanted to bring that up as we celebrate this 250th birthday.
Let's go before the Lord. Our God and our father, great creator of the universe. You've rained down blessings on us that we just don't understand. You give us things that we don't deserve. Your grace
and your mercy are on us all the time. We just don't know how to handle them. We don't know how to keep them and and work with them. Instead, we turn and and we get into sinful ways. But your word says, "If my people who
are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will you hear from heaven, Lord, and you'll heal our land." We ask you to hear our cry now, Father. We ask you to hear for
a healing in this land. You hear our plea for a healing in this land, Lord. We ask you to be present in these circumstances today. That the things that are being discussed here that are important to your people that you bring them into your heart. Make them important to you too. Father, we know
you love us. We love you back. Be with us in these proceedings. In Jesus precious name I pray. Amen. Would you please join me in the pledge of allegiance? 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. Please be seated. Next we have an arts moment from Wilbert Simpson um from the city of Stewart and
as a local artist as well. No, I'm good. How everybody doing? >> Good. >> All right. I also work for the city. My name is Wilbert Simpson. I work for the city. Uh I'm a actually I guess a local artist now that I work here. Um I'm from
Brow Area. Um I do a lot of art uh from ranges from murals to um uh what graphic design work, all that kind of stuff. So anyways, um in honor of this um America's birthday, I brought this
piece. One of my favorite pieces. Uh I consider myself a storyteller. So I mean I feel like I really do feel like anybody can make beautiful art, right? Uh but it takes you it takes a person to really brings out the story within the art, right? So this is a piece that I
done. I don't have too many small pieces, too. So >> [applause] >> Hold it up this way again, Mr. Simpson. >> Oh god, it's beautiful. Thank you. >> So, the story behind this piece, hopefully y'all can hear me. The story
behind this piece is it's um I went to a park one day and I feel like I could talk to anybody, right? So, I was talking to these um young u well older vets and they were telling me about their life and what they've been through, you know, being in the army and stuff like that, Marines and stuff. So,
it made me think about this piece. Um so, on the darker side is the younger version of him >> and on the white side you see the older version of him. You see the gray hair and stuff like that. You know, some some uh gentleman's like that. You know,
[laughter] >> it happens. See, >> it's beautiful. >> Okay. Also, so in his eyes, in the right eye, you can see him as a younger person planting the flag in the American soil. And as the older version of him, he's
still holding the flag up. Meaning, don't forget who I am. Don't forget what I've done. >> Right? So, now you see his hands folded in prayer form >> and the ring that he's married to, it says, "In God we trust." >> Yes. >> So, let's not don't forget that, you know.
And that's this piece. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Like I said, I don't have too many smaller pieces and I have some work up in the gallery down south right now. So, this is another piece I've done uh more on the jazz music area side. It's called
Elegance. It's pretty much just capturing a person in a moment of of um enjoying the moment. we too be we be too busy in our phones and you know everyday lives that we don't enjoy the moment. So I felt like this was a piece that you listening to jazz music just enjoying
the moment capturing the moment. So >> thank you. [applause] Thank you. Thank you. >> Um also want to say um that I think the things that you guys are having are doing in the city is
wonderful. The mirrors that you're putting up are awesome. I um hopefully you guys put up more and the representation of your community is uh very important to young folks. So being able to see themselves, see um positivity and growth and colors, just
colors, you know, uh just brighten up people today. So just keep at it and keep going. And thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. [applause] Mr. Simpson. >> Yeah, I was going to say Wilbur, before you leave, we have a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the city.
Great. Thank you. >> And they're going to take a photo, so turn your artwork that way so that she can see it. >> And he does have a huge display at a gallery in Pompano Beach until
September, I think. >> Thank [applause] you. He learned all his artwork from Milton. >> Oh, I thought you were going to say he learned it from you. [laughter] >> Way to go, Milton. >> Next up, we have a proclamation for Parks and Recreation Month. Lee, if you
could read that. Whereas parks and recreation is an integral part of communities throughout this country, including the city of Stewart, parks and recreation promotes health and wellness, improving the physical and mental health of people who
live near parks. It encourages physical activities by providing space for popular sports, hiking trails, fitness programs, and many other activities designed to promote active lifestyles. And whereas
parks and recreation programming and education activities such as out of school time programming, youth sports, environmental education, and so socialization are critical to childhood development. Parks and recreation increases a community's
economic prosperity through increased property values. expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and crime reduction. And whereas parks and recreation are fundamental to the
environmental well-being of our community, parks and natural recreation areas improve water quality, protect groundwater, prevent flooding, improve the quality of the air we breathe, provide vegetative buffers to development, and produce habitat for
wildlife. And whereas our parks and na natural recreation areas ensure the ecological beauty of our community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and outdo recreate outdoors. Now therefore, I Shan
Reed, mayor of the city of Stewart, do hereby proclaim July 2026 as parks and recreation month. [applause] Hi, good afternoon commissioners, city manager, community services director. Uh Mike Redstone, division manager for the
recreation division for the city of Stewart. Um we want to thank you uh for recognizing National Parks and Recreation Month [music] for the month of July. Um, we do have a short presentation for you here shortly, but before we do that, I wanted to recognize
um the staff that make make good things happen every day for the city of Stewart. Um, I'd like for the staff to stand up, the recreation staff, and let's give them a big round of applause [applause] for their effort. >> [applause] >> And I'd next like to introduce Jessica Tharp, who's our assistant uh recreation
division manager, and she'll take you through the uh presentation today. Thank you. For some reason, not >> good evening, mayor, commissioners, and city manager. On behalf of the recreation division, thank you for the opportunity to recognize National Park
and Recreation Month and celebrate the impact parks and recreation has throughout the community. When people think of parks and recreation, they often think of playgrounds, ball fields, and special events. While those are certainly part of what we do, who we are goes much deeper. We are community builders. We we
create spaces where families gather, children grow, neighbors connect, and residents enjoy a higher quality of life. Every program, park, event, and facility exists to strengthen our community and help make Steuart a great place to live, work, and visit.
Our division serves residents and visitors of all ages, abilities, and interests. Every day, we create opportunities for people to play, learn, connect, and stay active. Whether it's a toddler attending a preschool sports program, a teenager participating in teen events, a family enjoying one of
our parks, or a senior attending a wellness class, our mission is to improve quality of life for everyone in our community. We are committed to creating welcoming programs and spaces that honor the history, culture, and traditions of all neighborhoods within our community. Throughout the year, our team provides
youth programs, teen programs, senior activities, wellness initiatives, and community events that encourage connection, learning, and active lifestyles. These programs help strengthen families, foster community pride, and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Our sports and fitness programs do much more than provide recreation opportunities. They help develop teamwork, leadership, confidence, healthy lifestyles, and meaningful community connections. This year, our recreation facilities hosted more than 70 athletic programs, leagues, and
community activities serving hundreds of residents and families throughout the city. Our recreation facilities are among the community's most heavily used public assets. They provide places for learning, wellness, social interaction, athletics,
and community celebrations. Our facilities are essential assets that support recreation, wellness, social connection, and economic activity every day. And fun fact, our turf and grounds crew maintain more than 34 parks located in the city of Stewart.
Parks and recreation are about more than programs and facilities. We're about people, relationships, and quality of life. Through partnerships, community events, and inclusive programming, we remain committed to creating spaces where every resident feels welcome, connected, and supported. We also provide support to other city
departments. Looking ahead, we continued to improve our park facilities and programs. We remain dedicated to enhancing the recreational experiences that make our community strong, healthier, and more vibrant while serving the young and the young at heart. Highlighting a few of those
improvements, both Oleander Park and Memorial Park Amphitheater had an upgrade, and we've been working with the county and D to become a Florida trail town. We are anticipating the designation later this fall, and at that time, staff will provide a presentation for the commission.
So, thank you to our mayor and commissioners for your continued support of our parks and recreation. And thank you to our staff, volunteers, and community members who help make these programs and spaces possible every day. Parks and recreation is more than programs and facilities. It's an investment in the health, vitality, and
quality of our life of life of our community. Every day, we create opportunities for people to connect, play, learn, and thrive. Together, we make good things happen. Ash, happy National Park and Recreation Month. Thank you, [applause] >> Mike and Jessica. On behalf of the city,
we have a proclamation to present to you. >> Team Middleton, [laughter] >> it's a photo op time. Milton, you have to be in it. Maybe they should introduce. That's
okay. Quite a few of them. >> Thanks. [applause] >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Redstone. Thanks, Mike. We do have two service awards to present
as well. They are not in attendance, but those departments will make sure they're handed to them. The first one is Joseph Calderon with 20 years of service from the police department. [applause] The next one we have is Karen Chambers Cuffy with 10 years of service from the
human resource department. [applause] And then moving on, we have dogs in the park video that Jim is going to present to us. >> Actually, this is a Misty Girtton production here. >> Oh, Misty. Sorry. So, I'm going to let Misty talk about
this very fun and whimsical video. >> Well, public education is a lot of fun, and sometimes you get to step out of your box and do something creative. And um we had some education to do on our turf at the amphitheater, why it's not
dog friendly. So, we decided we'd take a dog's perspective and and and take a stroll to the park. We um borrowed a rescue dog and slapped a GoPro on its back and we went to the park. We also went down to the green market and
through downtown Stewart. And so you're going to meet Frankie. Um there is a a fun little ending to this is Frankie was um he was with All for One Pet Rescue. Um he's a Bahamian potake. He came from Grand Bahama and shortly after we
produced the video, he ended up getting adopted and by a person living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. So his foster mom here drove him all the way to Santa Fe. So let's introduce you to Frankie. >> All right, Frankie. >> Let the film roll.
[music] >> [music] >> I'd heard rumors, whispers on the wind of a place too perfect to be real. They called it the green, soft, lush,
untouched. And then I saw the sign. Every instinct I had said, "Go roll. Live your truth." [music] But instincts don't make good citizens. Let me level
with you. This grass, it's for humans. [music] things like concerts, picnics, blankets, and here's the thing. Even when you pick up after me, you just [music] can't get
all of it. Tiny leftovers, the kind your nose misses, but mine throws a full investigation off. [music] Now, imagine a nice picnic and a not so nice [music] surprise.
Yeah. not the vibe. [music] So I made a call, a tough one. I [music] stay off the grass. There are [music] plenty of places for paws like mine. Places where rolling is
encouraged, not investigated. Look, I want to go on that grass more than [music] you know. But being a good dog means knowing where not to go. Respect the space. Keep [music] it
clean. Bleed the lawn for humans. >> There's Frankie. [applause] >> We're gonna enter that into some kind of a >> I don't know. Jim keeps on saying we should. We should. an Atti award winner if I [laughter] ever saw. >> Today we're diving into a common lawn
care. >> We actually have three other segments we'll be coming. One will be like um going to the dog parks. Another one will be strolling along the boardwalk in downtown Stewart and another one is our respected dog stations. So those are
some series to come yet person but >> my question will be on the website. >> It'll be on the website and on our social media platforms. Yes. >> Oh, good. Yeah. >> Right. All right. Thank you. It was fabulous, Mity. >> Thank you, Misty. [applause]
>> Next up, we have the budget snapshot presentation. >> A new budget person. >> Welcome. >> Thank you. >> Welcome. >> Welcome. >> Okay. Not as exciting as dogs in the park. It's a tough act to follow, but
I'll give it my best here. >> I'm Katie [clears throat] Amber. a new financial services director. So, we're going to do a little bit of our 2627 budget snapshot today. So, a quick overview of things that we're going to review. Of course, 20 FY26 midyear highle overview, historical
trends, initial millillage calculations uh for 27 as well as budget planning and initial estimates as well as a trim timeline and recommendations. So when we start off looking at FY26 looking at uh revenues we have on the
left side of the chart um the largest portion of our budget being advorm taxes 52% of our funds received are from our taxes. Um the next biggest piece of that pie is going to be 12% which is our utility tax. 7% of charges for service
and 6% interest. I won't go into all the little pieces. I just wanted to highlight some of the larger uh pieces of the pie for everyone. On the right side of that chart, we're going to kind of look at how those numbers break down. So, in comparison to their individual budget lines. So, AD will received to
date 17 actually as of May. I apologize. This is as of May. 17.7 million of our $18.4 million expected budget or about 96%. That budget does include um our debt millage as well as delinquent taxes
that we received as well. Utility taxes, we've received about 4 million of our $6.4 $4 million budget or about 63%. License and permits uh 980,000 of our $2.1 million budget or about 66%. And charges for service 2.3 million of
the 3.7 million or about 63%. So total year to date, uh as of May, we received $34 million of our $47.9 million budget or about 71%. As I said, this is through May. May is eight months of the year, so about 66%. So, we're trending pretty on
track for where we are in the year. Taking the next charts, looking at expenses, looking at very similarly by type through May. Biggest piece of the pie being salaries and benefits. So, of that, um 67% which is a pretty big chunk. Um that's pretty standard in any
kind of budgeting process. So, I'm really happy with how that number looks. Uh 15% being operating expenses, 10% nonoperating, 5% capital, and 3% debt. Uh really good structure. and how our expenses are outlined. Again, looking at
the right piece of that chart, that salary and benefits, 22 million or 69% of the $32 million budget, operating 4.8 million of our $9 million budget or 54%. Capital at 1.6 million of our $1.5
million budget. So, a little bit high on capital. [clears throat] Grants relatively small, 12,000 of our $74,000 budget. Uh, and nonoperating expenses, 3.4 4 million of our $3.4 million budget. So about 99% on that as well.
Again, total expense 32.8 million of our 47.9 million budget or about 69%. So tracking really close on expenses as well through May. One other piece that I like to look at is kind of how those expenses break down by department. I think that's important to look at. Um again, I'm going to
highlight a few things on here. I know the colors are kind of small on my legend, but I think it's important to look at. So the two largest portions of that pie are police and fire which are 27 and 26% of the budget respectively. So a good portion about half a little over half of what our budget is overall.
Technology 14% uh and then transportation as well as parks and grounds maintenance at 5% each. So again that total of 32.8 million. Um before we look forward at FY27 I think it's important that we look at historical trends. I think that it's
important to see where we've been in order to know kind of where we need to go. I didn't go back as far as I know you guys have seen historically in the past. Uh I didn't go back to the early 2000s. I just highlighted the most recent years. Um but looking at that, the bar graph is going to be your taxable values in the city of Stewart.
And the line graph integrated into that is going to be the millage rate. So in that what you're going to see is the increase in taxable values while the millage rate is maintaining relatively stable. So the 2026 estimate obviously of what we um expect we could
potentially do for the upcoming year and then that little bit of a dip in 25 but for the most part remaining relatively stable. That's a testament to the commission's desire to like remain fiscally responsible and not overt tax. So I think it's important that we acknowledge that uh position as well
considering advorum again looking back to 2016 seeing that uh natural increase the one thing that I did want to point out which I know you guys have seen historically was that 2022 was the year that the assessed values as well as the advalorum like essentially balanced out
back to 2008. So 2022 being the fourth bar graph from the right um from that point on to current 26 there's not really a large increase. So yes we're going to increase naturally values are going to increase expenses are going to increase but we're not seeing any kind of significant jumps in in the taxes
that we're receiving. 26 being an estimate and then we will get into that calculation as well. Here's our calculation. I know you guys have seen this in the past. I thought it was important to keep some things the same and how you guys are viewing them. Um, so that calculation as of July 1st,
this is the first time that our assessed values has clipped over that $4 billion mark. Um, so that I think was important to note. The calculation stays the same. So we're dividing that assessed value, divide it by a,000, multiply it times the millillage, which in this example I
used five mills, and then we're uh using 95% of that for our budget purposes. So in that calculation we have an adalorm estimate of about $19.1 million. How does that look compared to we where we were last year? So on the left side of this chart if we're looking at last
year we or I'm sorry this year coming up we have a ad valorum budgeted amount of $19.1 million which is an additional 1.1 million of what you guys budgeted for 26. Um that total advorum for 26 was 18.8 8, but budgeted that 95% number was
17.9 million. So of that 1.1 million, it's about a 6% increase over the prior year. Of that, important to note is the CRA would get approximately $3.3 million, which is an additional $323,000 from what they've seen in the past,
which is about an 11% increase. So even though we're getting 6% increase in our total advalorum, CRA is getting a little bit more piece of that pie, bringing our net adorum to just under 15.8. 8 million or about $870,000 of new money, what we would consider new money for budgeting
for this year. Last year we were about 14.9 million. Um again that CRA being an important part of the calculation. So I wanted to bring that out separately. Again I know you guys have seen this in the past and I wanted to keep that trend. So base value of about 299 million for our CRA.
Uh 995 is million is the current value. uh 696 million is the new taxable value. Um and then keeping that trend the same. So the the county also uh does provide
advalorum taxes for the CRA as well. I did use a conservative millage for them of six mills. Um they could go a little bit higher I would assume, but I wanted to be conservative in my estimate. Um, with that, the county would provide an additional roughly $3 million, um, bringing the total for the CRA at about
7.3 million, just under 7.3 million for the year. So, budget planning for FY27 and saying all of that and looking at we were where we were for 26, looking at the trends, knowing what our rates are, how do we budget for FY27 and where are we at in
the process? So, as of right now, this is just a snapshot. So, we're at a super high level. Where are we at? So things we know thus far are union contractual increases. Those obligations are set out there. So fire and rescue at 7% or about $600,000 and police at 7.5% or about $612,000.
So those two combined is a $1.2 million increase. So that those are things that we know. Uh we have our taxable values for general fund for CRA. Our departments have been working really hard to submit their initial budget requests. Um, as part of that, there's five new positions, including three
safety firefighters, as well as two water treatment trainees and then the request to bring back four unfro unfrozen positions from this year. Things we don't know yet. State revenue, we don't have it yet. It usually comes out mid July, August. So, we don't have that yet. Uh, our health insurance
increase, uh, we don't have that yet. When this presentation was prepared, we didn't have it. We've gotten a better idea thus far. Um but it was projecting to be between 9 and 11 and a half percent. We did trend just a little bit lower than that but still um a good
estimate. Um we're pending review of the departmental requests. So everything that they are asking for is it possible? Do we have to make cuts? And we don't know what our FRS rates are yet either. So I expect a little bit of a change in that but not numbers that we have to date. So preliminary millage calculations of
the 870,000 of new money of new funds that we would receive about one that 1.2 million of it would go to union increases. So before we even consider anything new um it puts us just shy out of balance of about 350,000 just in figuring out what our new money is. So
the new tax money isn't even enough to cover the increases that we know we have for our unions, let alone any new increases for any additional um projects or things that we want to take on. So, where do we go from here? So, big picture revenues, general fund only. Um,
again, at the time this presentation was done, we were about $49.5 million of revenue. Expenses, we were about 54.3 million. So, we were definitely out of balance, $4.8 million. Um, obviously some of that being salaries, but then we have non-UN increases, um, insurance
increases, as well as capital improvements and projects that we want to plan throughout the city. So, the next steps that uh we'll take in the finance department is review those departmental requests, work with the city manager to see what things we want to do, what we can do, what makes sense, um identify potential sources for
additional funding such as grants, as well as evaluate needs versus wants and what makes sense for the city. So, our trim timeline and what things are important. So, the budget workshop number one, we have scheduled for August 10th. the second budget workshop for
August 24th um as well as the tenative mill and budget hearing for September 9th and that final millage and budget hearing for September 14th. So considerations and recommendations for the commission um is to to allow for
a maximum millage rate of five mills in that trim notification. That's not saying that's what we will use, but it's the maximum allowed for us to use if that's what we publish. we can go less and the board the commission would have some time to decide what that would be. It's not a decision that has to be made
today, but if we know that's what our maximum is, then that's what can get published on the notifications. Um, also something important to consider is the maximum millage of uh Senate Bill 4F. So, that's a new um in addition to all the other property tax uh legislation that's coming through
potentially in November. This one went into effect immediately. What Senate bill 4f says is that your current millage rate cannot be more than 110% of your roll back rate with twothirds vote. So it cannot be more than that. Um so our roll back rate is 4.7081
bringing our maximum millage to 5.1789. So that five mills is not our max but it's also not our our bottom uh roll back rate. So it's kind of in between that sweet spot. Um, that's a number that I feel that we can work with in the finance department. We can definitely
fine-tune our budget and then it would give the commission some flexibility to determine what that final rate would be as we move forward into our budget workshop. Um, just for reference as a comparison, so at 4.9 mills, if we were to use that figure, it would bring our
um our advalorum to 18.7 million, which is a $554,000 increase. But again, remember we have that $1.2 million union obligation. So that puts us out of balance um even more just starting off. So I think five mills
is that sweet spot of like the maximum that we would consider going. I don't know if the board or commission has any questions or thoughts on those uh the presentation in general. >> Thank you for your presentation. It's very detailed by the way. >> Thank you. >> Uh do any other commissioners or before
I move forward I wanted to get a consensus from the board as well. Uh typically during presentations or D&D we don't allow public comment. Um, so I wanted to see how they felt. If anyone in the public uh wanted to do the comments, but I didn't know how the board felt up here,
so I figured I'd ask. >> I personally think that the the members of the community who come here should have be allowed to have public comment on anything we present. So, I'm I'm always an advocate for that. Commissioner Rich,
>> I would say this is very preliminary uh presentation on an incredibly complex issue and that um before you know we get a better handle on it, I'm not sure it'd be worthwhile to hear from the public at this point.
Those who are so inclined are certainly welcome to reach out by email or to call us and speak to us, but until we, you know, see more of the details, I think it's best to move on at this point. >> All right, Commissioner Clark.
>> Yeah, I thank you so much, Katie. I think that she's done a good job and I don't know. I mean, people may have comments, but it could be something that they would hear from you to work on to when you're working through the budget process. But, um, and maybe we could
have a system where while you're going to be presenting the the budget areas to us that if people should be constantly sending emails or messages or notes so that, you know, if there's something that you need to address or consider, work with city manager. But I guess for
today, I don't I I don't know if people have comments or not, but if we could just limit it because it's so preliminary and she doesn't I mean, she probably doesn't have any additional information. Is this available for people to to get a copy of it or um >> it's on the agenda?
>> No, I'm saying just for them to you don't they can they can get a copy from you, Mary, if they Yeah. So, that's fine. If people have comments now, I don't have any objections to it, but I don't think it's going to be like a budget hearing or anything. >> Yeah. And I don't and and my comment
wasn't necessarily to go back and forth with finance and stuff. It was just questions that could be asked and then addressed later on, >> but it doesn't seem like the board wants to do that. But, um, Commissioner Rich, you had your light on. >> We're going to have dedicated budget workshops, correct? Coming up.
Absolutely. >> And how many of those are there? >> We're going to have two at least. So to you know people who have the ability to work through these complicated city budgets that certainly would be the time to come and speak you know be heard in
depth about this budget. Obviously there's some pretty significant challenges here for all of us. So I hope people do take advantage of those workshops that are just about the budget and nothing else. >> Thank you. Uh Commissioner Giov was on.
>> Yes. Okay. So, it's not a Q&A. We're not asking if the public can ask questions and expect answers. It's just to make a statement. And there's people who come here take time out of their day. Many of them have their own businesses. Um, they run their household budgets and they
might have absolutely good questions or ideas for the city. I think it's almost condescending to feel that it's just above the public to be able to ask a question in a preliminary um budget presentation. I think they have the right to I have to be honest they have
the right to come up and make a comment. I mean after all at the end of the day when this budget is done whose money is it that's going to be it's their money. >> I don't think anybody's against it. >> What you I I supported it. um the public
if they had questions and they could be addressed during the budget workshop just so it wasn't a surprise then because then you're putting staff on the spot >> ask if >> for a question to get answered but it uh it doesn't seem like it's supported >> people have questions >> but >> well I don't know I think
>> they weren't going to be addressed tonight >> I just have them as consensus as you would support if public okay >> thank you um do any of the commissioners have any questions for the finance department >> no Thank you.
>> Thank you. Uh, were there any public comments on this presentation? >> Seeing none, there were no public comments. I just figured I would ask for permission. >> I think it should be >> eligible for everyone. >> Moving on to uh I guess if we have no
comments then or questions. Um, thank you for your presentation this evening. We appreciate you and it was very detailed as well. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Excuse me, Mr. Mayor. May I ask? >> Yeah, you have a question. Can you just say your name and spell your last name into the record for the public?
>> Sure. Kate's Ambrosini. A M E R O S I N I. >> Ambrosini. >> Ambrosini. >> Thank you. >> Thank you again. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh comments by city commissioners. Commissioner Rich, >> I have none. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh Commissioner Goi.
>> Um yes. First, as always, I want to thank everyone who does come out. you've worked all day or you've been busy and you come here to sit and listen to what happens in your city. I appreciate it. I wish more people would be able to attend. Um, I also want to thank the city of Stewart residents who as
taxpayers make all of this possible. I want to mention the city employees, Steuart Main Street, Stewart Heritage Museum, all the individuals who made the Independence Day celebration a wonderful experience. We started out the day with the annual golf cart parade which is lots of fun. everyone spends time. I
wish I see lots of golf carts around town. I wish more people would join. It's a great fun uh it's you know get together with friends, get together with your children and and create a cart, decorate it and come down and go through the parade. It's really something great. I hope to that we see more carts next
year and I'll be as we get to next year, I'm going to be asking more and more and I might even pull people over in their carts and say, "Here's a ticket. Call somebody and get into the parade." Um, I also wanted to vent, you know, there were vendors at the park, a movie in the park, National Treasure, the
entertainment at the Riverwalk, Riverwalk, National Recording Artist, and Stuart's very own Raquel Rena, who brought on the fireworks with her beautiful voice, and of course, our own Jim Croski, who makes the fireworks happen each year. Thank you so much. Okay, I had one more. Yep.
>> Okay, thank you. Um, each of the commissioners was provided with a printout from the city clerk this evening regarding the matter I'm about to discuss. Ruth Holmes, our environmental attorney, I believe Ruth is here. Hi Ruth, brought this to my attention recently. In 2024, a petition
to the by the center for biological diversity and several other organizations and the city of Stewart co-signed a petition to the EPA requesting that the EPA formally adopt a cryo cryotoxic standards for surface
waters that would apply to Florida. The EPA has not nor are they required to respond to these petitions. I would like to ask my fellow commissioners to agree to discuss and approve joining the center for biological diversion in the repetitioning of this letter to the EPA.
This might be something we can confirm tonight on the dis or at the very least can it be added as an agenda item for the next commission meeting on July 27th. >> No problem. Are you making a motion or you're going to for one or the other? >> Well, I didn't know. I guess I'd reach
out to the city attorney. Can I make a motion on the dis to approve that letter? Yeah. Or or I I assume you this is something we've done in the past and you want to redo it. You could get consensus or do a motion. It's up to you. >> Okay. Then I'd like to make a motion this evening for the city of Steuart to
be a co-signer in the 20 2026 um petition spearheaded by the center of biological diversity and other organizations. And if we could then be another co-sponsor again for this petition. It's actually be a repetition >> and then we'll come back to another
meeting. Well, we're making the motion now. >> Yeah. I mean, when the the actual petition information >> So, Lee was saying we can either give a consensus or do a motion. >> No, I'm saying we're if we second it the paperwork that she's going to prepare,
will we >> see it? That's it. We'll just >> Will we see the actual letter the >> Okay. Can I ask the environmental attorney to come up and speak on this subject? Thank you for this for discussion. Hey Ruth,
>> thank you. Um so first of all I want to say that um in 2024 the city did sign on um for on a petition that was filed at the EPA. So a formal legal document asking for uh EPA to do uh to enforce
its requirements that the state enter into rule making for cyanotoxins >> in surface waters in Florida. So, it's kind of one of those wonky administrative uh filings um that you have to do. Um a lot of environmental law is administrative law, not regular
civil law that you um normally hear about. Um the uh state of Florida instead of adopting um specific uh rules, surface water quality rules for cyanotoxins,
they used what is called a proxy. And it was chlorophyll A. And uh my understanding is, you know, I'm just a lawyer. I'm not a scientist. Um but chlorophyll A and cyanotoxins don't respond the same way uh in this type of environment. And so the center for
biological diversity believes as along with the other environmental organizations believe that that's not that's not a sufficient proxy. We need real standards. Um so what this letter would do and it's it is a letter. It's not another petition. I just want to
make that clear. A petition is a very formal official legal document um that triggers or can trigger certain um actions on behalf of uh the federal government or the state. It is not that. It is a letter to the EPA saying, "Hey,
remember our petition from 2024? um we still think it's really important that you look at the state of Florida's water quality standards and that uh you um uh push them a little a little further to adopt the standards that we
would like to see. So that's what it is. Um I'll be happy to uh come up uh at the next commission meeting and do a little more background on what the petition was and what these water equality standards are. Um or if I can answer it today, I certainly could do that too.
Thank you, Ruth. Uh, Commissioner Rich, you have a question? >> No, if she could just have the letter on the consent calendar for the next meeting, then >> I'll do that. >> It'll be on the agenda. If we have questions, we can ask you before the meeting. Otherwise, it >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Great. >> So, we have a motion from Commissioner
Gio and seconded by Commissioner Clark regarding a [clears throat] letter to be signed on between the Center for Biological Diversity to be sent to the EPA. Um, are there any public comments on this motion? Seeing none, Mary, could you roll call?
>> Commissioner Rich? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Gio, >> yes. >> Commissioner Clark, >> yes. >> Mayor Reid, >> yes. Motion passes unanimously. Um, Commission comments from Commissioner Clark. >> Okay.
>> Yes. Um, I too was proud of the um I'm proud of the patriotic um all the different things that we did for July 4th and especially at um the
courthouse Kazea where the Daughters of American Revol uh had their service there and a ceremony and they also dedicated a plaque to the city of Stewart. I was a little bit disappointed that our commissioners weren't there. I
wasn't sure, mayor, if you knew about it, but they had come here and told us that they were going to be doing um that and they had asked and I I want to say that Mr. Leot really worked hard with them and the the display of the flags and
patriotic um I guess signs or uh the the displays are still there at the Memorial Park um gazebo area uh on the east side of Memorial on the west side of Memorial
Park. So, it's a gazebo, the courthouse gazebo. But if we haven't had that yet, um Misty, could you please make sure that we have pictures of that and if the DO D has pictures, if we could capture that
and keep it for the city and maybe capture some of those pictures. I know some people took pictures and videos, but it's a very very nice plaque and a very very nice tribute and um we just uh needed to probably have had some more
representation. It was a tough weekend. A lot of people were out of town uh from our city. But I just want to thank the D for that. Second, I want to just thank the gentleman who did the arts moment. I know when we started the arts moment at
some point um Ross Johnson had brought up some ideas. We have some employees who did scrapbooking who did other things and it took us a little while to get some employees to get back involved with the arts moment. So, it's glad I'm
just so glad to have an employee participate. And if we know of any employees, please uh we used to have uh someone when Mighty Bike was here, we'd have someone from the recck department uh come and sing to us occasionally, but if you know someone, please let's keep
the arts moment alive and let's participate, especially if we are part of our our the city. Um, I have something to say with regard to something that happened at the last meeting, Mr. Mayor, and I don't want you
to think that it's a dig on you or anything, but I just want to make sure that it's um to kind of clarify. So, I've looked at other cities and communities that actually take their public comments and not just the
comments on particular development plans and so on where we have to say, you know, we've talked to somebody about a development or we've received these emails and we know that they're captured through the clerk. But when they get public comments, some cities actually stand up and read these comments at the
meetings. Some communities still do that. Um, we don't really do that, but I noticed that the mayor did pick one comment uh at one of our recent meetings and didn't specifically refer to the person, but refer to the contents of the
comment. And we're all into free speech and everything. And I agree with your idea of trying to make sure that we get all the comments and all the emails in the same system like the county and so on. But um I was just going to say if we're going to do one, we either do all
or if we're going to do something specific that says all the comments on whatever it is, chickens, a park, whatever the situation is, we either read all of them, but not just pick one that may be particularly um negative or
positive towards certain things. That's just that's just my thing on that to just make sure that if we're going to do it, we either give equal time to everybody or if there's something very specific that that's going to be dealing with, then it's probably something that's actually on the agenda and we'll
say this is what we got this comment and we have several others and the clerk already has the copies or whatever needs to happen. So, that was just my comment on that. And then the other thing is um I've had residents who live close to pocket parks
um and Milton knows all about this because he he keeps them clean and he follows the guidelines on the fine grants and making sure that these are accessible to the public as well as um they're they're just maintained. But
people are saying that some of these pocket parts are not being maintained, especially those that lead to the waterway and that they're actually not providing access to the waterway or there may not be a bench or something there for people to enjoy the waterway.
So, they've asked people are asking me to look into it. I told him that we're in the process of doing an inventory of our park spaces and park locations and what they have to offer and what other vacant land whether they be close to
them or in other areas. So, I just want to make sure that we're to let people know that we're addressing that. And um I I'll give the information to city manager and he can talk to these residents uh and the area that they live in to make sure that we're following up
and he can also deal with that with um Milton. Um yesterday I went to the uh green market on Sunday and I was just really thrilled at the level of the
quality of people who provide their um wares at the uh green market and how long some of them have been there at the green market and we have new people but it's really good quality and whatever we need to do to make sure that that's well
publicized and that people come down and take advantage of that green market on a Sunday. It is just a wonderful place to stroll and to be. And I just want to congratulate the Main Street Group for
keeping that up and we really appreciate um all that they do. I know that something that's on the agenda is the the boat race and um people also have talked about that and I just think that
every time we have to make a decision on the route and closing certain things, everybody has um comments, but we've been a community that's so much a part of this and supporting this for a long time and I hope that we'll continue to
support that. But people have also asked me about that because um some people just don't, you know, they think it's just one more way to have um traffic issues. But I hope that we'll be able to work through that um whenever the boat
race uh comes up. And um that's it. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Clark. Um, I want to get a consensus from uh the city commission then regarding uh an agenda item to getting our emails online then so I wouldn't
have to read them into the record. >> You've been asking for it for a long time. >> Been asking since I've been here >> and I don't Yeah, I think that it really should happen. >> We can work on it. Yeah. >> So we Commissioner Rich, how do you feel about it coming back as a agenda item to discuss having our emails online like
Martin County has them? If that's something you want to discuss as an agenda item, I certainly do not pick. >> Perfect. All right. So, Mike, you got direction on that. So, I won't have to pick and choose. One thing I won't do while I'm sitting in this chair is I'm not going to apologize for reading inappropriate emails that I receive. I
work hard for the public and uh and I don't take offense, by the way, Commissioner Clark. Um I have very thick skin sitting in this chair. Um and I think uh the public enjoys and appreciates my hard work on what I do do. So, thanks for looking out for me
there. Um, I also wanted to get a consensus from the board. I'd like to do another town hall next month um on government education and have it at city hall. I did my first one, I believe, back in January or February at the 10th
Street Rec Center and there was probably 20 people, 30 maybe, that came out in support on trying to learn government. Um, so I wanted to make sure my fellow board members were okay with that. Commissioner Clark. >> Yes. So, next month is um August,
>> correct? >> And Mary, September 17th is when is city week? When is city government? >> It's actually I want to say October. >> First or second week in October. >> Okay. So, I'm thinking constitution then
is September. Okay. says, "No, I was just thinking whatever you're doing would coincide with um city government um thing, but she says it's October. >> You could do one in August again in October when it is government month." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um so, do I have a consensus from the board?
>> No problem. >> I I I >> I always like to ask for permission just to >> I mean, I'm not familiar with the event. I think you're getting very close to election day. You would have to be very careful that it's not perceived as political. >> Yeah, that's
>> I don't know if it's worth >> it's just delay it maybe by a couple weeks after the election to avoid that appearance. >> Although, wouldn't it be the time to learn about government before you vote? >> Yes, >> I think it would be very beneficial to everyone.
>> Yeah, I don't really get into the political stuff when uh I do my town hall stuff. I did it at the first one. I'm I'm a lot more professional with that, Commissioner Rich. Um, but I appreciate your comments. Um, and I can get with Jim. Jim helped me on the last
one. Uh, it seems like Commissioner Clark has no issues and Commissioner go. I'll get with Mike and, uh, Jim for next month and we can come up with a date. Um, I also wanted to thank Jim for the Fourth of July fireworks show. We did get an email and I tagged Jim in that.
It's It's not an easy task doing that every every year. So, thank you for that, Jim. I appreciate it. [applause] >> We appreciate everyone. You're the fireworks guy. >> And as far as the road closure, it's not it's uh it's not necessarily for the
boat races. It's for a boat show. Um and I and we did give direction to um the city manager, there's going to be an agenda item coming back talking about a long-term lease, so you don't have to do this every year, and it'd probably help your vendors out and everybody that puts on the boat show. It should be here to
stay. I think it's uh something that the residents I know they might not always like the traffic and stuff, but it's been here for 53 years now. So, >> I'd hate to see it go away like some other events that have happened in Martin County and the city of Stewart. Um,
moving on to comments by the city manager. >> Thank you, mayor. >> Oh, Commissioner Joy had her light on. >> I just wanted to address something that Commissioner Clark had said. Um, and I believe you were out of town that week, so we're down. were four commissioners. I wanted you to know that I had been in
contact with D. We tried very hard to make them both work. You know, everything that was happening, they had a hard stop. They had to do it at 10:00. They couldn't wait. And so, they understood and they moved on and we thought maybe at some other time we could get together with the D and do a
photo op or something. But they weren't just left or ignored. I was in contact with them. They did were aware that we just couldn't make it work on the calendar. So, >> yeah. Yeah, I know you were away that weekend, so I didn't know if you were there. >> I was there. I was there at the event. I was there at their event. Yeah, but
yeah, I just know that um it and I know that city manager couldn't be there. It was just a tough job. >> If one commissioner's there, then you were so That's good. You did a good job. >> We were in the parade. >> Yes, we were represented. So, we covered all bases. There you go.
>> All right. Comments by city manager. >> Thank you, mayor. >> Welcome. >> Appreciate it. Uh to parlay off of the uh environmental theme, um working with the environmental attorney, uh we are engaging
again with Everglades, the Everglades Foundation, uh commemorating a a 10-year anniversary coming up here in August of an announcement calling for the construction of a uh reservoir south of
Lake Okachchobee. And I'll remind the commission last year you voted in support uh your resolution 51-2025 rescue the river of grass the petition by the friends of the everglades. So
this commission supported these efforts in the past. There is a commemoration this coming August on the 7th of August uh commemorating the 10th year anniversary of the nine August event and uh so we'll be engaging in that and may
ask for participation from the commission on that. More to follow at the next meeting. Yes. But thanks to Ruth for bringing this to our attention. Thanks to the commission for supporting these efforts and letting the community know that this commission is in full
support of uh all efforts to make sure that the river uh is being taken care of and that our environmental attorney, our staff, and again this commission is engaged on this effort, making sure
everyone's aware of that. Um, we have a TV star in our midst, um, officer, uh, Andy Sudhoff, who is a a German national, but a 20-year veteran of the Steuart Police Department. Um, has been,
uh, uh, Moonlighting, if you will, as a TV star and will be featured this coming fall um, in on German television. Uh, a version of their cops. Um I believe it's called Acton Control
>> and I spent three years in Germany so um I can say words like that but um and uh you know so it will be aired this fall and we will all be able to see via uh YouTube and other methods of getting
video. So, um, congratulations to our TV star and again a 20-year veteran of this police department, which is a fabulous police department. [applause] Uh, I too, well, I'm going to save this for last, so I'll go to before I go to
the last. Um, Anthony Cooling, too. You've met Kate and Anthony Cooling uh is also a member of the finance team, our budget director. Uh new to the process, >> but working hand inand with a dedicated
veteran staff. Uh most are in this room. Um, you've got some new finance folks who aren't new to the finance world, new to Martin County, new new to Stewart, just like myself, but well seasoned. Um,
and fully accomplished. Uh, looking forward to it. Anony's been working really hard since I've arrived. Um, and I thank the departments for uh both their cooperation and education
on uh how things are done here. Um, I think we've got a great process in place. I think uh Kate showed you a little bit of what we're doing and how it's going to be done and uh we'll come to a resolution here in a couple weeks. Looking for the commission's help on
that. Looking for the public's help on that. To your point, Mr. Mayor, we'll take all the help we can get to get to a balanced budget and making sure that we're resourcing this city properly and making sure the staff's taken care of and doing what needs to be done. That
said, what needs to be done or what gets done? Fourth of July, Jim Kroski and his team outstanding work to uh commemorate the 250th anniversary of this country to uh celebrate the Fourth of July Stewart style. The way it's done, the way it's
done here, it's spectacular. Doesn't come alone. You saw Jim's staff here today and getting recognized because of the time of year that it is, but each and every day they're doing that work and they do it with the support of the rest of the team who are also in this
room. So, working together and all of our departments are uh part of the process, but Jim gets to shoulder the burden on the 4th of July and his his staff and Mike and Jessica supporting him and the rest of the team. So, thank
you, Jim. Thank you, the rest of the team. Thank you, the city. [applause] >> Thank you. Thank you, mayor. That concludes my comments. >> Thanks, Mike. Uh, moving on. Can I get a motion for approval of the agenda? >> Move approval of the agenda is published. I'll second the motion.
>> We have a motion for approval of the agenda by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Gio. Are there any public comments on this motion? Seeing none, all those in favor? >> I I motion passes unanimously.
Comments from the public on non-aggenda related items. Remember, it's three minutes. Mary, >> first one is Bonnie Landry. >> Welcome, Bonnie. >> So, for the record, my name is Bonnie Landry. I live at 336 Southwest Ridge
Lane and I have a business off of Albany Avenue and I've been wanting to come for so many months to express my appreciation for the pocket parks. So, I picked a very good meeting to talk about it. I also want to recognize it's
political season, but I think parks is something everybody can agree is a good use of your taxpayer dollars. So, the park that I go to on a daily basis is called Manity Park. And I have some handouts for y'all.
>> Yeah. [snorts] >> And some of the things that Jessica says, I'm going to repeat because I feel the same way. Many people when they think of a park, they think of a boat ramp, uh, playground equipment, but what
is really important are your neighborhood parks. Um, these little gyms, they're just like set in a neighborhood that you can walk to, you don't need to get in your car. And the one that I go to every single day, literally, is Manity Park. Um, it was
done via a grant. It has an environmental feature. Um, I see nature every day. I've seen families of ducks. I even one time, believe it or not, saw a manatee in that [music] canal. So, it is an amazing place. And I just want to recognize the people who maintain them.
>> Yes. >> Because I know at least once a week I see Milton's team out there mowing and trimming and and you know, emptying the trash because we have a little potty station for the dogs. It's really not a dog park, but we use it like that. Um, I
wanted to also re recommend if you're looking for a mascot, Luna Landry [laughter] would love to be your spokesperson. She's an adorable yellow lab and we go there every day and she loves it. And
you know, my family, we call it Luna's Park, but it really is Manity Park. Um, but you know, we're talking about taxes, we're talking about political, but again, whatever money as a taxpayer that I have to pay to maintain that park, I'm more than happy to pay because they do a
good job. And um, I guess I just wanted to express my appreciation and tell you how how that park has enriched my life. And it's nobody probably knows it's there other than people in the neighborhood. And the fact that I can walk there makes it a bonus. I don't
need parking. That's all I have to say. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Bonnie. >> Think about Luna. >> Thank you, Luna. >> Mr. Mayor, could you just ask her to clarify? She kept saying Manatee Park, but it's a picture of Mangrove Park. >> Okay. >> I'm googling Manatee Park as well, by
[laughter] the way. And I knew there was one in Solerno. >> It is. This is the correct name of the park. >> Yeah. By the popular. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank [laughter] you. >> I have Bob Warfort. Welcome, Bob. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you very much. >> Welcome. >> My name is Bob Wolfer. I'm a member and coach for the Hellgate Sea Dragons located in uh Shepherd's Park. We're a 5013C team. >> And uh just a brief overview what's going on because I haven't had a chance to
inform the commission as to what's been transpiring. We're growing fast. Um, in the beginning of this year, the senior women team took a bronze medal in lunar new year dragon boat races in Florida. The in March the senior women again from
Steuart here took another bronze medal in Florida. So, they're doing very well. In June, we had a mixed crew. We sent down to La Hatchy River Race in Jonathan Dickinson Park and we took first place. Uh, so the the crew is doing very well
in the park. Moving forward in August, we will have 10 women are going to fly to France. >> We uh been fundraising for a year and a half for this. They're going to compete with 4500 breast cancer survivor women's in France in U
ex non race news information. Uh we promote weekly opportunities for people to sign up to join us at no cost. Uh we we express that in our Facebook page on our
website as well. And it's been very successful. Every Saturday we always have guests that come and we take them out on the water. The club also hosted in June a camp wet for kids. Now this camp is strictly for the Martin County School Board. They put that together.
They came to us. We put this uh program on in Shepherd's Park. It's 35 kids. We took them out on the boat in different time periods. It's an environmental camp established by the Martin County uh school system. It was a great success. Um at this point, we have three members
of our organization that's going to travel to Natal, Brazil this year in uh October. They're going to help with a community team down there, breast cancer survivors as well. they reached out for for us as well as a team in Sarasota. We're going to get together and go down
there and help them out and organize a team. In conclusion, we'd like to thank all the commissioners and the city officials that support HDSD and activities in Shepherd's Park. This is a small portion of the activity that's occurred this year. Without great support from the city and the
commissioners, we wouldn't be as as successful as we are. Thank you again. Any questions or comments? Uh, Commissioner Clark, turn your light on. >> Yes. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you so much. I have been there. [applause] Thank you. Thank you.
>> I've been there and I've been out on the boat and uh it's it's just wonderful. What I want to ask you, and I know that it depends on your lease term and other things um that need to be worked on and renewed and so on, but we probably need to have [snorts]
regional competitions or something like that come to our Stewart area. So, what are the prospects of that? >> Very good. We've surveyed uh the city of Stewart and my primary focus is to have it in the city of Stewart. We have two locations in the city of Stewart that we
selected would be a good opportunity to put a regata on and one of them right now is under construction which is the docks. Uh that's a year out. Well, it's going to probably take us a year out to organize this. It's a lot of people involved. A lot of logistical work needs
to be done. The other place is outside the city which is uh the Stewart Causeway. That's not that's outside the city. I'd rather not do it there. I'd rather do it in the city to enhance the businesses and also the community in the city to see what this is all about. But
it's on the table. We are working it right now. Once the docks get completed, we we're going to try to fit that in somehow. I've already spoke with uh the permits, the people that handle the permits in the city and they're open arms. They're ready to go. I just got to
we just got to get those docks out there completed. >> They're working on it. >> Yep. Thank Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Thank you, Bob. Any other questions? >> Thank you. >> I wanted to say you guys have been very efficient. I I use Shephardd's Boat Ram frequently, and you guys are very efficient with launching and retrieving.
It's very smooth. So, I just want to say thank you. Um, and I can't wait for the docks to get fixed, too. [laughter] >> We're working on that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. >> Thanks, Derek Ogden. >> Welcome.
Good evening. Derek Ogden, Stewart resident. I want to start with where I left off last uh last meeting for public comment. In May, this commission considered a charter amendment that would have let the voters of Steuart decide before Sailfish Ballfield could be sold or leased. Commissioner Reid
brought it forward. Commissioner Joby Gobi mo motioned for it and it died with Commissioner Clark and Commissioner Rich letting it die without even discussing. >> Point of order, Mr. Mayor, point of order. In public comment, you are not allowed to refer to any commissioner
specifically. >> You can just refer to the other commission. >> Hang on. Commission Commissioner Joy. Um, let me address it. Um, we What's your opinion on um reciting uh what Commissioner Rich had to say?
>> Code of ordinances section 2-50 addressing the commission. Public comment period will not be used to air personal grievances between individuals, make political endorsements, or political campaign purposes. Speakers shall address all comments to the commissioners as a whole and not to individual commissioners. Discussions
between speakers and members of the audience shall not be allowed. >> Does Derek's statement reciting past agenda items and motions constitute to that level? [clears throat] because he's reciting
what was done in a prior meeting. >> I would say if he's just re reerencing >> rec recalling a prior vote, you're not necessarily speaking to an individual commissioner calling one out. You're saying what happened in a previous but I
obviously we're kind of on the in my opinion we're kind of on the he's on the border. >> Okay. >> Well, you add in the political element I think he's crossed the line there. Rich, with all due respect, we were on the the cuff, I guess you could say. Um, the
last time an elected official from the DIA said that they were doornocking as well. So, how does that work then? Um, I just want to make I I want to be very clear and be respectful towards public comment and the board members during point of order. Um, and you're saying that it's borderline. So, what direction
do I go in as the chair then? >> Well, point of order was raised. So, you have a decision to make >> and if the rest of the commission doesn't like your decision, >> I I you're seeking my input, >> correct, >> on it in making your decision, you got to address the point of order that
Commissioner Rich has raised after um I guess my advice to you and um they have an option to do a motion to challenge your your ruling um or they can just leave it as is. Um, as far as,
you know, I addressed Commissioner Rich's comments in the past, um, he did not make a political endorsement, um, or speak on behalf of political campaign purpose. He was just merely saying, "While I was out campaigning, I've heard from
residents on a particular issue that was at at issue." Here you have a resident um who is calling out specific commissioners, but it was a vote that they had done within the last meeting or two. So he's also
recalling just a prior vote. Um so I I I just think if >> again the the the resident should be speaking to the to to the board as a whole and not calling out and speaking directly to an individual commissioners. I don't think he's doing that. I think
he's recurrently he's recalling a prior vote. If he's speaking to one commissioner and I'm speaking to you, Commissioner Gio and I'm not pointing out that's that's not allowed under uh section 2-50. >> So I I don't my opinion is as the chair
I don't think it rises to that level. So I don't have an issue with it. But Commissioner Clark, your light was on. Give me one second. >> Thanks. I'm sorry that this is going on during your comment, Mr. Ogden. But um >> long as I get my time. >> Yeah, Mr. Um, Mr. Baggot, so you
mentioned that Mr. Ogden is a resident, but he's actually an active candidate. >> We're all right. >> We're not discussing politics. >> I know. I hear that. I just wanted to to let him know that >> that that's not We can't be discussing. >> Yeah, I know. I know that, but I just >> Commissioner Job, your light was on.
>> Yes. Um, number one, he's doing public comment and he did not mention >> that he was on. Yeah. >> Right. But you did now. You brought it. Well, it's okay, but I just >> I I think we have a lot going on here. And um [clears throat] >> in in response to our city attorney, um
there was kind of on the fence when at the last meeting or two meetings ago when this has happened. This is [snorts] on the fence. I think that the mayor has the right to move forward. >> Thank Um, so does that are we moving forward or is there going to be a motion from uh Commissioner Rich or someone up
on this board regarding my uh stance on it? Seeing none, um Mary, would he get his three minutes back then? Okay, we'll start. >> I I have two minutes and 15 seconds. >> Okay, let's go. >> Okay. >> Should I start over? >> Uh well,
>> just move forward. >> We can start. >> I guess you got 2 minutes and 15 seconds. >> Would you like it to start over? >> I would like it to start over. disrupted and >> yes [clears throat] >> go ahead >> so that motion for the amendment died and I'll ask a simple question if a
commissioner doesn't want residents to hold the power to approve the sale or lease of their own parks why would you keep that power on the dis why hold on to it if not to use it the second reason I am here when I raised this two weeks
ago and named the commissioners involved commissioner rich referenced a city ordinance that said commissioners could not be named in public comment. This is false. Point of order. >> I have a copy. >> Point of order. He's now not talking about a vote that was cast. >> He's talking about
>> what was said. It says in the ordinance, you shall they shall address the commission as a whole. >> This is why you can't open this door because this is where it leads. That is not a recitation of the vote. That is now saying this commissioner
said that. I'm sorry. That's not allowed >> in a public meeting. >> As as the chair, Commissioner Rich, I don't have a problem. >> Mr. Bagot, I would like you to describe how that in fact is different, that additional comment.
[clears throat] >> Again, the the language before he was describing a vote that occurred in the past. It it it's it's you're now kind of crossing the line into calling out an individual commissioner. I >> I'm addressing the board >> um >> about a something. >> Well, I'm not supposed to engage. I'm
just they're asking for my opinion and I'm I'm giving it. I I just think we're treading um you know, we're open. I mean, to be honest, I mean, the the a couple of speakers ago, we started engaging him. The same section says there is no discussion between the speakers during public comment. it would
be more appropriate to have the speaker come back and do a presentation, but you know, we we're violating this section multiple times in today's meeting. So, I I um you know, this is our code of ordinances. We have it in there for a reason so that we don't have
name calling and fights during public comments with the residents. Um and if we it it's it's a slippery slope. we allow it to happen even a little bit and and we're kind of opening the floodgates
but again this is you guys are the commission you can make exceptions which you have um and and I mean these are your rules but you can overrule the rules on a temporary basis if you want to [clears throat] but I I think we our
predecessors put this rule in there for a purpose so that public comments don't turns out to a witch hunt or a political rally um obviously ly they're in there because it happened in the past, I assume, and they don't want it to continue to happen or a bad situation
happened. I I think we should not allow the the the residents to speak directly to commissioners and calling them out on specific things. Uh again, when he first started, he was recalling a prior vote. I didn't see an issue, but
you know, we're we're going into a slippery slope. So, I I I would say just to caution the speaker to um not to name out specific names and just continue on with his his comments. >> All he has to say was a comment was made.
>> I I don't have any issues as the chair, Commissioner Rich. Um I don't think it was uh an attack or anything towards you. Um he was just reciting on a prior meeting, but I don't have an issue as the chair. I mean, you can make a motion if you'd like, but um >> then I will make a motion that
>> can I before you do that, Commissioner Rich, if I just I'd sent an email in the past. I just want sure we follow the rules here. When a member thinks that the rules of the board are being violated, he or she can make a point of order and raise a question of order, which is what Commissioner Rich did, thereby calling upon the chair, the
mayor, for a ruling. The mayor makes a ruling, not the city attorney. I'm not making a ruling. He's just asking for my advice here. I'm not the judge. I am just legal advice up here. The chair runs and presides over this meeting. So therefore, the chair for a ruling and
enforcement of the regular rules. Um and he made a decision. The chair can obviously raise it as well on his own accord. Um it it takes precedent over any other pending question of which it may arise. The point of order can be raised up until the point time when the chair states the question and the board
begins discussion and debate. Um No vote is taken unless the chair is in doubt of his or her ruling and is appealed by a motion in a second. So, [clears throat] um if if there is a question in regards to his his his ruling, any of the other
members of the board can um appeal his ruling and but it must get a second and then you'll have a vote of the rest of the commissioners. >> Thank you, Mr. Maggot. I make a motion that the mayor be required to enforce the rules of decorum with regard to
addressing the commission and specifically not allowing members of the public to call out in any manner individual commissioners. >> I think that's fair and should I second. >> Okay. So, we have uh a motion from Commissioner Rich regarding public
comment and members of the commission being addressed um and seconded by Commissioner Clark. Are there any public comment on this motion? Make sure you fill out a green card. We'll get back to public comment,
regular public comment on non-aggenda items after this motion. Um, if you'd like to provide public comment on this motion, make sure you fill out a green card with the clerk. >> Robin Cartright, City of Stewart. Excuse me, Mary, if you could please update mine to be this because it's applicable
to this. Um, I am completely flabbergasted by the fact that commissioners are welcome to take the accolades when they feel like they're being honored. But the minute there's something that's potentially disparaging that you take issue with it. I did email the city attorney about the previous comment that was made by a sitting commissioner who happens to be on the
right hand side of the dis since we cannot talk about by name about the comment that he made when he stated that he was doornocking and it was borderline electioneering. And I also emailed the Commission on Ethics and I emailed the Florida Election Commission about this because I do feel like it is something that is questionable. You can't apply
the rules to some and not to all. So, a person seeking reelection, it is not municipal business, even if it's made in passing. You cannot use the meeting to structure it as a broadcast because it goes beyond the scope of a commissioner's charter authorized powers. You cannot convert that to an
operational expenditure into a campaign advertisement that violates the spirit and text of the financing laws and you cannot allow a commissioner to campaign from the dis as it breaks procedural rules of order as it is a tax you are in a taxpayer funded forum to broadcast a personal message that non-incumbent
challengers are legally blocked from matching since challenggers are restricted to public comments from the podium and three minutes are enforced for their time limits and in the code of conduct it states very specifically the city commission is procluded by Florida law from endorsing any candidate or elected office. The city attorney did
respond and I'm very grateful for his response, but it does go into this slippery slope. If you're going to apply the rules to some, you need to apply them to everybody. So, if you're willing to accept the accolades where you are allowed to be mentioned by name, that's great. But you also should be allowed to be able to be challenged by your
residents who pay taxes in the city of Stewart especially to be able to say that you said something. It is on the record that you said something. It is not a secret that you said something. So there's absolutely no reason that we should have this double standard where accolades are approven are allowed and
criticisms are not. Nobody said anything critical in Mr. Ogden's comment. That was not a critical statement. It simply was you voted for this and then you said this. There was no attack. There was no personal attack that was made. And I find it completely completely ironic and completely hypocritical that you can go
back and forth with certain people when they when you like what they say, but when you don't like what they say, you take issue with it. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Robin. >> Do we have more public comment? >> I do, but Derek Ogden needs to continue his >> He was not complete with his three
minutes. >> We're going to get back to that. This is >> um >> This is regarding the motion item. >> Okay. Um Tom Witherington >> Wington. Please go ahead. >> Welcome, [clears throat] Tom.
commissioners, mayor, and all the folks here. My name is Tom Whittington. I live in Palm City, and I'm just uh thankful that we have a body that is uh doing their best to to try to bring uh our paradise uh continually to Steuart. And
I just hope we as uh as residents can be civil in our presentation of our of our beliefs. Thank you very much. >> Thanks, Tom. I had a public comment. >> So, we're going to get back to the regular public. This is this is public
comment regarding the motion. Yes. >> Um, is there any discussion from commissioners? Commissioner Rich. >> Yeah. I'm just going to read the ordinance 250D. The public comment period
will not be used to air personal grievances between individuals, make political endorsements or for political campaign purposes. Speaker shall address all comments to the commissioners as a whole and not to
individual commissioners. It's your obligation is very clear here and no one will benefit from zooming down this slippery slope. So that I I ask that we all vote in
favor and certainly this is a political candidate that we air on the five, you know, air on the side of decorum. >> Thank you, Commissioner Rich. Uh any other commissioners? Commissioner Gio.
>> Uh again, so this is the second commissioner to state that the person speaking was a candidate, which he did not state in his public comment. >> Um what I what I will say, I've I've read the ordinance myself. I didn't
think there was any attacking going on regarding it. That's why as the chair, I didn't see an issue with it moving forward. I I don't think there's an issue reciting things that have happened in the past at prior public meetings. Um
I don't think there was an attack per se. I think uh more of an attack like like our city attorney mentioned if it was more attacking like hey you did xyz, you said this, you did this, we're ashamed of you, etc., etc. That's more
attacking language. Um but that's my opinion. And Commissioner Rich, your light was on. >> Yeah, there's It doesn't say attack. It says address. Doesn't say attack. You don't have to be attacking to be in violation of the ordinance. You simply have to reference or address any
individual commissioner. >> So, does that mean we can't name like elected officials up here by name? Because it's almost like anytime you mention a commissioner's name, you're violating that ordinance technically if you wanted to be very technical about
it. Um, and that and like was stated in public comment, it's it's happened in the past. I think and and I'll use your own words. I think us as elected officials, we have to take the positive and the negative, right? And and I personally didn't feel like there was
any calling you out. Um, I've been called out publicly and stuff while while you were chair with all due respect. Um, I didn't have any problems with it. I'm in the public spotlight at this point. uh so is everyone else that
sits up here. Um we should be able to take criticism whether it's positive or negative. At the end of the day, and I've stated this prior, it's a privilege for us to sit in these chairs. And I think sometimes we seem to forget that.
Um I'm thankful to be the chair and I'm thankful to give the opportunity to the public if if they want to address how it's being done. And I don't see an issue with how it was done in public comment, but um that's what I >> mayor. If you don't want to enforce the ordinance, then let's change the
ordinance. But this is the ordinance on the book. You are bound as the chair. And as you well know, when I was the mayor and people attempted to disparrage individual members, I would call them out and say, "You must address the
commission as a whole." So I would not bring that up as an example because I enforce that. I'm asking that you do as well. >> And I I feel with all due respect, Commissioner Rich, I feel as if I'm doing my job. I understand you made a motion because you disagree that I'm
doing my job. Um but I feel as if I am as the chair. Any further public comment or discussion from the board members? >> Mary, could you uh roll call this motion? Commissioner Gobi.
>> Um, can Mary, can I just ask if you read the motion again? Sorry, we've done so many uh back and forths. Yeah, that's okay. >> I can restate it or you can state it, Mary. >> I have that make a motion for the mayor to enforce the decorum and follow the ordinance.
>> Okay. So, my vote is no. >> Commissioner Clark, >> follow the ordinance. Yes. >> Commissioner Rich, >> yes. Mayor Reid. >> No motion, I guess, fails and dies with the
board split two and two. Um, so I guess we'll move on with public comment. Um, I don't know how much time the speaker had for public comment left. >> 2 minutes and 28 seconds. >> 228. >> 228. >> So that rule governs who a resident may
address. It does not prohibit naming a commissioner. As long as I speak to this body as a whole, which I am, I am fully within my rights and within your rules to state plainly that Commissioner Clark and Commissioner Rich let the amendment die. That is not an attack. That is the
public record stated to the body exactly as your own rule permits. And this is a rule that the commission wrote, which means you can amend it. I'm asking that you amend subsection C and D so residents may address each of you directly and by name while keeping all
the rules necessary to keep this room orderly. I see words like accountability and transparency on everyone's campaign literature. Instead of talking the talk, I'd like to see all of you walking the walk. I'm also asking that you bring back the referendum that protects
Sailfish Park and this time let the residents of Steuart have their say. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Gail Goldie. Welcome. Welcome. >> Good evening, commissioners, and it's a
pleasure to be here again, even though it's really hot out there, but I'm telling you, you're keeping it nice and cool in here. So, and uh let's keep it cool on the DAS, so it doesn't get any hotter. Uh I'm here because um tomorrow evening
at 6:00 p.m. we're having a candidates forum. So, I don't think that can be discussed. Candidate forums, that's it's a clear >> We'll wait for >> I I Are you asking for my
>> Yeah, I'm asking for your opinion. >> All right. Um, our ordinance says um the public comment period will not be used to make political endorsements or for political campaigning purposes. I don't think Miss Goldie is doing either. I I think she is announcing that
we're having a candidate forum for debating, I guess, right? And you're identifying a date, time, and place, right? >> And >> yeah, >> you're not endorsing anybody and you're not making any campaigning. >> Absolutely not. >> Sorry for interrupting. I just want to get clarification.
>> That's okay. Yeah. So, the um at the uh Flaggler Center, the forum is presented by weare martin.org. Uh we hope to have all candidates participate and understand conflicts occur. So if any candidate has a
conflict uh out of courtesy and respect for your constituents, please let us know so we can fill your empty seat with notice of your response or nonresponse. So the attendees who are looking to hear
and learn about you have come to hear your platform understand why you did not respond did not attend and uh what we will do is we will just have a a placer placarded card there with the uh candidates's name on it and it will just
say no response. So that's all I wanted to say about the forum and it will be tomorrow evening. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you, David Kelman. >> Welcome, David. >> Thank you, sir. >> David Kelman, Papa of the Creek Condo
Association, 950 South County Highway. I have a couple of things. Okay. One, uh, the statute was changed over a year ago about um, ambulances, fire trucks, fire engines, trucks, ladders, whatever. Um, I feel for the safety of our fire
rescue. I believe um the city should definitely investigate this and look into it for the chief vehicles along with ambulances R1 R2 engines and trucks to have a uh blue light um installed on the back of their truck. It's nothing
but changing a lens. Uh the statute was changed. Only law enforcement were allowed blues and whites and reds or blues and whites. Well, now the law has changed where they're allowed to have it on the back. Now, when there's an auto accident on US1 and these guys come along blowing down the road with their
lights and sirens, most people look at amber and red as traffic lights or signals or brakes. Okay, these gentlemen need something, ladies and women in the department need something when the when when they pull their ambulances or their engines up on on an auto accident where
that blue light is seen in heavy rain pores, you know, uh multiple reasons. Okay. So, [music] the commission as a whole, not a split ridiculous fighting that goes on here. It's just ridiculous. It's embarrassing, actually. But you all need as a city manager and the city
commissioners and the mayor need to consider addressing this with the fire department. So, the we we eliminate any future or any any casualties, actions in a manner of that. Okay, that's the first thing I have. The second thing is I
would personally like to set up a meeting with the city manager. I did discuss things with him in the past. I've tried to call. I couldn't get to anybody. I would like him to come out to the property. Okay. Ruth's come, Mr. Rich has come. Sean's been out there. Um, and discuss this mango
problem on two cityowned properties. Nobody else owns them but the city. We've pulled it up on the on the map. The park in the front on counter in that side street over there. I don't know the name of it off my head. And the other one, the mangro park all over there. The mangoes are out of control. Nobody's
doing nothing about it. I can't get the waterways clean cuz our grants were denied. Okay, which you just found that out by me, but the grants were denied for whatever reason. And I appreciate what Ruth did. She busted her ass on it and did a great job. But it is what it
is. This other thing I have is for a year and a half, a year and a half ago, and I think all you commissioners know because commi, you know, Commissioner Rich came out along with Ruth. They came out to the property and they visited the property and they saw the issues that we entail there, but I don't know if I'm
going to get a motion on this one, but I got this thing in the mail here. Okay, I'm going to probably get a motion. I got this thing in the mail and from one of the commissioners up here. Not going to say a name. >> I'm done already. Well, anyway, I'm going to finish two
seconds. Says, "Protect our our waterways." >> Thank you, sir. >> Well, how come commissioner has never even uh emailed me back or wanted to meet me? >> So, I guess I'll have to address that tomorrow night. >> Thank you, Dave. Um, city manager should
be able to follow up and address. Okay, he's going to follow up with you. >> Karen Hall, Yost Raj. >> Good evening, Karen Hall. Yos Raj 1701 Southwest Palm City Road and I would like to address you all that it's interesting that Commissioner Rich was
so adamant I always stood up when she How about the part you always let people say when something was good just like right now there was no point order when somebody was praising you. So what Miss Cartwright said you could can't have it both ways. Okay. So don't say oh I'm so great because I didn't let people say
bad stuff. I only let people say good stuff. either you get both or you get neither. And that's not what I was going to talk about. I want to say thank you for your service and I'm excited about 250 years. And I know all y'all have
gotten my emails, all y'all know that your attorneys lie and defraud the court. So, I just want to say when the city of Stewart starts litigation or even starts a sham lawsuit that Winston
Churchill, I don't know if you know about um the beaches and fighting from the beaches. And I'm going to tell you to honor this country that we will fight you in the 19th Circuit. We will fight you in the fourth DCA. We will fight you
in the Florida Supreme Court. We will fight you in the federal court, in the district court. We will fight you in the federal appeals court. And we will fight you in the United States Supreme Court. Cuz you start stuff and then you don't take accountability. Okay? So I just
wanted to do that. And just remember, we will never surrender. We will never give in. and we will get accountability for the things you started and the things you lied about and the things you refuse to take accountability for it. And I'm
just going to say, you know what, all y'all weren't there when it happened except you clerk. Ul has been complicit since 2011. Thank you. >> I have no further public comment. Seeing no further public comment, we're
going to move on to approval of the consent calendar. I would like to see uh item seven pulled. Um but it's not necessary. That was just mine. And if we did pull it, you could put it at the end. It wasn't a big deal. Um but
looking for a motion for approval of the consent calendar. I'll make a motion to approve this consent calendar with um number seven being moved to the end of the calendar, the end of the agenda. >> Second. So, we have a motion for
approval of the consent calendar from Commissioner Gobi pulling item seven and moving it to the end and seconded by Commissioner Rich. Are there any public comments on this motion? Seeing none, Mary, roll call.
>> Mayor Reid, >> yes. >> Commissioner Clark, >> yes. >> Commissioner Rich, >> yes. >> Commissioner Gio, >> yes. >> Motion passes unanimously. Uh, moving on to commission action regarding the road closure for the 53rd annual Steuart Boat Show. Lee, if you
could read that. >> Your mayor, should we take item seven prior to >> I We moved it to the end. >> Move to the end. >> Yeah. Sorry. Resolution number 44-2026, a resolution of the city commission of
the city of Stewart, Florida, approving a road closure for the 53rd annual Steuart Boat Show from 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 12th, 2027 through 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 18th, 2027,
along Northwest Dixie Highway, formerly State Road 707, from Southwest Albany Avenue, south of the old Roosevelt Bridge to northwest Poinsetta Street to include the FEC Railroad crossing off
Northwest Fern Street and Northwest Dixie Highway, north of the St. Lucy River drawbridge subject to Florida Department of Transportation approval providing for an effective date and for other purposes. >> Is there a presentation, Jim?
>> No, sir. There's not, mayor. Um, I'm here to answer any questions. This is pretty much a formality. Yeah. So, it's um typically on consent every year. Um this is the boat show has been a great partner of the city for 53 years and we
are very excited to have them continue with us. We wanted to make sure that uh you understood the road closure situation. I did bring a couple of slides here just so you can kind of visualize it. We basically just closed Old Dixie Highway between Albany
and Point Sietta which is a state road. I'm going to bring up another slide for you to kind of see what this looks like. It's basically this area right here. This corridor. >> I'm sure you've all been to the boat show.
>> Yeah. >> So, you kind of know where it is. It's the old Roosevelt Bridge basically. So, um >> we just wanted to make sure that you were aware that it's a formality that we close the road and sometimes the city manager will sign off on it. Sometimes it's delegated to me to sign off on it.
Um, so it's really just a formality. We do have representatives from the boat show here with the Marine Industries. If you'd like to speak with them or have them come up, it's your pleasure. >> Do any of the commissioners have any questions for Jim or any of the applicants regarding this commission action? Yes, Commissioner Rich.
>> I just want to echo what Mr. Troski has said. It's been such an important part of our community. Um M Mr. Whittington was nice enough to take me to the show last time. It was a beautiful day and it's nice to walk over
the bridge being closed and it's it's such a great success. Um we have two new marinas in. So the potential for this show to really grow into something very very impressive and very beneficial
to our businesses and to our employers and to people looking for highskilled highpaying jobs. It's just terrific and um thank you for sticking with us all these decades. >> Any uh questions from board members?
>> Mr. Mayor, can I make I just like to make a motion now. >> With regard to item number 8, resolution 44, 2026. >> Did we read the >> We did. Yes, >> we did. >> Okay. That that we approve that.
>> Was my motion. >> Y uh do we have a second? >> I'll second the motion. >> So, we have a motion to approve resolution number 44, 2026 from Commissioner Clark and seconded by Commissioner Gio. Are there any public comments regarding this motion?
Seeing no public comments, uh I just wanted to say I'm an avid voter myself. My grandfather was actually a stakeholder in a marina in Martin County. Uh so this this means a lot to me and uh hopefully when we have this long-term lease come back, it'd be nice
to to have this for years to come. So regardless of how this board is made up of, whether I'm here or not, um the boat show will continue to go on where someone can't just come in and obliterate it. >> Um because we are the sailfish capital of the world. So
>> um Mary, if you could roll call. >> Commissioner Rich, >> yes. >> Mayor Reid, >> yes. >> Commissioner Clark, >> yes. >> Commissioner Gio, >> yes. >> Motion passes unanimously. >> Thank you. >> Welcome. Uh, [applause] >> sure.
>> Sure. >> Tom, >> I just wanted >> I'd come to the podium though. It's >> You do have to come to the >> Thanks, Tom, for understanding. >> Tom Tom Whittington, Palm City, past president of the marine industry. Honored to h glad to have Dan Romance,
current president with us today. And I will tell you, I have been with many of us in this room many times for many years with Jim's support, uh, hoping that we could pervey the the reasons why we have the boat show and this money goes right back
into the community. We we as the Marine Industry Association are working really hard with workforce and all the other areas. So, I do think there's a great future ahead and we appreciate this because it it does give us some
continuity to work with our promoter and and for them to see the commitment the city has. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Tom. >> Uh, moving on to agenda item nine regarding the revenue bond approval for two fire apparatuses.
Please. >> Resolution number 48-2026, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Stewart, Florida, authorizing the issuance of a non-advelorum revenue note series 2026 of the city in the principal amount of
not to exceed $1,920,000 to finance the acquisition of fire apparatus and to pay costs of issuance thereof as further described herein. Making certain findings of public purpose. Making such determinations as
are required to afford the note. Bank qualified status. Providing that the note shall be a limited obligation of the city payable from non-advalarum revenues budgeted, appropriated, and deposited as provided herein. Providing
for the rights, securities, and remedies for the owner of the note. making certain covenants and agreements in connection therewith and providing for an effective date. >> Thanks, Lee. Um, any of the commissioners have questions for staff
regarding this agenda item >> motion maybe or any discussion? Does fire chief have anything? I know I spoke with Sorry, Mr. Mayor. I spoke with city manager about this fire chief. No, I make a motion that regard to
resolution number 48 2026 that we approve this um revenue bond issue. >> I'll second the motion. >> We have a >> Well, it's actually the it's 89 technically. I mean there's >> Well, we only read once,
>> but we can only do >> purchase the next time. >> We're doing one at a time. >> Yes. >> Yeah. This is a >> one needs to be approved before you can do the second one. >> So, we have a motion for resolution number 48 2026 for approval from
Commissioner Clark and seconded by Commissioner Gio. Are there any public comments on this uh motion? Uh the only the only uh Commissioner Rich. Yes, your lights on. >> I just uh what what is the lead time on
these fire vehicles from the manufacturer? I know it's gotten really lengthy. >> July 2026 and November of 2026. >> Well, the the the two that we're contemplating this evening are July and
um then there is another in November. But chief's walking to the podium. Go ahead. >> And then the delivery. >> This was in in your fiscal 24 budget. [laughter] >> Y >> um which was basically the appropriation to purchase.
>> Now this is the funding mechanism to fund it and delivery is forthcoming. I'll turn it over to chief. >> And and this is bombardier >> bombardier. >> No, this is uh E1 emergency one. >> Oh, E1. Okay. Yeah. So to answer your question, yeah, with
24 to now, those are [laughter] done. >> Right. So this is again this is the financing part of it. >> So yeah, we have to we have to think ahead >> for sure. >> Do any of the board members have questions for the chief? >> No. >> Um I have a question for you, chief. And
and this might be maybe even for finance. >> Um as far as I'm concerned, when we uh we have a fiscal this was budgeted in fiscal year 2324. Correct. Correct. >> Why are we bonding something when we budgeted for it?
>> Does anyone have an answer? >> I don't. >> Um I just I know when we set this is a PO, by the way. So this is a purchase order. So when we budget for something with a PO, [clears throat and cough] are we not setting the money aside? And and I know you just stepped into this role.
So this is not targeted towards any staff members. It's just I know how I run my household. when I budget for something, it means I'm setting the money aside to purchase that item. And I want to make sure that we're on the same page with that definition. Um, >> so the way that our purchasing policy
reads, it says that if it's budgeted for and done by PO that it kind of the funds carry over is the term that's been used that we've heard a lot used. Um, so I think there was a little bit of that context. We also did hear of the debt being mentioned in previous meetings. If we look back and watch historical um
meetings, we can see that that was part of the conversation that was had back in 24. >> The reason that we're doing it now is because one, we don't want to do a loan for something three years prior to getting it and pay interest and stuff prior to getting it. So, we're doing it now to be conservative and also we just paid off an an old
>> uh loan. So, that was paid off in April. So, also used by the fire assessment fees as part of paying off that debt. So, it's kind of a continuation. So in order to be fiscally responsible for our residents instead of compounding it when you can pay off one and add on another it it's a smoother transition. So that
would be my reference to that. >> But does this I guess and and does this make sense where we like going back to the question where we budget for it. Are we not setting that money aside >> like did we not >> it's the process that takes place here.
uh budgeting when you budget it your budget as a plan you did not fund it at the time that it was in the budget >> but this ad non-advorum assessment fire one and fire two are revolving they re
they reoccur the latest note was paid off in April of 26 the the smart use of these funds in the future is to then occur this additional debt to fund this apparatus and and so on. And the process has been taking
place for well over a decade here in the city of Stewart. It's done differently in other places. And we've talked about, Kate and I and Anthony have talked about doing this and and actually doing what you said, Mayor, which is separate out
those capital expenditures, remove them from the operating budget and operating and maintenance and therefore and then we will fence that those monies for whatever period of time, two years, five years, whatever the capital budget is,
and we will identify those funds in the future so that we we don't do this process. process. There are different ways of doing it. This is the way it has been done for about a decade here and the use of this fire one, fire two assessment. Uh bond council is here,
your your council is here. Um if there are any further questions on that, but I think Kate understands the process. We're on the same page and uh we could look to other ways of doing this in the future, but this is this is a fine way
of doing it as well. The other piece that I wanted to mention is that for the apparatus that is coming in in November, we are using impact fees for that because that is part of the expansion for the new fire station. So it is this though it's a loan for these two pieces, it is a blended um method to financing
overall for all three pieces. >> Like I said, that's that's all I had to say regarding it. It just I' I've seen it in past budget workshops as well how they present and it's a line item for an expenditure, but it's almost like we're budgeting for it, but we're not using the money that we've budgeted. Instead,
we're going to go bond it. It just it doesn't make sense for me, I guess, as a business owner if we budget for something and then we're going to go bond it and pay finance charges when we have the money. Um, that's all I had to say. Yes, city manager. Sorry, I think you you explained it the best way it
could and that's the way I look at it as well. What what you budgeted what you budgeted was actually the authorization the purchase order >> to allow staff to go ahead and make that order and um with the promiser promise
that it would be paid and you were secure in doing that because again you had established a process to do it and it it is being funded by this nonadvoreum assessment which is was approved by the
commission and again that it is proven to have been used appropriately over a decade. So again, but again there's different ways of doing stuff and this is one of them. So So for example, um in other
departments like when we purchase sanitation trucks, we budget for them and then it authorizes the city manager to purchase those sanitation trucks. Correct? >> Because I haven't seen one come in front of the board where it's been bonded. I would have to look back at a specific
item. Historically, I can answer that in this. >> Yeah, that's and I don't have history with that here in Stuart, but I have history with apparatus like this or big capital program. So, um but if you give
Kate and and me a chance to look that up and we'll come to you during the budget workshops with those answers. >> Okay. Uh, Commissioner Rich, you had your light on. >> Well, correct me if I'm wrong. You have to order it first. We have to authorize
the city to order it. We don't pay for it or we probably put a small amount down. Correct. Nothing. So, we don't pay for it until we receive it. So, 24 we said yes, we will take the necess necessary budget steps to pay for this
knowing that it's actually three years down the road. So, that's the difference. >> Yeah. I just I I figured it would have been like I said budget budgeted for like in that fiscal year because what's the point then and even having it in the budget then if you're just going to bond it anyway. It's not an actual
expenditure of like cash flow, right? >> Because they have to make a firm commitment to this company that we will pay for it when delivered. >> Correct. But they just stated that we didn't put a deposit down. We just what do we do? Sign a contract. I guess there's nothing that gets done. You just call them?
>> No, that that would be the PO process. >> Yeah. So we just issue PO we we go through the requisition process get POS in >> and they don't care how we pay for it. This is more on the city on how we do business. I feel like >> how we pay for the Right. The PO is the promisary.
>> Correct. Have you ever seen it done like this way before where they budget for things and then bond it? >> It's always been behind the scenes. >> So what's that mean? >> Means I I go through this process. I don't know how they pay for it. >> Gotcha. So, and and you you've been with the department for how and this I'm not
trying to put you on a spot, Vince, or anything like that. >> Yeah, I got you. >> With all due respect, have you seen it done >> this way historically, like where we budget for? >> Again, it was it it it's not really a knock. It's more of us just we we didn't have the involvement with the past
finance director or, you know, staff or whatever. It was we went through the process, placed the order and >> and then however the commission decided in the >> or however it happened, however the payment happened in the budget, >> how they did it in finance, I don't know.
>> Yeah. Um All right, Commissioner Gio, your light was on. >> Yes. Um maybe it's something we can address as we go through the budget workshops. Um I also know when you set up a budget and a line item, it should be funded. You've set aside that money. What I'm hearing is is that we've set
aside the intent to use that money, >> not the actual money, >> but not the actual money. Um, so then my question would always be is like just as a number, you have $10 million budgeted for year 2026, but you actually didn't use the money. So where is that other
money? >> Correct. Yes. >> Like I could use the CRA for an example, right? Panol budgets all these capital improvement projects, but is the money not there? Like why would that department be ran any different than the next department? It just I don't know >> to to be clear.
>> Yes. >> You did not obligate any funds >> in 2024. You did not. >> So it should have rolled over then >> sir. It did not it it was the way you fund this program is through this
nonadvalorum fire assessment fee which has been used again for over a decade. Mhm. >> So yeah, there is no rollover of funds there. What you did in 2024 was
basically issue a a purchase order with no obligation whatsoever of any monies nor did you assess any anything for these two apparatus. What you are now doing is funding that appropriation
today in today's dollars using this vehicle. And it it's one way of doing it. Again, there's plenty of ways to do this, but this is how it has been done. And these fire assessment fees continue on and on
and on, which is a good thing. and they are they will fund these apparatus and the paying of this loan as well as other sources too that will pay this loan. Um you did not obligate any monies in 2024.
You did not assess anything other than what had been occurring for years and years. And um so there's no extra burden, there's no carryover, there's no hidden cash sitting anywhere. It didn't
all you did was issued a PO basically and um that's about as simple simple terms as I can put it. Again, capital program is done many different ways in many different places and we're going to explore those and bring alternatives to that so that we're not confusing folks
when we get to this point in time where it looks like we budgeted for something, we never paid for it, we put the money aside, we did not. We did not put any money aside. We just, you know, went to a vendor and said, "We'd like to purchase these two things based on the
promise that we will pay them in the future." However, this this commission chooses to pay for them using both this assess this fire assessment fee, cash in the bank, or other ways of funding things, grants, etc. So, um I know that
was long, but it that explores every avenue. There was no obligation of funding back in 24 that rolls to today's dollars. >> And the fire assessment fee was busy paying off the previous 5-year bond,
which was used to purchase more apparatus and other fire equipment, which was the proper use of that fire assessment fee. And just to be clear, yeah, >> um, >> you know, not I didn't wanted to make make anything sound bad for the previous
finance staff, but they made it crystal clear to me, the director, that to echo what Kate said, they they they basically told me, "Here, we're going to go through the requisition. Here's the PO. He placed the order. We we we all know
that." and he said, "Give me a few months heads up when you think they're going to be done and we'll go secure the financing because I don't want to make payments on something for three years that we don't have." >> Understandable.
>> So that that was what what I was told, >> which makes sense. >> Yeah, >> that's how it works. [laughter] Um, seeing no further discussion, um, Mary, could you do the roll call? >> Commissioner Gio, >> yes. >> Commissioner Clark, [music] >> yes. >> Commissioner Rich,
>> yes. >> Mayor Reid, >> yes. Unfortunately, motion passes unanimously. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, maybe for the budget workshops it'll be done differently, but moving on to agenda item 10 regarding the budget amendment regarding the prior
agenda item. Lee. >> Resolution number 49-2026, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Steuart, Florida, authorizing budget amendment number four to the fiscal year 2026 budget appropriating and authorizing the
receipt of revenue and the expenditure of funds for fire apparatus providing for an effective date and for other purposes. >> Okay. I'd like to make a motion to accept resolution 49, 2022, resolution of the city of commission of city of
Stewart, Florida, authorizing the budget amendment number four to the fiscal year 2026 budget appropriating and authorizing the receipt of revenue and the expenditure of the funds for the fire apparatus providing for an effective date and for other purposes. >> Second.
We have a motion for resolution number 49 2026 from Commissioner Gio and seconded by Commissioner Clark. Are there any public comments regarding this budget amendment motion? Seeing no public comment, Mary, if you
could roll call. >> Commissioner Clark, >> yes. >> Commissioner Ridge, >> yes. >> Mayor Reid, >> yes. >> Commissioner Gio, >> yes. >> Motion passes unanimously. Moving on to ordinance second reading regarding Marina Cove at Riverside right-of-way abandonment
and we have a presentation from Jody. If Lee if you could read the agenda item. Ordinance number 2554-2026, an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Steuart, Florida, providing for the abandonment of certain public rightway within the city being that
certain 20ft right ofway as set forth on the plat of Riverside Park as recorded in plat book 4, page 25, St. Lucy, now Martin County, uh, Florida public records running north to south described in exhibit A attached here too and
depicted in exhibit B attached here too. Providing for payment of a privilege fee, providing for conflict, providing for severability, providing for an effective date, and for other purposes. >> Uh, good evening, mayor, vice mayor,
sorry, not vice mayor. Sorry, >> it's okay. and commissioners. Uh, for the record, my name is Jody Cougler, the development director for the city of Stewart. Tonight, I'm presenting agenda item number 11. The applicant, Marina Cove at Riverside LLC, has filed a petition for the abandonment of a
portion of the rideway in the ordinance with chapter 36 of the city's code of ordinances. The request has been reviewed pursuant to the applicable provisions relating to the abandonment of public property. This abandonment would facilitate access to the proposed
town homes and single family residents along Northwest Dixie Highway. Pursuant to the public notice requirements, on June 15, 2025, the applicant mailed to all the adjacent property owners within 300 ft of the subject parcel to provide details of the
requested development and the date and time of tonight's public hearing. Additionally, one sign was posted on a property with the same information. On March 2023, 2026, the city commission approved resolution number 23-2026,
the intention of the city to city commission to abandon a portion of the public rideway and to set public hearings before the city commission at its regular meeting in the city commission's chambers to consider the abandonment of the subject property. The
20ft public rideway is outlined in red. The city's public works department has determined that this use of the public rightaway is no longer in the public's best interest and does not object to the abandonment of the city's interest. This is the plat that was recorded in
1925 um which identifies the 20ft rideway as outlined in yellow in red. The adjacent rideways have been previously abandoned by the city. The privilege fee is determined and
fixed by computing 100% of the value added to the adjoining real property of the petitioner. The value added is determined by the appraisal of a qualified registered real estate appraiser who practices in the county and is paid for by the petitioner in
addition to the privilege fee. Based on the appraisal report prepared by Callaway and Price Incorporated real estate appraisers and consultants dated December 17th, 2024, the estimated priv privilege fee to be paid to the city of
Stewart is 32,600. The applicant w was submitted prior to the ad adoption of ordinance number 2539 2025 which is the Azip amendments and therefore is subject to the regulations in effect at the time of submitt. The proposed development encompasses
approximately 2.19 acres. The applicant is proposing two buildings consisting of 22 town homes along with five individual single family homes fronting northwest Dixie Highway. Based on the density regulations in effect at the time of submittal, the maximum allowable density
is 15 units per acre without the urban code conditional use permit. While the site is could accommodate up to 32 units at the maximum density, the applica applicant is only proposing a total of 22 27 units.
Um at the first reading on May 2026, 2026, [crying] uh the city commission approved the ordinance for transmission to second reading and the motion was passed by three 3 to one. Uh tonight staff is recommending
adoption of ordinance number 2554-2026 on second reading subject to the conditions set forth therein. Uh this does concludes uh staff presentation and I do have uh George Messemer with caller and hearing. Um if you have any questions for staff or or
the uh petitioner. >> Do any of the commissioners have questions for staff or the petitioner? >> I guess so. >> Are you going to >> Commissioner Clark? Your light was on. Marina.
Um, no. I I met with the um I met with the petitioner. >> So, it's not a quasi judicial. >> Yeah, I know. But I met with them and I have I I don't have any further questions. >> Uh, Commissioner Rich.
>> So, this is 20 ft wide by about 260 ft, right? >> Approximate that. Yes. >> Yes. Yes. I'm sorry. Sorry, I was looking at the petition. His junior associate. >> Bring daddy to work. >> It's not even a 100 yards.
>> No. >> Any of the commissioners have questions for staff or the petitioner? >> Um, I will say it's always the abandonment of right of way. It's it's almost like the government, they get your property and then they want to sell it back to you, right? It's
uh doesn't necessarily make sense. Um and and Jody, this might this is for you. Um when it comes to these rightaway abandonments, we only look at them when petitioners approach the city. >> That is correct. Yes. Uh typically we do
not uh try to uh advocate to abandon the rideways. In this particular case, >> both sides have already been abandoned. Also, we did to the the grant program that FDOT to upgrade all the um roadways along North West Dixie Highway Poinsetta
in that area and we put on on street parking. Uh so, and that roadway, that section of roadway was dedicated over to the city from FDOT, which in this particular case would not allow driveway cuts along northwest uh Riverside. So
the city does have to provide some type of access and this is the most appropriate uh way to handle that uh this particular um application. >> Okay. Um is there any motion from the
commission regarding this ordinance? I'll make a motion for approval of ordinance number 2554-2026 Marina Cove at Riverside right ofway abandonment. >> Second. >> So we have a motion for approval of
ordinance number 2554-2026 by Commissioner Rich and seconded by Commissioner Clark. Are there any public comments regarding this motion? We have one public comment. Welcome You can fill it out after.
>> My name is Maryanne Seymour and I live at 414 North River Drive which is at the back end of this on North River Drive, one of three buildings that are there now. And I just wondered if this is the latest site plan because what we've been told
is that the site plan has changed and that the road off Point Poinsetta goes through to Oolan at the top closest to North River Drive. Right now there's a road coming in off poinsetta and goes down through the middle
and it's a one-way street. So, you're referring to the road right here. Um, right in the middle of the uh this this right here. See where I'm moving my mouse? Right here. >> Here's my >> I'm sorry. [clears throat] Right here. Um, let me Oh, let me
>> Sorry. >> Put on this side. >> See right here? Mouse ran away. >> Yeah, right here. >> This one right? >> Yes. >> We were told that now this road goes straight through here. >> No, ma'am. >> And this is So, that was not true. >> No. So, this this right here is going to
be gated. >> This this road right here is going to be gated. >> Jody, [clears throat] I can't see what you're pointing at while you're >> gated. >> If you could just stay at the podium as well. She's going to point Sorry. She's going to point to it on the screen so we can all pay attention. >> So, it's on the record.
>> Yes. >> So, see this right here? >> Right. >> This is that was the road in question, right? >> Okay. So, this is probably where you live, right? One of these. Okay. >> So, this right here is going to be private right here. >> This right here where they're abandoned
the rideway if if it moves forward. This will be not gated, >> but that street in between the the 22 is one way. >> This will be uh this will be dedicated to the town homes right here. >> Okay. >> And they they'll be going in through
here. There'll be a uh gated entrance right into here. >> Okay. That was one question. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you for your comments. Jody, I have a question for you. Yes. >> Um, will it exit out on the Dixie Highway by chance or No, it just dead ends.
>> Yeah. So, the right piece of rightway that's being abandoned, it exits to the north. There's no direct access to Dixie. >> Okay. So, there wouldn't be a road, George, that would come off of what is it? Points. It wouldn't come off of poinsetta and come out onto Dixie
Highway >> that currently exists today. >> Oh, it >> Yeah. So that where private >> poinsetta meets Dixie. So there's an intersection there >> right there. >> But coming into the private road off Point Poinsetta and coming around onto Dixie that wouldn't exist off this
abandonment right away. >> No. So there'll be no direct access from this property to >> to Dixie >> to Dixie. It goes north and south to Oleander or to Poinsetta. >> Okay. That's good. >> That I just want to be clear then. So,
this would not get paved then or you would connect. >> No, it's still going to be paved. It'll be a paved alley. It'll just be owned by the HOA. >> Got Currently, right now it's not paved. >> Currently, it's unimproved since 1925. >> It's a big Okay.
>> dirt lot. >> Thanks, George and Jody. >> Any other public comment regarding this motion? Uh, seeing none, Mary. Roll call. >> Commissioner Clark, >> yes. >> Commissioner Gio, >> yes.
>> Mayor Reid, >> no. >> Commissioner Rich, >> yes. >> Motion passes 31 with Mayor Reid dissenting. Uh, congratulations, George. >> Thank you. >> Um, seeing no further agenda items, >> we have number seven.
>> Oh, sorry. >> Uh, budget amendment for the tram replacement that was pulled by myself. Um, Lee, if you could read into the record. >> Resolution number 47-2026, a resolution of the city commission of
the city of Steuart, Florida, authorizing budget amendment number three to the 2025 2022 fiscal year budget appropriating and authorizing the expenditure of funds for tram replacement due to accident of previous
tram that was deemed a total loss by insurer. providing an effective date and for other purposes. Um, I don't know if Kate want to come up, but I can also input that the there was a tram that was in a accident and it was
a total loss. So, we got insurance funds to pay for the damage to it and so now we're doing even though we've got collected money, we still got to do a budget amendment to buy a new one. So, to replace it. >> So, did the my and my only two questions were we we obviously haven't purchased it yet. Correct.
Um, I I think you're going to have to ask him, but you know, we got an actual cash value of an old tram, so it's not going to be a replacement. So, we got cash for the actual cash value of the tram that was damaged, but now we're going to be buying a new one. >> Gotcha.
>> Mayor, uh, Milton, public director, >> this is, uh, when we got a check for the tram, it went to a general fund. This is just asking to move the money to the correct department so we can purchase a new tram. >> Right. Gotcha. >> We have not purchased it yet. No.
>> Okay. Um and and this was from an accident. Did the person that who caused the accident? Was it the person? >> A tow truck driver ran to the back of one of our trams that total the tram out. >> Did the tow truck driver pay for the replacement tram? >> Yes. >> Okay. I just make those were my only questions. >> We went after Yes.
>> The insurance company. Insurance company. >> His insurance. Yes. [laughter] It wasn't the city. Okay. Those are my only questions. >> So >> I I >> Yeah, Commissioner Gio, >> I I just have a question. So it it it only went out to the insurance company.
So you would have the city only would have been a bored reimbured on the value of that tram at the time. I mean it would have been you know >> depreciation. >> Depreciation. Yes. >> Yeah. >> So the Yeah. Depreciated. So the reality is the tow truck company was never never
made the city whole on that balance >> because that >> you got to go by depreciation. We can't control that. >> Well, >> that's how insurance works. Yes. >> No, I know how insurance works, but the tow truck driver Well, was it his insurance or ours? I guess that's the key.
>> It was his. So, that's the question. Okay. >> So, like for example, if you had a 10-year-old car and you totaled it, they're not going to pay for a new vehicle through insurance. >> No, no, I just misunderstood. I thought it was our insurance. Yeah, >> that's what I thought as well. >> Yeah, I thought it was our insurance and then why wasn't the tow truck company making us whole? >> Otherwise, people would be in accidents
every day with 20-year-old vehicles. You get a brand new one. >> Yes. >> Um, all right. So, we're looking for a motion for approval or denial of the tram replacement. >> Oh, one cup. >> So, which which rapper was this? [laughter]
>> Uh, I don't think it was wrapped yet. >> Oh, it was old. >> The older one >> cuz the insurance would have taken that into account. Probably >> probably >> I'll make a motion to approve um resolution 47 2026 resolution.
>> Oh, you better read the whole thing. A resolution of the city commission, the city of Stewart, Florida, authorizing a budget amendment number three to the 2025 2026 fiscal year budget appropriating and authorizing the expenditure funds for tram replacement due to an accident of a previous trim
that was deemed a total loss by the insurer providing an effective date and for other purposes. >> Second. >> So, we have a motion for approval of resolution number 47 2026 by Commissioner Gio and seconded by Commissioner Clark. Are there any public
comments regarding this motion? Seeing none, Mary, roll call. >> Commissioner Rich, >> yes. >> Mayor Reid, >> yes. >> Commissioner Clark, >> yes. >> Commissioner Gio, >> yes. >> Motion passes unanimously.
Um, seeing no further discussion from us up here as elected officials, I'm going to adjourn this meeting. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor.