Good evening. Today is Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. for the Williston's um city council meeting. We'll have a call to order. Roll call. Miss Right. >> Mayor Goodman, he's absent. Council
President Hines >> here. Vice President Cox >> here. >> Council member Jones. Council member Martin >> here. >> Council member Rikio to be running late. >> City Manager Su Bodette >> here.
>> Attorney Kirstston Bolu >> here. >> City Clerk Latricia Wright I am here. And all other staff >> here. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. At this time we'll have an opening prayer and pledge of allegiance to the flag by Chief Lamar Ste.
Let us pray. Dear heavenly father, thank you for allowing us to gather here tonight. Lord, I ask you to put your your healing hands upon us and guide us as we go about making decisions what is best for our citizens here in our community. Make us good shepherds of
your words through our words and actions. Lord, watch over us as we go about our way and give us great guidance in everything that we do. I ask everything in Jesus name. Amen. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for it stands nation. >> At this time we have additions, deletions, changes, and approval of the agenda. Madame President, we have a couple of changes for you tonight. Uh the first, and you should have all these in front of you. The first is resolution
2025-132. We'd like to put that between items B and C and then resolution number 2025-131 following thereafter. after resolution 113. Correct. >> Yeah. During my um updates tonight, I'm
also going to discuss a $500,000 um grant from the EDA, but I'm going to do that as part of my updates. Also tonight, >> I move approval of the agenda with those additions. >> A second. I have a first and a second. Any discussion?
Seeing none, have a vote. All those in favor say I. I. >> I. >> All those opposed, nay. >> Motion passes. 4. Now we will go with the public participation. This is one of two times
that you'll have time to speak. If you will, you'll have five minutes. post of the podium and state your name where you Yes, my name is Timothy Ecker 225. Um, I didn't come to some of the
meetings, but I listen to them. Had a question. How many jobs and stuff has a Wilson done without a permit yet? But yet we're supposed to get a permit for doing about anything. I mean, we can't even do anything really
upon ourselves at our house other than paint our house. Um, how many jobs have we done in Wilson without a permit? Like all these water leaks that requires a state permit and a state inspection
and uh who's accountable for that? only if it's on DOT right away. >> It's not inspected. >> Should we inspect, shouldn't it? >> I looked it up and it said that there is a state supposed to be an inspection and
a permit even for water leaks. I mean, that's what Google said. All cities. >> Madam President, >> yes ma'am. Do you mind if Walt actually answers that question? Because I actually did have a conversation with Walt about that. So, I'd actually appreciate him getting up and speaking
to that. >> Sure. >> Yeah. Walt Nichol Pierce, your engineering consultant. Um, repairs for your water manes. You own and control the water manes. So, general maintenance repair needs no other permits from the
state. If you were to extend the water man or construct new water manes, then you would need a permit from FD for that. If you're working within the rightway, there are rightway utility permitting that you would do through DOT, but not for the water main construction itself. It's the permitting
if you're the third right away. You need that. But within city streets, that's your system. You operate it under the do FD requirements and regulations. There are no permits that are needed that at all.
>> So, uh the the the big thing that was right there by the police station for the longest time, it didn't get a permit for that or wasn't inspected properly. And why it cost $34,000 when I'm sure there's some city employees more than more than capable that could have done
it way cheaper. I mean, I do construction, so I know when it can be done cheaper and and and and better that don't cost the city taxpayers more than what it should. >> I'm not sure what big thing you're
talking about. >> Oh. Oh, we had we had engineers doing that, right? So that particular manhole in front of the police station is approximately 80 years old brick deteriorated
to replace that entire manhole and the pump the pump sanitary flows to maintain flows that are flowing through that. Replace that manhole, replace the pavement total replacement would have been nearly $100,000 to do that flow maintenance. to do all that. We came up
with a retrofit solution. We had two. We had one that would have been cheaper than the 34 $12,000, but it came with substantial risk. We opted, we had a $34,000 quote, which was less risky
where we were able to abrasively bridge, not rely on the structural integrity of that manhole, and distribute the weight around it. Um, and we are very fortunate that we went with that $34,000 because as they started taking it apart, the deterioration was worse and worse and
worse. We would have been at 34 plus if we went with the cheaper option, the cheapest option. So, it was not it was cheap, but not the right way to do. So, we went with the $34,000 construction price that we got and it was the right thing to do. Substantially
less in totally replacement. You've got a good fix, good repair. uh the pavement damage was was much less and and fixed. We did not have to pump flows around the manhole while it was being constructed. So the solution that city did was the most optimal solution.
>> Okay. Well, will you talk about how it was paid for? >> Uh the CRA uh chipped in money for that. It's in their district and that that money came from the CRA. So they they decided to pay for that fun that that repair.
And that the CRA is a state funded program. Does not come out of the city. >> Doesn't come out of the city operating. >> So that money wasn't spent by the city. >> It's actually I think county. >> It's county county tax county tax
revenue funds the CRA. >> Anyone else? Now we'll go to the consent agenda. Council minutes from November 4th, 2025. >> Approval of the consent. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any
discussion? Seeing none, I move vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All those opposed say a motion passes four to zero. >> Now we have updates from the staff and
board and council. We'll start with city manager. >> Thank you very much, Madam President. All right. Um, in front of you tonight, I have a letter that I have drafted to uh Mr. Jeff Henry uh who represents well
both FSU and the North Florida Economic Development Partnership. Um Benton and myself have been working with Mr. Henry the entire time I've been here on um economic development for the airport and we are in the process of applying with council's approval of course for a
$500,000 grant through the EDA um basically to to work on econom economic development putting a plan together strategic plan together and it's going to require a 20% match from the city. um they wanted a letter from us um saying
that we would match this um 20% which is $100,000. However, um Rusty Skinner from Career Source uh is going to graciously give us $80,000 of that $100,000 that's required and he's here tonight to speak on it. Um it's a pretty big deal for the
city of Williston. So, we will be responsible for $20,000 of this $500,000 grant. Um per Steven Bloom, that money would be coming out of the airport contingency. Um, but still a pretty good deal to to get this. Um, like I said, we've been working on this for quite a while. If you look at this packet, it
has the scope of work for the actual um $500,000 grant, and then there are 12 letters of recommendation um of support um from Central Florida, um the Levy County Bocc, the Levy County School Board, um a lot of different people that
have gone forth and and said that they support this $500,000 um grant. So, basically, this is just um getting the council's approval for me to actually sign off on this letter saying that we are okay with doing the $100,000 again with 80,000 coming from Career Source.
Um if necessary, Kirstston will draft a resolution for the next council meeting. Um but I basically wanted to yield my time today to Rusty Skinner to get up from Career Source and give us a little more information. Thanks, Rusty. >> Good evening. and Rusty Skinner with
career source citrus levy Marian. So the uh one of the elements of the strategic plan is a labor force analysis and workforce uh study which will um provide us guidance on along with the college of
central Florida and the school board how we start training uh Levy County Liston residents uh for the jobs that will come about as new industries. based on the strategic plan uh are attracted to the airport
property. Um that study is what we would be funding. We have set aside we have a state grant uh to help support that for $80,000. Um, we will be able I will be able to
send a letter to so that tomorrow after my executive committee meets to endorse the project, answer any other question you may have. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. So Sue, does that mean that we won't
actually send this until they've gotten that endorsement? >> However, however you want me to do it. I mean, I can certainly hold off. I mean, we're trying to get this out as soon as possible. Um, originally we were trying to get it out last Friday, but I explained to Jeff that we didn't have a
meeting until today. Um, so however you want to do it. you want to wait for, you know, Rusty to give me this letter tomorrow. Um, if you want to wait to actually have a resolution, but we're basically just looking for your, you know, your approval to to move forward with CR. >> I think we need to make sure that we're actually they're actually going to
approve even though he probably is sure they will make sure they're going to approve in the event something they don't. >> Okay. So to clarify, do you want us to send the letter after send this letter after
we receive that from Rusty or do you want us to wait until the next you want us to send >> after this? Any other discussion? >> Thank you very much. By the way, this is something we've really been working on for a long time, so we're very excited about it.
Thank you, Mr. Skinner. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. Um, see attorney right chief. Uh, we were notified today that on December 6 at 7:15
in the morning when Dixie will be having a ribbon cutting. Uh along with that, uh it's my understanding they will be donating uh a $500 check. So I just want to pass that on. 7:15
December 6, which is the same day as the parade. >> 7:15 >> 7:15. Yep. Ribbon cut. A >> I thought they were waiting on me. Yeah. Yeah. That's what they wait now.
>> Thank you, Mr. >> President. I lied. >> Oh, go ahead. I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> I lied. I do have one update um for you. Um we talked about the top of the hill RFP last time. I wanted to let you So, you all should have received those
finalized documents. Um the deadline for that closed on the 10th of November. It was posted when we posted to Central Bidding. I got off the phone with Central Bidding earlier today to get the stats. It was emailed to 623
potential vendors when we placed it on Central Bidding. 637 views uh were reported on the um bid. Uh unfortunately, we did not receive any bits for that project.
It got out there. Wow. But we did we did not receive anything back. So we have um Central Bidding is going to um do something kind of unique for us. They're going to pull the uh individuals that took a look and see why it is that they didn't place it in um
see if we get feedback from that and we'll report back. I have a couple more things. Uh, as you know, we're fastly approaching the Christmas parade on December 6th. Uh, we've had outstanding response on
agencies that are coming to assist us. Uh, Marian County sending their bike patrol or California police department sending their horse posy, which will be a new addition. both the bike patrol and horse posi will be a new addition to uh the staff that will be here helping us
with parade. But on the other note, uh we've gotten away for many years of only having to assist only a few agencies with their Christmas parade. Well, the circle's come back full circle. [laughter]
So, uh now we're getting bombarded by requests to go and and repay uh other agencies are helping us out. So, which we're glad to do because they're they're sending way more manpower and it's costing them way more money than it's costing us for them to
send the amount of people they're sending and we're sending one maybe two. So, uh but yeah, that circle came full circle and uh it's time to pay back. >> Do we know yet, Mr. Ray, about how many
people we'll have in the parade? I'm sorry. That's a chamber again. >> I don't know. >> Chel. >> Yeah. First off, ditto what Chief Roll said about Wind Dixie. I think that was awesome. Um, also they they told us today just wanted to let y'all know that
on Black Friday, Windixie will begin a 25 to 50% off sale of everything in their store up above here. And they wanted to make sure that all of y'all knew about that also. Anyone else
there? >> Anything from the council? When Dixie sign came down and the old sign >> really up before they open up >> it's going to confuse me. >> Oh yeah.
And so far they're all on the property. I'm not bothering the traffic that way. >> Anyone else? I want to take in uh what's out this week and last week and
give a big shout out to Roger Madison Tom um the electric crew and also to the inmates. They were all out decorating. I know there's some people I probably forgot. They were all out decorating.
um talking to one of the employees and they said they they felt like the uh inmates were having a good time helping to decorate and everything. So, um restrooms,
it seems like when they're forgotten to be locked, there's damage going on to the restrooms. Um, in January, I'm going to see if there's a way that they can track back for a
whole year to see how much money we have spent. And it's just not like, but how much money has been spent in replacing toilet bowls, seats, sinks,
faucet, I mean, just all of it. just to get an idea of what it's costing us when we're leaving these open all the time. So, just to take a check and see. Um heard that couple employees not wanting
to decorate for Christmas. And then this one be from Miss Megan reading on um on Facebook when as people have gotten their bills $3,000
some wacky amounts. Is there a way that we can do we look at and we as a as a whole collective part um do we
look at those before they go out this way trying to figure out a way that we can eliminate all the nastiness on Facebook and then towards you. >> Absolutely. So we we do a um I do a
recheck report before all bills are graded and say this is how Edmonds is working right now. I've had a hour hourong conversation with them and some of the information that was brought over from the old system.
They were told to put it into their system a specific way which has really messed up um the readings when our meter readers are going out. So, I am slowly fixing that and they're working on it in the background as well to try to get it
all fixed. I am going to start as of this month while I'm while I'm doing bills uh to look at all the bills and make sure that there's nothing too over the top that just pops out at us before we send them to the printing company. >> Okay. Evidence has just seemed to be a
big pain. >> It's a peach. I mean, will will we have to come up to a point to where we're just going to have to trash this program, go purchase something different? >> To go backwards to go back to the old program, we would have to repurchase
that program because it has lapsed. So, we're too invested at this point to to back up. >> Yeah. Ever thought about I mean, I'm sure invite them here to help. So they're physically handone help with this.
>> So they remote in they can see everything that we see. That's how their customer service works. >> Well, they don't have any. >> Yes. >> Um >> they have been overwhelmed with so many calls. The the yesterday when I had to
call to fix a problem, I was on the phone for three. >> I mean, I agree with Mr. Cox. When you read a meter, it's a it's whatever the meter reads. It shouldn't be whatever they've been told to put in their system. >> So, it's how the data comes across. So,
from the Itron to Edmonds when Itron and Edmonds was having were having their conversations obviously prior to me, I I've talked to the gentleman at Edmonds and he said it told them to put it in a specific way. So that's what they did
assuming that itron who was who we used to read our meters the the software um that they were correct and it it obviously has not worked up to now. So they are backtracking and putting it in how they have all their other customers
and we're going to see if that fixes everything for everybody. >> So does that mean that the amount that people who had to pay was incorrect? No. So, as they've called and they've told us that their bill is absorbent or that they definitely haven't used that much,
we go back and I will put in what we call a work order. I send out the women and men in the field. They will go and read the customer's actual physical reading and get it back to me. Most of our ours are done um we have like a half
and half. Half are electronic. when they walk around with their little remote devices, it delivers it to the device and then the other half are physically red. So, it's the ones that are remote are the ones that are giving us the
problem because of the data transfer with Itron and Edmonds. >> Well, there's absolutely no reason that a resident should have a bill that's over seven or $800. I mean, that's off the wall. I mean, that's ridiculous,
too. I've got a fairly big house and mine's not running at 350, 400. Uh, but there's no reason even a huge I mean, I know there are some houses that are 3500, 4,000 square feet in this town,
and those may have a large utility bill, but there is no reason for anybody to have one. And we should be catching all those outliers and automatically reading them before sending them out. People people shouldn't have to call and say there's something wrong with my bill. >> Correct. I can also have someone else.
>> We should know it to put second eyes on the data before I send it over. That's absolutely something we can do. >> Just want to take take some uh not heartache but abuse. >> I'll take you. >> No, I want to make their bills right so they're not having to pay thousand
$2,000 $3,000 bill. I don't think anybody's actually had to pay that because once they call and let us know that it's incorrect, I am jumping right into the system and getting it fixed for them. >> Some of the people I'm talking to are not getting any resolution. >> If you could send either down, I will
absolutely call them down here. They're not getting any any help. On that note, um we have a new form at the front desk for people to fill out. Is that that launch yet? >> Is it on the website?
Customer form >> and Megan, it's not front desk yet. >> You had a few things that you wanted to take off like the PD and animal control. >> I did all that >> and Okay. I haven't got the updated. Okay. >> But once it is, I will put it up there first thing in the morning.
>> Got it. >> There's a form. >> Same here. >> Yeah. um that for for when customers call in um that the front desk and also that I think it'll be linked online that people can fill it on online that you know
where instead of just calling and it's um you know somebody drops down a note tries to get it or for you know it's an actual form that gets filled out with the complaint including how many times you called before about this complaint who's followed back up and then that form I'll let you take it from there
gets passed on like a work I'll let you address that. >> I mean, it is, but it's for the resident. The resident actually wants to put down whatever the concern is in writing and give us as much information as they can. I mean, I can certainly send to the council if you guys want to look at it. We we've gone back and forth
with this form, I don't know, probably for two months now. Um, but I can certainly send it to you guys want to look at it and see if you have any >> problem with the work order is that as resident, we don't have access to it. We have no idea whether it's been followed up on. We have no way to track any work
order. Once we call, it's out of our hands in the hands of the city hall employees. So, for some reason, it falls through the crack or gets passed down in a bottom stack. We don't have any way to say I came in a week ago. So, this is a way to get the residents to have a form
that they they can access and see. And that also it can be, you know, however they decide to set it up, but like, you know, this is red that needs to be addressed today. This is a yellow, this is green. >> Um, not yet, >> right? Hasn't been launched yet, but that
any other comments from Soation again. Um, anything else from the >> I This is update time. This is not discussion.
Anything else from the >> Okay. >> All right. So, we'll start with new business. Item A, discussion with possible action utilities at address 11:06 Northeast 3rd Avenue. Mr. Cameron Smith
is not here. All right, >> we're going to move to item B. >> Right. So if he's tired discussing probably don't need item B, resolution 2025-129, a resolution of the city council of the
city of Willist of Florida approving and entering into a maintenance agreement between the city of Willist and the state of Florida Department of Transportation authorizing the city council present to execute the agreement providing for conflict servability and
and effective date electric supervisor Mike Miller and Mr. NL right Pierce. I do believe this is the maintenance agreement with DOT. Um it's been a while in the making
trying to get um a banner across Noble Avenue and needs new poles set. We had to submit calculations, structural calculations, load calculations for the banner for the poles. Got through all that. And then DOT needs a maintenance agreement for those poles because
they're in the right. And that's what this is for. U I'm shocked that you don't already have a maintenance agreement for the various other poles that you have. They say you don't, but these are new ones and they need a maintenance agreement. So that language that you have is there came from DOT.
what they want. This is kind of their standard language of what they want. So, in order for you to get a banner across Noval Avenue, you have to have this. >> And I asked Who asked for this? >> Um, it came >> Where did this originate? >> It originated about three years ago with
Terry and I. We I guess before there used to be a banner that went across in front of parties that hung across Highway 27 Nova Avenue that gave people updates on the upcoming events like Fourth of July is such and such weekend
and uh >> years. >> Yes. Years ago. [laughter] So we were trying to enerate that, bring it back to let people know that are going through passing through what
events we have coming up. >> A digital banner or a >> So we would have to take the banner. Our crew would have to put it up. They would have to take it down. Have to block the traffic as described in here in order to put it up. Take it down.
>> I don't know. That's what I was trying to find out. >> They are. They're they're doing a digital sign. So, I don't know why. >> That's why that's why it's been in work for years. It was way before >> the digital sign. >> The agreement doesn't require us to put
anything up if we choose. Yeah. >> Not to. >> It's just a >> They've approved a plan where two poles could be placed or by the T-Mobile area. You can span over the road. It meets the clearances. The cables have been
approved by DOT size. So, you can put this basically a canvas banner up. It has dimensions limited on how big it can be, but it's size. And if you choose to do it, you can do it if you have a maintenance agreement. >> I know the height must be in here
somewhere, but I could not find it. >> We have a diagram. They have an actual permit that they approved >> pending a maintenance agreement because you put poles in there right away. Yeah, >> that's all in the permit itself. It has to mention,
>> but we've been meeting it for three years, so that's >> uh and just on a side note, I'm sorry. Uh we are able to rent out that line that would be going across Noble to different businesses if they would like
to put up a banner. And not to mention depending on where that digital f is located, it may or may not catch everybody, >> right? >> So, it's still good. >> I make a motion we approve resolution
2025-129. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any discussion from the public? something. >> How much is this going to cost? >> You mean just a legit question?
>> Whatever the cost of the banner is, whatever the labor is to put it up >> and they already have the polls. >> Is this going to be a like a weekly thing or a monthly thing? >> Labor? No, we're going to be like advertising
whenever we have events like the Fourth of July um National Day of Prayer >> um the chamber will purchase the banner for the Christmas. >> Yes, I already spoke with them. >> Um Veterans Day the events that the city
have. >> Are they going to like advertise the city council meetings too on this thing? >> No sir. >> On the digital >> How long is that going to be? three years from now. >> So y'all raise a little extra than we are after
>> just a little >> any any other comments. >> One thing to think about the way they do it in Newberry because we have one on Newberry app um they put like the third Wednesday of November. So they don't put the date so that way you can use that banner over and over and over.
>> Don't put November 27th of 2025 or whatever. Is there anything other discussion from the council? Seeing none, I move to vote. All those in favor say I. >> I. All those opposing nay.
Motion passes 5 to zero. So we have resolution 2025-132. Resolution City Council of the City of Willist, Florida, approving entering into the cost share agreement with Southwest Florida Water Management District for the Willist Flood Planes
update and adoption project authorizing approved parties to execute such a treatment on behalf of the city of the city of Wilston and providing an effective date city man. Oh, Mr. Walt Nickel. Um, at last meeting I gave you kind of
an update because we just got wind of this right before that meeting. I think it was that Friday before. Um, so kind of give you a timeline. So on uh October 3rd, 2025, we applied behalf of the city for a grant with the Southwest Water
Florida Water Management District to uh update and adopt the flood plane studies that were done by Jones Edmonds and Associates back in 2017 2018. Um they went through a series of of uh modelings and studies that was paid for by by
swift mud on behalf of the city and they uh did various models of flood flood uh areas. They presented that study to you back then with the intent of okay now you you we found much more flood planes than are
in the total FEMA maps. The intent of that study was then to get those things documented. At the time the council chose not to go forward with that. And the situation you have then now is you have areas that have had predicted flooding, known flooding that would
normally be on in a FEMA flood map but are not. The FEMA flood maps are older. They're not as updated. This is the best available data. Um, SwiftMUD has a grant opportunity available right now again where they would help fund taking that
forward and it's in the best interest of the city as engineers. It's our recommendation that you get those adopted. The people then become aware that there's flood hazards there. They can get uh flood insurance through the government and get subsidized flood insurance. That program is still
available, but it is shrinking, but the subsidies are still out there. um without it they would have difficulty getting flood insurance. You know this is a known problem and so you know by adopting it people will know lenders will know people buying a new home will
know any type of uh any renovation will be informed that they have that. So that is is one of the good things um that you need to do and and it's really the right thing to do. We know these things so we need to get these adopted. Swift program. We applied for the grant
application which is $277,600. We requested in the grant that there be 100% grant participation with zero dollars from the city and we stated that you're a ready community and oftent times you do not have to do the match. They came back to us and say they're
asking all recipients that are applying for for a 50% match. Wilson, because you're a ready community, they would reduce that to a 25% match. And so they're asking for a commitment or to receive that grant of
amount of $69,400. So 25% of of the process to get those things adopted through through um FEMA. Uh so give you a little bit of the timeline because this is not an immediate thing.
We applied on October 3rd. That's when the the applications are due. The district is doing their initial rankings November of 2025. So, right now they're in the process. Um the governing board will get their recommendations and that
their initial recommendations in December of 2025. The district then does scoring that's in February of 2026. Final scores are not presented until April 26. The governing board will
review the projects and the budgets in June of 26. Um approve the final budget in September of 26 and not award any contracts to the city if you get the grant until October
of 2026. So you have a year before a a penny would need to be expended. So the reason I'm saying that is it's not in your budget now. You asked that how are we going to pay for that? you have the whole budget process again to budget for this if you so choose to do this. So you
you've got that time. I will say if if you approve this resolution today, they need an answer this copy of this resolution by the end of this week. They're make they have to submit things next week like Monday's deadline. So I you know if you approve then they will
know that you've got a commitment to go forward. I asked them how we stand. They said there's multiple reviewers, so they can't. But the hint is that we look favorable in getting this. If we don't agree to this, you won't get the grant.
You've got to participate with some funds or not. So, um, approving this doesn't necessarily mean you get the grant, but it puts you in the position. Puts you in a favor position. So the >> okay if you say no to this I will say
you you won't have having this these flood plans adopted puts you in a better position to get other grants in the future to remedy the problem. Right now we're not fixing any of the problems. We're acknowledging the problems that then gets you in a better position
for other grant opportunities for fe primarily through FEMA and other things through swift mut. It shows that you're taking through they invested a lot of money in the study in 2016 17 and 18 and you're going forward with the results of that. So that puts you in
a in a favorable position. So um we do recommend that you take this opportunity. You're getting 75% of the the effort paid. So it's it's definitely funny well worth it. And you do have time to budget for. So the grant is
coming from Swift but not >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It's a cooperative funding initiative. This is the same program that we got funded funding for John Henry Park several years ago and that had 7525 split also in it and initially we got then an add-on grant through DP
that was a 100% grant. Um but the the initial money we got it was the same program for John Park. >> It's I uh question. So, let's say a business, just take the Waw Wa, and this is
hypothetical, so I'm not being on the Waw Wa. Um, but in in the process of creating the engineering plans for how the Waw Wa goes into a site like that, if the flood maps aren't correct, the engineering can't be correct. And is
that is there is a chance that the engineering is not what it should be because we don't have all the correct information. Are we able to correctly engineer developments and roadways and things like that? >> You could no, you could still do the
correct for it, but it's not that initial, >> it's not the initial flag or a warning that things are there. the proper storm water drainage on any site if you're hiring an engineer is going to evaluate that and see that the danger of that you
have now is let's say let's say you have some infill properties or you have a vacant lot on a certain street somebody buys a house to build they're not going to have engineers look at it there's no need for that and they go to the flood plane match or their or their lender looks at the flood plane match and say
oh you're not a flood plane but the data that they call it the best available data. This what study is the best available data. >> So this is more to protect the residential areas more than the business sector in many ways.
>> Yeah. Yes, it is. And and it's it's a it's a warning flag for somebody coming in. They just can't fill it. Also, they can't fill in a wetland. Well, now this is a wetland. You got to accommodate for it. So it gives the city's added protection >> and and the surrounding the surrounding
homes the existing homes if somebody came in and wanted to raise up their property or something like that and then that would in turn flood their neighbors benefits to that. >> So you have that choice to do and then if you so choose we will notify swift
blood amend our application that you know send a copy of this resolution that the city is committed. Now, you you do have until October of next year. They're going to send you an agreement, and it's going to have to be reviewed by council
and your law director to read the terms and conditions and execute that agreement. You know, nothing is nothing is committed until they send the paperwork and you sign it. So, but this gets you to that point. Approval resolution
2025. [clears throat] Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any discussion from the public? Some 225. How much is this going to cost us up front? And if you don't agree to
in a year you get money back, man, I got a question. These people coming up here asking for money whenever Williston is running on broke. They should they should go get a permit for pan cuz that's what I feel like is happening here. This man probably
>> Well, I'm just saying these people make y'all y'all putting burdens on the citizens here and that really sooner or later it's going to catch up like a time bomb. They can't this I mean we we've got other issues like water pipes that need to be replaced through the whole
city really and bring brought up not counting other issues we got and um and I've been here all my life there's a few areas that might flood but Wilson is not a flood is not a flooded town and um there's other ways to spend our money
than this >> I've been here my whole life >> thank you So Mr. Nickel does not live here. He is our uh >> engineer of record. So >> and he has saved this city so much money
and he has acquired so much grant money for this city that we have not had have no obligation to pay back to help us make improvements. It is it is amazing how much money that he has has gotten for this city through the grant writing
that he does. He doesn't cost us any. He helps us out. >> And to answer your question, we're not paying anything until October of next year, which is what he said now. Nothing up front. >> Yes, sir. >> Robert Langan, 500 Northwest Fifth Avenue.
That's a lot of money, but I'm in favor of it. Um, I've got a house in Kentucky. I pay damn near $4,000 a year for FEMA, and I have found out through the grape vine, and it's above flood plane. I don't have to pay that. But I have never
had the time to go up there and really get into it, find it. Now, my garage is separate. It's below. It's in flood plane. I got nothing in there. I don't I don't give a name. But, um, if we if I had the proper flood planes
up there, I get rid of that $4,000 year. So, it's worth money. Maybe you need it, maybe you don't. It's a lot of money, but still it's sometimes the benefits outweigh the >> Thanks, sir.
Anyone else from the council have anything? Make a motion. >> Okay. All right. So, we have a motion and a second. Um, vote. All those in favor say I. I. I. All those opposed say
nay. Motion passes. Five. >> Thank you. Resolution number 2026-131 amending the budget. A resolution of the city of Wilston of Ley County,
Florida, amending the fiscal year 2024-2025 adopted budget and providing an effective date. this foot and I believe that um our Steven Bloom, our finance director, should be on the
line to address this. Stephen, you there? >> Uh yes, I'm here. Can you hear me? Okay. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Uh good evening. Apologize uh for not being able to be there in person. Um this is a housekeeping item. uh we have
60 days after year end to uh amend our budget uh for any what I'll call un unanticipated expenses. Um and so what I'm bringing before you are two real you know the significant items uh in the general fund that we should really amend
our budget for. Uh the first one um is related to a grant. Uh, so it was um money that the the uh city received at 100% of the funding, but it still needs to be um amended to the budget. Uh just
so that everything is is lined up. Again, this is very much a housekeeping item uh was about $246,000. Uh the second piece that I'm amending, as we've talked about uh unfortunately several times during the budget process,
I'm just putting in the the cost uh for the hurricane expenses. Uh again, it's about 83,000. It's just to adopt the budget. Uh one thing I do want to be clear on, amending this budget does not uh um give the anybody authorization to
spend more money. It is truly just a housekeeping item uh to make sure that the amount spent uh does not exceed the amount budgeted. And by law, you cannot be $1 over uh your um approved adopted
expenditures. And so this is just to make sure that we're all lined up. >> Thank you. Anyone have any questions? Anyone else? >> Can they see them? >> Oh, it's not
>> It does say um resolution number 202131. Is that accurate or is it resolution 2025? >> Good catch, bro. Good catch. Good catch. Well, I make a motion that we approve
resolution number 2025-131. Second, I have a motion and a second. >> So, all those in favor say I. I. >> All those opposing it. Motion passes.
Thank you, Mr. Bloom. >> Thank you, All right. Discussion with possible action adopting the proposed amendments to the city charter for the city of Wilson related to extinguating extending
the term of the city council members and the mayor and establishing a maximum consecutive term limit for council members and the mayor unless there is no other candidate applying for the seat of the council member who has served the maximum term. City attorney
So, this is just for your consideration. You'll see that in front of you is an ordinance with like highlights and and um dates left out. It it'll take Latricia and I a minute to sort of figure out how we work backwards and get the dates before we go through all of that effort. I kind of wanted to see
what you all thought of this before we we take the time to do that. Um and then obviously if you want us to move forward, it'll have to be advertised. It's an ordinance, so it'll go first and then second reading. But this is just sort of to give you all a sense of what it will look like. These are the changes
that we talked about regarding extending the term limit, extending the term length and establishing a term limit. So those are the two changes. Um I I think I've managed to get it down to just two
um ballot questions. Um, so it shouldn't be terribly expensive to place on the ballot, but I I again before we go through the effort to finalize all this, I wanted to get a temperature check with the actual language in front of you so that we don't spend unnecessary money
and time and effort moving forward if there's no appetite for it. My first impression is I think it needs to be two resolutions two or no because somebody may be a favor of one and not the other and they would have to vote
either yes for both or no for both if they didn't approve both. >> I could easily do that if they're in favor of one but not in favor of the other >> that that >> you have no choice to vote separately. >> Sure. U the other thing I have is I
think it's a little confusing about the if nobody else sign up. I don't I don't know if there's any language that makes better. That's something new for us that's never been there before.
>> Um so I don't quite know how that did it for somebody. Well, you know, you're you're using all kinds of buzzwords. I don't know if you know, I've previously had some some pretty public litigation on the um >> No, I did not.
>> The ambiguous nature of ballot language. Um so, so I can certainly take another stab at it. Again, this is this is one of the areas where I mean the law is is such that the ballot language has to
provide a voter with the chief purpose of the change um and what's placed before them. Uh it needs to be clear and unambiguous. Um so I can I can definitely take another stab at it. We certainly don't
want to get to a point where someone challenges it for ambiguity. >> Maybe period in there somewhere like after and then it goes to then start >> I mean I guess what it's really
confusing because can that council member and that mayor run again even if they've been here for four terms if nobody else applies and does that mean they have to qualify during the qualifying period It's all do they have to qualify during the
qualifying period just to see if somebody runs against them? And if they don't, you know, it's really odd the way it's >> I I think some of that is we haven't really talked about how we want that to work. Do we want that? Do we want
>> We might not even want that in there. Let's say for instance that there is a situation which someone's reached their term limit and do do we want that person to qualify and then they get knocked out if someone else applies so that we don't
waste time and have to do the qualifying period again or alternatively do we want them to not be able to apply and then if no one applies then that person will still have to qualify and then we'll still have to go through but then that the qualifying period will open back up. So then somebody else could also
run. So I think it makes sense to maybe do it the first way where you can qualify even if your term limit is up. You just get disqualified >> if someone else >> if someone else also qualifies.
>> If you're limiting them, they shouldn't be. >> But once we four terms is all you can do. You don't have any alternative. Right. If we don't want an exception, then we certainly don't
>> want the difference between a vacancy. >> That's true. think we would want somebody serving their fifth time over >> and it kind of answers Pat Latricia's concern that she brought up earlier that like if you go to Florida and you see
people who've served for 40 years 45 years or 50 years and they're honoring them because they have because the people have elected them because they just are appointed by somebody they're getting reelected all the time. Um it's something to be proud
of. So that's that's something she brought up last time. So that kind of lends that it alleviates that concern if you are allowed to run. I don't I just think it's kind of weird. >> Yeah. The the way that we had talked about it was that we wanted there to be
that exception if no one else runs because we would prefer someone be there than have a vacancy. Uh but I I guess how I was interpreting your initial question was definitely still have that caveat that that sort of
safety net. But how do we want to word it such that is that person going to be able to qualify and then they just get knocked out if >> somebody else qualifies? Is that how we want it worded? That seems to make the most sense.
>> I can take another stab with that. I have another question as well that I ended up on the council was that I um then ran for the remainder of term. So I
guess the question is >> just just the one and then I had to run for >> one year >> um so yeah so that is a question maybe you should sort out. Yeah, I think the term that you run should count not that
that you are sitting in to finish. >> So only elected terms or rather I guess I've merged out it appointed terms do not >> or could we do it for no more than x number of consecutive years? So rather
than term limit, could it be worded that no council member may sit for more than x number of years unless I don't know if that's the way to do it. So that gosh that gets really messy then because you get halfway through a term never mind a better way.
>> That's the way this in my house. >> No bad ideas. >> I can definitely take a stab with those updates. I have a question. Did you all say the ones that have reached their turn limit that they can >> qualify?
>> Okay. That would help because >> reopen do a special election. The the other question that I had was do the terms that we've already served the consecutive terms that we've already
served count or does it start when it passes? >> Great question. We wanted it to start when this passes. You can absolutely >> say and >> and I guess the next question is if one
passes and the other doesn't >> the way that I've written them I tried to be really careful >> I tried to be really careful to make sure that they could stand alone like that so they don't reference each other in the language as it would be amended
so you could have an extension from two years to four years pass and then term limits not pass and you would not be restricted in that way and then also vice versa going around you would just have If you were if your term length did not
change and your term limits did change, you just have a much shorter period of time than someone did it. So do definitely that >> consecutively. Yes, that is correct. >> But then the opportunity to run again
would come up in two years. Can I throw something else out there? Not to confuse it, but there's also a state statute that maybe some of you know about there that somebody can serve for 20 years on a board, city council, the school board, and then they retire
from that position. So, I don't know if you'd want to make it so that somebody could get to that 20 years and retire. Thought and you retire with half your salary. So if you make $500 a month right now in the end of your 20 years, you get 250 in perpetuity
has to provide you. >> So I don't know if that's of any interest to you or not. So it would need to be five terms instead of four. >> Correct. if the four years passes and I can tell you that we've had a mayor that did do that mayor
did serve for 20 years not just as mayor but as council member he moved from one position to the other but serve probably 24 25 years altogether but and he did he's the one who came up with
that state statute I have since read it but and he did we take at that only got $145. >> I'm not comfortable with adding to the budget that >> is a state,
>> but we can avoid it by not circumventing. I I I just I feel I just don't feel like we should add to the to the financial burden in in this way to our taxpayers. >> Great.
>> All right. I can absolutely make those changes and I will bring it back as first read. Okay. >> Two separate ones. >> Two separate ordinances. Yes. discussion with possible action request
to accept the approved JAG grant for $1,000 for achieve my loss. Yes, ma'am. >> So, we do we we talk a lot about grants and um you know, as I've been chief, I've been looking for different grants that we can
apply for. one, not only to receive the grants to offset some of the costs, but also to uh get into the cycle of being approved for grants. Uh, and there's a lot of grants that we're looking into that we've never we've never applied
for. So, this grant came up, the Jack Grant, U grant number 160. Had a short period of time to get the grant in, and it was during the time when we were transitioning from the old guns to the new guns. So, I had to have a purpose of why I was applying for the grant. So,
for this grant, I put in to purchase one firearm as a backup firearm for the police department. Now, you may ask why. Well, here's the reason why. If we have an issue, say for instance, god forbid, we have an also involved shooting, uh
that officer gun is then removed and is sent to FDLE. And good luck getting it back. when you get it back, it'll probably be solid rust kind of years. >> Yeah. So, uh, we applied for that. We put that in for that that one firearm.
So, if we do have a situation, a malfunction with a gun or something happens with it, we'll have one that we can quickly give back to the officer and put them back in service. So, uh, we apply for it. We were awarded the grant from $1,000. Uh, and I'm just asking the
council to for permission to go ahead and receive that grant and move forward with purchase of that firearm. It's a zero zero grant. It doesn't cost us any money. There's no match. So, it's just straight up thousand bucks. >> So, our pay sheet says two firearms.
Only one. >> It's two. >> Sorry. It's two. Yeah. Sorry. >> Thank you, sir. >> Yeah. >> Chief, >> thank you, sir. >> Thank you. I'm doing my best trying to find grants. >> Any discussion from
>> I believe we accept the grant of $1,000 for purchase of two. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any discussion from the public? Any discussion from council?
Seeing none, I move to vote. All those in favor say I. >> All those opposed say nay. Motion passes. >> Thank you. Five to zero. >> Discussion with possible action approval to complete the credit application for
new cam body cameras. Chief Mike Rolls. >> Okay. So, uh, as you, as we all know in the law enforcement world, it has become, if it's not on video, it hard to say that it happened or proved because it's just the way society is now. We're
all based on video and technology. So, uh, these body cams we've had, uh, we've had them now, they ran out of warranty probably four, five years ago, and, uh, they're they're quickly disintegrating.
uh and the technology that are within those body cam cameras have uh are slowly fading away. So becoming obsolete. So we're at that point now. I' I've pushed this can down the road as long as I can and I've spoken with
Stephen uh about completing this application with Wolfcom. We want to stay with Wolfcom because we're familiar with it and Aeron's familiar with it as too. So what else what also comes with this system of the upgraded these cameras is a whole new system uh that
replaces the one that we have. So we are current and up to date and the the system can handle the amount of body cam video we're putting in [clears throat] because as you know everything we do is on body cam. So you you have to have the
storage and the space to uh to handle all of it. And if your stuff is outdated and getting antiquated, your system can't maintain that. And we've been through that once where we lost a lot of body camera video. So, at this point,
I'm asking to complete the credit application uh to purchase new body cams. It's $25,000 for the complete system. Uh that includes 16 16 body cameras, a new uh
server, uh docking stations, everything that you need to make those cameras function properly. Um when talking to Stephen and talking to Wolfcom, we decided that it would probably be better if we went on a monthly payment plan. Uh
if we do a five-year payment plan, it's $472.72 per month. We currently have that in our budget for this year, but it will be a rollover year after year until we pay it off. But, uh, in the current budget now,
uh, we have it. Uh, me and Stephen have talked about it multiple times and we could accommodate this and get what the proper equipment we need to continue to do the the great job that we do for the citizens and provide great body cam video for the state attorney's office when they're pro prosecute our cases.
>> Can you pay it off early? Yes. No, you can pay it off early with no no penalties. >> What's the warranty? >> Five years. >> So, what happens? >> So, so once we're done paying for them, we have no warrant. >> We once we finish paying for them, we own them. Uh so what happens in this new
contract of the $25,000 is at the third year of those first set of body cameras they send us at the third year they we get rid of those 16 and they send us 16 new ones for the rest of the term of the contract. >> Wow. >> Okay.
>> Yes. So within your third year you get the first 16 for three years. And within your third year, when you hit the third year, they take those away and send you 16 new ones to finish out five years of your contract. And that's due because of the upgrades and the different things
that that take place in technology that's so fast that uh at the third year they give you the new body. >> And you still have at least one year worth of out. >> Yes. Yes, ma'am. >> Very good. Thanks, Steph. Yes, sir. I make
a motion that we approve the credit application completion for the new wolf p sorry body. >> So I have a motion and a second. Any discussion from the public?
Any discussion from the council? Seeing none, I move to vote. All those in favor say I. All those opposed say nay. Motion passes 5 to zero. >> Thank you so much. >> You're welcome. And I will say I I am so glad that you
are um finding grants out there and applying for them because that was one of my concerns when I initially started when I was like there has to be something. Everything can't just come from the city. There has to be. So I'm glad that you're able to find some grants and art. Thank Yeah, we're we're
we're we're constantly looking for grants. Uh they're hard. They're hard, especially when it comes to law enforcement. Uh they're their grants are they're slim, but we're we're digging and we're finding them. That's why I sent Arizona to grant writing school so
we can apply for as many grants as we can if they become available. Uh, one thing on the body cam that I I want to pass along is uh I don't know if you seen it on Facebook over the weekend. Somebody put in uh a video made a comment about being stopped by one of
the police officers here in Willist. Well, when they put it on Facebook, they made it seem like there was something wrong. So, I messaged the individual and said, "When I get back, I'll look at the body cam and see what happened." The body cam was 1 minute and 30 seconds.
They also went up and said, "Hey, your tight lights are dim. Um, you know, maybe you should get them checked out or maybe put a new one on there so it illuminates your tight properly." And I see your driver's license. Yep. Check your driver license. Everything's good. Walked back up, said, "Hey, man. Just
get that checked out. Have a good night." So, because of that body cam video, I was able to respond back to the person saying, "Also did nothing wrong. It's on body cam. I encourage you to come down here and visit." and they said no thank you.
>> Nice. >> So that's the importance of parking. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> All right. Discussion with possible action. City manager amendment to the agreement between the city of Wilson and for the latter to serve as city manager for the city of
Wilson. C attorney Kirsten Blue. >> This is on for me. Uh I I guess just a an update that the um extended probationary period is November 24th. Um
I don't have anything else to say about it. I'm happy to answer any questions um that anyone might have, which I assume is the reason that this is on the agenda. Any >> questions from the council? >> Yeah, Mr.
So we all know about the report that that we had done that came out basically come down two employees Jonathan Bishop and
partner what I'm struggling with here is why one individual gets demoted it and the other one does not except for kind of a slap on the hand and we'll take some classes. But the one that gets
demoted has a sixmonth probation period that at any time the city manager can come up and go, I don't like the show, you're fired. I have a problem with that.
Um, I've been in this city for close to 20 years. Love this city, but I don't like this kind of stuff going on. You know, we've had an issue where truths with Matt Courtney, we've
had that. um just some things that hasn't been passed along with us which they've gotten better. So um I have a problem. My answer would be no. Not this thing
because this whole thing with Jonathan Bishop just bugs me as to why we would do that. give somebody a penal for six months for probation. When your new hire,
a new hire employee gets what? Probation three three months, three months, >> six months. So, and you know, he's Jonathan. He's a wife.
So, and I've got some other reasons here why, but That was fair. >> Well, I had expressed concern of bringing people from Bronson, the people that know, you know, if
she leaves, there's a really good chance that the other ones are going to leave, too. So, we're not having a good mixture, you know, of outside. We're just bringing people over. And I expressed some concerns about that.
you know, it's just, you know, that's what'll happen. So, um, you know, we have employees on four, they work four days on 10our shifts.
We didn't know that. It was talked about when the previous city manager was here and they were going to come back with the schedule to make it work. Then nothing was de tell me if I'm wrong nothing's been brought back to us that
they were doing it. Now all of a sudden it's just started going and they're doing it and nothing's been said to us. So, you know, that's just, you know, we meet every two weeks.
We could go bi-weekly and meet with her. You know, we have issues under this roof. And I think we need to stay here instead of worrying about all these different
beatings. We need to take care of what's going on under this roof and get this place back back together. >> Madam President, just very briefly, um I just want to clarify
I know that um the comment was made um don't extend um the the amendment to the brought up by Mr. project that we shouldn't extend. Um the amendment to the contract is that her probationary
period was expend extended to November 24th. Um and that's the period of time in which she can be terminated without severance or or any of that. Um absent any action by this council to terminate
her or the agreement just continues, she obviously can still be terminated after that. who just be with severance pay. Um, so I just wanted to clarify that this it's not really an extension. It's just either continue or don't continue.
Um, and then I do want to clarify um that it it it was partially on on legal advice um regarding the probationary period for the demotion. Your um HR policy um 6.02D um requires that there be a six-month
probationary period for any demotions. So, so that is is partially upon legal advice that was uh implemented due due to your causes. That's all I had to add. >> I I guess I I kind of agree with the part about how do you demote one and not
another? >> How do you have you know one stand if if one if two are an issue, how do you um discipline one and not discipline the other? That is a problem. And especially
when you sorry especially on the one when $10 an hour is taken away from your bank. Anyone else from the council before Miss you allow Miss >> I just want to say I have some of the
exact same concerns. Uh the fact that their report the investigation one of you whatever you want to call it. Uh I'm I don't I'm sorry that we ever had to have it. I wish that we've been able to handle it. Um I wish it had been managed. I guess
that's the right word. I wish it had been managed before it got to the point where we had to have a report and an investigation. Uh however, as Mr. Cox has said, it did show uh there there were multiple problems and that one person was not to
blame that there were uh multiple people, but primarily two and that uh and we've had conversations, Miss Sue and I have had conversations about that. um and the fact that one has been
um penalized and the other one has not. Um the fact that one keeps on giving on, keeps on going on uh and the other one has been completely paralyzed um and penalized.
Uh I I also did not know about the four 10our the four the four 10-hour days. The council actually voted not to do that. It came to us. We said no. Um I haven't heard it again.
I also tend to agree that a lot of the outside meetings that you're going to aren't necessarily connected to our city. Uh they're important to your knowledge base, but not necessarily to ours. Um
it's mostly a talk a talk. I know there were there were a lot of people when you first came and even the first two or three months a lot of department heads even who came and offered assistance who offered recommendations
because they saw what was happening before the investigation and the report were done. Um, I don't think any of that was followed. Um, I don't and and there we therefore
we ended up paying $25,000 for an investigation that I'm not sure we've really done anything with. I do agree that it it seems to be better because I think people are on on their best behavior at the moment. Um,
it's kind of the inaction and things that and when I say inaction I mean it when when people come and present a problem a resident for example comes and presents a problem you're very willing to listen to that problem but a
lot of times nothing's done um and I hear that from them that yes she was very open and very willing to listen to what I had to say but she wasn't any you know, I still had that $1,300 or
that $2,000 bill and nobody was really able to help me and it just compounds. Sometimes there's a payment plan that that's given, but it's really not resolving their problem because every month it's again and again and there's
got to be some resolution. I don't care if it's pull the meter, give them a new one, go ahead and read it every day, every month. Forget the little electronic thing. go read it. I know it's I've been told it's 20 miles to walk every meter. That's what we have to do. That's what we have to do to get it
right. And some somebody who brought me a a bill this past week, they're they only have water because they're outside the city limits. They had like three or four months with no water reading at all. It was zero. Um, and I don't know if they weren't
going to read it or whether the machine wasn't working or the meter wasn't working, but the next me next time it was 5,000 and the next time it was 20,000 or however much it was. I can't remember. It was ridiculous. Um, so it's the inaction that to the the
inaction and the not being able to assist the residents. And it's not so much that we're getting the flack. I don't care. I can take I'm either here or I'm sitting in this chair or I'm not sitting in this chair and the world's not going to die one way
or the other whether I am or not. But it's impacting their lives like crazy and we owe them better than that. Um and I I really see this discussion as a
um we either approve or we disapprove. We either give a a vote of confidence or a vote of no confidence. Well, there we are. And I won't even mention there are two or three people who tell me that they
they've been told one thing and then something else has happened. And I'm talking mostly employees. Half the employees don't even know who they report to anymore. They don't know who who the boss is, where they go. And I I've asked Miss to send a letter to every employee so that
they would know. Um and I don't believe that's happened either. If so, I haven't seen it or heard about it. Um yeah, I when we had the special meeting about the special report, um I did say very clearly at that time that I
wanted to see measurable change across the board for the employees who or the supervisors who were um discussed um in the special court and I do think that we have seen uh a measurable change with Mr. Bishop, but I have seen no
measurable change for the other supervisors who were um you know their actions were brought to light in the special report and their actions cause issues uh with employees and for the city. And so I do have that concern. And that's something I've been very clear
about and that again you and I have discussed in the meetings but to at this juncture I know of no measurable changes that have been made other than
so that is >> um so and and I I think the other question that I have and this is just the simply a question. I know that we are in need of utilities director and that my understanding from our conversation not this week but two weeks
ago was that your priority for finding utilities director was that it would be somebody who was not connected to anybody in the city who was completely independent from the city so they could come in with a a clean view of everything and provide hopefully a shift
in the culture. And I'm just curious if that is still your intent or if there is anybody else that has ended up on the list of potential candidates that is connected to anybody at the city hall. Um, and I just want to make sure that
that I understand what your intent is that area >> and she said told me the same thing, >> you know, with finding the utility I would like to say that I think Miss Sue stepped into
an actual storm when she was hired here. And much of the issues that were brought up in the report were due to something that happened prior to her being here.
So again, and I understand this demotion again, Jonathan's having health issues. So honestly, I'm not me saying that he should be demoted, but I think that a step down in his duties is beneficial for his health. And I know that Donald
is undergoing some like leadership training, which again, like I don't know, he's not going to change his behavior overnight. So the only way to know if people are going to change is to have these leadership programs and see
if change is made positively or negatively. And as Merida said, a lot of the changes like and a lot of the employees and people that work here, like there are positive changes. like you see people that actually like seem to I'm not saying that people didn't
care about their work before but more rules are being followed like with things going on with uh problems being fixed in the city and again like she literally walked into a hornet's nest and I think that
I think she's doing a fine job which apparently I'm the minority here which whatever is fine um but we can't crucify her for something that she is here now trying to fix somebody else's problem.
Like if Terry was here, would this even be a problem? Or would we all just say, "Oh, it's fine because, you know, I'm not going to like not meaning this negatively, but because he's a man, like whatever he says goes." But because now we have a woman in charge, like some of this stuff is BS in my opinion. And
that's just my opinion. But I think that everybody is being a little bit hard on things that she's fixing and a lot of good is happening in the city now that wasn't happening six months ago. So
>> I agree with Alexi. This is a situation that Sue inherited. Absolutely. I didn't want to make it sound like I didn't seem that way. Clarify that. So after uh the fourth Fourth of July
parade, there was a secret meeting. Took me three or four visits to finally get to find out who were the ones behind it.
And I asked what punishment might happen if and you know that was really her reply was well I'm not sure if anything
you want respect from all of your workers it's got to be an even Miss Hines. >> Yes, Chief. >> So, the special meeting, we know that Miss Sue Miss Sue and I first off, let's let's be blunt. Miss Sue and I don't
agree on everything. Okay. But you're you're correct. She stepped into a storm. When did we have this special meeting to discuss this? How long ago was that? four weeks ago.
Four weeks ago. I don't know where you're from or what departments you work in, but cultural change does not happen in four weeks. You cannot base something off of
everything is going to be perfect in four weeks. You can't say and and I'm going to put put this to you like your own attorney put it to you. If you've got employees coming to you, coming to you, jumping the chain of command again,
folks, I don't know. I don't know anywhere in the world that that's allowed. I can promise you it's not allowed his department. I can promise you it's not allowed in my department. If they jump the chain of command, I pity that person
because that is not the way to run a department. And like I said, me and Miss Sue don't agree on a lot of things, but cultural change is not going to happen in four weeks. You know, I don't know anything about any secret meetings or anything like
that. Your own attorney lectured you on giving her the reigns to the city and lectured you on employees coming to you and jumping the chain of command. Yet here I am again tonight listening to it about employees coming to you and
jumping the chain of command. What are we doing here, folks? What are we doing? I've been in this business. You talk you talked about being in the city for 20 years. I've been in the city for 63. >> Only cause you older.
>> I am the longest serving city employee. >> Wow. >> Even though I got three and a half years, I have been a part-time or volunteer in this city a long time, over 30 years.
And I'm telling you, I've never seen cultural change happen in four weeks. You may not agree with everything she's doing, but you're on your own words, you've already seen some change, you know, but to sit here and listen to
you lecture her on something that she can't change in four weeks, that's that's crazy. I don't I don't think the comments that have been made have to do with four weeks. I think the comments that are being made are things that they've seen
since she has been here and and also the things that Miss Meredith is talking about and Miss Deborah are things that they have had conversations with her about recently. Some have been changed, some have not. I think what some of
council is seeing or is concerned about, well me, is the fact that when we interviewed Miss Sue, I asked her, "Can you go from
the relationship you had with Donald and Jonathan from when you were in Bronson to now being their supervisor and it not make a difference?" I think we're seeing what we're seeing is
there's not a fairness as a fairness in the way discipline is being handed out. You know, if if you look at it as she just said, Donald, not Donald, um Jonathan was demoted. Nothing
happened to Donald. There have been complaints about Donald. It doesn't appear that anything is happening related to Donald. So, it seems like there's a bias when it comes to Donald. And I apologize to Donald. I'm singling
him out. I'm not picking at Donald, but this is what I'm seeing. This is what I'm hearing. You know, >> ma'am, who are you hearing that from? >> Staff. >> Exactly. And that is just what you were just so So, so when I say Well, guess what? We shouldn't be lectured about anything.
>> You're right. You should do it the way you're supposed to do it. >> Staff, what I'm talking about is staff who is not underneath her. So, >> I'm just saying, >> can I um piggy back off of what you just said?
>> Yes, ma'am. I I would also like to say that reading the report that we paid the money for, uh, one of the other big pressing issues beside the Donald Barber situation was the involvement of city
council. And I think that what we're having right now is an exact reason of why we need to work on that also because the department head shouldn't be coming to the council complaining about Sue, complaining about this person. If
somebody has an issue, they need to follow the chain of command and follow up on that issue with the appropriate parties and not call Deborah, not call Mike, not call you, not call Meredith, and not just, oh, I'm whining because Sue did this or Sue did that. Like that's another one of the big issues
that was in the report was that the city council is too involved in city hall and that's exactly what we're seeing right here. >> So exactly what we're seeing right here is us deciding whether or not we want to keep her as our city manager based on things that we have seen from her work
ethic >> and and this is what the council is supposed to be doing here at this moment. We're not talking about what she what what she's actually doing, you know, with each individual department head. We are talking about things that
we have seen to decide whether or not we want to keep her on as a city manager or not keep her on as a city manager, good, bad, or indifferent. You know, everything is not rosy. Everything that she does, we may not think is right.
There are some things that she does that we think of think is right. But at this moment, we need to make a decision. And that's that's what this conversation is about. It's not um throwing her into the fire or trying to crucify her, but
have a civil discussion about the things that you like and don't like and whether or not you think that she is a good fit for this city. Period. >> That's all I think it is. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I I feel like I mean, I had two questions for Sue. I I my my questions
were not criticism. They were questions and I feel like Sue should have the opportunity to answer questions from us so that we can get a good idea. I didn't >> they were genuine questions. They were not hypothetical questions. I personally would like to to answer my two
questions. And if you guys have questions as well, that's fine. But I I would like for her to comment on everything that's been said, how she feels, where she's at, and answer any questions. That's important as well. >> Do you want Joby to talk before I talk?
>> No, ma'am. >> Okay. >> We want you to talk. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> No problem. Okay. Um, so I took some notes, so I just wanted to go back and address sort of all the comments. Um, so I think Pearson talked about the the
six-month probationary period. Again, that's in the employee handbook. So that's when I spoke with Jonathan yesterday about that, that came directly from the handbook about everybody has a six-month probationary period when they start a new position regardless if it's new to the city or you're getting
demoted or what the situation is. Um the employees from Bronson, I I agree I did bring some employees over from Bronson. They were I mean I will stand by this and say they were my best employees. I definitely did not bring over bad employees from Bronson. And that's pretty normal for city managers to bring
people over from their previous positions, especially the people who are their best employees. Um, I mean, I I don't know how everybody feels about Vicki, but I think Vicki does an exceptional job. She's been here for six months now. Um, and she's one of the best employees I've ever had. So, again,
I will personally vouch for her. Um, so I I stand behind those, you know, those hires. um the four 10-hour shifts. Again, most of these position the the only one that I have approved since I've been here was for Jenna to work the 410 or for the administrative assistance to
work with 410. All the other people who are working 410s that started long before me. Um and again, I don't know how that happened or what the situation was. Sometimes we do have employees that are working a 410 at as a result of their doctors asking for that. Sometimes
the doctors want them to have a day during the week specifically for doctor's appointments. Um that actually just came up with an employee today that we discussed. So that again, you know, we're just trying to accommodate if that does happen. But again, there's a lot of employees that have been working these 10our shifts prior to me and I can
certainly get you guys a list of who those employees are. Um but again, that that happened prior to me. Um I know that councelor Jones mentioned, you know, meetings outside of the city. I mean, I do feel like I have been very
proactive when we have residents that come up at city council meetings. I reach out to them to say, "Do you want to come in, have a meeting, discuss whatever it is, if it's their utility bill or, you know, water leak issue?" Um, I mean, I I personally pride myself
in being very proactive in following up on things. So, I know I've pointed this out in my office. I have a stack of people who had really high utility bills over the summer that were $800, $900, $1,000. I've been monitoring those over the last
couple months to make sure that those have all gone back down. Um, which they have in every single case. So, it probably was just, you know, the fact that electric bills were high over the summer. Um, but I have followed up on those with residents. I followed up on pretty much everything that I can think
of. If there's something that I haven't, I would certainly appreciate you guys telling me that there's something I haven't because that I mean I was in sales for 20 years. That's how you you sell things is you make sure you follow up. So that's something I take very seriously is to make sure that I follow up with with residents on something I
promised them. Um we'll go ahead and we'll talk about the Jonathan and and Donald issue. And again, I know everybody says team this or teen that. I again say to everybody, this is team Wilson. This is not about being on somebody's team. I truly feel
like we need a new utility director in here to have the cultural change that Chief Smeaggel talked about. Um, I've encouraged Jonathan to not look at this like a demotion. It's the fact that we just we need a really good leader in here. And I want to put Donald and Mike
and Jonathan on the same level. I've talked to Donald already about changing his title back from public works administrator to public works supervisor um which we are going to do. Both of them are going to get leadership training. We talked about doing Craig
Prior with them over the um computer you know webinars and then we have a person Laura Gambino that's supposed to be coming in here in January to do four fourhour trainings on leadership with the entire leadership team. Um so that is something that I am definitely working on. But I will tell you that we
have advertised this position both internally and externally and we've only had two candidates and it's been two and a half weeks now. We do not have a lot of people applying for this position. That is a problem. Um one of them was an internal candidate who had only been
here for eight days when he applied. There is nothing in our employee handbook that prevents him from applying for the position. You don't have to be you don't have to work through your entire six month period to post out. Um and then the other candidate was from Texas. He was had a lot of military
experience. Nothing in municipalities, nothing in utilities. Um and I apologize, Council Martin. What was your other question? I know it was about mutually direct. >> The second the second question was sort of a a measurable
um that I had asked for a measurable uh change to the behavior of Mr. Barber, Mr. Bishop and any other supervisors listed in the U special report. And that's what I was looking for was clarification on that measurable change
in their behavior. And and and for me, does that mean that, you know, if there's an infraction in the future that it's, you know, you've already used up all your strength and one more infraction and you're done? Um or whether it's just a leadership course? I'm not saying one or the other. I'm just saying that that's what I was
looking for was some some measurable change >> and and I agree that I think four weeks is probably a pretty difficult time frame to see that in I do think that things are are much better here than they were three months ago before the report came out. But I do think it's
going to take more than four weeks to see the kind of measurable change that you're you're looking for. I can tell you that we have a brand new Ryman that started um two and a half weeks ago and um we have seen a measurable change in that department
in the last two and a half weeks. So, we're getting there, but it it is going to take time. I mean, I I I certainly would love to, you know, have that time to to show you that I'm capable of, you know, handling this, but again, I certainly understand the the position
that you guys are are in tonight and we'll accept whatever you decide. So my question is both Mr. Barber and Mr. Bishop basically get the motion but I didn't hear that
that cut in pay was going to happen to >> there was no increase in pay when he went from the supervisor to the administrator. So to bring him back down from administrator to supervisor would not I mean not unless I made that decision but that wasn't something that was given to him at the time. I think I
provided you guys with the EA voluntary sign that it did not have a a change for that change in title. I mean it is something I can certainly consider. It's not something that I have considered but I certainly can consider that moving forward. Yes. But we keep hearing that and I'll just
say that um we've talked and you've said I not necessarily I agree. You've said I can do that. That's usually your response. I can do that. But you haven't. >> I haven't made the change even for
Jonathan yet. So I'm keeping Jonathan in the current position right now until we actually have somebody in place. I am I would love to see somebody in place in January, but again, I just said it's mid November and we've only had two applicants. We haven't had a whole lot of applicants thus far. Um, but we do
have it posted in 10 different places and we're trying nationally to, you know, to to look for people. Um, but like I said, I haven't made either neither one of them have changed yet. There's not an actual PAF that's done anything. I'm saying I can do it. I just haven't done anything yet. Ralph is still here. He hasn't he isn't left yet.
So we haven't made any changes because he's still working his current position as a supervisor for >> So when does he leave? >> I think the end of this week or the end of next week it's it's imminent. >> Okay. So has Mr. Bishop been demoted and cut pay?
>> Not yet. No, he's still in his current position. And again, I want to keep him in that position until we have his replacement in place. >> Okay. I mean, I can tell you that Donald, you know, I know you don't often see a lot of the things that he does, but the last
time he got his, I think it was his storm water certification, he did not ask for an increase in pay with that certification. So, I mean, you know, he he understands that he has issues that need to be resolved as well. I don't want to make it seem like again I'm
trying not to to call this a punishment for for Jonathan because again I think it's about putting the right leader in this utility director position so that we can move forward with the city. I don't want him to to view it that way because that's not really how I feel. I just think we need the right the right
person in that position. >> So who will run street parks until Mr. Bishop moved up? >> Jonathan and I will have to do it together. That's what he's done in the past when um I can't remember what else the person who was here before Ralph Derek left.
>> Yeah. >> I guess the other issue I have is Mr. Bishop's been a long term and then they sit there and tell them I'm going to put a probation on you and you do something wrong.
>> That's in the hand. >> So, >> right. that that's that's treating everybody fair across the board, >> right? But it's also what >> Oh, I I appreciate that. That may not
that may not come across in the best way, but at the end of the day, if if our city manager is saying, "Oh, you've been here for a long time, so the rules don't apply to you." That's not okay. We have to treat everybody fair across the board. You can't say, "Well, this person needs a special exception, but that
person Yeah. >> Any other questions for Miss Sue or comments? I have some comments >> from the >> So I I I just want to say that one of the things you know there we we've sort of looked at the
other than Alexa have looked at the things that have not gone necessarily as quickly as I think any of us would like them and yes we probably have unrealistic expectations and it's wishful thinking and I get that but I do think that you know I think that the challenge that I have
sitting up here um in answer to Lamar's comments um is that we're I'm not in the city hall very often. Um you know, I meet with Sue once every two weeks [snorts] and I come to council meetings and we have to have
this discussion in public, which is painful and I'm sure all of us would really much rather have this, but thanks to Florida law, we have to have it in public. Um, and so while I totally appreciate that, um, we need to let Sue
do this and we need to give her time to write the ship and I don't think anybody could do it faster necessarily without completely cleaning house and starting over again and who knows if that's a shipwreed or not. Um, the only way for us to get feedback on what's actually
happening up here is yes, employees should work their way up the chain, but supervisors, their chain stops at Sue. And if they need to get information to us, I think that's important. Um, and I don't think
that that is something that should be not allowed at all or completely frowned upon. But I do think it's incumbent on us to respect that we are getting a biased opinion. And again, we're not here working every day in and out and
that we have to value one supervisor or or charter employee or who whatever it is, but opinion and recognize that that's bias whether it's Mr. Bishop or Mr. Barber or anybody else, that is their perspective and it may not be
actual gospel truth um to what's happening up here. And I I just want to say that because I think everybody has friends in the staff and everybody has people that they get along with maybe and they respect and they listen to
their voice. But I think we have to remember we're getting their version. We are not necessarily getting truth. And I think we have to look at the again the measurable changes that Sue has has made. In my opinion, there were work
orders that were months old and they are now down to what's the farthest back that we have at this point in time. >> Probably about 30 days right now. >> 30 days. And we had work orders that were months and months and months old. working to get a better system for when
employees or sorry employees when residents call in to the front desk so that their calls and the information and their concerns do not get lost because they were getting I before I was up here I was one of those people who called Yeah. so many times and oh yeah, we'll pass
that information on and nothing happened. And it's not the fault of the lady sitting at the front desk. All they can do is pass that information on. But I was not ever getting a phone call back or information back at all. And that's changing. And she's making efforts to do
that. And there are lots of those little pieces of the puzzle. And I think, you know, we're learning that a lot of employees have thought that they can change things here at the city hall and do projects without taking out permits and keeping things to code and that has
been hopefully shut down hard and that they are being held to account just as the residents are of this city. I think that but that wasn't Sue something that Sue created. That's something that she inherited and it's been shut down. And I just think we have to look at the changes that she has made. And yes, I
think there are more to be made. And I do think we need to hold her accountable for making sure that the employees who did the department heads who did cause problems are kept on a very short leash. But I also think we need to look at the changes that she has made in the direction that she is turning the ship.
In my opinion, she's turning the ship in the right direction. She still needs to be held accountable, but I think that she's turning the ship in the right direction. And we need to keep we need to have straight honesty from her at all times under all circumstances, whether it's painful or not. If you don't know, you don't know, say it. Tell it. If you
don't want to make that change, tell us you don't want to make that change. And tell us why you don't want to make the change. Don't tell us, "Okay, that sounds like a good idea." Where deep down you're thinking, "No, not for me. Not going to do it. I'd rather know." And I think we have to hold her accountable to that those truths. But I
think we do need to give her a chance to let this ship write itself a little better. She roll. I wasn't going to say anything, but and this is nothing against anybody. I promise you this is nothing against anybody. But
if I'm Jonathan, I feel some kind of way about this conversation. I've heard multiple time people say things don't change quickly. things don't change in four weeks. We've only had this investigation for this long. Well, how long have we gave Jonathan to make
adjustments? Have we have we afforded him that opportunity since this is all came out to say, "Here's what happened. Here's what's been done. Here's what's being not done. You've got six months to correct this
before we just demote him and take $10 from him." And I'm not saying that against Sue or her decision or anything like that, but I think for Jonathan's sake, uh, if if we're going to scream nothing changes in four months and nothing
happens right away, then how much time have we given him to make adjustments? That's that's my question. I mean, did we have to make this demotion right away? I mean, did we have to do that? Did we tell him? Did we give him a step program and say, "Hey, in six months I
need to see this, this, this, this, and this." If not, then yeah, you're going to be demoted. I mean, fair is fair, right, and these everybody's an employee here. We're all valued. We've all got investment into this city. Uh, and and
and I just think that in my opinion, that's something that may need to be considered. I don't know if she's done that or not, but just something I'm throwing out there. And this is nothing against anybody or nothing against any process. Just something to think about.
>> Thank you for that. Anyone else on the council? Any other Okay, Joe. I'm J Penny. I live 43 Northwest 4 Street. Uh so about
a month and a half ago, it's actually been a repercussion thing, not between her, but between other city managers. Uh I've had my solar for about three, four years. Uh and I have always asked on the light bill. So I have a meter that has
two me two read a reading that my meter makes and what the city. So on my bill when I get my bill and I actually had a conversation with her a month and a half ago and
uh the IT guy uh on the bill it is supposed to have what how many kilowatts my uh solar makes and my electric bill and it does not do that. I have called
Gainesville. I've called Okala. They it is they have to provide that because on my bill I get from y'all it just credits me $3. It doesn't break it down and say well my meter well my solar made 396
kilowatt a month this month and that is actually by law it has to be in the bill. That's what the Gainesville the the light bill. So, what does that have to do with what we're talking now?
>> Because I have mentioned it to her and I have not heard nothing about it and I've had several people come to her and ask her stuff and it just gets unard like Miss Debor they get I mean has anybody
Joby >> over here sir >> I mean I'm just it it's getting aggravating. Okay. Thank you. Thank you for your comment. Yes, sir. Robert Lang again, 500 Northwest Fifth
Avenue. Couple of things. One, I heard a comment about Sue bringing people that work with her. If you don't do that, you're a folk with no damn bottom in it. I've worked construction, >> industrial construction for 30, 40
years. There were always teams that somebody got on and everybody went. The reason you do that is because you know you can trust that person. I was on I've been on jobs as high as 11 billion dollar and it was the same four or five
core quality control people throughout the job. $700 million. Same for I mean almost 10 years the same group of us traveled on projects together and these aren't small projects.
It happens. The good, the bad, the ugly is if you bringing people and what's the difference between bringing Sue bringing somebody she works with and you got your buddy Joe and he knows somebody you bring him on. They're no damn different. I mean, let's get real. It's all
politics and pardon my friendship. >> Thank you. >> Second thing is talking about and I've had some interface with Sue. I had some interface with Terry. I've not had problems. But the bottom line is both of them from what I'm hearing and being
told got on a sinking ship to begin with because you look at my sub all the problems we've had and everybody says well it's a previous it was pre-ter y'all don't get jacked together you're
going to sink this ship and I I don't get out around in town a lot when I do get out and around I a lot of comments I hear are derogatory towards not necessarily this board but the chamber board in general.
There's been a lot of lot of lot of lot of war not sweeping stuff under the rope. I mean I can give you examples. I've I've seen what happens in politics. I've seen it firsthand. And same way you sweep it under the rug
for somebody and you don't do it for somebody else. You should never sweep it under the rug to begin with. But the bottom line is you all got a responsibility. And again, I'm not saying this board because I've had pretty good luck with this board. But
your past boards Sue and even Terry from what I understand from multiple people stepped into a hog pit. So, but again, back to comment. She's bringing people she knows
you're probably better off for unless she leaves and then they all leave. Then you got the same problem. And I'm not saying that's not your problem. Hell, that could be next year, two years, whatever it is. There are people in this industry, especially in the utilities and the construction and
the wiring and electrical and stuff. One leaves, the next one leaves, then his buddy leaves. You're going to have turnover like that. People are going to follow people they can trust. And people are going to bring people that they can trust.
And I mean, I was on one job. I spent four months hell almost a year in North Dakota and saw my boss about once a month for million meetings and I ran that phase one of a $700 million project. So you have to have people with
you that you can trust. That's all I can say. >> Thank you, sir. All right, council. What do we want to do? >> I've already turned it back over to the council. If you will
>> give me a >> Yes, it's uh my name is Timothy. Um, like the previous whenever this investigation went on, there was three individuals that cost the city taxpayers 25,000.
And it really goes back to like, y'all know how Donald done the one time whenever I came up here back in uh April when I had nine nine there was nine residents that was leaking. Y'all seen how he acted. Tried to bully me several different times and uh and that's and
I'm sure he done that to the previous employees. So, if y'all going to demote uh Jonathan, y'all really should fire and or really demote Donald because if y'all don't think he's
not an issue to maybe y'all being sued because I mean technically the way he acted that way off camera, that's the first time I met that fella. I came here so many times in here doing this little uh make you little work order. Now, I know how to do this. I
just go to the police department and I make that's how that's how I get it done because now it is a public record because when you go in here, it don't get done. And it's not their fault. It's the people there like like Donald and Jonathan and whoever's in charge of
fixing that that problem. They go right underneath the rug as we go you keep saying. And if she's responsible for this, then she needs to fire them or all three of them need to pay the city to t the city taxpayers back to $25,000.
I mean, that's how I see it. I mean, she can bring whoever she wants to, but right now it it's really the city's under poor leadership and the supervisors I mean, if they can't come to her or or other employees can't come to the supervisor and get it done and then they go to her, there's another
issue, they have all right to come to y'all. That's what y'all here for, too. And so this jump chain of command crap, sometimes you got to do what you got to do because the one in command are too busy covering their own ass. >> You didn't tell her to be quiet.
>> I didn't tell her language. >> Well, she she she stepped into a storm. I'm pointing at you. >> Oh, wait till participation. >> Okay, enough. Enough. So something should be done. >> Either fire her or demote her too. Don't
give her an extentuation. Extend anything with with giving her any severance faith whatsoever. Might as well end it. Okay, Jana Church 590. I just wanted to touch base on the issue regarding what Deborah Jones had
mentioned when it comes to calling, coming up here, having meetings, trying to find resolution, explanation, something that explains the bill before the customer service video came out basically saying exactly what she was mentioning now, which is the glitch in the system, the switching from one to
the other, how that can play a role, which would totally make sense since that did start at April and April when my particular issue um started. What I wanted to speak about that is in tying to this issue is after that many
months coming up here participating with the city council meetings. I mean you all see my face everywhere. I'm interviewing. I'm talking to people. I'm trying to figure out what's going on because I don't want to go just off what the residents are saying or just off of what I'm being told at city hall. I am one of many and I know that's hard to
accept because they're terrified to come up here or they just don't have hope to come up here because they've made the call. They've come up here. they've had the meeting. I participated in creating the form for the residents so I can tell the residents, hey, we're doing something even if it's a resident and the city working together trying to
bridge that gap. Um, but in my particular issue, which is one of the reasons why I just didn't bother bring it up anymore because now I just have the the burden of working extra jobs, actually having residents coming to um my aid because they see that I'm coming up here and coming up here and nothing's
being done. uh meeting with me is one thing, saying yes, I'll get to it or we're going to look, you know, see what's going on. That that's one thing. But what I actually received was an email October 24th saying there's nothing we can do.
[laughter] But every month since then, yes, my bill went from about 900 down to six, seven, maybe five, but my normal bill is never more than 300. And now my landlords have gotten into it. They've come up, they've called, they live hours away and they're just being told, "Oh,
we have a glitch in the system. We're fixing it. Everyone's bills are being picked." But they're getting a copy of every bill that I have because when my lease is up in December and I may not be able to stay because I can't afford the utility bill because every month it's Russian roulette. I have no idea what it's going to be. I know what it normally should be and I know we're
having plumbers come out. I know we're having all kind of stuff going on. We're doing our part. Residents are doing their part. They've provided me with cleaning jobs, things you can't even think of just so I can pay the bill. I've lost a car over it. Thank goodness I got it back. I don't know where I
stand and I'm just one one resident. Followup should be more than an email that just says followup. We can't do anything. That's all I see. So, it it it is very personal to me. I'm not saying that the job isn't being done fully because yes, walking into a storm, it's
just an ongoing thing. If you go back and look at all the different managers over a span of years, same issue. That's biggest reason why no one wants the job. No one is brave enough to to want to be on the council or even to apply for Jonathan's job because the trust's gone.
We call, we come up, we get nothing. Now, we don't know if it's that you guys can't do anything because the issue is so much bigger than what we know. That's why we come up here. That's why we create the committees. That's why we're doing everything that we can for each other. and the city to figure it out.
In my personal opinion, I feel like the residents have done more to help me in the city. And I love this city. I will go out fighting. I will work every side job and accept every offer from any resident that wants to help just so I can eventually be up there and learn what you guys do and do what you guys
do. So, I know this is a very big decision, but please take all the factors in into play. And the only other issue that I want to talk about that also relates to this. Yes, I do fully respect the chain of pants. I was raised my military father. I fully respect the chain of pants. But when the technicians
go to their supervisors again and again, or if the issue is because of the supervisor and how they're being treated, how they're being told to do the job, and then they go to the city manager and feel like they're getting the same same thing, or that they're going and nothing's happening, just like with us, then they feel like they have
no choice but to contact you guys because there's a last in command. So, that's something I also would like for you guys to take in consideration. Don't just go off of what you what you just see and what the directors are reporting. I would also meet with the people, the boots on the ground, the
guys out there every single day trying to patch up these jobs, fix these jobs, trying to do their job, but they feel just as hopeless. And that was mentioned multiple times in the investigation. So yes, four weeks is a is a short amount of time. There's so much to review.
I just ask that you please take all of that in consideration. Thank you. What do we want to do now? My understanding is at this point we vote on whether or not the the probationary payment period.
That's the resolution or that's the agenda item. Am I understanding that? >> If I can clarify >> the the probationary period ends under the contract on the 24th.
>> Your if you do nothing then she continues and carries on and she works as your city manager. Your other option is to terminate her contract. Right? I suppose your other option is to
see if she'll re renegotiate the contract for an even longer probationary period. Um, but that would be a contract amendment that would require both parties to consent to it. And I'm not sure what time period you would
be looking for that that's technically in motion or you so so do nothing just means she carries on as your city manager. Um, those are your choices. You don't you don't have to take any action on this
item at all if you don't choose. I'll jump right in that I've already said that I think that we should um continue with Sue as our city manager and give her the opportunity to do this. But I do think that, you know, we have to circle back to the concerns that were raised by the people here, staff,
residents, ourselves, and, you know, keep her accountable in in that. And and I think she again I think she is accountable. I'm just saying that we need to follow up that that's our we have to do our due diligence and we have to follow up and make sure that things aren't falling
through the cracks. Um, Miss Latricia, any comments? And I'm only asking you this because during her interview, you were asked to give comments. So, do you have any comments or thoughts?
This is what I'm going say to to I'm just going to say whichever way you feel, just say it and do it because once you make a decision or don't make a decision, there is no point in talking
about it anymore. You know, it's it needs to be dead. So if you're willing to put aside everything that you feel, whatever it is you think, then let's do
nothing. But if you can't and you really feel like she, Miss Bet um does not need to be our city manager, then you need to speak as well. Otherwise, it's not fair to her or
anybody else, including yourselves, to not vote to terminate her and then continue to talk about things. But just make sure that the things that you're looking at relinating her, that's what you're thinking about really
warrants. Miss Right. You're not going to pick. I asked you if you had something to say. You said [laughter] her life. Go ahead. >> Um, piggy back off Meredith Sue has got a big improvement since you
all have extended her. >> But, >> no, there's no butts. >> I hesitate because I'm trying to get my words together, my thoughts together. Now with me and her, uh, we are working
closer together than what we had before. And thank you, Sue. Um, I think we give her a chance. That wasn't our sir. All right, let's deal with the cops.
Where we at? What would you like to do? >> Sir, sir. >> No sir. Sir, do not speak. We are in the middle of discussion. Please do not speak. Don't even come to the
>> D. Thank you. Have a nice night, >> Miss D. >> No, I don't think wants to say something as well. I mean, okay. So, what would you like to see
because there's no extension. What would you like to be done? I'm just going to say that it's been said it's been four weeks, but it hasn't because the extension was 3 months and the extension was after the investigation
and she started in February. >> So, I don't know where you got four weeks. four weeks since the meeting when the report come out. >> Can you give her direction? >> Well, I think it was longer than that because the extension was for 90 days. >> No, ma'am. It was in the middle of
October. We're now in the middle of November. Four weeks. >> Well, we certainly discussed it. We may have done We may have voted on it four weeks ago, but we did the 90-day extension because now the 90 days is up and she's been
here since February. It's almost February. Yeah, it's not. It's like three months. It's been three It's been three quarters of a year. >> So, what would you like to see done? >> You're looking at me like I'm crazy. It It doesn't even matter. What would you
like to see done? >> It still has to be voted on. So, just just say how you feel. >> If I can just clarify, you you don't have to have a motion. If you have no motion, you just move on from this agenda item. >> Yeah. Well, >> yeah. I think we just need to know what
they want. >> We just We're just taking it. >> Yeah. I haven't heard you say anything. >> I honestly haven't. I I h I have a a major issue as you you've heard with
people that are not getting any assistance, aren't getting any resolution, with employees who are not being treated equally.
um with employees who are don't know who they report to with job descriptions or public works directors that are being posted before the employees even know that there's going to be a new one. Uh that that's
just not the way I would have done things. Um and I certainly am not looking forward to finding a new city manager because it's not a fun thing to
do or a fast thing to do. But I honestly believe that I've given Miss Sue every opportunity that I can. Um, probably more than you know. I haven't been up here a lot lately because it doesn't do me any good. I'll
honestly say that. I feel the same way that the residents do. Um I get the like I said, I'm okay with that, but it doesn't happen. I feel for all of them. No, I can't lower your bill. I wish I could. I see
what I can read. I can look at it. I can see the pattern. I can see that there's something wrong with it. There ought to be some way that we can help people, but it's not being done. I see a report that said two people were responsible and one has been penalized.
Uh the other is carrying on. I see somebody who started construction in a in the city hall without asking permission with no permit and nothing's been done to penalize that person. Um, and she's
she didn't know about it when it happened, but she's known about it now for three or four weeks, and still nothing has happened. Um, that I'm aware of. Tell me if I'm wrong. And I
just don't know that it's going to be any different. I, as I said before, I think we need to either I think we need to take a vote of confidence or no confidence. One way or the other. And if we have no confidence
in her at this point, I believe we need to terminate a contract. Which way? >> All right. >> All right. So, and we take a vote of confidence and no confidence. All those who um have confidence in this
to give her the opportunity to um manage in a more effective way. Um, those who won't give her another hand. Raise your hand. Those who do not want to give her
another chance. Raise your hand. All right. Um so my vote uh I I am not totally um happy with um disciplinary type actions.
Um I have seen some changes um that are for appear to be for the best um in having conversation conversations with you related to the
things that have been going on. Um I'm going to give you another chance. be able to give you for for a give you a chance to um
write Um but also know that we will be keeping up. Um we will be speaking with um because at the end of the day the person the people who decide whether
or not you remain employed up. And if we don't know that there's things going on or things not being changed, then we can't that we do the job we need to do to make sure citizens are getting things that that
they need. So um just know that we will continue to speak with staff as needed, not as complaints, but you know, just to find out how things going. Are there any changes? Do they see any changes?
Um before today I probably would have said but just to see some of the things that happened because and I will say initially
I was not for So simply because of my concerns with whether or not you would be able to accept. So now you need to show me whether or not you
now you know that that's my concern still remains my concern. Um it's concern at this point but So I guess we have three
now because they match. All right. Anything else? All right. Number six, vote for participation. This is your second opportunity to speak on anything that we have not discussed on the agenda. Um,
you have five minutes. Please state your name and I just want to tell y'all the ones that had the courage to say fire her, you know, mean that takes a lot of guts, especially up here. And uh that's part
of it, you know, but um we know we come up here citizens and and I don't know if y'all call complain or whatever, but whenever we're paying the bills, we come up here, there's no really resolution
and stuff like that. It's really uh it gets where you just want to just move out of this town. And people are moving out of this town. I tell you something else is aggravating to you. This one here comes late or
don't come. It does not properly represent the taxpayer. >> Mr. Eert. >> She she has a name and if you're going to address her in that way, please call her by her name, but that is not necessarily or call for. Thank you.
Um, anyone else from the public need to speak? Yes, ma'am. I just had two questions. Um, I liked the idea brought up earlier whenever you had questions with the new system and the glitches and everything and yes that
that's come into play around April and your question was what are we going to do about all the bills since then that may have been affected by that which yes,000 to $3,000 is ridiculous but to a lot of us families so it's $8900 right
>> um yes so that that leads to the two questions one the answer to that question was we'll send someone out at that time to go read the meter right then and there. That only verifies that month. It did not specify what it would do for the previous month. Exactly. And
that does play a huge role for me. For me by example, that makes or breaks whether I can renew my lease, whether I can stay and do the plans that I have in place for just myself, for you know the committee, for everything. Um, and that is something that I know a lot of people
are already sending me messages about while they're watching because they have the same exact question. >> Um, and then >> um, and then yeah, that's the other question is if we do have a check and balance system in place that looks at these bills and says, "Oh, $3,000, that's
crazy. Maybe we need to look at that." um do we not have something in the system automatically that flags something as hey this is super high compared to this particular residence over the span of how many years because what we typically do when we come in say hey I got this issue first thing you do
is look at last year this time see is is that typical for the summer time or the winter time or whoever um is that's the question is basically you know at what point do we say this is super high for this house and what is the protocol for
that someone going to reach out to us? Is it just going to be us going, you know what, I really don't have it this month. I can't squeeze that by. Um, let me just call up there and see what we can do because it feels like a roadblock both ways. It feels like the residents can't make the call or we make the call, we make the appointment to do all the
things, nothing happens. Um, or there's no resolution to whatever short of a payment ar payment arrangement, which we appreciate, but that actually puts more burden on the following month. Um, it makes or breaks the difference right there. Um, so what would be something that you guys can do to help with that?
Um, so we don't have this many residents reaching out and getting this same exact treatment that that I got. Um, and at what point in time does something consider to be, oh, this is too high? Is it have to be in the thousands or is it a couple hundred? And yet I myself and
many others love to know what we can do about from April from now because yes that may be the high month but why is that even a thing if the usage is the same? It can't just be expected at this time every year you're going to pay your goal. That's things that we don't understand as residents as things that
we're trying to figure out hopefully with the committee and the education and going from there. So if I didn't spin you guys in circles that's my two questions. one when it's high too high for each resident and what are we going to do about from April till now and and
how can we make sure that that every time >> thank you for your question um do you have any thoughts or ideas related to that is there any way for us to contact the the company >> yeah I mean there should be
>> see whether or not they're on their end >> usually defer to Megan on this, but usually there's a um like an outlier report that you can run where you can see that you know there's 3,000 or $2,000 bills and those are abnormal. What we run is called a recheck report
and that shows us what they have their average usage for the last three months. So if their average usage is only a couple hundred different or even 900 different, it's not going to flag as
abnormal usage. I mean, everybody can fluctuate. >> So, it No, no, no. Usage, not money. Usage. It only does the usage. It doesn't calculate the bill till I get to the very last step, and that's when it
calculates everything. I actually just printed all your bills in the back and I was going to take them and review all them and see what I could find. I just took over this position. So, I don't mind taking a look at it again. I know Missy was already taking a look. Uh, but learning some of the
things I've learned on this side of it, I'll be happy to take a look at it again for you. >> Absolutely. So, yeah. So maybe if um you guys can get in company and see if there's something that you can do uh on their end that would flag a certain
amount other than that bill if you can specify a certain amount. >> My name is Joel Penny. I live 43. So my question too is >> is there a way that you can actually take my what my solar makes
it on my bill instead of giving me they only make $3 credit. >> I'm gonna we've you and I have already talked about this along with Miss Sue and Aaron. Um we already had this conversation and it's it's not going to print out like that like you're wanting
it to. It only shows you the credit that it gives you if you want a breakdown of of that you need to get with your solar company about that. >> And it's only a percentage that you get back. It's not it's not the exact kilowatts that you're seeing. It's only
a percentage of of it. We we've already went through it. I'll be happy to go through it with you again when Mike returns because he's our electric. He knows more about it. I'll be happy to set something up with you when he is back. And I will say we have a very specific ordinance that has to do with
solar and it's very restrictive. Um, and I I would refer everybody to read that before they put solar on on their roof. >> Any other questions? Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So,
>> how any other questions? No. on your Joby [clears throat] on your solar system that you got. >> You have batteries? >> No. No. But when you when I call
Gainesville or Ocala, so on their bill that on my meter, I have two readings. I have a reading that what my what my solar makes and I have a reading what the uh electric takes out of that. So on
my bill, I should have what my store makes a month on my bill and what my like you know what you get the combination when you go kilow out of that you'll get your and
then you can just divide it by how many y >> okay well that's the reason why I want it on my on my build and that Jamesville does it and does it. I don't know why. >> And they also may have different >> They also have AMI might I just So they
have that ability. Our meters do not have the ability to track his output. Only what comes through the meter. >> So I'm going to I'm going to suggest that you meet with Megan and Mike when he gets back and let them help you with that
>> because we're not going to solve it here unfortunately. I apologize. Because what I was what I was going to say to you was that one of my franchises had a a contractor who was building and I was going to check it on their stores while it was under construction. They kept
talking about these net zero homes and u so I asked him I said what do you mean net zero? Okay, net zero has internet. This was several years ago. And he said basically he said the homes
are very energy efficient. The windows are thicker than what we normally do. It's spray insulation. Uh also it has uh just everything is is more energy
efficient. He said, "And what happens is during the day solar, it brings all that down into the batteries and it saves it. And then at night time,
it uses what it saved during the day to go up. So what you bring in during the day is what you want to use at night. That's net zero. If you don't have batteries, I don't know how Okay. I'm not I'm not a conver
you guys can discuss do all that outside or in a meeting with each other. >> Anything for you or >> All right. There's nothing else. We will
move on to announcements. Any announcements from staff, Miss Sue, Miss Kirsten, their time is up. Miss Wright,
I listen, I totally agree. Miss Wright, do you have anything? >> Okay, Miss Meredith. Miss Megan, afterwards I want to talk to you because I want to see if I can come in. You get those in. >> Absolutely. >> See what you're going through.
>> Yeah. >> Miss Alexa. All right. Then I'll take a motion for a journal. >> I second. >> We have a motion on second. All those in
favor say I. >> I. All those opposed? Nay. Motion has it 5 to zero.