[3:53] All right.

[4:03] Okay.

[4:05] All right, folks, we are going to go ahead and get started, and I'm going to go ahead

[4:09] and call this Bartow City Commission regular meeting to order today is

[4:12] Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, and it is

[4:15] 6:03 p.m.

[4:18] At this time, we will have the invocation by Reverend Becky Tolster

[4:21] from Holy Trinity

[4:24] Church.

[4:30] Let's pray.

[4:31] Heavenly Father, we thank you for this beautiful city of

[4:35] Bartow, for the people who call this community home and

[4:38] those who work to make it so special, Lord, especially for those

[4:42] being honored tonight. We give you thanks and we ask

[4:45] that you would continue to protect us in all we

[4:49] do, be with the commissioners and all who make

[4:52] decisions tonight. We pray that you would open their ears

[4:56] and hearts and that we would have ours open as

[4:59] well. For it's in your name we pray. Amen.

[5:10] To the Republic for which it stands, one nation

[5:13] under God, indivisible with liberty and

[5:16] justice for all.

[5:22] Right, thank you. Now we will have our special

[5:26] proclamations and presentations and first on the list is

[5:30] you want to go ahead. Yes, ma'am, I'll take the

[5:34] lead here.

[5:36] We have many special presentations and proclamations tonight, but our first

[5:39] one is special to all of us and it will be

[5:44] in honor of K9 ACE and Deputy Sheriff Natalie A. Strike, who

[5:47] I think just came in the back of the room there. So if you guys would like to join the

[5:51] mayor down at the podium when the time is

[5:53] appropriate, please let me read this proclamation of the city of

[5:57] Bartow. It's appropriate. Come down. Yeah, whenever

[6:01] y'all are ready. We're going to get as much ACE time as we can. Absolutely.

[6:06] And whereas the safety and security of our communities depends on

[6:10] courageous law enforcement officers and canine partners

[6:14] who willingly place themselves in harm's way. In service

[6:17] to others. And whereas K9A, a seven year old

[6:21] German Shepherd with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, has faithfully served

[6:24] the citizens of Polk County since March 2020. Alongside

[6:28] his handler and partner Deputy Sheriff Natalie A. Strike.

[6:31] And whereas on August 6, 2026, Deputy A strike K9

[6:35] ACE and fellow deputies were engaged in the apprehension of an armed

[6:38] felony suspect when the encounter escalated into a violent

[6:41] exchange of gunfire.

[6:44] And whereas without hesitation and in accordance with his training, K9

[6:48] ACE moved toward the danger, placing himself between an armed suspect

[6:52] and the law enforcement officers he was trained to protect.

[6:55] Whereas during this courageous action K9 ACE was struck by gunfire

[6:59] suffering a devastating injury to his front left leg and severe blood loss.

[7:03] While the deputies involved escaped physical injury.

[7:07] Whereas despite extraordinary emergency veterinary efforts to save his life and

[7:11] his injured limb, the severity of ACEs wounds required the

[7:14] amputation of his left front leg. And

[7:18] whereas ACE demonstrated the very qualities we honor in our human first

[7:21] responders, courage in the face of danger, loyalty to

[7:24] his fellow officers, selfless service, and an unwavering

[7:28] willingness to protect others. Whereas Deputy Sheriff

[7:31] Natalie A. Strike and K9 ACE represent the extraordinary relationship

[7:35] between law enforcement canine and a handler.

[7:39] A partnership built upon countless hours of training, trust,

[7:42] communication, loyalty, and an unbreakable bond.

[7:47] Whereas the city of Bartow also recognizes Deputy A strike

[7:51] and the other law enforcement officers involved in this dangerous encounter

[7:54] for their courage, professionalism and commitment to protecting the

[7:58] citizens of Polk County. Whereas although the injuries sustained

[8:01] in the line of duty, line of duty will bring canine ACEs

[8:05] distinguished law enforcement career to an end. His

[8:08] service, sacrifice, and heroism will never be forgotten.

[8:12] Whereas K9ACE now begins a new chapter surrounded by those who love

[8:15] him, carrying with him the gratitude of an entire community

[8:19] in the admiration of people throughout Polk County in the state of Florida and beyond.

[8:23] Now therefore be it proclaimed that the City Commission of the City of Bartow,

[8:26] Florida, on behalf of our citizens proudly recognizes

[8:30] and honors K9ACE and Deputy Sheriff Natalie A. Strike.

[8:34] For extraordinary coverage, faithful service, dedication to

[8:38] the protection of others. We extend our deepest gratitude

[8:41] to Deputy A strike for her service and partnership with

[8:44] ACE, and we salute K9ACE as a true law enforcement hero

[8:48] whose actions exemplify the highest traditions of courage,

[8:52] loyalty, and sacrifice. And further, the city of

[8:55] BARTA wishes K9A's continued strength and healing

[8:59] as he adjusts to his life and retirement and expresses our heartfelt

[9:03] appreciation for his years of service to the citizens of Polk County.

[9:07] This proclamation is dated on this third day of September 2026.

[9:13] Thank you, Sean. I just want to say thank you for

[9:17] coming and being with us tonight. It's an honor to be able to

[9:21] meet Mr. Ace, even though he's not part of our PD.

[9:25] We are always appreciative of our canine partners at the

[9:29] sheriff's office as well. Does the rest of

[9:33] the also any opportunity this commission gets to bring a dog into the

[9:36] commission chambers? We're doing it. We're doing it.

[9:41] Does anyone want to say anything? You've said it all.

[9:45] Well, the proclamation said it all. It didn't really leave me much to say, but that's

[9:47] okay. If the fellow commissioners want to come

[9:50] down, we have something that we would like to present.

[9:56] Yeah. I'd love to. Mike.

[10:00] And we actually wore our purple shirts just for him.

[10:19] Can we. Come over and get a picture with. Everybody? Yeah, yeah.

[12:30] Center of the universe.

[13:04] What's his heart? He's got to be honest.

[13:08] All right. Thank you so much, you guys.

[13:12] Before next presentation, I do want to recognize

[13:17] September 1st was National Police K9

[13:19] Day. So I want to also say thank you to our

[13:23] Bartow PD K9

[13:25] officers, as well as the sheriff's

[13:28] office. I think they're kind of all in the same

[13:31] family, even though they wear different colors. So

[13:35] I want to say thank you to them and everything that they sacrifice daily

[13:39] for us. Thank you guys.

[13:42] Now I'm going to.

[13:46] Skip around on the agenda just a little bit. They're not on the

[13:49] agenda, but is Captain Houser here?

[13:52] There he is. Okay, sorry Mike, I can't see for some reason out there.

[13:57] Captain Houser is going to give us a quick update on the flock

[14:00] cameras. Situation.

[14:03] Or lack of flock camera situations more like it.

[14:07] More of a lack of good evening Commissioner, City Manager, Captain Hauser

[14:11] Bartow PD. So as we are aware,

[14:14] DOT put out a memorandum August 31

[14:18] saying the removal of flock cameras on the state right of ways. So I did

[14:22] some open source research today. There are currently 13 flock

[14:26] cameras within the city limits of Bartow. Five of those are on private

[14:29] properties. The remainder are on

[14:33] roadways. However, the city of Bartow does not own any flock cameras within

[14:36] the city.

[14:40] Who owns the 13? I can't tell you who owns

[14:43] them.

[14:45] Through open source research. You can find locations of them. Wow. He can only

[14:49] tell you Bartow does not own them. Yeah, Bartow does not own any

[14:53] cameras, any slot cameras. Does the state

[14:56] does the state DOT have flock? Do we have flock cameras? At the

[15:00] state intersections?

[15:02] Like 60 and 17 and 98? There are cameras on

[15:06] 60, 17, and 98.

[15:09] And the estate is responsible for taking those flock cameras

[15:12] down. Correct. That would be in the state right away. In the state

[15:15] right away, yes sir. People have asked about the

[15:19] camera by the fire station. There's a camera

[15:22] there. What kind of camera is that? It's the

[15:25] white camera.

[15:31] So it's a security camera for the fire department parking lot. They're on the

[15:34] red light.

[15:37] No, there's one there on the red light. That's a white camera. That may be a live

[15:40] feed DOT camera. There are several of those.

[15:44] At major intersections as well. Those are just live feed

[15:47] only. Those have been there for. It has been there a long

[15:50] time. So it's not a flock camera. No, sir.

[15:53] Yeah. Okay. It is just a live feed intersectional camera.

[15:58] Okay. Okay. Any other questions from the question?

[16:02] Thank you, Captain Hauser. Thank you.

[16:07] Okay, next on our agenda, we were going to do a recognition

[16:11] for one of our Bartow residents, Gerald Cochran. But

[16:14] since he couldn't be here with us tonight, we are going to postpone that

[16:18] and move it to another agenda. Where he can be

[16:22] with us.

[16:23] The next proclamation is the issuance of the

[16:27] recognition September 14th through the 18th

[16:31] of 2026. As disability voting rights week

[16:35] and it's being accepted by Lisa Peterson.

[16:39] So Lisa, if you'd like to join the mayor at the podium while I

[16:42] read your proclamation, it would be my pleasure to do so. And this

[16:46] is a proclamation of the city of Bartow. Whereas disability

[16:49] voting rights week is a national nonpartisan movement

[16:53] hosted by the American Association of people with Disabilities,

[16:56] AAPD. And the Rev Up campaign to advocate for

[17:00] voting access and political power for people with

[17:03] disabilities. Whereas the disability community comprises an

[17:06] important voting bloc representing diverse people across all communities.

[17:11] Whereas systemic barriers continue to prevent many people with disabilities

[17:15] from exercising their right to vote. Including inaccessible

[17:19] polling places and insufficient accessible voting equipment.

[17:23] Whereas it is the responsibility of governments and communities to ensure that

[17:26] accessible, equitable voting opportunities exist for all citizens.

[17:30] Including those with disabilities. And whereas disability voting rights

[17:34] week encourages voter registration, voter education,

[17:38] candidate forums, and the outreach to empower voters with disabilities

[17:42] and to reduce voting barriers. Now therefore,

[17:45] Tanya Tucker, by virtue of the authority vested in her as mayor of the city of

[17:48] Bartow, Florida, does hereby proclaim the week of September 14

[17:52] through 18, 2026 as Disability Voting Rights Week.

[17:56] And urges all citizens to join in efforts to promote accessible voting

[18:00] and celebrate the voices and contributions of voters with disabilities.

[18:04] This proclamation is dated this third day of September 2026.

[18:14] Alright, we just want to thank Lisa for coming here today

[18:17] in and accepting this proclamation. We're going to go ahead and

[18:21] scoot over here to the center and take a picture.

[19:25] Okay, Madam Mayor, your next proc

[19:28] Is close to our heart here. This is in recognition of National IT

[19:32] professionals day. So I'd like to divide up Frank Carnavaca and

[19:35] other members of his team. I think we've got several in the audience tonight.

[19:41] And this is a proclamation of the city of Bartow.

[19:44] Whereas the advancements of technology continue to transform our everyday

[19:48] lives providing enhanced communication, health,

[19:51] education, safety and economic benefits for all.

[19:55] Whereas

[19:57] information, infertation, I just made up a new word.

[20:01] Gave you a new title. You didn't like me just make up. I know that's awesome information

[20:04] technology or IT professionals are the vital backbone

[20:08] behind those transformations working tirelessly and often

[20:11] behind Scenes develop, maintain, and support the critical

[20:15] infrastructure of our digital world.

[20:18] Whereas IT professionals continuously employ their

[20:21] skills, creativity, and innovation to solve complex

[20:24] problems, ensure the security of our data, and make

[20:27] our lives more comfortable, efficient, and connected. And

[20:31] whereas IT professionals continue to be integral to the

[20:34] health, growth and resilience of our local

[20:36] businesses, industries, and public services

[20:40] for managing day-to-day operations to ensure robust cybersecurity

[20:44] defenses. Whereas the 15th day of September 2026

[20:47] has been designated as IT professionals day, a

[20:51] day to celebrate and show gratitude to these dedicated individuals who are

[20:54] often the unsung heroes of our modern world. Now

[20:58] therefore, Tanya Tucker, as mayor of the city of Bartow, does hereby proclaim

[21:01] September 15, 2026 as National IT

[21:05] Professionals Day in the city of Bartow, and urges all citizens

[21:08] to join her in recognizing the important role IT

[21:12] professionals play in our community and in our lives. And to

[21:15] acknowledge their significant contributions and to express our

[21:18] gratitude for their tireless work and dedication.

[21:22] This proclamation is dated this third day of September 2026.

[21:27] All right. I just want to say thank you to you guys for keeping

[21:30] the city running because we know that

[21:34] honestly when the computers go out, all work stops

[21:37] in this day and age. Like nothing gets done. So thank

[21:40] you. And it's still hard to kind of believe that.

[21:47] Five guys manage everything for an entire city.

[21:51] In the IT aspect. So that's pretty amazing. That's a lot of work

[21:55] if you don't know. That's a lot of work.

[21:59] Frank, do you want to say anything?

[22:02] Thank you, mayor. Commissioners, city manager, city attorney.

[22:06] Frank Konnevaca IT Director for the city.

[22:10] Let me introduce you to the incredible team that I have working for me.

[22:14] First, let me introduce my assistant director Dan

[22:17] Franklin.

[22:21] Next we have Christian Stribula, who's our network

[22:24] administrator.

[22:27] James Isom, which is our IT specialist. And last, Raj

[22:30] Raju, which is our system

[22:32] administrator. I'm extremely proud

[22:35] of our IT team. And a lot that we do

[22:39] happens behind the scenes. But this team has been very busy

[22:43] helping move the city forward. We've worked on implementing several

[22:47] new technologies, including a new human resources

[22:50] system, asset management system, payroll

[22:53] system. And we've even developed an app called

[22:57] MyBarto where citizens can download it off.

[23:02] Google App Store and the Apple Store. And you can

[23:05] go ahead and report directly to us. Any issues

[23:09] that you see out in the city?

[23:13] Our projects taken a tremendous amount of work, coordination and

[23:16] commitment.

[23:18] I might be the one standing up here today, but these guys are the real stars.

[23:21] They're the ones doing the work every day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

[23:28] I wouldn't be successful without these guys. I'm very proud of the work that

[23:31] they do. And on behalf of the IT team, I want to thank you for the

[23:35] recognition this evening. And if you guys have anything you

[23:38] want to add?

[23:40] They're IT guys. They have no. They'll send you an email about

[23:44] it. Did you open that?

[24:16] Okay, Madam Mayor, at this point I'd like to invite Kelly

[24:20] Sage. Kelly is a regent from Bartow Chapter of

[24:23] Daughters of the American Revolution.

[24:27] I'm losing it tonight. Man.

[24:30] She gets, she and her team get two in a row here.

[24:33] So the first one is in recognition of Star Spangled Banner Day.

[24:37] And it'll be my pleasure to read this proclamation.

[24:40] Whereas the Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem was written

[24:44] during the War of 1812. And whereas by the

[24:47] dawn's early light on September 14, 1814,

[24:51] Francis Scott Key saw the American flag flying over Fort

[24:54] McHenry, signifying an American victory and was inspired

[24:57] to write the words of the Star Spangled Banner. And

[25:00] whereas the Star Spangled Banner became our national anthem on March

[25:04] 3rd, 1931. When President Herbert Hoover

[25:07] signed public law 823. And whereas millions of

[25:11] Americans cherish and respect the words and music of the Star Spangled

[25:14] Banner. And whereas sporting and public events begin with the singing

[25:18] or playing of the national anthem, as a reaffirmation of

[25:21] patriotism and love for our country. Whereas the

[25:24] Bartow Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.

[25:28] Call for a day to observe this historical significance of the

[25:31] Star Spangled Banner and to celebrate the words that Francis Scott

[25:35] Key penned in 1814. Now,

[25:38] therefore, Tanya Tucker, by virtue of the Authority vested in her as Mayor of the City of

[25:42] Bartow, and on behalf of the City Commissioners and citizens of the city.

[25:47] Does hereby proclaim September 14, 2026 as Star

[25:50] Spangled Banner Day and urges all citizens in Bartow to recognize

[25:54] and celebrate the anniversary of the birth of our country's

[25:57] national anthem. This proclamation is dated this third day of September

[26:01] 2026.

[26:05] All right, thank you Shawn. And if you would, let's go ahead and read

[26:09] the second proclamation so that

[26:11] she's the second proclamation tonight

[26:15] is related to Constitution Week, which is also coming up. And this

[26:19] is a proclamation of the city of Bartow. Whereas September

[26:22] 17, 2026 marks the

[26:25] 239th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United

[26:29] States of America by the Constitutional Convention.

[26:33] And whereas it is fitting and proper to officially recognize this

[26:36] magnificent document in the anniversary of its creation.

[26:40] Whereas it is fitting and proper to officially recognize the patriotic

[26:43] celebrations which will commemorate the occasion.

[26:47] Whereas public law 915 guarantees the

[26:51] issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States

[26:54] of America, designating September 17th through

[26:58] 23 as Constitution Week. Now therefore,

[27:01] Tanya Tucker, by virtue of the authority vested in her as mayor of the city of

[27:04] Bartow, Florida does hereby proclaim the week of September

[27:08] 17 through 23, 2026 as

[27:11] Constitution week in the city of Bartow, and asks our citizens to reaffirm

[27:15] the ideas that the framers of the Constitution had

[27:18] in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms

[27:22] guaranteed to us through this guardian of our liberties, remembering that

[27:26] lost rights may never be regained. This proclamation

[27:29] is dated this third day of September 2026.

[27:36] The Constitution of the United States says that binding document that has held our country

[27:40] together since it was conceived and designed in

[27:43] 1787 with ratification by nine states

[27:47] June 21, 1788. Without it, we would not

[27:50] be celebrating 250 years of these United States in

[27:54] 2026.

[27:56] National Society Daughters of American Revolution, past

[27:59] president General Gertrude S. Carraway, was responsible for the

[28:03] annual designation of September 17 through

[28:06] 23rd as Constitution Week.

[28:09] Daughters have been tasked publicly to celebrate and promote the

[28:13] Constitution since a resolution to do so was signed into law by

[28:17] President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956.

[28:21] The Bartow chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution are thankful to

[28:25] our city mayor Tanya Tucker and to the City

[28:28] Commissioners for allowing us to honor the United States Constitution

[28:31] by issuing the Constitution Week Proclamation. Thank

[28:35] you.

[28:59] I'm not. Telling.

[29:41] Madam Mayor, I'd like to invite my good friend Rusty Music from the

[29:44] Bartow Community Service Center to join you at the podium. As we celebrate

[29:48] hunger action month. And this is a proclamation of the city of

[29:52] Bartow, whereas hunger and food insecurity continue to be

[29:55] a serious challenge affecting individuals and families in our

[29:59] community. With nearly one in six households in the United States facing

[30:03] some form of food insecurity.

[30:06] Whereas the Bartow Community Service Center has been a pillar of support

[30:10] for the Bartow community faithfully serving families and individuals

[30:14] for nearly 60 years by providing much needed food assistance

[30:17] and other essential services.

[30:20] Whereas since 2008 hunger action month has been

[30:23] nationally recognized in partnership with Feeding America

[30:27] bringing awareness to the critical issue of hunger in our nation

[30:30] and encouraging communities to take action to address food insecurity.

[30:34] Whereas the Bartow Community Service Center is a vital partner in this effort

[30:38] distributing over 200,000 pounds of food annually to those in

[30:42] need, thereby supporting nearly 21,000 families each year.

[30:46] And serving over 26,000 hot meals to individuals who

[30:50] may otherwise go without. Whereas the City of Bartow acknowledges

[30:54] and honors this commitment, dedication and tireless efforts

[30:57] of the Bartow Community Service Center whose service has been

[31:01] instrumental in ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.

[31:06] Now therefore Tanya Tucker, by virtue of the authority vested in her as mayor of the

[31:09] city of Orto, does hereby proclaim the month of September

[31:12] 2026 as hunger action month in the city.

[31:16] We call upon all citizens to join in recognizing the significant impact

[31:20] of the Bartow Community Service Center and to act against

[31:24] hunger by supporting local food banks, volunteering,

[31:27] donating, and raising awareness of the importance of food security

[31:31] for all. This proclamation is dated this third day of September

[31:35] 2026.

[31:39] All right. So I know this is really important to Rusty,

[31:42] so, and I know he's got something to say about it. So come on up here and tell us

[31:46] about it.

[31:49] All right, thank you all City Commissioners, Madam

[31:52] Mayor, city staff. We greatly

[31:55] appreciate, you know, the opportunity to be able to come down here tonight

[31:58] and accept this proclamation not only on behalf of the community service

[32:01] center, but on behalf of all of those around the community who make this

[32:05] happen. We have other really key players

[32:08] and partners who afford us the ability to be able to

[32:12] provide food for those in the community. We have many different ways

[32:16] that we feed families. And one opportunity

[32:19] that you all can get involved with is

[32:23] our twice a month food distribution. So twice a month we receive a

[32:27] semi truck full of food on the second and fourth

[32:30] Thursday of every month. So this month in September, I want

[32:34] to personally invite everybody out on the September 10th or September

[32:37] 24th. Come down at 11:30. Help us out

[32:41] distributing food to families in Barto in

[32:44] need. And we receive a truck. It has about 12,000 pounds of

[32:47] food on it. We separate that out and we

[32:51] distribute it to families as they drive through. So it's a drive-through

[32:54] service. Mr. Her, I personally want to invite you just to come and take a

[32:57] look at it. I think you would really love it. And you

[33:01] don't have to say the whole time. Just want you to peek at it

[33:05] and come be a part of it. So we'd love to have you all September 10th

[33:08] or September 24th at 11:30. Thank you all so much. Thank

[33:12] you. Thank you.

[33:18] And I've actually participated in one of Rusty's food drives and I

[33:21] can tell you

[33:23] it is humbling and rewarding all in the same.

[33:27] Token. I also want to mention that we

[33:31] also had another proclamation for Rusty at

[33:35] the last commission meeting. It was Bartow nonprofit day. But

[33:38] Rusty couldn't make it. So we are going to give him both proclamations today.

[33:42] Okay. All right.

[34:02] Thanks, Rusty.

[34:05] All right, Madam Mayor, we do have one more last, but certainly not

[34:08] least, another very important proclamation tonight in recognition of suicide

[34:11] prevention. And action month. And if Ava Crossman is

[34:15] here, if you'd like to come on up and join the mayor as I read the proclamation.

[34:19] And this is a proclamation of the city of Bartow. Whereas the month

[34:23] of September is nationally recognized as suicide prevention and awareness

[34:26] month. Created to raise visibility around mental health

[34:30] and proactive suicide prevention resources in our communities.

[34:34] Whereas this observance seeks to begin open conversations, reduce

[34:38] stigma, and connect individuals with the support services

[34:41] that they need.

[34:43] Whereas according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

[34:48] Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals

[34:52] ages 10 through 34. With more than

[34:55] 48,000 lives lost to suicide each year in the United States.

[35:00] Whereas the organization Hope for the Day Hft

[35:04] reports that an average of 132 people die by suicide

[35:07] each day. In each of these losses deeply impacts

[35:11] an estimated 100 others, including family members,

[35:15] friends, coworkers, service members,

[35:17] neighbors, and neighbors. Demonstrating that suicide affects us

[35:21] all. Whereas the city of Bartow stands in full support of

[35:24] those working in the fields of mental health, education,

[35:28] law enforcement, and other vital services who dedicate themselves to

[35:31] the prevention and healing. Whereas global

[35:35] organizations such as Hope for the Day, along with local mental

[35:38] health partners, courageously serve on the front lines of this critical

[35:42] issue, confronting stigma and fostering hope.

[35:46] And whereas the residents of Bartow are encouraged to learn about mental

[35:50] health, take steps to safeguard their own wellbeing

[35:54] and extend compassion and care to one another. Now

[35:57] therefore, Tanya Tucker, by virtue of the authority vested in her as mayor of the city of

[36:01] Bartow, Florida, does hereby proclaim the month of September

[36:04] 2026 as suicide prevention and action month

[36:07] in the city of Bartow. This proclamation is dated this third day

[36:11] of September 2026.

[36:14] All right, Abey, you want to say anything?

[36:17] Good afternoon. Thank you so much for inviting the

[36:20] American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Central Florida chapter to

[36:24] accept this proclamation in honor of National Suicide Prevention Month.

[36:28] I'd love to share a bit about AFSP suicide prevention and our

[36:31] upcoming Polk County out of the darkness walk taking place at Lake

[36:35] Hollingsworth on November 14th this year.

[36:38] As you may know, suicide is one of the most leading causes of death in the

[36:42] U.S. just like any physical health issues, suicide is a health

[36:45] issue that affects us all. We also know that suicide can often be

[36:49] preventable.

[36:51] Through our out-of-the-darkness walks AFSP is able to raise awareness

[36:54] for funds for suicide prevention and continue our ongoing efforts to save lives.

[36:59] With community support, we are able to invest in cutting-edge scientific

[37:02] research, life-saving public policy changes,

[37:05] eye-opening education programs, and support for those who have

[37:09] experienced a loss or has been affected by suicide.

[37:13] To people who attend our walks and are helping save lives sending

[37:16] a message of hope and healing to all who have lost loved ones

[37:20] and letting the community know we have, we all have a role to play in combating this leading

[37:23] cause of death. As a walker, volunteer or

[37:27] sponsor, you are helping us to reach millions of people with vital information about how to

[37:30] fight suicide in their communities. If you would like to

[37:33] volunteer, connect with the chapter or attend

[37:37] or request a free suicide prevention education

[37:40] presentation, please visit our website at

[37:43] www.afsp.work/cfl.

[37:47] I'd also like to invite everyone to join us for our Polk County

[37:51] out of the darkness walk taking place at Lake Hollingsworth

[37:55] on the November 14th. You can also learn about that on our

[37:58] website at

[37:59] afspww.afsp.orglakelin.

[38:03] Thank you so much for your support and your time.

[38:45] Okay, at this time that now brings us to general public comment. At this

[38:49] time, the commission will receive comments from the public regarding matters not appearing

[38:52] on this agenda.

[38:55] And Madam Mayor, as a reminder, any speakers addressing the city commission tonight

[38:59] during any time set aside for general public comment or public hearings, and we do have

[39:02] public hearings this evening. Please refrain from making any personal attacks

[39:06] or derogatory comments. Commenting on any items and litigation

[39:09] or under investigation. Or any other matters that do not fall within the purview

[39:13] of the city commission.

[39:15] And any speakers that might come to the podium tonight, please state your name and address as you

[39:19] begin your remarks. Thank you.

[39:23] All right, I'm not seeing any takers.

[39:27] All right, we will go ahead and close the public comment and move on to

[39:31] city announcements. Is there any city announcements?

[39:37] Just a reminder about Mr. Dixon

[39:40] viewing.

[39:42] And viewing his.

[39:45] Tamara. I think somebody sent that out. Did you send that Jack?

[39:51] Angel sent that out. Yes, right. Angel sent it to us. So just a reminder of that

[39:54] tomorrow. At six, I think. And

[39:58] the funeral is Saturday at 11 at

[40:02] Access

[40:04] Church. Yes. So probably need to get there early because it'll probably

[40:07] be crowded. So just a little more detail on

[40:10] that. The viewing is from six to seven

[40:13] and it's at praise temple deliverance center. And that's located

[40:17] at 1010 Brett's Lane in Bartow.

[40:21] And then the actual funeral is going to be on Saturday, September 5

[40:26] at 11:00 AM, and that will be at Access Church in Bartow, which is

[40:30] located at 9:15 South Broadway Avenue

[40:33] Barto.

[40:36] Anything else? The rest of the commission? All

[40:39] right. Seeing none. We will now move on to reports

[40:42] of charter officers, city manager.

[40:46] Yeah. Thank you Mayor City Commissioners. Good evening. Good evening to our

[40:49] citizens. I just have a few items

[40:52] briefly.

[40:55] Our information technology team has already departed.

[41:00] But the Frank Countavaca is still here.

[41:04] And

[41:06] Frank spoke about some really good stuff that's happening.

[41:10] This team.

[41:13] Has really embraced technology to help with innovation

[41:17] and best practices to help improve the performance of our

[41:21] city organization. So we serve citizens more efficiently.

[41:25] They took on some best practices that other places have already done.

[41:30] And we have learned greatly from success. We've learned

[41:34] from mistakes.

[41:36] And the whole team under his leadership has been extremely

[41:42] brave.

[41:45] Or I should say bold, to be able to take on these different

[41:48] technologies. We didn't have them before. We needed

[41:52] them. And the work is still continuing.

[41:56] But I want to thank them. Because they've undertaken.

[42:01] Several key projects and they're managing all of those

[42:04] projects. Now, we have some consultants working with

[42:07] us, but still, the team is performing. They're doing

[42:11] well. And I want to thank them again for.

[42:16] Helping us improve our operations. And to

[42:19] make it better for our citizens and city governments. So.

[42:25] I hope you have some Tito tonight, Frank.

[42:28] Anyway, thank you for your efforts.

[42:32] All right, so the next thing is I thank all of you

[42:35] know about the improvements that are going to be made to

[42:39] Main Street East and Wilson Avenue in Florida Avenue.

[42:43] We have this flyer that our team has put out all

[42:47] the merchants have received a copy of this. We have

[42:50] notified the Main Street office as well as the Chamber of Commerce.

[42:55] And all the merchants have received this. Door to door.

[43:00] Why are we doing this? Well, the repairs are needed to ensure a safe and smooth

[43:04] and accessible crossing for everyone.

[43:07] Businesses will remain open. All downtown businesses will remain open

[43:12] during construction. The construction is going to begin

[43:16] September 5 and it should wrap up by September

[43:19] 7th weather permitting. And so

[43:23] the work will, as I said, the work will take place. The fifth

[43:27] through the seventh, the temporary detours and signage will be placed.

[43:31] Will be in place.

[43:33] Use alternate routes where convenient. And expect

[43:37] a minimal dysfunction.

[43:40] So anyway, just some minor improvements, but we've got some pavement that's

[43:43] failing.

[43:45] And so these crosswalks need to be upgraded. And so that's what we're doing. That's

[43:49] why we're doing this. So thank you.

[43:53] I like what the team has done to get out in front of this. And to communicate

[43:56] this is also

[43:59] on social media.

[44:01] For everybody to be informed ahead of time.

[44:04] The good news is that in October

[44:07] we're going to be our performance evaluation roadshow

[44:12] in city government is going to begin. And that's where

[44:15] Dr. Daly and Sheree Kersher, our HR director

[44:21] and Nick Adams, our organization development

[44:23] manager. All of us will be out communicating

[44:27] with our employees. We're going to be discussing the actual

[44:31] performance evaluation instrument and their content.

[44:35] So employees have a good understanding of how they're going to be

[44:39] evaluated and what are their performance factors that

[44:42] they'll be evaluated with.

[44:45] And we will have received input, final input

[44:49] from our a team, which is employee based.

[44:52] And so we've got an employee input before we got out.

[44:57] So the roadshow begins. And we'll get a lot of good feedback from our

[45:00] employees. And I suspect that at the end of the day we'll have a very

[45:05] successful performance evaluation process. So that's going to start in October.

[45:09] So we talked about the IT, the IT team. We talked about

[45:13] the improvements on Main Street. And so I wanted to update you on that and I

[45:17] finished. Thank you.

[45:20] Can I come on? Sure. On the Main Street improvements, I just

[45:24] want to chime in that the brick ribbon strips were put in in

[45:28] 2005. So they're 21 years old.

[45:32] And they're a great addition to downtown. But over time the settling

[45:35] of them and so forth has made them

[45:37] uneven. I saw a comment you know

[45:41] where. And so I just wanted to clarify that that's

[45:44] why that is being done.

[45:47] And occasionally

[45:49] we have to do that isolated areas. But this is something

[45:53] that

[45:55] we needed to pay attention to for a feature that really

[45:59] enhances our downtown. Just wanted to throw that in.

[46:03] Thank you Commissioner. Pfeiffer. Yes, I have something pertaining

[46:06] to the evaluations. I sent Mike.

[46:12] An inquiry about potential of looking at.

[46:17] Electronic evaluation process.

[46:21] That's what the Florida League of State is used and I just, you know, just came to me that may not

[46:24] be a bad idea for us to consider. But anyway, I sent that to Mike and I think.

[46:30] You referred it to Jackie told me so. Well you know what

[46:34] I thought that was pertaining to the city manager? I was going to say, I was going to

[46:37] add it. No, it yes it did. It pertain. But when I heard

[46:40] about, in fact Jack had mentioned to me earlier today

[46:44] when I heard about, in fact I saw the email too where the

[46:48] evaluated employee evaluations may not be a bad idea to consider. I would

[46:51] suspect that the first one will be done through a paper instrument

[46:56] that I would imagine that we could do that

[46:59] electronically. Yes, I would assume that we could do so.

[47:03] As far as my evaluation is concerned that I think that's

[47:06] up to the commission. If you want to do it electronically or you going to do

[47:10] it, just give me a copy either way. I'm fine. Well

[47:14] probably I'm thinking I'm not in UL

[47:17] seat, but probably I'm thinking this year probably read a paper.

[47:21] But maybe we can work toward next year

[47:23] electronic. I mean if the commission is okay with that.

[47:27] Well you can do it electronically. Well no, I'm talking fillable

[47:31] like a fillable form online.

[47:35] So the county has where you put in it'll have the evaluation, you do your

[47:38] rankings and everything and then you hit submit and it'll go to like

[47:42] them next manager for review and they approve and then it'll go to

[47:46] an employee and then the employee approves it and they have a meeting

[47:50] and then it goes once they approve it then goes through a final set of approvals

[47:53] and it gets sent into their HR file. So it's like

[47:58] a computer system driven. It's not

[48:02] handing paper. I do do it on the PDF.

[48:05] Yeah. So it's.

[48:09] Doesn't preclude. Either of us meeting with each other

[48:13] individually. That's what I would like to do is to go over

[48:16] the evaluation of individually. That's a total

[48:20] different sermon. Total difference. That's a total

[48:23] different sermon that yes regardless of what format we have

[48:27] there's still a meeting. It's respectful and professional to meet with

[48:31] the person and Sean

[48:34] at the time we turning in but at least before it gets to us and we get up to the table.

[48:40] To the diet. So I think yeah

[48:43] that's even part of the process right Jack? Ie yeah that's even

[48:46] part of the process that we must do there. That should be mandatory. But I was just

[48:50] throwing out for us to look at consider electronic

[48:53] process. If it makes sense. Yep. Thank

[48:57] you. All right.

[49:00] Vice mayor Simpson do you have any?

[49:04] Now moving on to city attorney communications.

[49:07] Madam Mayor have nothing specific to report this evening other than

[49:11] to remind you that you do have a couple of public hearings coming up in a few minutes about

[49:15] your special assessments. And I will help navigate

[49:19] other items on your agenda as needed this evening. All right thank you

[49:23] any legislative updates?

[49:26] Hang on Leo's got a question roll it back. Okay Sean.

[49:30] Back to our most famous topic.

[49:34] Palms and material. So I know you probably haven't done anything

[49:38] because we've been so busy on doing other things but it may be time to kind

[49:41] of take another look at that and see if we can move it forward and put some

[49:45] closure to it. Yes sir. That is in

[49:48] closure mode.

[49:50] But as you might imagine haven't looked at it much in the past few weeks.

[49:54] But we are on the cusp. So I will

[49:58] hopefully my next update will be my last update. Okay good

[50:02] news. Thank you.

[50:05] Do we have any legislative updates? No.

[50:09] All right now to agenda modification and

[50:12] approval. Move adoption second moved in second

[50:16] all in favor any opposed? Motion

[50:20] carries

[50:21] now we are at the public comment on agenda items at this time the

[50:25] commission will receive comments from the public regarding matters that appear on this

[50:28] agenda not otherwise scheduled for a separate public hearing.

[50:33] Is anybody have any public comment on any agenda item?

[50:38] All right seeing none. We will now move to hearings.

[50:42] First and second readings and public hearings. Madam Mayor your first

[50:46] item tonight under agenda item 10a is

[50:49] public hearing and adoption of resolution

[50:52] 26-4272-R. This is a

[50:55] resolution of the city of Bartow Florida relating to the provision of fire protection

[50:59] services facilities and programs in the city of Bartow

[51:03] Florida. Comprising the annual resolution to reimpose

[51:06] fire protection assessments against assessed property located within

[51:10] the city of Bartow for the fiscal year beginning October

[51:13] 1, 2026 approving the rates of

[51:16] assessment, approving the assessment role confirming

[51:19] and amending the preliminary rate resolution and providing for severability

[51:23] and providing for an effective date.

[51:27] Move adoption. Second.

[51:29] Ly moved in second.

[51:33] Before open any discussion before the hearing. Yeah

[51:36] can you can you help us help me to understand refresh

[51:40] my.

[51:42] I will give you a quick refresher Commissioner Longworth

[51:45] so this is your fire assess. Ment. You may recall that

[51:49] the process each year is you pass a preliminary resolution back

[51:53] in early July usually I think that's when we did it this year.

[51:57] That sets the stage for any notifications that need to be made

[52:02] and most most importantly sets the stage for the trim notice. So that

[52:05] the amounts applicable to any particular property.

[52:10] Or noticed and then they go on the trim notice and then the

[52:14] time and date of this hearing tonight final adoption is noticed as well.

[52:19] Jacket could probably tell the particulars of the publication process

[52:23] and then I'll defer to Pete on the final numbers

[52:28] but there's a there's a maximum amount that you're allowed to assess.

[52:33] There's an actual amount that you're going to assess that's not always the same number

[52:37] and then you do have a breakdown on page three of your materials

[52:41] and the resolution that shows the breakdown on

[52:45] particular properties as you may recall homes are

[52:48] broken into a few categories based on square feet

[52:52] multi-family are based on dwelling units and then things like

[52:56] industrial and commercial are based on square footage and there's a calculation that goes into

[52:59] that. Right so I'll let Pete I'll talk I'm stop talking about

[53:03] numbers because I just exhausted my expertise on that.

[53:08] But this basically the same process you've done for many

[53:10] years. This is the public hearing

[53:14] it's probably the most important thing I can say. This is the public hearing this does not

[53:18] come back to you in two weeks. Your budget and your millage and all that comes back

[53:22] in a couple weeks but tonight is it for fire and storm water.

[53:26] And storm water will be the next one. So Pete I don't know if I just said a bunch of stuff

[53:30] wrong so please correct me

[53:32] good evening Commissioners City manager in the city attorney know everything you said

[53:36] is correct one thing that you didn't say that I'll add

[53:39] just for the fun of everybody's knowledge is this resolution

[53:43] is estimated to generate about 4.8 million dollars in revenue

[53:46] for the fire district which represents approximately 70% of their

[53:50] budget. As you may remember

[53:53] historically the fire assessment is set to capture up

[53:57] to 75% of the budget but it also had a

[54:01] dollar maximum which is where we at which is why it's not at 75% the remaining

[54:04] $2 million of their budget is coming from the general fund.

[54:09] All right thank you Pete.

[54:11] At this time we will go ahead and have our public hearing regarding

[54:15] resolution number

[54:16] 26-4272-R.

[54:20] Is there any public comment on this item?

[54:24] Seeing none we will close the public hearing and go to a roll call.

[54:29] Commissioner Paul aye Mr. Long.

[54:35] Aye.

[54:38] Commissioners thank you your next item under 10B is public hearing and adoption of

[54:41] resolution number 26-4273-R

[54:46] this is a resolution of the city of Bartow Florida relating to the provision of

[54:49] stormwater improvement and management services facilities and programs

[54:53] in the city of Bartow Florida. Comprising the annual resolution

[54:56] to reimpose stormwater improvement and service assessments

[55:00] against assessed property located within the city of Bartow

[55:04] for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026 approving

[55:07] the rates of assessment approving the assessment role

[55:10] confirming and amending the preliminary rate resolution providing for

[55:14] severability and providing for an effective date. Motion to

[55:17] approve second. Married in second is there any

[55:21] discussion on this one? Commissioners I would just similarly

[55:25] point you to page A3 of this resolution

[55:28] that breaks down breaks down the total amount to be generated as well as the

[55:32] different categories of assessment.

[55:35] And then any further questions on that I would defer to Mr. Lear.

[55:41] You have anything you want to add to this one? Again same as the last one this one's

[55:45] this one is will generate significantly less revenue it represents a

[55:48] 3% increase which was approved as part of the the rate study that was done

[55:52] a few years ago

[55:53] revenue estimated to be generated by this assessment is

[55:56] $1,740 914.03.

[56:02] Okay and is that is that in a percentage as well of the budget or it's not

[56:05] no that is the budget for the storm water they get

[56:09] their gotcha revenue from the source gotcha yes understand

[56:13] all right any further questions on this item? All right

[56:16] I'm going to open the public comment if you have anything

[56:20] any comment regarding resolution number

[56:22] 26-4273-R

[56:25] now's the time.

[56:29] Seeing that I'm going to close the public hearing Jackie Rokaw please

[56:33] Commissioner Paul aye.

[56:37] Are aye.

[56:42] That now brings us to the public hearing and adoption of the proposed

[56:45] tentative millage rate and proposed tentative budget.

[56:53] Madam Mayor if you'll convene your public hearing. And then turn it over to

[56:57] Pete and we'll run through all the steps of this process

[57:01] and then you'll you'll adjourn the public hearing at the tail end of this so we will

[57:04] now open the public hearing for this item and I'm going to

[57:07] turn it over to Pete.

[57:10] Thank you mayor. So we have a bunch of required

[57:14] statutory readings so you'll have to excuse my exciting tone

[57:17] and language that I'm about to partake in first is the introduction

[57:21] which is item 10c2

[57:23] this hearing has been convened pursuant to section

[57:26] 200.065 2C and E Florida statutes

[57:30] for the purpose of receiving comments questions requests and/or complaints from the public

[57:34] regarding the proposed millage rate and budget the city commission

[57:37] of the city of Bartow Florida is the taxing authority in this proceeding

[57:41] prior to the conclusion of this hearing the Commission will adopt a tentative general millage rate

[57:44] for the 2006 tax year and a tentative budget for the

[57:48] 2027 fiscal year.

[57:53] So that's the introduction. Next we have is item 10

[57:56] C3A which is the proposed millage rate

[58:01] general millage rate is 6.1080

[58:05] mils said rate represents a 2.66%

[58:09] increase over the rollback rate of

[58:11] 5.9495 milliliters computed pursuant to

[58:15] section 200.0651 of

[58:18] Florida statutes.

[58:21] Are there any questions on that item.

[58:25] Any questions from the question?

[58:28] No. Carry on next we'll move on to the next one which is

[58:33] the proposed tentative budget the proposed expenditures

[58:36] excluding transfers total

[58:38] $130,731,941

[58:43] transfers total $12,951

[58:48] and proposed balances and reserves total

[58:51] $2,110,000 therefore the proposed

[58:54] 2026 budget totals

[58:57] $145,793,441

[59:01] is there any discussion on that one?

[59:04] Any discussion from the commission saying none carry on?

[59:08] All right.

[59:13] Since there was no discussion there's no amendments to the proposed tentative budget

[59:17] or recomputation of the proposed tenant of military.

[59:20] So the next is item six which is the

[59:25] resolution of the city commission of the city.

[59:28] Excuse me resolution of the city commission of the city of Bartow

[59:31] Florida adopting a tentative general millage rate for the 2026

[59:35] tax year declaring the percentage by which said military rate exceeds the

[59:38] rollback rate characterizing said percentage as a

[59:41] percentage increase in property taxes and providing for an effective date.

[59:46] Move without

[59:48] a mayor for the record that is resolution

[59:50] 26-4275-R.

[59:55] Okay is public hearing on this item? You can

[59:59] invite public comment and don't know if you'll have any but

[1:00:02] does anybody from the public have any comment on this agenda item?

[1:00:07] Seeing none will move or wait we gotta I'm sorry we got a vote

[1:00:11] right well I got a question and my question is

[1:00:15] would you

[1:00:17] announce that right again the millage raid again yes sir

[1:00:21] it is 6.1080 mL it's the same rate as last year.

[1:00:26] All right I'm sorry 6.10 8 0

[1:00:30] 8 0 all right thank you.

[1:00:34] All right do we do we need to vote on this one okay go ahead.

[1:00:39] Mr. Ball aye Mr. Longworth.

[1:00:44] Simpson.

[1:00:50] All right so the next item actually relates to the last one which is the

[1:00:53] statutory disclosures on that millage rate says the general millage

[1:00:57] rate proposed for final adoption is

[1:00:59] 6.1080 mL said rate represents a

[1:01:03] 2.66% increase over the rollback rate of

[1:01:06] 5.9495 mills computed

[1:01:09] percent to section 200.065 2 C Florida

[1:01:13] statutes and is hereby characterized as a

[1:01:16] 6.16% increase in property taxes to be

[1:01:19] levied by the city commission of the city of Bartow Florida

[1:01:23] the taxing authority in this proceeding.

[1:01:30] It's the next item we have is the adoption of the tentative budget

[1:01:34] resolution 20 resolution number

[1:01:36] 26-4276r a resolution of the

[1:01:40] city commission of the city of Bartow Florida adopting a tentative

[1:01:43] budget for the

[1:01:45] 2027 fiscal year providing that a copy of said budget

[1:01:49] shall be filed in the office of the director of finance in providing for an effective date.

[1:01:58] Second.

[1:01:59] Properly moved in second in is there any discussion on the

[1:02:03] item?

[1:02:07] All right is there any public comment on this item?

[1:02:12] Seeing none Jackie?

[1:02:16] Mr. Paul? Aye Mr. Longworth Commissioner.

[1:02:21] Simpson? Aye?

[1:02:25] All right here's our last item which is the announcement of the date and time

[1:02:29] to adopt the final millage rate and final budget that will be

[1:02:32] September 15 2026 at 6 p.m.

[1:02:36] here at city commission chambers.

[1:02:39] All right.

[1:02:42] All right I think that. What 15.

[1:02:45] Okay I'm sorry I thought she was telling me something.

[1:02:50] Okay at this time we will go ahead and adjourn this public

[1:02:53] hearing.

[1:02:55] That will now bring us back to the regular agenda

[1:02:59] and on item number 11 consent agenda which includes the approval

[1:03:02] of the August 17 2026 city commission

[1:03:06] regular meeting minutes approval of the July 22

[1:03:09] 2026 city commission budget workshop minutes.

[1:03:14] A workshop one minutes approval of the July 24

[1:03:18] 2026 city commission budget workshop two minutes

[1:03:23] approval of city commissioner absences for August 17 2026

[1:03:26] of which there were none move adoption. Second

[1:03:30] all in favor any opposed? All right item

[1:03:34] number 12 other business

[1:03:36] old business we have none new business we have none that now brings us to

[1:03:39] resolutions item a Sean? Thank you Madam Mayor let me read the

[1:03:43] title and after you get your motion in second I do have a few comments

[1:03:46] to walk through here this is resolution

[1:03:49] 26-427 4-R. This is a resolution

[1:03:53] of the city commission of the city of Bartow Florida establishing a community

[1:03:56] redevelopment advisory committee for the Bartow Community

[1:04:00] Redevelopment Agency providing for qualifications members

[1:04:03] in defining roles and responsibilities and providing an effective date

[1:04:07] move adopted second.

[1:04:10] So Commissioners just by way of quick introduction. And I certainly

[1:04:13] invite your feedback as appropriate and just for clarification

[1:04:17] for citizens who may have been paying attention to recent changes with

[1:04:21] the CRA this is specifically a

[1:04:24] proposed advisory committee directly to the CRA board

[1:04:28] that would be tasked with

[1:04:30] responsibilities and roles as directed by the

[1:04:33] CRA. This is not the same as the other concept we've been

[1:04:37] discussing about a larger community development

[1:04:40] advisory board which might have broader

[1:04:44] responsibilities

[1:04:46] perhaps more membership that's that we're still working through that one. But this is

[1:04:50] the direct one that we wanted to get moving first because it's directly related to

[1:04:54] your your new functions as a CRA board with your other members.

[1:04:58] Forgive me if there's any mistakes here, but let me tell you how I've structured this

[1:05:02] and then solicit your feedback. I structured this with a

[1:05:06] five member advisory committee. I know there was some talk about five or seven.

[1:05:10] I seem to remember five so I went with five if you want to do something different than that

[1:05:14] we could talk about that this evening.

[1:05:17] You'll see that I built in some staggered terms with the initial

[1:05:20] appointments. So I think the idea here is once you create this

[1:05:25] you we can work with Jackie to set up your application

[1:05:28] process and how long you want to accept applications

[1:05:32] and then how you might go about selecting the members. Similar to

[1:05:35] when we did the appointments for the two extra CRA board members.

[1:05:40] One was a two year term one was a four year term to kind of set up that natural

[1:05:44] stagger. This is structure in the same way.

[1:05:48] That the first two folks will have a two year term the other three would have a four

[1:05:52] year term and then that way. They're not all hitting for renewal

[1:05:55] at the same time.

[1:05:57] So that's obviously subject to discussion if you'd like to do so otherwise

[1:06:01] that should work well. There are basic duties and responsibilities that

[1:06:04] are spelled out. I drafted that somewhat

[1:06:07] intentionally generic because I think this

[1:06:11] is going to be

[1:06:13] kind of an influx thing a fluid thing as you go forward.

[1:06:16] Depending on how many things you sort of task that advisory committee with.

[1:06:21] And I would say otherwise we can always come back and amend this resolution

[1:06:25] in the future if we need to tweak something. Like add more members

[1:06:29] or change the terms or something like that. So hopefully this gets us a nice

[1:06:33] good framework to get it moving. And then you can talk about how you want to go

[1:06:36] about appointing members.

[1:06:39] And then we'll work on how it all functions in the real world as we go forward.

[1:06:44] So I just wanted to give that basic introduction and certainly stand for any questions you

[1:06:47] may have. All right does anyone have any questions

[1:06:51] regarding this resolution for a city attorney?

[1:06:57] So Sean just to clarify we will take and make.

[1:07:01] Descriptions of duties and responsibilities at a later

[1:07:04] time. There are some spelled out here

[1:07:08] more generic. I'm thinking that

[1:07:12] when

[1:07:13] Jackie's office puts out solicitations for applicants

[1:07:19] we would either attach this or copy those same

[1:07:22] duties and responsibilities. Some folks that are interested probably already know all that stuff.

[1:07:27] But new applicants may not. And then I think my thinking

[1:07:31] in this obviously subject to.

[1:07:34] Both of the hats you're wearing in this

[1:07:37] situation. City commission and CRA board

[1:07:39] members. If you decide down the

[1:07:43] road that there are some specific duties that you really would like

[1:07:46] this committee to be in charge of or responsible for. And it's not

[1:07:50] otherwise captured here. We could always come back and tweak the

[1:07:55] roles and responsibilities as you see fit.

[1:08:00] Any other any additional questions?

[1:08:08] I would not on the number

[1:08:11] five doesn't bother me but.

[1:08:14] We forgot to. I don't know. I mean the five is okay.

[1:08:18] You know seven is better for me. Just

[1:08:22] to open it up to more residents. Well didn't we because we were going to get one

[1:08:26] for Malturas, one for that was the other

[1:08:29] committee.

[1:08:33] I did leave out an important part in Commissioner Longworth made me think of

[1:08:36] it. So yes as to the other committee that

[1:08:39] we're still working on. That's the one where we talked about.

[1:08:43] Representatives from other outside city levels. We got too many boards going here. The

[1:08:46] qualifications here for this group whether it's five or seven. Would be the same

[1:08:50] qualification. Board members live

[1:08:54] somewhere in the city. Don't have to be from the CRA. You all don't have to be

[1:08:57] from the CRA. I think you all when you make your initial

[1:09:00] appointments. Particularly the first time

[1:09:03] around. And I hope you get a lot of applicants.

[1:09:07] Whether they're former board members or other other

[1:09:10] volunteers in the city. If you decide that you want

[1:09:14] kind of a cross section of locations where people live, you could

[1:09:17] certainly factor that into your rankings.

[1:09:21] If you want all CRA people then you could vote accordingly.

[1:09:25] And then back to Commissioner Longworth's

[1:09:27] point. I don't have a dog in the fight. The five

[1:09:31] versus seven there's pros and cons either way.

[1:09:34] And I would say if you go with either one of those

[1:09:38] and you decide later well we got too many or we don't have enough. You can always

[1:09:42] change it. But this definitely gets you moving. It's

[1:09:45] probably easier to add than subtract on that particular

[1:09:49] home front. Just my opinion.

[1:09:53] Yeah. So I just put that out there

[1:09:56] seven instead of the five. Again. My premise is just

[1:10:00] to you know open up more opportunities for the citizens to

[1:10:02] participate. I do like the idea of

[1:10:05] seven. I think just for

[1:10:08] functioning board making sure that we have enough people around

[1:10:12] the table when they're making decisions and recommendations and if you have five

[1:10:16] and people are out then you're working with a quorum of three and I

[1:10:19] just think five or seven allows us to have more people around the table making decisions.

[1:10:28] Commissioners if there is a consensus to go with seven.

[1:10:32] What I would ask you to do is just and you don't we don't have to get into

[1:10:35] the minutia of the red line here. But section three

[1:10:39] of the resolution sets forth the five with

[1:10:42] the first two having a two year term so on and so forth.

[1:10:46] If somebody wants to make a motion to amend to make it seven

[1:10:50] and stagger the terms accordingly. Jackie and I can go back and make sure that.

[1:10:55] All the T's are crossed and the eyes are dotted. But I think that would get across

[1:10:59] the intent of your goal to go with seven.

[1:11:03] And then you could vote on that amendment and then come back and vote on the.

[1:11:07] Resolution as amended and then we're good to go.

[1:11:12] I'll make a motion to amend the resolution

[1:11:15] from five members to seven and then stagger

[1:11:20] the length of time for service. Second.

[1:11:23] Properly mood insecut any discussion on that motion?

[1:11:28] All right. All in favor of that motion.

[1:11:33] Oh I gotta do a roll call for that. I'm sorry. Go ahead Jackie.

[1:11:37] No.

[1:11:45] I.

[1:11:51] All right now back to the resolution at hand.

[1:11:54] I had a motion in a second on that right okay yes so yeah so I have

[1:11:58] a question. I know Gary

[1:12:01] you asked a question about

[1:12:04] the do's and don'ts or the you know the duties of that

[1:12:08] committee. When do we talk about that?

[1:12:12] Resolution all right okay where is it? Basic yes?

[1:12:17] Sorry I turned my mic off.

[1:12:20] A lot of this was pulled from materials from our friends

[1:12:23] in Winter Haven and other places that have similar committees. So

[1:12:27] it's it's general stuff like gain an input information on community

[1:12:30] redevelopment issues. Gather pertinent information on ongoing

[1:12:35] implementation of the plan. The real big one is perform other tasks

[1:12:39] as might be specifically delegated by the board. And so

[1:12:42] it's the guts is in there and I think those categories

[1:12:46] back in section four will cover most of what you all want them

[1:12:50] to do.

[1:12:52] This should be the last page of your packet

[1:12:56] it's two pages at the very end.

[1:13:00] Ed here pass that down if she needs it.

[1:13:04] No, I mean I pulled up the wrong one.

[1:13:07] Look at mine.

[1:13:10] But the idea with those generic categories was to

[1:13:14] give you a lot of flexibility

[1:13:17] and so to the question of you know when do you talk about

[1:13:19] specifics? I think that comes up

[1:13:24] in your in your capacity as CRA board with your other two members

[1:13:28] when and if and how often and what kinds of things you want

[1:13:32] to task them with working with your

[1:13:34] director. I think that will kind of evolve over

[1:13:37] time. And then I think once you use the committee for a while.

[1:13:43] And we've had this example from some other cities around us

[1:13:47] you know you may decide that.

[1:13:49] For example you don't want to really deal with

[1:13:53] small scale requests for facade grant

[1:13:57] or something. And you delegate that to the committee.

[1:14:01] Or you've got a major edit coming up to your

[1:14:04] CRA plan and you really need some deep study on some

[1:14:07] issue. Right. That's the kind of stuff I think y'all on the fly

[1:14:11] you can delegate as you see fit. And my guess is it'll be a little

[1:14:15] clunky for a little while and then once you kind of get in the groove for a while

[1:14:18] it'll work out. Especially if you get a very eager

[1:14:21] volunteer board committee that wants to pitch in and help.

[1:14:26] Quite careful what they wish for kind of thing. But

[1:14:30] you'll do that on the fly. Okay I had a

[1:14:34] question while you were talking about it.

[1:14:37] And do.

[1:14:41] This resolution obviously after tonight is

[1:14:43] good. So the committee would be officially it

[1:14:47] would be an official commitment. The framework would then exist

[1:14:50] and then you'll go about appointing members. Sometime in the next couple

[1:14:54] meetings whatever your I just that's what I was going to ask and when does that come

[1:14:58] into us? We have to. We have to advertise for the right

[1:15:01] and I was thinking out loud

[1:15:04] it's just totally my idea so y'all make the decision but

[1:15:08] your meeting schedule right now is super funky. Because I can't remember a time where

[1:15:11] we had the first meeting on budget before Labor Day.

[1:15:15] Your next meeting is

[1:15:18] in like 12 days.

[1:15:20] No 13 now whatever it's the 15th 12 days yeah I was right.

[1:15:24] So you have all these meetings sort of crammed together and then you don't meet again until the 1st

[1:15:27] of October. Just as a suggestion.

[1:15:31] Trying to get applications and names and all that by your next meetings probably way too much

[1:15:35] but it's probably very doable for that October 7th or whatever date that

[1:15:39] meeting is. I agree that would give Jackie time to get an application

[1:15:42] put together get it out there you know collect applications.

[1:15:47] And then you know there's a lot that goes into compiling that agenda

[1:15:50] item. So if that's your desire

[1:15:54] you know kind of like sooner the better. But then again if you know if we're not.

[1:15:58] Getting enough applicants or whatever you can build some flexibility into but

[1:16:02] that could be a good target.

[1:16:04] 01 okay with the October 1st agenda in October.

[1:16:13] If we can get it done first meeting in October.

[1:16:17] Do you need more time to that? We can move it to the second. Meeting.

[1:16:23] How many we get all right well I guess I mean we can we can shoot for the first one

[1:16:27] and if not

[1:16:29] we'll table it to the next one okay I'm sorry to

[1:16:32] belabor this but I got another question. The ones that are already there

[1:16:37] can can we use are we okay to use?

[1:16:40] Oh and see whether or not they'll be interested.

[1:16:44] Okay and then so I guess the actual activities

[1:16:47] or what do you call it? Responsibilities duties or whatever

[1:16:51] they're committed we could talk about that next I don't know about the

[1:16:55] next CRM meeting but at a future CRM meeting

[1:16:58] agenda it.

[1:17:01] Yet once we have this CRA meeting and we can talk about it and see

[1:17:04] how we field it in the as the CRA board didn't we get

[1:17:08] known determine what we want to start talking about that. Yes

[1:17:11] because we need to have that before you start at least some idea

[1:17:15] I think.

[1:17:17] Created the mechanism yeah you'll appoint your members.

[1:17:21] You will you will have a CRA board meeting in between all that.

[1:17:26] Where you all could just talk about it a little bit and then maybe.

[1:17:29] Maybe by the October CRA meeting.

[1:17:33] If Howard and the board has. Business to

[1:17:36] tend to that they could help with

[1:17:39] then you all can that's why I say kind of figure it out as you go and that's why

[1:17:42] I think once it's once it gets going it'll kind of build its own

[1:17:46] momentum and they'll yeah but you know

[1:17:49] first it'll be a little bit of a learning curve for everybody.

[1:17:55] Yeah correct.

[1:18:00] Okay so is there any further discussion on this resolution?

[1:18:06] Seeing none we will go to a roll call Jackie?

[1:18:11] Hi.

[1:18:19] Okay that now brings us to Commissioner comments Commissioner

[1:18:22] Ball. Nothing tonight Commissioner Longworth.

[1:18:27] Commissioner Pfeiffer.

[1:18:30] I know right I don't know.

[1:18:35] Your mic wasn't on.

[1:18:38] Thank you staff for being here and glad that we're getting done kind of

[1:18:42] early on a very important approval night thank you.

[1:18:46] Vice Mayor Simpson? The only thing I wanted to note is that

[1:18:50] our airport authority meeting has been moved from the 14th to the

[1:18:53] 21st so just make sure your calendar is updated.

[1:18:57] To the 24th first 21st.

[1:19:01] Good thing you said something because I had it on the wrong date okay. All

[1:19:04] right and I have nothing else so at this time we will

[1:19:08] adjourn this meeting at 7:18.

City Commission Meeting - 9/3/2026

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