Are you ready? >> Are you ready? Got your >> You got your thing to push? >> Okay. Very good. >> All right. Give me this thing. I have this thing down here. >> I was afraid you might throw it at me.
>> Okay. All right, if you will, we're going to call this meeting to order. Uh, this is a regular city council meeting of the city of Wilston. It is Tuesday, August the 4th at 6 p.m. Uh, I am conducting the meeting because our president, Dr.
Hines, was unable to be here today. Um, at this time, I will ask Miss Vicki to please call the role. >> Okay. >> Mayor Charles Goodman, >> I am here. Council President Darth Hines absent. Vice President Deborah Jones >> here.
>> Council member Michael Cox >> here. >> Council member Meredith Martin >> here. >> Council member Shaina Church here. Interimm city manager Terry Bvard >> here. >> Attorney Kirstston Belaloo >> here. And city clerk Patricia Wright absent.
>> Vicky. >> And all other staff >> here. >> I see the back row. Okay, at this time uh I will we will stand for the opening prayer and the pledge of allegiance by Mayor Charles Goodman. >> Thank you very much. [sighs]
Join me if you will. Lord, we come to you tonight, a city, a group of people, and Lord, we depend on you to help to guide us in these difficult days that we find oursel
in. Lord, I just ask you to be with each one of these council members to give them the ability to fully understand everything that they see and to give them supernatural abilities to make the best decisions for our community. And
Lord, I ask you to be with the police department, Lord, who every day come about to serve our city and their life is on the line every time they make a stop. And I just ask for a
hedge of protection around our police officers and the whole police department and our fire department, Lord, who's who put their lives on hold to come and try to save lives and property. And Lord,
please watch after all of our staff and all of our working people in our city. And I ask you lastly, Lord, to please give grace to every person that put their life on hold to come here tonight
to try to be part of the city of Williston's government. I ask all this in your name. Amen. >> Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Item number one is the additions, deletions, and changes or
approval of the agenda. And I understand we do have a few changes. Um, correct me if I'm wrong. We're going to move item two to the second page under new business and make it double A.
We're going to remove item three because Miss Wise was unable to attend. And if you'll notice, we have two fours. So, we are changing every number after the first four to 567. I believe that's it. Anybody else have
any other changes? >> May I ask? Yes, sir. >> For clarification, you we're moving item two to where? >> On the second page under item seven, it will be double A before the A. >> Thank you. >> Yes, sir.
[clears throat] And if you're in agreement with that, let's have a motion for approval of the agenda please. >> I make a motion that we approve the agenda. as presented. >> Thank you. >> A second. >> I have a motion and second. Is there any
discussion from anyone? All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> All oppose. Same sign. >> Motion carries. We will move then to item number four, presentation of retirement award to Matt Fortney by council president who is not
here. Um, and Chief Mike Rolls. >> You want me to come up? You do yours. You can do yours. >> Let's do it together. >> Madame Vice President, may I go up with that presentation? >> Absolutely. >> I'll take my jewelry off.
coming up. He's going to hang out. >> Okay, whoever's in charge, go for it. >> All right, I'll start. I'll start. So, um, those you don't know know me, I'm Jerry Bart. Um, I was previous city manager for a while and now back to town. I worked with Matt. I came over
work for him and uh I will say that uh very few people could pull off Bill's shoes as Bill as part dedicated individual solid police work solid police officer
tons of respect for me. I appreciate all the time that you gave me even what you taught me. Um but as a city respect goes I want to you with this award for 29 years service. Thank you very much.
[applause] [laughter] >> Is there a short camera? Don't go anywhere. >> All right, don't go anywhere, man. [laughter] One more we want to present to you. >> After 29 years of dedicated service, I think you've earned the right to have
this weapon. Uh this is a weapon that you carried your last few years as a [cough] police officer for the great city of Wilson and the Wilson Police Department. And we're so thankful, we're so honored that we've got a chance to spend the time that we spent with you. Thank your wife for sharing you with us
and uh we just honored to give you this weapon and we're so happy to see what the future holds for you. CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] >> Clean it. >> All right. [laughter] >> It was clean.
>> Congratulations. >> [applause] >> Thank you everyone. Uh at this time number five is public participation. If any of you have anything to say at this time about anything that is not on our agenda. If it's on our agenda, we wait for you to ask till we get to that item.
But if you have something that is not on the agenda, please come to the podium and state your name and your city of residence. Hi, I am Rachel Flynn and I live inside the city of Williston. Uh, on Friday 7:24, I received my
utilities bill for $540. My electric had tripled from the month before from 98.68 to $28207. But that's not really why I'm here. I just thought that that would be pertinent for you guys to understand why
I am here. On Monday 7:27, I went to the city hall to ask if I could discuss this issue with the billing manager, Megan. I don't know her last name. Shockly, she was not available. I was given her email address
and I sent her an email on 72726 requesting help. She did not reply. On 7:22, I requested the records for the budget of Williston Fiverr. I emailed Miss Wright 48 hours later. She's not here.
48 hours later to ask if she hadn't received my request. She did not respond. On 7:30, I sent an email to the city manager, Mr. Bvard Board. >> He answers to all of them. the new city
manager [laughter] asking for his help on these two matters as well as providing the email addresses I had used because I thought maybe they were wrong. He did not reply. I also CCD the mayor who did not reply.
My question is, in what world is it okay to just not reply to residents who are inquiring here with real issues in this city? Is that is that acceptable here?
And I'm I'm looking for answers. >> So, what was what was the date? I'm sorry. What was the date over here? What was the date that you emailed the city manager? 7:30. >> And what email address did you use? >> city.mmanager
at I'd have to look, but I I actually have the card. [cough] >> That That's That's close. That's probably it. >> City.mager at williston florida.fl.org. >> That's correct. Now I will ask the same question. What
address email address did you send to the mayor? >> Well, interestingly enough, I sent an email to you that was returned as not >> ah thank you >> once. >> Yes, >> I got a new email from the front desk
sent it again. It was returned to me as the wrong email. And then finally, it was mayor.williston something or other. >> It's it is mayor at willistston.org.
If you do not use that email, it does not come to me. Mayorwistfl.org work. >> And what was your name? >> Rachel Flynn. >> And when did you email me? >> 7:30. I CCD you on the email that I sent
to the city manager asking for help because I can't seem to get any responses from any city employee about any matter that I ever have here ever. Just nothing. Nothing in return. Not a not a >> I don't Please address the address the
council, not the audience. >> Not a hey, I got this. I'm going to look into it for you. Not a hey, I'm really backed up. Can you give me until next week? Not a hey, I see what's going on here. Let's figure this out. Nothing.
No replies at all. I will say I know both of these gentlemen, and I can't speak for Megan, but I know both of these gentlemen, they would have replied if they had received it. Um, did you do it from the Facebook page or from the website?
No, I did it from my email. >> You just went straight to it and did it because somebody gave it to you. Usually that goes through. Um, I will say that if somebody emails me, first let me say this. If you want to email me, they hand out my cards at the front desk cuz they're in Iraq. I think most of them
are there. Uh, so if you want somebody's phone number, email, that's where they are. Come ask for a card. They're public records, so that's where they are. Uh, I will say if you do it from our Facebook page, mine goes to junk every time. It goes to quarantine.
>> It was It was from my personal email address. >> It It would even if it was for your personal email address. >> So, you think that possibly every single email that I have sent? >> No, not saying that. >> But not been received. >> No, not saying that. I'm saying that
that's what happens if you do it through the website. >> I will say I did not receive. I look at every email that comes to mind and I did not receive your email and I will only say I'm sorry for what has happened to you. >> Oh, thank you so much. Thank you. Yeah,
it's really >> Have you still gotten Have you gotten answers yet? >> No, I can't get any responses from anybody. I mean, I even came into the city. I came here to discuss this with Megan on
7:27. I got my bill on 7:24. I came in to discuss it on 7:27. I think it's the day that you were starting and there was this big meeting about to happen. So, she was unavailable to talk to me. So, the uh nice girl at the front who's
always so helpful and pleasant and lovely, I love her and she has a super cute haircut. Um she she gave me her card and said her name is Megan. You'll send her an email. So Megan did not
respond. Uh [clears throat] Miss Wright didn't respond either, but she's not here, so I I I don't know. >> Miss Wright has been in and out. No excuse, but Miss Wright has been in and out of the hospital with her husband, >> including tonight. That's exactly where
she is. He's been readmitted tonight. >> That is super hard. I wonder if there's somebody who could be monitoring her emails so that these emails don't slip through the cracks. >> Could you spell your last name for me? >> I'm sorry. You spell your last name for me over here, ma'am.
>> F L Y N. And is your email Rachel Flynn? >> No, it is Rachel.gmail.com. So, it's r a c h a l.culture c u l turgmail.com. >> Okay.
>> If I may, >> go ahead. Um I I just want to thank you also for bringing this up because this is actually a conversation that I had. We as you may know we've had a couple of interim city managers. Um but I just learned as Miss Deborah said that when
people try and contact us through the city website it for whatever reason it sends it into like a quarantine folder. I had no idea that this was happening. So, I think our IT department needs to look into this and I will make a personal request that they look into why
those are getting dumped into quarantine and not coming into our account directly. Um, so thank you for bringing this up. >> Oh, absolutely. And just the last thing I want to say is that it was it was not from the website. It was from my personal email. So, and I appreciate you
bringing that up because I only thought it was through the in fact I sent our city manager like a test like I went on the website and did a test and he did receive it, but it goes into our quarantine file. So, it's definitely been on at least my radar and I think Miss Deborah's radar. So, we will sort this out.
>> And sometimes it's two or three days before there it does pop up a quarantine message that you have something in quarantine, but sometimes it's two or three days later before it does that. >> Okay. So, >> I will say that as well. I did a test myself just to see once I got into my
email here just to see how long it takes to receive something. I think it took about 3 days for it to finally come through and I was like, "Oh, that's that's we need work on that." Um, so I I appreciate you letting us know as well, so that way we can kind of address all those matters so we can get those um messages right away, whether they come
directly from a regular email address or um from the the Facebook or not Facebook, the website. >> Um so that way we can we can respond here. >> What? >> Your email is not here. >> Well, it didn't come back to me. >> I'm just telling you. I just looked. >> Yeah. I mean, that's
>> And Terry's looking hasn't found it either under city manager. >> Miss Miss Flank, could I do one thing for you, though? I I don't know. I'm assuming you live in Willist. >> I do. I live right inside city limit. >> Do Do you have time available tomorrow >> to come in? >> Yeah. >> Oh, I I'm I'm in.
>> Okay. >> I will I'll make it happen. >> 9:00. >> Yes. Is that okay or you want to do another time? >> Nope. >> All right. 9:00. >> 9:00 a.m. is great. Thank you so much. That that eases my mind because my next question was going to be, "So now what do I do?" >> Exactly. >> 9:00.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I can tell you if we get questions that that we can't answer, they always go straight to him. >> Okay. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Appreciate you coming. Anybody else for public participation? Robert Langan, 500 Northwest Fifth
Avenue, I just want to say uh being Mike's not here, I don't see him. Anyway, I want to thank the electrical department. I know they're short staffed as hell, but they did get my five street lights up on Fourth Street >> and they're all burning. >> Perfect. That's a That's a
>> pass it on to Mike. >> Thank you, sir. [laughter] >> Mr. Burkers. Mr. Burker's dad. >> Don't give up. >> Go ahead, John. I saw you first. Good afternoon, council. Um, my name is John Barker. I live at 1 19650 Northeast
50th Street, which is right outside the city limits. Um, my back property line is the city limits. Um, my question, my concern today is I'm curious about the new data information c cameras that are going up in town, >> i.e. flock cameras that Miss Jones told
me they're not flock cameras or another brand. Yeah, >> vigilant. >> Yeah, they're vigilant cameras. They're not flocked. Um I don't know if we want to address that here or or do you want me to >> He's got three minutes, so you can give him three minutes. [laughter] >> Okay. Uh what's your question?
>> Um why are they there? Who has access to them? Who's paying for them? What kind of information can be attained off of them? >> Yeah. Okay, great. Uh the the cameras were put there by me. Uh they are right now currently a demo. So they're not
costing us any anything at all. We have one person that's uh has authority over those flop cameras and he's sitting right next to me. Sergeant Composauri. That's the only person who has access to go in there. Uh the flock c the flop cameras just like the vigilant cameras,
they're not surveillance cameras. They only take still photo. When the car goes by, it takes a still photo. They don't record audio. They don't re they don't do video. It's just a steel photo of your tag when you go through that intersection. That's all it does.
>> Then why are they there? >> They're there because uh missing persons, uh wanted persons, murder suspects, all of these some of these things that I just mentioned are exactly what we've gotten off that camera since we put them up.
>> We have We as in Willist. >> We as in Willist. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. We've had missing persons. We've had >> stolen >> stolen vehicles. >> Hit and run. >> We got a tag of a of of a murder suspect. >> Murder a murder and a hit and run. >> A murder a murder suspect that was that
a murder that happened here in Willist. Uh we've got the information off that vehicle from that camera. And uh I'm glad to say that we got a full prosecution. So that's why they're here. >> How many are there? >> There's two. >> Where are they at? One's at by Walgreens
and one's by Pizza Hut. >> And both of those are installed by City of Willist. >> They're installed by Vigilant >> Motor. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> Yes, sir.
Good questions, John. Anybody else? >> I'm Joe Penny. I live 43 Northwest 4th Street. I just want to tell Jonathan and the guys, thank you for getting John Henry Park cleaned up really quick and stuff. So, thank >> anyone else.
>> Yes. I don't know. My name is Janine Hartland limits and um I don't know if I should bring this up now or when. Sorry for the glasses. I just had eye surgery. >> If it's not on the agenda now is perfect. >> Okay. All right. So, I'm here to address the water situation. I was here um the
beginning of this year in April and uh to discuss water situations and um so right now uh we've had I have specific dates but to just make it simple um we've had you know boil water issues. So
we've had we had two last year and two this year already. My issue is is when we have these boil water issues, they're all due to the well. Um, from what I looked up, they're all due to whatever well is used in the city limits. So, um,
is our infrastructure not keeping up with all of the homes, the new homes that are going in, um, new buildings that are going in, is it not keeping up with what we need here in Willist? My second thing is my and my biggest
problem is is that when we have a boil water advisory okay we get alerted whether you are you know whether you have signed up for the text alerts that's one thing but it's supposed to be that you all are supposed to whatever city officials are supposed
to send it out um I think the IT department or whoever is really lacking because they're not giving us the information that it's okay to use the water again. We had seven days worth of boil water advisory. For seven days, we
had to boil our water. And the only way I knew that it was okay to use again was because I said, "Okay, this is ridiculous. I need to go on the official uh city of Willist website." Went on there and it said, "Okay, it's been rescended." and it said that it was
rescended, but an official word would go out to our public um the following day, which is that in itself is like not acceptable. It should have gone out like right away to let us know that we can use the water again. It's it's a real hardship when you have to do that.
Anyway, still to this day has never gone out. There's no there nothing came out whether it was text or a a paper thing on your door which blows away anyway. Nothing was put up at all to say we can
use our water again. >> They must have missed your house because they did in my neighborhood. >> Yeah. So they didn't send me a text. I'm set up for the text. Um my neighbor is set up for a text. She didn't get any any advisory.
And if you look even on a website, it's just like nothing gets sent out to us. And it's a it's a real problem for so people that people that don't want don't have internet that don't go on a website, we need to be able to trust all
of you to give us information so that we feel safe in this community. I mean, you know, if if if the city officials have become so complacent with their role and they don't care about giving us information, it's it's a real problem.
So Mr. >> Yeah. So, I will tell you the reason why you didn't get the door hangers on the day that the water bold notice was rescended, it was lightning and thundering and it was very dangerous to have crews out, >> right? But why did we get a text? >> Hang on.
>> Okay. So, I made the decision that we would put out the hangers the very next day. Right. So, I do know for a fact, correct me if I'm wrong, uh, from utilities that basically we did the notification on the website and the Facebook page and basically not only
notified about the boil waters, but also about the rescended boil water notice the same. Um, as far as the text goes, I I I have no idea. I will tell you this and of course I have not brought this up city council is that I'm looking for a different platform than what we
currently have that will be better that we can rolled into Edmonds and Edmonds will be able to do the work for us from a data that I can pull. So if we have an account with you and you have your phone number and you have an email address, this current system that we have can
then blast that message out to you and I believe will solve a lot of our problems. I hope so because I get I get the messages, but when it comes time for um for me to say, "Okay, it's all good now." Yeah, you get nothing. >> I I don't know why you didn't get it. You can you want to give me your address
and I'll research why you didn't get the hanger? Um I'll be glad to do that. >> No hanger, no text, no no email, no nothing. So, yeah. Well, >> and and I'm registered for all that. So, okay. >> But yeah, I can I can do that. >> Do you want to do it publicly or you want to wait?
>> I can do it. Yeah. at 635 Northeast 2nd Street. >> Oh, that's an easy one to remember. >> Um, >> she's in it. >> She's in it. >> It was Northwest and Northeast. So, she is in it. >> Yeah. I'll find out and and I'll pull
your phone number from your account so we don't have to announce it publicly. >> Okay. >> Unless you want to put it out there. >> Yeah. No, that that's good. [laughter] >> Okay. >> You can look it up. I'll give you >> I will I will call you tomorrow. >> Okay. All right. That sounds good. So, one other thing when it comes to the water. Last time I was in um I was
talking about all this really bad muddy water coming into the toilets in my house and so somebody was supposed to contact me about that and they never did. So, um yeah, it's just a matter of like can you follow up with what you say you're going to do sort of a thing would
be really great. Okay. And um I'm I'm hoping that um infrastructure is going to improve over time. Infrastructure is a constant problem here. The infrastructure we currently work off is 50, 60, 70 years old.
>> Yes. Very. >> Um so the problem is is finding the money to make that happen without raising rates uh without um >> taking loans out the city can't afford to take out. And so we the utilities department does a very good job of
managing what we currently have. Um, but it's hard. It's hard to put in a3 or $4 million project when you don't have the money to pay for it. And currently, you know, as a city manager, raising the rates, in my opinion, is probably not a
great ideal, but uh, you know, it it only goes so far. >> Right. >> Right. So, you know, we were able to put back about $85,000 last year in the water wastewater program. $85,000 doesn't go very far. If I have two pumps
go out, which we have, we have four. If I have two pumps goes out, that's 50 grand uh to replace those pumps. And I've done it several times in my previous time as city manager. So, it's a balancing act. I I wish I had some better better news for you, but the reality is that
>> you were just not there. >> Well, we're managing a budget just like you do at your home. And there's the things that you must have and things that you want, things that you need. And unfortunately, the must haves are things we're dealing with right now, >> right? So you you all keep like letting all these buildings go in, but the
infrastructure really can't handle it. So >> So the buildings that do come in, and I don't want to take up too much time here, but I would be more than happy to sit down in my office with you and have a meeting about this, okay? >> But the buildings, the places that do come in are required to bring in their
own uh um sanitation lift stations and add they're adding to the system. And uh sometimes it's not an issue at all. Sometimes they're so far out of town they have to run miles of pipes to go around other lift stations, but they are charged. I mean, we we don't do it on
the taxpayers's dollars. I'm going to say that right now. >> Um and then like I said, it it's a two-hour conversation, but I would love to have it with you. >> Okay. Sounds good. >> Yeah. If you want to come up here and get with uh the administrative assistant, make an appointment with me. >> Okay. >> I I'd love to talk about it. >> All right. Sounds good. Thank you very
much. >> Thank you, Janine. >> Thanks. >> Anybody else for for this particular Try one more time. [laughter] >> Run. >> My name's uh Michael Trickle and while I don't actually live in Willist, Florida,
I do I am here representing two organizations. One being the Masonic Lodge here in Willist and the second being an organization called the Polar Florida Pyrochnic Arts Guild with uh I'll represent the Masons first. The
last time that I was here, we proposed a sundial to put into the to the park, a interactive sundial. Unfortunately, life deals the card sometimes, and I was kind of taken out of that game uh pretty quick after that. And just now getting our feet under us that we can get
something moving on that. Um, we were going to the as we left it, we were going to bring in some some examples of what we what we might be trying to accomplish and some um some sites that we might be able to use. Um the problem
is uh we we would like to have something in Heritage Park and given how how nice the flag pole is in that whole area that surrounds it. We kind of think doing something to mirror that maybe on the on the north
side of the pavilion might be a way to do that and do it in the same structure with the papers and things like that. Problem is that cost a little bit of money. So what we decided uh might be a better solution for now is we are going to actually uh get round paper stones
and get with uh there was a lady here who said she wanted to get the women's organization involved. I don't know if she's here now or not. Uh maybe I'll get with Carolyn Timrook. She remembered her name, but she she said they would like to participate and also the scouts. So, we got to make two rows and numbers. And
what we're going to do is make mosaic tiles on round paper stones and take one of the lesser parks in the area, find a spot um that's not in Heritage Park and get one down and see how the community reacts to it and people can get a look
at it, see what it's all about. And if they decide to move forward uh and put something in Heritage Park that we could do it on a little bit grander scale and maybe do some fundraising and make it mirror what the the flag plaza that's already there with the half wall in the north. Um, so that's kind of where we're
at with it. Our plan is to have some some some places picked out by the next meeting and also an example of the paper stones that we're going to uh that we're going to be seeing if everybody agrees with. And so I just wanted to update you on that.
>> You might ask them if they know if they know. I'm sorry. >> Please state your name. >> Bill Katsumas. I'm the city master of Oran Lodge. Uh, this is Mike's committee and his his brainchild, but maybe y'all
already know of a park that could use some uplifting and maybe there's already a place in your minds that hey, this would be your your your neighborhood, >> but uh uh just another place. >> I think they're signaling the police
officer out of the way. >> I'm sorry. [laughter] Sorry. >> I was like, "Okay, Mike, we can do it at your house. No problem." you know, I think I'd be a little selfish of you not to share with the whole county. [laughter] >> So, but if y'all already know of a park, you know, by the rehabilitation center
or across the town and say, "Hey, this would be a great spot for y'all to start." We would go do it right there and have But that's what I was just going to say. So, >> remind us of the diameter of the sund dial. >> About as big as this, is it? Uh you can
make it to size anywhere you want but the actual you don't it can be as small as 20 by 20 and it could be as large as the the size of the flag plasma depending on how you want to look. >> We just need a clear sky. >> Yeah. We just we just need a clear sky with no you can actually have a shadow
diameter. Okay. >> We'll identify some possible spots in the park and bring them to you and then you can say yeah go let's do this one or that one and we'll get one down. What we don't want to do is come into Heritage Park and throw a bunch of rocks on the ground and say, "Well, that that was great." You know, we want it to be something special. And that that's kind
of where we're going with it. Are there any questions about that part of it? No. Okay, moving on very quickly. The Florida Pyro Technics Art Guild is an incorporated organization here in the state of Florida where basically we manufacture and shoot fireworks as a
club. Now, some of our club members are like uh actually manufactured fires for Disney World and I can actually point to the ones that are made by this man and show you in the Disney show where his fireworks are going up. So, they're do we do it at a really really high level.
We like to have shoot sites and each month we meet somewhere uh different so that we move all around the state so that everybody can participate throughout the state. Some of those are what we call building shoots where we actually manufacture fireworks on site for that day and once it gets dark
enough to start sending them up they go. Okay. Uh usually they love they love to blow stuff up. They don't even wait for it to get dark. They just soon as it's a little bit dark they start shooting uh just so they can get some stuff up in the air.
We thought that the Williston airport might be a possible shoot site for us. So Mr. Stigle being a friend of mine. I contacted him and said, "What's what's the possibility is this?" And he said, "Well, we already shoot [cough] fireworks at the horse park." Anyway, um
but yeah, there's some real possibilities out there. So, we I approached the club and said, "Look, we've actually taken tours of the site and kind of identified some spots where we might be able to to do that." And I wanted to approach the city council to see if we could that might be a
possibility for us. Since your time is up and it's not on our agenda, if you will work with Mr. Steagle to bring us back something on our agenda, we can actually discuss it. >> Okay. >> Because you your your time is up. Your clock has quit. >> Yeah, but I had two subjects.
>> I No, it doesn't it [laughter] doesn't work that way. >> You have 10 or one. >> Okay. Thank you. >> But work with Ben and y'all come up with some a proposal and bring it back to us. Okay. >> You make sure it's on the agenda and you'll have more time. I actually tried to get on the agenda to
elect some of the other people in the room. I make calls and whatnot and somehow got passed over. If you can't get the city clerk, ask for the administrative assistant. Vicki is very responsive. She's good. So, let her know. Thank you, sir.
Anything else for public participation at this time? Here he comes again. [laughter] >> This one's not going to be so nice. >> Uh-oh. Robert Langan, 500 Northwest Fifth Avenue. She reminded me of it. Do we not have a monitoring system on these wells?
I'm not saying somebody's sitting there watching the thing, but I called at 12:35ish the night it when it was went out. The guy didn't know a damn thing about it. >> Did not know. >> Midnight. 12:35. Okay.
>> Now, I'm sorry. I've been in construction a long time. We put sensors on everything. And it's got pressure in it. Like I said, I'm not saying G needs to be sitting there watching it, but there should be some kind of a pressure sensor that when the water is pressure dri Well, he wasn't aware of it.
>> And then at the end of conversation, he Well, somebody else did call in about 5 minutes ago. >> Yeah. >> Uh >> it depends on who you were talking to whether they knew or not. >> It's whoever answered the phone when I called this number and then got transferred over to them. So, I don't know. >> Not necessarily the water person. >> Yeah. But
>> I know I first heard about it about 5:30 in the morning, 6:00. >> Well, it was 12:35ish, 12:30ish when I called in. And I mean, it's to me that's something that's a critical path that should definitely have some kind of and it may have, I don't know,
>> but uh it needs to have a sensor on it to hey, we got a problem at ding somebody somewhere. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Anybody else? Okay, we're going to move to our consent agenda. Woo! Item number six, the
consent agenda which consists of the July 21st council minutes. >> Madame Vice President, >> sorry, >> the on the Gerald on the call. >> Oh, you have a caller on the phone. Thank you. Because I did not see that.
Is this Mr. Peso. Do we know? >> Yes. >> It's probably Mr. Peso. >> What you got, Gerald? Guess we can tell them what we know. What do you think, madam attorney?
>> I did, too. [snorts] >> No luck. >> Like, talk to me. Talk to me so I know what's going on. [laughter] If not, I'm getting ready to I'm getting ready to move on. >> One second. So, Kirsten, should we talk about it or
just go forward? If he's not able to get on because I'm not going to wait much longer. >> I can provide an update and an update, but I I know that there's also a second opportunity at the end for public comment if we can get that working. >> Okay, that's good.
That sounds great. So, at the end of the second public participation, >> okay, >> Mr. It, we're going to move and if he can if we get it working, we'll do it at the second. >> Okay. >> Do you hear him? Did you hear him, Mr. Cox? >> Yeah, I hear him fine.
>> Can you hear me? >> There we go. >> Hello. >> Not enough to hear him. >> Yep. We're getting there. I don't know why it's not being very loud. >> Yeah,
he's in New York at the moment. I think he told me he was coming to Florida next week. Uh, so he just needs to be present at our next meeting. >> Hello. >> There he is. >> Can you hear me? >> Yes, sir. Go ahead.
>> We can hear you now. Oh, now you can hear me. >> Yes, sir. Please identify yourself and and go ahead. >> Must not can hear us. >> How's that? >> We hear you fine.
>> Okay, great. Thank you so much. This is fine. >> Yes. >> Okay. My name is Dave Pesso. Uh I'm here on behalf of my father, Michael Pesso. Uh, I was in front of you. Uh, good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the
city council, Mayor Goodman, uh, city clerk, Deborah Jones, attorney uh uh, I was in front of you guys a little bit over a year ago, uh, on behalf of my father and, uh, his unfortunate
situation and, uh, the status of his properties. uh even though I felt that it went very well uh and my father even he saw the video and he was brought to tears especially by the wonderful words by uh Mr. Goodman
his old friend and Laura Jones. Unfortunately, my father uh spiraled out of control mentally, physically and uh kind of didn't let us help him. Uh I'm not as
sure if everyone on the city council is fully aware of his situation. Uh for many many years, unfortunately, he hasn't let us onto his property. He's been living in squalor on uh 716 West Noble in a commercial property without
any water, without any shower, without any air condition. Uh it's a miracle that he's even alive. By the grace of God, I am here today because uh fortunately about a month ago, he did call us and says if someone doesn't come
get me now, I will not live another day. I flew down to Williston roughly about 30 days ago and uh he was pretty much in unconscious. It was one of those 100 uh degree days and uh luckily we were able
to get him out and rush him to the VA hospital which now he's been in for the past month and thank God for them that they uh they brought him back. He's he's on his meds. We went into the property on
West Noble and it's worse than anything you've ever seen on A&E or a TV show of hoarders. He has not taken his medication in years. He's not returned mail. He's not He's living in
the most disgusting circumstances you ever can imagine. Well, luckily that's been passed us. He's in much better shape now. He's taking his meds. his Parkinson's has uh you know unfortunately taken to another level but
his diabetes and all his other issues have been under control. Uh I know the situation and the troubles that my father has given the many years unfortunately towards his end of his life to the town of Williston. But
please not forget how many years he was an intricral part to this community. He helped many people. He's saved many lives. He supported many. He was an intricral part of this community. My father was a war hero. He's a combat
wounded warrior from Vietnam. And uh unfortunately it with many other things had many bad effects on his life. Thank God the with the VA and the social workers and the therapists, even though
he cries every day and all he thinks about and is is about the war [laughter] and how bad things were. And I'm sure you've seen him wandering around and he's giving away money and tipping people and and a lot of people have helped him on Will the last few years
and bringing him water and a lot of people have taken advantage of him. I am here now and which I already spoke to Miss uh Belveloo as well as uh [clears throat] uh Mrs. Jones. We have full power of
attorney now and we are in control of all his affairs. We beg you and hopefully now the VA is going is putting him into a long time uh assisted living. He can never come back to where he's been. He will not go
there. Uh I'm sure people have mentioned to you we have been there Friday. This Friday I'm flying back down Thursday with my brothers and sisters and uh we have uh local uh garbage company that's putting containers on uh West Noble,
which was his uh pawn shop, and we're going to clean everything out there. And uh we want to do everything to help him, you know, save all the years that he's worked hard for and given his life for to help him finish the rest of his life
as peacefully and, you know, without as stress as possible. So hopefully you guys can have some heart and remember the good things that he's done. I know he was difficult. I know he was nasty. I know he, you know, he has schizophrenia.
He has P PTSD, but please don't forget he fought for this country. He's one of our veterans. He's one of our warriors that's helped us be where we are today. So, I spoke to Miss Maloo today, Miss Clark, and she said before anything could be done that I have to come up uh
in front of you guys and hopefully uh you'll have a heart and help this old veteran out, old sick veteran. And I know Mr. Goodman has a, you know, piece of his heart for my father. They go back a long time and so does Mrs. Jones. So,
I hope the rest of you do as well. Thank you so much and thank God for him still being alive and me being able to talk to you about this right now. >> Thank you, Mr. Peso. We will um and when you're here, we will get it on our agenda so that we can discuss it. My
question for Miss Belaloo is does it need to go to the board of adjustments before it comes to us? >> We have had a a difficult time with our code enforcement board getting enough individuals on it to uh be able to have
meetings. So typically the answer is yes. Right now practically I don't have a way to do that. >> Okay. >> Um for you all. So, and this is part of why my recommendation was for Mr. Peso to come and speak with you all because
generally speaking, we have talked about we'd like these to go to the code enforcement board and when we had a quorum, we were doing that. While we don't have a quorum, you all are are the next uh available entity. >> Perfect. I knew that was the normal process, but I wasn't sure.
>> Chief, uh this is probably out of order, but I just heard the words of Mr. Peso's son, which were very moving and uh I think we should pay our respects to Mr. Peso and give him applause for what he's done for this city and what he's done for this
country. [applause] Okay. So, when you're here at your next visit, uh let's try to make it coordinate with our next meeting. Uh, so if you will coordinate either with the attorney or with the city clerk, we will work that out. Thank you for calling in
tonight. >> Say that again. I couldn't hear you too good. >> Can you repeat that? >> When you're here next, can you hear me? >> Yeah, now I hear you. >> Okay. When you're here next in Willist,
we need to arrange for you to be here rather than over the phone. I'll be on I'll be on his property with my brother and sister Friday. >> Well, we have another meeting in two weeks. So, hopefully we can coordinate that. >> So, uh what should I do? Go on the
agenda. >> Yes, sir. >> And how do I do that? >> Uh we'll we'll see to it if you're going to be in town. >> I'll make sure. >> Okay. Thank you so much. We'll let you know the date.
>> Thank you so much. I appreciate your listening. >> Okay, let's try this consent agenda which is number six >> [clears throat] >> uh which is consist of the July 22nd council meeting minutes.
Have a motion for approval of the consent agenda. >> I make a motion that we approve the consent agenda. >> A second. I have a motion and a second. Do I have any discussion from anyone? All in favor of the motion say I. >> I.
>> All oppose same sign. Motion carries. Item number seven is updates. We will start with the interim city manager, Mr. Bvard. >> Thank you, madame vice president. >> Yeah. So, um, it saddened me to have to tell the council and was disappointed
when I got this letter today that, uh, unfortunately Kimberly Troy, our HR director, going to resign and her last effective date will be the 18th of August. Um, so obviously we will be um, looking into replacing her. Um, I will
tell you that just the two weeks that I've been here, she's been a tremendous asset to me and the staff. I hate to see her go. Um, but it's a situation where she's got a golden opportunity to do a job she loves and I would take it if I
was her. So, um we'll be Pat Latricia and I will get together tomorrow and see what we can do as far as uh whether what our options are either to hire somebody internally uh or to maybe look at some some outsourcing, whatever the city
council's wishes are, you know, um we'll do whatever y'all would like and uh I will talk to you individually about it and see where you want to go so we have some kind of a headway. Um, I will tell you that I've spent most of the week uh with um Ry Pierce going over the
presentation. You'll hear momentarily. Um, so it's um y'all all had a chance to see it, so hopefully it'll go pretty quick. I've uh myself and Walt checked out four places today of alleged flooding that apparently some of them are flooding and
uh it's still the same issue we've always had. Um nothing's changed. a high volume of water, short period of time, um, and people's houses get flooded. Um, so I will look at each one of these individually. Some of y'all sent me emails. I will address them personally,
uh, as to what our opinion is and where we need to go forward from there. And, um, and I really have nothing else to further. It's been a pretty busy two weeks. So, >> terrific. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. Anything from staff
all the way around the room? Anything from staff that's not on the agenda? >> Okay, >> I have an update. >> I heard somebody. >> That would be me. >> Yes, >> Gerald. Okay. >> Um, so on the fiber front, >> yes, sir. >> We're up to 113 customers.
21 of them are businesses. >> Could I add to that? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, I forgot that part. So, I have also been in contact with uh Denny George. You all all know him. Um Denny and I are pretty good friends. So, I've solicited some advice from him. He's
offered to loan us uh the George that works for him for a little bit to come in without any cost, take a look at our fiber system and basically give me a kind of idea where we need to go, what we need to do. I've also talked to a gentleman named Chris McKenzie, I believe is his last name. We're playing
phone tag. He was recommended by Mr. George also. So, I'll be reaching out to him and um there's another company that Denny recommended. We'll also be looking at as far as doing our maybe some additional installs. So, I forgot to say all that part, but we're moving forward
on that. Um so, it's just been a crazy kind of busy week and I left that out and I apologize. >> Thank you. That's good news. Thank you. Appreciate it, Gerald. Anything else from staff? any council member
any updates [clears throat] on anything, Mr. Mayor? Thank you, Madame Vice President. Uh, this is for your own benefit and I'm sure my fire chief will appreciate it.
In case you people are unaware, right next door, Ivy House had a extreme situation from a drier vent. And it turns out that
15,000 fires a year are caused by dryers. What happens is you do not keep the vent open, the dryer overheats, and you have
a house fire. So, if you're not doing your own, get somebody else to clean your dryer vent on a regular basis and avoid the terrors of having a fire break out. And for goodness sakes, please don't turn
your dryer on and leave the house. Okay. The other thing I wanted to tell you, which is good news, is that High Springs, their police chief has been reinstated. And the last thing which is for all of
us to understand is that the UF and IAUS is having a her hurricane recovery resilience uh event
September 1st in Pew Hall orca and I guess it's pew p u g h I don't know any other way to pronounce it uh it's at the University of Florida. It's at 5:30 to 7:30 and it is resilience in Cedar Key
after the hurricanes that devastated our sister city in Cedar K. U and I just wanted everybody that had any interest to be aware of it. It is at the University of Florida 5:30 to 7:30
at Pew Hall Orca September 1st. And that's all I have for this. I have something else at the next point. Thank you. >> Yes, sir.
>> Okay. We are now going back to our double A. that will be our first thing in new business which is a public hearing and it's the state revolving fund clean water facilities plan and we have with us tonight
is I don't know if Sarah is here >> Sarah's not okay uh Antonio and uh Dennis is not here I understand he's still >> he just got back from a vacation >> yes he's been gone a long time and Walt Nickel of course okay you have the floor
>> thank you Walt Nickel with Ray Pierce Thank you. Um yeah, we're here to present um the findings, the final result of our uh uh wastewater facilities plan. Um Antony's going to go through the timeline and history. So I'm just want to introduce Antonio. He's the
project manager on this on this project and been heading this up. It's been ongoing now for essentially two years and we'll go over the the details of that. We're here today to get council to approve the plan. There's other steps that would happen afterwards, but this
an approval needs to be done by council and it gets, you know, conveyed to D. D needs to know that the council is accepting this plan. Um, there's other things, but we're going to go into the detail and a little bit of a housekeeping thing for our paperwork with D. They do want to have a sign-in
sheet for the council members. The attendees and the audience don't need to, but anybody on council, I'm going to pass this around. if you can fill out the information and sign it because this will be part of our submitted. And with that, Antonio,
go ahead. Thank you, Walt. Uh, good evening everyone, Mr. Mayor, members of the council. Uh, my name is Antonio Serbia. I'm a civil engineer with the firm right Pierce. engineering consultant for the city of Willist for a number of years now and uh I'll be presenting the findings and next steps
on the uh wastewater facilities plan that we prepared to fulfill the requirements of the state revolving fund of the Florida Department of uh environmental protection FD before we start uh maybe we can advance to the to
the presentation uh on that right what is a facilities plan so everybody understand a facilities plan is an engineering and technical document that goes and uh documents the condition of certain infrastructure of the city. In
this case, the wastewater conveyance systems including the gravity source and the lift stations. Uh reviews that information and makes recommendation and cost analysis about what is the best option to uh repair or rehabilitate
these uh facilities. This plan document is required by the FDP in order to provide the city uh forum and standing one of the requirements for any future uh funding uh being available. And as uh our city manager um just mentioned
before, raising rates and and making loans are expensive. You know, typical commercial loans are very expensive. But the state revolving fund is a fund created by the state and the other federal funding that affords uh loans to
cities like you at very low interest um very low that are not accessible to the common public and also with very high uh principal forgiveness percentages up to 80%. So when you see the word loan and funding through this presentation don't
think that Mr. uh the city went to the bank and get a loan that is so expensive. These are special loans afforded to cities that are taking care of infrastructure to solve the the issues that you all are facing at very low interest and with very high uh
principal forgiveness up to 80%. Correct? So with that I'll follow through uh and uh we're going to provide a little bit of background and history. Let's uh in virtual time Mr. ROS here uh asked me to uh expedite the presentation a little bit. So, we're going to listen
to that. We don't want to get in trouble tonight. So, uh I'll provide you some background right now why we got here. On the next slide, uh please. We see here a timeline. So, this is nothing new. Back in 2013, the city engaged in similar
effort uh that for uh whatever reasons at that time did not lead to moving forward with pursuing this funding. But since 2013, the city has diligently identified the need and the condition of the infrastructure and has been trying
to deise ways to make these improvements happen. uh by 2023 an infrastructure re revitalization plan was prepared uh to try to keep the the ball rolling on that. But see that was like 10 years after the first uh initial trial. But
this time the city took uh a step and committed to move forward and in 2024 hire right peers to reinitiate this process. Now um you know with a full commitment and uh us we started um pursuing funding to prepare the first
phase of this plan which is the planning phase. uh in 2025. You may have seen us all around the city with that CCTV cameras inside the sewers and uh our guys opening up the the manholes in coordination with the city and inspecting all of that uh in unison with
that effort. Wall's team was uh evaluating the condition of the lift stations as well. So we prepare what is called a survey, a sanitary sewer survey, which is anything more than than an X-ray to the uh system of the city.
That um that study is what uh gives birth to this plan that we're preparing right now that by requirements of the FG shall have three alternatives. The FDP is looking forward for these recommendations to be vetted and be uh I
got to have two things engineering sense. So it's not a wish or something that we're just like pulling off the cuff to recommend. It's something that is guided by certain engineering principles and number two is going to be uh financially uh efficient and make
sense. So to that effect we identify three alternatives. Every financial uh facilities plan ought to have three alternatives. Number one, we detected that the core of the city was our study area and is the area of the city that may have pipes dating back to the 50s
and 60s uh era. Uh there's a type of pipe called Orangeberg which is really cardboard glorified with uh tar and uh set in place after 40 50 years that's really not not a pipe anymore. So the city core uh has this type of pipe and
other uh clay pipes that are really needing rehabilitation. So alternative one on this plan was to go ahead and rehabilitate those uh those sewers and the lift stations uh that are around it. Alternative two, we ought to come in
with with three alternatives, remember? So alternative two responds to to the pressures and the need of the outside of the city core, the outskirts of the city. Of course, there's going to be growth. That's where growth will come in. Uh I don't think there's going to be highrises and downtown or anything of
that. So if any growth the city will attract will be in the outskirts of the city as well. There are um environmental requirements that will uh drive and maybe force some of the existing developments to abandon their septic facilities and adopt sewer facilities
and connect to the city sewers. But guess what? The founders of the city when the city was designed you know the the downtown of the uh wastewater facilities don't have all that capacity and conveyance. It's like your city grew but your roads stay the same. Now you have a traffic jam downtown. So what
alternative 2 is trying to do is establish these highways to the outside of the city. So when this progress happens in the outside of the city or many uh communities that are existing go from sectic to sewer instead of connecting and traversing all their
sewer through the city existing uh pipelines and lift stations they connect to those highways and uh probably share the cost of bringing those highways to them and connecting to that not burdening excessively the already
existing uh city system that would be a symbiotic uh win-win situation in which the city as established will work okay and then we don't close the gates to future growth and uh also environmental uh soundness. The third alternative in
this plan just to bring the perspective and uh pain like to the FDP the the chaos that would happen right we got to be a little bit dramatic is a do nothing alternative FDP defines this as that like do nothing but it's like the really the city is not doing anything the city is doing
something there's reactive maintenance you got to go ahead and continue uh doing makeshift repairs repairing pipes that are collapsing you'll have sewer stoppages and whatnot So by not investing in an option that uh
rehabilitates the system that investment happens anyway but happens in fixing things day in and day out. So the budgets would be similar. The question here where would the city focus and put that investment in? Pipes are not like mine. They don't get better with time,
right? Uh they at some point uh they exponentially decay and uh leave stations as well. And then comes the day where really uh the cost might surpass what would have been a simple uh fix on on the next uh visual here we're
presenting just for your uh quick inspection. what is the the city core the Saudi area and you might not appreciate here but these documents are available what the downtown area uh is and in the upper right side you see what
is our plan for rehabilitation in engineering terms what we're going to do or are proposing to do your infrastructure is at this point that we can do a trenchless rehabilitation imagine a a sock that you impregnating in resin and unfolded inside the pipe
then push hot water inside the pipe. That hot water cures the resin and quickly you have placed a pipe inside the pipe. That happens between two manholes. No excavations and really it's seamless. Uh every segment is done like
uh in a single day. So that is a very non-intrusive way to uh rehabilitate your infrastructure and the city of Willisttown infrastructure at this point is it's uh it's reasonable to recommend that this can be done. is at the point that
we haven't escalated to a major damage. So, this can be done within the next uh 5 years or so and it's possible. The red little squares that you see are really not drawn to scale. These are little spots where the pipe have collapsed. We might need to do like a 10-ft excavation
here and there just to repair something minor, but you're not looking at big excavation. When I say that probably 90 to 95% of the city uh sewers can be rehabilitated uh trenchless and that is very cost effective. If we wait for the
day where this needs to be dug, you don't only are replacing the pipe but you're also having to restore the whole street and uh the traffic disturbances all of that. So this is a sweet moment to to look at this on the next slide. uh referring also to this alternative one
we have peacemeal this project in four uh sections we understand and looking at the cost that I'll discuss later achieving the whole rehabilitation of the sewers and the lift stations in one shot it's quite expensive so in order to uh get the benefits of the SRF program
from the FDP we propose to split that into four areas everything shall be done but the red area would be phase one uh and that would include also taking care of list stations one and uh 14's rehabilitation along with the
abandonment of list station 16 right now that is in private property. So that would be phase one of of the recommended alternative. There's other three phases. Uh this this is a program that could last 5 to 10 years or so. So the for the
uh purpose of tonight we're going to focus on this project in order to be able to present uh what the goal is which is to approve this engineering document that I I miss u stating at the beginning that approving or not
approving this document doesn't well let's I'm just going to say approving this document doesn't uh make the city responsible or encumbers or is the responsibility for further loans or charges. But if the city will pursue these
advantageous loans in the future, you ought to have this document. This is your test book. This is the ticket to the uh to the to the table where the city can go and request funding of any kind, higher or lower, whatever the city can afford. But the rules are that you
ought to have one of these things. They last for 5 years. So after approved, the city has 5 years to figure things out, go to the SRF and request whatever funding they see fit. Uh like one was in 2013. Back then the uh the motion was to
not to go for it. Right now we're hitting the wall and needing to do something. And uh the motion tonight is to approve this technical document, this engineering document. So the city can have standing once it's approved by the
FGP in January. There's going to be some meetings where the city will have time to discuss how high or low uh they will go and then this uh pursuing of funding and make it happen. So that that ought to be stated on the next uh visual here. When I said alternative one is
expensive, the the infrastructure, the construction monies that are required to build things here to do the whole of alternative one is about 18 shy of $19 million. Plus, usually there's a 10% design cost and
the FDP requires that when we PPR estimates, we allow for a 10% contingency because remember this is all planning. Once we do it, we'll know a better price. So the whole project would cost $22.5 million. That's quite a bit lot of money for a city like Williston.
But stating this like that is a truth and it ought to be stated so the FD recognizes for for real once they approve this document is really they're not going to be judging our engineering uh proess to do it or how good we were or not. they will give standing to that
number and say the city of Williston uh certified by uh uh professional engineer has the need for $22 million or 23 or whatever will be and that number will be official. How much you go uh and pursue for funding that will depend on
your capacity to repay and and the conditions of a principal forgiveness or not. But we ought to put it on the billboard officially with the state that the city needs all that money and and your citizens and everybody here that I hear that are having uh needs and issues
need that to be official. So there's uh for once recognized. Okay. On the next uh visual uh I'm just presenting alternative two. This is uh a zoom out to the future. The the bright red uh polygon there represent the city
core and in the outskirts. I know probably because of distance you might not appreciate it too much but there are different areas uh we've identified here about 14 or so uh outside of the inner core of the city that either want to uh
develop or already develop and want to convert their septics to sewer. There's two projects going on right now that we've have helped the city obtain funding. So that's not costing anything to the city to convert sewers uh septics
to sewers in two areas. The inner core of the city conveyance system has some capacity. You know we can admit a couple more friends into the conveyance system but this is not a hypothetical scenario. This is happening and many developers
are approaching to the city. So as that happens that pressure from the outside really mandates that we provide for that future position where those avenues to the outside are possible and we can continue uh growing if the city wishes
to right but lacking the uh right infrastructure shall not be uh a consequence for no uh development if there's no development is the decision of the city right uh on the next uh figure I uh slide we
present a summary of the cost for uh the three alternatives here. So, as I discussed, the city core, the full uh catalog alternative one would cost $22.5 million, but we are recommending that the city focuses for now on a more
tangible uh piece of the pie, which would cost about um shy of $9 million after design and construction and and that would be the first priority. That could be achieved at once or in two years or three years or
whatever. But uh this is a multi-step process and the importance in this process is to continue making steps. Uh no matter how slow you go, but you got to make steps rather than abandon the uh the mission and do nothing. That that's an alternative at this point. If nothing
goes forward- which could be adopted by the city by approving the plan, you're not committing to alternative one or doing anything. It's the the technical information that documents the condition and what could be done. The city in the future could select to adopt alternative
three and don't do this. Right? That doesn't mean there will be no cost. Like I said, the cost that this $9 million would cost probably over the course of five or six year might cost you in repairing things that are broken day in and day out with all the problems that that brings.
Um, so, uh, what's your current, uh, and and future, uh, fiscal, uh, and financial position? So, I wasn't around serving the city back then, but in 2024, uh, rate increases were approved. uh the
first ones in 13 years and I understand there were substantial there was a lot of of thinking about it but the utilities department was operating in a negative uh checkbook and those uh rate adjustments were um level the city
finances to produce uh a balanced budget and a little bit of surplus that is always always good to have for any emergencies that happen. So that said, so that that's one reason that ought to be considered right now because the FDP
says that whatever uh alternative or loan or motion the city takes into this SRF planning shall also consider the the clients, the repairers. So none of these decisions shall put the city in in a bind or a position where rates need to
go up astronomically. This ought to be done in an organic integral way uh that the city will work and deise in order to chunk down these uh improvements as necessary in order to to achieve that organic growth and uh rates that are
sustainable by the city like our city uh manager just mentioned. So in preparation of this plan, we have provided data so that the city can have the granularity to select what's needed as they evaluate their financial position.
On the next slide, we're going to skip 11 because it's kind of tiny and I have a better representation on number 12. >> It's kind of small. >> Yeah, the next one, please. Right. This is the same information but but uh presented in a more uh zoom in.
So the the condition nowadays uh existing an anticipated anticipated debt those rates that were instituted in 2014 after 13 years uh produce a positive balance of about uh a net revenue we
call it of about $95,000 96 a year right uh some of that goes to operation and maintenance whatever but there's a a a small surplus that is healthy for a city the size of the city of Willist Um,
back in 2024 when the city decided to take this step back then the city decided to enter into along with the FD for planning for sending crews out there and starting all the facilities and doing all this we're doing which uh this is the deliverable of that. So there's a
loan already running for that. that loan will uh need to be start uh to be repaid in probably 2027 28 or so, but let's assume it's in 2027. And uh the so-called uh mortgage, right, of this
loan will be about 21 uh $21,000 a year, not a month, a year, right, for the next 10 years. It was quite expensive to do all this. You got thousands like 20 some thousand linear feet of pipes that needed to be cleaned and CCTV and uh
hundreds of manholes that needed to be opened and uh investigated and whatnot plus a wall prepared um uh a report that evaluated all the lift stations. So that's quite a bit of work to do and it's typical that that's what uh these
plans are. So tonight, we're not talking about encumbering the city in additional monies or loans or whatever. That loan was already there, but the repayment starts next year. The city has the the resources to pay for that. That's what they were afforded loan. But the
scenario that it slightly shows in red. I'm thinking maybe you can see the highlight. The phase one, right, the design of it will be about 10% of that construction. And if the city pursues that uh it would start repayment in year
27 or 28 uh for about $9 to $10,000. What does this means today? As it is, the city could afford uh funding up to the design phase of this infrastructure that does one great thing. It makes the
city shovel ready. many grants uh afforded by other programs uh in the state uh when they have money available they would like to receive uh requests from cities that are ready to go to construction the city is not there because there are no beatable or ready
uh designs right now so investing right I'm using the word not spending but investing in designing this infrastructure could place a city with two different escape routes that could be used at the same time one would be pursuing funding through the SRF at a
very very low uh uh interest rate and good principal forgiveness and using the same design to construct other parts of the infrastructure via grants of other uh other agencies. But we don't have that today. So the loans that we go and
pursue are are loans that admit uh requesttors that that have a mediumterm uh construction timing as they call it rather than one that if you they award us a grant in January that same year we could go to construction if we had this
design. So that is the importance of approving this document and having the the uh the justification. So every time the city goes and uh requests uh any funding or make advantage of any grant that is
available, we are ready to to do it. Um let me see right now uh let's go to our next uh slide here. So that current loan that I mentioned uh for the planning. So there there are three
phases on on any project like this. There's planning phase which is what just we're concluding right now and presenting this report. That is the design phase a brief uh time where we prepare the plan specifications and big documents to be able to construct all
that infrastructure that could be constructed under SRF or by other means uh to fund it. uh and then the construction. So the current loan, the city was awarded a 50% principal forgiveness for a loan at 10 years with
68 uh% interest rate. Quite an attractive uh loan for that and that's what will start uh being paid next year. Future loans uh let's say the city engaged in design of that first uh part of alternative one. that loan has the uh
probability of being awarded an 80% principal forgiveness. So only 80% of what is requested uh I mean 80% would be forgiven. So we we pay back only 20%. At a 1.52% at 20 years now right uh there's a typo
right there on the first bullet of the second area on future SRF loan. Uh that 10 years at 152 is really 20 years at 152. Okay. So then uh let's say the city is construction ready uh and decided and
could afford uh the money for construction of that first phase. That construction uh loan could be afforded again an 80% principal forgiveness at 20 years at 02. Usually the construction interest rate is way lower than the
design one. Um of course these interests are not set today. They go and change by the uh geo index. uh but it this is very usual there are the lowest uh interest rates uh that you could have it's called a loan but as you understand right now it's really an internal government loan
not a commercial um in instrument of of financial um why have we uh considered phasing the project um there are some rules of engagement right when the state has a a b a bucket at the beginning of the year
of principal forgiveness no single requesttor can receive more than 25% of that bucket. Right? So if you enter in with a very big project in which that 80% wish of principal forgiveness of yours really consumes a lot of those uh
mill uh millions of dollars for principal forgiveness which last year were $14 million. You have a low probability to get your 80% forgiveness because there's many people requesting uh funding. But if you you we go in with
smaller projects at a time, our probability of getting or being awarded 80% principal forgiveness for many small project is way higher. So that's one of the strategies that we've used in order to chunk down this uh program into more
tangible pieces that would get uh additional benefits. Um um yeah, that's really the that that that's one of the reasons why we're facing this project. Okay. So what are the next steps tonight? So and with this uh Chief Ross uh I finished now that
this will be my my final slide. So how am I doing? 19. Um the next steps [laughter] we have already >> we go I think you had 200 pages didn't you? 247 I think to be exact. Yeah, we
have already submitted a draft uh we can do that uh to uh you know submit a draft of the plan to the FGP for preliminary comments make sure we're going the the right way and they have already said yeah that plan looks sound we have no
major comments to it whatever uh they might comment will be minor so we have you know check mark on that the FDP requires that this information that I've shared today is presented to the city council and also to the public. So, uh
by having the attendance uh sheet and uh if the public if anybody anybody wanted to sign it, they're welcome to do so. But these evidences that we uh complied with that request that requirement and showed up here and uh summarized the the
information that is included in the plan uh in a transparent manner. Uh what's the condition, what are the costs and what are the city options that we haven't enticed you to say you have to take a loan. I haven't said that tonight. I'm presenting technical information that the city will use uh
considering all the different aspects of city administration need to need to take. Um um in parallel with what we're doing, the Florida Rural Water Association, FRWA,
is assisting the city review the rates and the financial posture and conditions of the city to determine what type of loan and what size of loan you all could afford. That's not part of our scope. That is a city administrative
function. uh but we've included it here because uh there's going to be uh a meeting on August 18 I understand and personnel from the FRWA which are also assisting us preparing this plan uh will
uh have um you know information for the city and further considerations but uh the outcome of those considerations really will be necessary in January or at the time that the city having already forum and standing in front of the FD GP by having approved this and submitting
it to them and posting on the billboard. We have the need of 24 million. You're all invited to the table and uh the city will state how if any or how much uh you will request. Um there's a very important meeting uh
deadline uh to present formally and when I say formally this plan takes standing. Uh uh so so far that draft that I presented was a draft from a professional engineer consultant from the city that presented this to the FTP for general checks and concurrence. But
the the formal submitt needs to be accompanied by an adoptton adoption resolution that this uh council will need to approve in order to put it as a cover page and give it to the to the FTP. That ought to happen by September 28th. That's the the closing of the gate
because there's a uh important meetings in November where they prepare what they call a priority listing out of the hundreds cuz I know there will be at least maybe not a hundred but a big number of plans like this of every city
and county in Florida who's going to be presenting their facilities plan. The FDP will evaluate it and prepare a priority listing. many will not not have the merits. Maybe the the the justification is not strong enough.
Maybe the FDP understand that that city or that county has other means that they really don't need to to use this uh get benefits of this program. They really try to put this money where it's most needed. So they will go through that TE and publish the priority listing and we
are confident that we'll make that list. That list is really the the list for the party, right? This is the list of possible requesttors that can take the step forward and request a loan if they choose to do so. Right? But if we don't
make it on that list, the cycle is quarterly and uh the 80% principal forgiveness that is available now and the interest rate, it might change. We don't have control over that. Every year the the the local government, the fed government, they meet and they determine
how much is available for principal forgiveness for >> Hold one moment for me. Yes, ma'am. Do we have issues down here? >> I think >> I think our recorder quit. So, hold on one second. >> Do we need a new tape or does it need to
be turned over or something? >> [clears throat] >> Is it moving? Okay. Do we need another tape? >> Huh? >> Oh, is it digital? Didn't used to be. Oh my. Shows you how long I've been here, huh? [laughter]
I drove the recording. >> Used to just >> used to just have to flip it over here, man. >> It was much easier. >> I did. So, thank you. >> So, how does it how is it digital
in that little thing? MP3, maybe. >> Yeah. >> All right. Are we taking a recess or we or what are we doing? recording. >> We have our other recording going. >> Okay. So, we have our go to meeting going. So, we're good.
>> Okay. >> So, continue, please, sir. >> Good. Thank you. I will. >> Sorry for the interruption. >> Thank you. I was literally about done here. So, that uh priority listing uh we have available every year, you know, the priority listing that is prepared every
year. So, we really are are uh working hard to make it on that priority list and allow the city to continue taking steps as big or as small as you all can can take and and not abandon ship like for whatever reasons was done in 2013.
Uh we've been to the door knocking the door of the of DP twice already. Remember back in 2013 we did most of this effort already. It was abandoned. This is the second time. If we don't take steps even small steps right now the FDP there any third time if we go
back in five or six years to ask for another chance we might not be taken for serious right so this is a an opportunity and it's a very sound uh plan that will allow you to take the steps that are needed so with that I conclude the presentation tonight uh uh
looking forward to a positive uh approval of the resolution to adopt this plan and officially submit it to the FGP P so this process uh can move forward. Further steps after that happens next year the city will be called in by the
FDP or you reach out to the FDP to continue doing as you see fit. >> Okay. >> Thank you very much. >> Uh this is a public hearing and I would ask if anyone in the public has comments or questions for Mr. Serbia. >> Okay. All right. uh councel any
questions or comments for for him? >> I've pretty much answered most of the questions that I've had, but um I as far as a comment, I feel like there's been a a cry for this just getting the steps rolling and and at least showing, you know, our focus. Um so I appreciate all
the efforts and all the information that's been provided. >> Very welcome. >> Yes. Uh I will comment that uh they have met individually with each council member. So we uh don't have too many questions because we've already asked four million. Uh so uh they were very
good to meet with all of us individually. So and now they're here to make the presentation to you. >> And just one other I have a question for you sir. My question in there was when we were in the meeting was just so they understand
we're not the only ones that have issues. We're a small municipality. They're large cities that they are helping to design. So, it's just not >> Oh, yeah. >> Just not us. >> And one thing I kind of want to stress,
you know, we talked about this is the plan going forward. You're not committing to anything, but it it opens up the SRF program to you by getting on that priority list. But it also is beneficial for other grants and we are going to continue and we constantly do
that continue to look for other grants. So if we have this $10 million phase and we're looking at what you can do with SRF but if we can find other grants at the same time and that can supplement that that reduces that. So just because we have this doesn't mean we're going to
stop. We're going to continue to look for other sources of funding for your wastewater, for your water, for your storm water. We're continuing to do that. But, you know, this is one source, but it's also going to get you your shovel ready for other sources. And it it [clears throat] opens up a lot of
doors for you for funding. >> Exactly. I remember John Henry when we got when we were doing the storm water at John Henry, we ended up with three or four different grants. Yeah. >> That all did that. >> Yeah. Eventually, two big ones. We had the one and it was an SRF and we had uh 25% city share um food water management
district prices came up high. We were ready. We're shovel ready. We had a contractor ready to go and we approached uh uh D and because we were we got it within two months months. >> Did Royal Water give us some money too?
>> Uh not not on that project. >> Yeah, not on that one. but because you were ready and we could show we're going to go to construction here as soon as you give us the money and we were able to and they were free to they were very eager to give the money and so you need to be in that position and this will help get you there.
>> All right. Yes, ma'am. >> Um I just I kind of want to speak to the public um that we did each mirroring mirroring what Miss Jones said that we did each get the opportunity to sit through I personally and it was in an hour and a half meeting today with Walt
and Mr. Serbia to ask all the and Mr. Bvard to ask all the questions. So it may seem like we are not asking a lot of questions but we have thoroughly exhausted I'm sure um their time and if anybody would like to reach out to me personally. I can't speak for my fellow
council members but if anybody would like to reach out to me to find out like what questions I had and what answers were provided and what concerns I had since we're not really we're trying to and I'm not doing a good job speed things up tonight. Um, I'm happy to talk to anybody. Maybe don't email me, but uh
[laughter] I'll leave my number at the front desk. >> Say get our cards. Our numbers are on our card. >> You're welcome to call. I'd be happy to talk to anybody about this. >> Yeah, my cell number's on my card. Just ask for it. They'll give it to you. Same with most of us. Yeah. Anyone else questions?
Okay. So, uh, we need to entertain a motion for approval of the SRF clean water facilities plan. There is a resolution. >> There is a resolution in your packet. >> Is it the next thing? >> All right. Does it have a number? I'm not
>> I got >> page what? >> It's 2026-50 is your number. >> 2026. >> It's on page six of your packet. I make a motion we approve resolution 2026-50.
>> I second. >> Okay. I'm still not seeing it. So I'm with you. I have a motion to have a second. Have any further discussion six? If not, all in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> I. All post.
>> All oppose, same sign. Motion carries. Thank you again. That's resolution 2026-50. >> Thank you all for your time. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> All right. All right, we're now to item number 7A,
resolution 2026-45, a resolution of the city council of the city of Willist, Florida, amending the airport fee schedule attached as exhibit A in accordance with section 12-79 of the book of the Williston code of ordinances providing for the same to be
kept available to the public at city hall and the Williston Regional airport providing for conflict and providing for effective date. Airport manager Ben Stagel. >> Yes, ma'am. So, this is just a CPI update u for our fee schedule. Um last
time it was done was 2024. We were going to do it last year, but um had some some personnel changes and it just kind of fell through the cracks. Um so, this is our our up to 2026 CPI update. Um, in the future we will probably have a a
rate and fee schedule study done. So, we'll we'll come back with the big changes at that point in time, but um, for right now we're just maintaining status with with CPI. Um, okay. >> If there's anything that, you know, the council would like to have us explore to
add to the fee schedule, uh, by all means, um, shoot me an email, text me, call me, come out to the airport whenever you want. Any questions for Mr. Stagle? Okay. And if you'll go to 257, page 257,
so the public can take a look at that. Okay. It's 257. I think it's also the next page as well. Okay. Yeah. Uhoh. All right, that would be resolution 2026-45.
Do we have a motion for approval from anyone? >> I make a motion that we approve resol resolution 2026-45. >> A second. >> Have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion from anyone?
>> All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> I. >> All oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. >> Thank you very much. >> Item 7B, resolution 2026-46, a resolution of the city council of the city of Willist, Florida, approving
surplus of certain equipment and scrap metal located at the utility barn and sewer plant. Deemed no longer useful or feasible to fix by utility staff. Approving a seal bid auction for said surplus equipment. authorizing appropriate parties to sign any
documents required on behalf of the city of Willist and providing an effective date. Fire inspector Danny Wallace. Okay, this is a first phase. Uh this is all scrap metal that is noninventoried
that we've collected over 30 years. It's at the sewer plant behind the barn. And this is uh what we're wanting to do is put it out for bid and it will be picked up where is as is by whoever does it.
We're not going to haul it away. >> So we're trying to do that. It'll save us money time because we do not have the personnel to go and do all the load up. It'd be like we what we did out at the airport at the out at the pit what we
did before with 50 years of stuff that was out there. So, we're going to uh this the first phase, like I said, the second phase is going to be equipment that we'll bring to you. We have uh I was able to get back into Steven got me
back into ADG again to where I could work on searching it on the inventory list. So, it can be removed. So, everything that we find that is on inventory will have a disposal sheet and then brought back to
you. And what's not on inventory will be sold as scrap. >> Okay. >> So, it's not going down. >> It's not working. >> No. >> Well, it must be frozen. Okay. Uh, will it type? Oh, there it goes.
There are pictures in our packet that show if any of you are interested. Um, there you go. >> Not the truck. >> Not the truck. >> No. The one question I had, Mr. Wallace was about the pole trailer. Do we have another pole trailer?
>> Yes, we do. We have a new pole trailer. That pole trailer was built from scrap metal that I received from forestry. >> Right. >> And then uh unfortunately they overload it and bent it. So it never went into service. So everything that that's is
all came from other sources that are non-inventoried. >> Okay, perfect. So, this would be the piece of >> That's it right there. So, >> but it's the trailer sitting in front of it. That's not the pole. >> That is uh the trailer in front of it, the old pole trailer. And the one in the
back is a >> I think the next one down >> is an old wire uh >> uh trailer that we have that's been out of service for many, many years. >> So, >> okay. >> I'm having to research that one to make sure that it's not on inventory.
>> All right. So, it's g it's taking a little bit of time. I'm trying to dig up serial numbers and everything, asset numbers. Uh, I want to do it right so it gets removed. And I'll [snorts] be working with Steven on this. >> Okay. At this time, we have only the scrap metal. Is that correct?
>> That is correct. >> Okay. And it is resolution 2026-46. >> I make an motion that we approve resolution 2026-46. I'll second. >> I have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion from anyone?
>> All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. All oppose. Same sign. Motion carries. We're thrilled to see it gone. Can't wait to see the rest of it gone. Okay, we're moving to item C, resolution 2026-747. Getting dyslexic tonight. Resolution of
the city council of the city of Willist, Florida, authorizing the president of the city council to execute contracts for the 2026 2027 group health, life, dental, vision supplemental, and 457B plans for the city of Willist and
approving for an effective date. HR director Kim Troy. Any questions? pretty much the rates have gone up. Uh which they kind of told us at the um FMIT meeting that Latricia and I attended I think two
weeks ago. >> You want to vet that one? >> Okay. Are these the numbers that Mr. Bloom has for our budget? >> Uh as soon as I haven't seen these yet until earlier today. As soon as it it is
executed, it will go to him next. >> Okay. So, you'll let him know how he needs to adjust his budget. Okay. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I mean, I know he built some increase in, but I don't know if it's sufficient. >> All right. Any questions for Miss Troy?
I'll entertain a motion for resolution 2026-47. >> I make a motion. will approve resolution 2026-47. >> I second. >> Have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion from anyone? All in favor of the motion say I.
>> I. >> All oppose, same sign. >> Motion carries. Item D is resolution 2026-48, a resolution of the city council of the city of Willist, Florida, approving the 2026 2027 holiday schedule and providing
an effective date. Miss Troy, >> are there any questions? If we can move to that page, I believe 286 287 probably 287 won't come up.
questions on I believe these are the same dates. The question I had where it says day off, I think it's supposed to say day of >> Troy as Troy, can you give any? >> Yeah, >> they're all days off. >> Yes,
>> but that those particular items where it says day off, I think it should be day of because it's Thanksgiving. Day of Christmas, day of Okay. I think I mean I don't think it should say day off because they're all days off. Anybody else?
>> I just went off the previous years plus with the other items saying day after and day before it it goes with the flow. Correct. I thought the same. >> If you'll make those say day of to me that >> makes more sense. So any questions from the council
like like Miss Troy said they're pretty much the same ones we had before. All right. I would entertain a motion for resolution 2026-48. >> Go for it. >> You can do it. >> I propose
we make a motion to approve 2026-48. >> Perfect. Way to go. >> Do I have a second? >> I second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any discussion from anyone? All in favor of the motion say I. I.
>> All oppose same sign. Motion carries. Item E, discussion with possible action, directives and priorities for Terry Bvard while acting as part-time interim city manager. >> Sun's me. And um yeah, we can strike the word directives because that was
probably not the right word, but this was just the opportunity for us as council members. We've lost one, but um >> discuss in briefly um if there were any particular
sort of nonobvious I think is what I was looking for and and also bringing Terry into the equation items that we would like to um have brought to his attention and have him work on during his time as
interim city manager. Um, and I mean this does not have to be long. It's just that we can't talk about it outside of this moment. >> Wonderful. >> I I have just simple ones. Um, and it's things that's been spoken about in so many meetings before and you know
meetings um recently and it's just with the communication. Um, I would like to personally see a little bit more open communication between the administration and the residents as well as the information that we're making public. So, the information with our websites,
uh, which I did recognize that has been recently updated and that's wonderful. Um, but whether it be a little bit more user friendly, easier for the public to understand, such as when they go to our council page and they click a specific one, there's a link that says email, but
for people who aren't familiar with that, just click and and use that email that's embedded into the system, they assume that there's no email, that it just says email, and there's nothing actually listed there. So, just little things um that make the communication a little bit more open and transparent. I
would love to see that. Um, and I would love to see a little bit more use of our social media pages. They're they're free and it's a great way to get information out there. A little less with the papers because like residents have pointed out they're great as another option who for people who don't really utilize the
internet that much, but they they blow away, you know. So, I would like to see just utilizing that a little bit more. And I do feel like we have had that in the last two weeks, which has been wonderful. Um, I just like to see more of it. And and and I also very much
appreciate when people come in and they say, "I've had issues reaching a person." Um, you've done a great job so far saying, "Hey, you know, call me. We'll set up something." I love that. So, for me, that's that's number one. And as I said before, I think he knows
what to do. >> Yeah. I I think we all know that. That's why we ask him to come back. I think he knows what our priorities are and he knows communication is one of those and he's really good. He's a good communicator. >> Um even when he's not at work, he's
sending us messages. Of course, somebody heard that. Put your fingers in your ears. Uh he's really good at letting us know when the electric's out, when the water has an issue. Um the council knows so that we can tell the public, >> right? >> So that that's very important to all of us, I believe.
>> Mhm. So, do you have some? >> Uh, no. And again, and this is this is as much for the community to know that this wasn't um what they call a lame duck. You know, I think that's the phrase when um which we know that Terry is not going to just sit behind the desk
and act as interim city manager. But for people who haven't had the opportunity to work with him in the past, I just felt like this was a great opportunity to sort of say to the public like he's going to be hard at it and these are the places that we are talking to him about. even if we've already talked to him about it privately that we can say it
publicly. And for me, I think getting getting the fiber um fasttracked to getting as many customers hooked up as quickly as possible is certainly top on my list. And then and and I second Shana's um which I've already you know again communicated all of this with Terry, but just to say openly and
publicly my one of my concerns is response on times on like work orders. So again, it's a communication area where if you call the city and a work order is put in, there's not always the followup to say, hey, this work order has been completed and this is what we
found. So those kind of places for me, I think just gives the citizens confidence that >> we are actually working on things because we are. It just sometimes doesn't show because the the uh the loop doesn't loop all the way back. So um you know that those are my my two big things
for >> for the next few months. I agree with that and I I I agree. Both of those tie well together and that if somebody calls in a work order or somebody has an issue that we not that we just go fix it, but that we tell them we did. >> And I agree 100% with what you're
saying. >> All right. The public have anything to add on that? You have priorities for him? >> You're not allowed to stand up. [laughter] Of course you are. Okay. Okay. So, are
we ready to go to the next item? >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Item F, resolution 2026-49, a resolution of the city council of the city of Willist, Florida, approving the creation of two new positions, airport assistant manager and airport project
supervisor at the Williston Regional Airport, approving the job descriptions for both new positions, authorizing the city council president to execute all necessary documents, and providing an effective date. airport manager Ben Stall. >> Yes, ma'am. So, this was something we um
briefly discussed at the last budget meeting um over our our technical issues that we were having. Um but essentially what what we're trying to do is um create these two new positions because I'm being pulled in different directions. Um you know, I'm I'm being
pulled into more regional leadership roles and more of a strategic development role out at the airport. um which means that my time is being taken away from the operation. Um and this is you know as best as we can do secession planning. Um you know with the airport
assistant manager uh we'll be creating this position to to take over or assist in um you know daily operations and and managing you know the the operation as it were at the airport. um you know, essentially taking my job description
and and instead of it being primarily, you know, this is your responsibility, it's an assist in um capacity. As far as the project supervisor goes, um that position is is essentially going to be our grants manager um and and land lease
manager. So, uh that that duty will entail um keeping the financial records for all the grants, making sure that we get um everything paid that's owed to, you know, passer and to our vendors um and contractors. Um and then making sure
that we get reimbursed on the back side of that. Um you know, as far as closing out grants, and there's a lot of paperwork that is associated with that. I'm sure, you know, anybody that's worked with grants can attest to any of that. Um, but having a person dedicated to that and still willing to do the
operation as well, um, is is kind of a big deal. And I think we have, um, a couple of people in mind, but I know we're going to have to advertise these internally and we'll accept and review all applications. Okay. Anyone have any questions or comments
for Mr. Stigle? This >> this is what he's asking for is just for these two positions, >> not the other. >> These are the two new ones, >> right? Okay. >> That he's asking for. Yes, sir. And we told him during budget workshop that he needed to bring us first.
>> Yes. >> Before we could even add them to the budget. >> That's what he's done. >> Uh the only comments I have are really in the job description. >> Sure. Um, and you have both of these were people both of these people
reporting to the airport manager. >> Yes. >> Yourself obviously. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I believe that the supervisor also needs to report to the assistant manager. >> I believe that's the way I had it in the org chart, is it not? >> I don't know about I don't see an or is there an or chart in here?
>> There may not be an org chart. >> I don't think there is, but in the job description, it only says the airport manager. >> Okay. >> For both. >> That's That's my mistake. Um, in the in the new org chart that I submitted with the the presentation on at the last budget meeting, they were reporting to the assistant manager. I'll make that
change. >> Um, and I think the city the airport the the city manager also needs to be included. I believe >> in which aspect >> in the in the long-term chain of command. >> That'd be above you. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. I mean, I think all I think all three of them need to be there. >> I mean, that's a >> two additions. I feel like that's a given. It is, but I think but it's not here. Continuity [laughter] just put it up there. >> Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. >> And that was the only thing I saw when I when I read them. >> Um obviously they do report to you.
>> The supervisor will also report to the assistant director, assistant manager. Uh and everyone reports to the city manager. >> Yes, ma'am. >> So, any other questions or comments? Um
all right. these two new positions to be added to our staffing plan. Any everybody ready for that? Resolution 2026-49. Entertain a motion. >> I make a motion we approve resolution
2026-49. I second. >> Have a second. I have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion from anyone sitting here tonight? All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> I. >> All oppose. Same sign. Motion carries.
>> Thank you very much. >> Okay. Now we're going to open a public hearing. We're finally there for this road that's been sitting so patiently here. This is our second reading of ordinance 2026-764, an ordinance of the city council of the city of Williston, Florida, for the
voluntary contracting deanexation of the city boundary by deanexation of 20.23 acres more or less of real property generally located east of Northeast 15 85th Avenue and west of
Northwest 7th Street. more particularly the legally described on exhibit A attached hereto and fully incorporated herein by this preference provided for this amendment of the city boundaries to contract the subject's property from the
city boundaries providing for repeal or prior inconsistent ordinances or resolutions severability and effective date city manager city manager city planner Laura Laura This is a quasi judicial hearing. So if
anyone who plans to testify, >> will please stand, raise your right hand to be sworn in. All right, your names for the record. Cookie King, >> excuse me. >> Adam Hall, >> Laura Jones. Do you all swear or affirm the testimony you give today will be the
truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? >> Thank you. You are all duly sworn. Uh next, I will ask that anyone who has materials that they have not yet presented to the clerk, um if there are any documents or or other presentations
that have not been presented to the clerk, please do so. Now, um, city attorney, I did send Latricia, the clerk, some emails today with the, um, affidavit for the postings in the newspaper, [snorts] and she's not here,
so she was going to print them out for you guys. >> She had to leave on an emergency. >> No, it's fine. I just wanted you to know that she does have a manner. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um, I'll go down the line and ask for any exparte communications that any
of the council members have had regarding this property. Just as a reminder, exparte communications are any discussions about this matter outside of a public meeting. And I'll start to my right. >> None. >> None. None. >> None. >> None. All right. Thank you very much.
Uh, we'll start with staff's presentation. >> Thank you. Um, although Kirsten does have to go through a public hearing because this is an ordinance, I don't want to go through this all again unless you want me to, and neither does Mr. Hall. So, we are here. Um, I'm going to
just read in the the parcel numbers for the record. Um, April 23rd, 2026, an application for the contraction of the city limits by removing a portion of parcel 042910
0 A00, also known as Stone Hedge Farm South, located within the city limits, was submitted by EDA Consultants on behalf of the property owner. Um, we've already been here for one hearing, so this is the second reading. Do you have questions for me, [clears throat]
>> Laura? Before we jump into questions, um let's formally move on to the record, the presentation from the last meeting. Would you like us to do that for the the record? Each of you, would you like your presentations from our last hearing to be moved onto this record? >> Yes.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Any questions for either party? Not at this time. >> Any questions from the public? Okay. Seeing none, are we ready to proceed?
All right. Uh, I would entertain a motion for second reading of ordinance 2026-764. >> I make a motion that we approve the second reading of ordinance 2026-764. >> I second. I have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion on the
motion? All in favor of the motion say I. >> I. >> All oppose, same sign. Motion carries. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, madam vice president. >> And now close the public hearing. >> Thank you. And I just wanted to let you
know we'll get those city uh limits updated on GIS for you within about two weeks. >> Perfect. >> All right. >> Thank you as well. >> Thank you. Good to see you, Adam. Item Item growing. >> Yeah.
>> Item number eight is public participation. This is your second opportunity of the night to speak through us about anything that you would like to speak to us about. Seeing none, I will ask if there are any announcements from the council, from the staff.
>> I have two questions. >> Yes, ma'am. I have two questions. One one for Laura that actually I'm glad you're here. It came up today in the conversation about um >> the clean water facility plan uh that with the um comprehensive plan that there's supposed to be a will uh capital
improvement plan as well. Um >> does this sound familiar at all? >> Okay. Can you just give me a quick update on where we are with that >> with the comp plan? >> Nope. >> Or with the capital improvement plan? >> Capital improvement plan. So the capital improvement plan is going to be a cost
from right pierce to get it right for you. Um the capital improvement plan that will be in the comp plan won't be the the the best of the best because the budget doesn't have it. So we will be probably having right peers come to you sometime next year and ask for a really
good CIP for you to update. Thank you. >> Um as far as the comp plan also for the scheduling if you guys want to know we're on schedule for about two weeks out. Okay. So, you'll see that soon. >> Cool. >> Thank you. >> My second question is for Nate. Um,
there was a gentleman here, I believe two meetings ago, who asked about the dumpsters behind block 12 and having them moved. And I was just curious if you could give me an update on what the decision was made about that. >> I'm going to let Mr. Walt handle that.
>> Thank you. Yes, ma'am. >> Straight at the moment. >> Thank you. It was discussed at the CRA meeting. Um, and I think a council here that we wanted to finish up block 12. Um, we did substantial completion. And there's some minor things that they're still the contractors doing, but finish
that project, close that out and then address that as a totally separate issue because it would be if if the city wanted to move that and take on that, you know, it's it's not the contractor. It's an extra expense. We'd have to go
through where it could go. I've sent some sketches to the CRA where it could be. Um I was not at their meeting on Monday. It wasn't an agenda item, but I sent it to them for consideration. But right now, there's been no active change. They wanted to let's get the
project done and then see if there's something else that can be done. And that's where it's been right now. So, nothing more. >> The dumpsters owned by private businesses or are they owned by the city? >> They're owned by the city. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. Used by And actually, it's on city
property. I don't think the city pays >> I mean I think the business for them, >> but it was part of the project on city property. Removal of the dumpsters, I don't believe the city's paying for in any way. Emptying of them, uh, the trash hauling that I think is probably paid by
the owners. I'm not I'm not >> part of So, to clarify, the the dumpsters are leased by businesses and located behind the businesses at block 12. They're not city dumpsters that city employees are putting city trash in.
That's that that's correct. They're not. >> Okay. There is a little confusion in amongst the public, some members of the public about that. So, I just wanted to clarify. >> The parking lot is city property. The city owns the property. The the dumpster enclosure is on city property. >> Got it. >> It is.
>> Perfect. Thank you very much. >> Follow-up question if that's okay. If that's okay. Um, correct me if I'm wrong. My understanding was that the original spot for the dumpsters was at a different location and at some point in time Donald had made the decision to move it where it currently is. Would we
not be able to move it back where it was originally drawn to be? >> Well, where it was originally drawn was before the Pesos properties were acquired and the the parking lot looked completely different. Completely different. Where it was in that plan, I'd have to look. But when they acquired
the paceless property, we had an opportunity to go from 44 parking spaces to 76 or something. So, it's a total redesign. And in that redesign, yes, there was input from staff that let's put it there, keep it out of the parking lot, keep it on city streets where the
trucks are coming in and move it there. Yes, that was a decision that was made. Um, but to compare where it was before, we can't put it where it was before because the parking lot doesn't look like that anymore at all. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. Thanks. >> Okay. Anything else? Yep.
>> Okay. Anything else from council or staff announce? We're We're in the announcements. >> Have something else. >> Yes. >> Oh. >> Um we have the Levy County Visitors
Bureau has kindly created some peanut sculptures. This is part of a cultural trail. You'll see in Cassita Key that they already have their clams. Their clams have been up for a while and they're painted. Our peanuts are still being created, but I am having a little bit of trouble getting artists
interested. I have one um that would like to paint our peanuts for us. So, I did email everybody I know on every board. Um, I asked Latricia to send it out to everybody that gets the um, agendas and hopefully we can get a
couple more artists. If we just have one, that's totally fine, but I just thought we would want some more opportunities. >> Okay. Yeah, just go ahead and email me. Um, there's no real um, selection process. I'm going to come to you. I'm going to ask you if you're okay with the artists that we pick and um, the city
CRA will probably pay for the paint. We are not going to pay the artists. It'll be a volunteer, but we will pay for the paint. >> This is going to sound really funny, but when we were having the Levy County Fair, Waste Pro sponsored trash cans that we
delved out to people and they painted. We called it the trashy art burials. >> That's cute. >> And they painted them absolutely beautiful. >> Yeah. >> And I can pretty much tell you who painted those. >> Okay. >> Uh and they may be interested in doing the peanut. I know these peanuts are are
smaller than the ones we currently have in town. >> Yes. >> Um I know if people are used to the like the big one that's in the foyer. This one is considerably smaller. I mean they're like 3 ft instead of >> 6 feet or 5t. >> Um and and there are also watermelons
right now that are in chief. Yes. >> They're currently painting theirs. They have theirs already. >> So >> So I appreciate any help you can get. >> Okay. And the one that's at listed at the TDC, I mean the Libby County Visitors Bureau obviously needs to go somewhere else. >> Yes, ma'am. We'll have to move that. Yeah,
>> that's up to you. We'll do that the same time. Y >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> The only other announcement I have is that there is a candidate forum for for political offices, office candidates
obviously um this Thursday at the woman's club. If anybody's interested in attending, it's at six o'clock and we have a lot of people coming. All the county candidates are coming, even the ones who haven't gone to others. Um, and we even have some state candidates
coming who weren't originally invited. They invited themselves. So, if you'd like to join us, we'd love to have you. Anybody else have anything before we good the cause? >> Is that going to be recorded by chance? >> Uh, it is not unless somebody is
interested in doing that and I can see about that. They did record the one in Bronson and Chief. >> Yeah. I just I won't be able to make it and I'd love to hear what the guys have to say. Guys and girls. >> I know. I've watched the Bronson one and the Chief one both on Facebook. So, if we can find somebody to do that, I'll contact the people that I know taped
theirs and see if they'll do ours. >> Thank you, man. >> Yeah, it was very useful to hear them cuz now I know who I might vote for. All right. Anything else? If not, I'll enter Mr. Mayor. Sorry. >> That's [clears throat] quite all right.
Thank you, Madame Vice President. There's two I have just have got two short announcements. The first one is about ordinance 2026-764. When the ordinance is presented to my desk, I
will be signing it. So, there will not need to be a delay for the enactment of that ordinance. And the second thing is a matter of The city clerk, the city clerk
has a number of things, but I want to point out that we as a governing body have put her in a position to try to be part-time city manager and full-time city clerk. And
that city clerk position requires her to give information out when people send it to her. So I'm asking this council when you are requesting information and documents from the city clerk,
understand that it will be a delay because she is busy being the city manager and she cannot devote the necessary time to get the documents to you. So, I'm asking for you to be understanding for the position that we
have put the city clerk in. Thank you. >> Anything else for the good of the cause? If not, I'll entertain a motion for adjournment. [laughter] Anybody who has some authority to make a motion want to make a motion? I >> I make a motion that we adjourn this
meeting. Do I have a second? A second. I have a motion and a second. Hearing no objection, we will adjourn at 8:15. Thank you for coming.