[2:12] Good evening. Today's. Today's date. July 3,

[2:21] 2025. Town of the process 07:12 p.m. we'll call the

[2:25] Hayne City commission meeting to order at this. Time. We'll

[2:33] have our invocation. I see Pastor baby back there to

[2:36] you. Minister invocation. And remain standing for our pledge of

[2:40] allegiance. You can come up to the front, too. He

[2:45] doesn't find us.

[2:58] Father God, we do come before you, and we thank

[3:00] you for tonight. We thank you for life. Health and

[3:04] strength. Thank you for just waking up up this morning.

[3:09] As we come before you, we do ask for your

[3:10] wisdom. Or guidance. Knowledge and understanding and all that we

[3:14] do. We pray for our city. Pray for our city

[3:18] leaders. You endow them with your knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

[3:23] Do you be all the praise and all the glory

[3:24] in Jesus name every heart. Say, man. Standing for the

[3:29] pleasure.

[3:42] Thank you so much, pastor. Before we start this meeting,

[3:48] I want to yield over to our city attorney, who

[3:50] want to make a couple of comments and then I'll

[3:52] reconvene to me. I made a couple of comments before

[4:01] the CRA meeting, and I'm going to say the same

[4:04] thing, and I'm going to say it very as quickly

[4:06] as I possibly can. Just for the folks in the

[4:11] audience. The commissioners and city manager and clerk and I

[4:17] all have hard jobs up here. It's hard to say

[4:21] who has the toughest job. City commission supposed to be

[4:25] making. The policy decisions. And that is very challenging. If

[4:31] you saw the CRA meeting, there's a lot that goes

[4:34] into setting the policy. I at times feel like I

[4:38] have a very difficult job because. My job at times

[4:42] requires me to tell the city commissioners no. It's always

[4:47] for a structured. Ethical reason. But.

[4:57] I do that? They get mad at me, and I

[5:01] understand why. But there's times I still have to say

[5:05] no. That's the first point. Second point is. It's important

[5:12] that. The city commissioners and the city staff and myself

[5:18] and everybody else in the organization. Stay in their respective

[5:21] lanes because. That is what our charter requires. And if

[5:27] people get out of their lanes, then. It really falls

[5:31] to me to say something about. It. And the third

[5:34] thing is. Just a reciprocal request, and that is that

[5:39] if there's an issue that comes up, I would appreciate

[5:43] it if the staff or the city commissioners call me

[5:47] and discuss it with me. Because. I see an issue

[5:52] that I think they need to be aware of, I

[5:54] do call them so. Those were the points I made

[5:58] earlier, and I wanted to make them again now. We

[6:02] have a very long meeting ahead of us. And quite

[6:07] a few very important things. To get accomplished. And Mayor

[6:14] west has always talked in terms of, this is a

[6:17] business meeting, and we need to conduct it as a

[6:19] business meeting. I know one of the first items. I

[6:24] want to make a few more comments. When that comes

[6:27] up, but. I will yield back to the mayor. Thank

[6:31] you, council. Exactly right for the state. For our council

[6:37] member. That's on the day as. Remember, this is a

[6:38] business meeting, so. If there's any comments question that you

[6:41] need to answer, we probably should have reached out. To

[6:43] the city manager or city attorney or the city clerk.

[6:46] Let's try to keep this meeting as business as possible

[6:49] and get out of here in a reasonable time. Maybe

[6:53] like 830, but we can. Love. Stream. He loves streaming.

[7:05] So at this time, we're going to continue with this.

[7:06] We got a presentation in front. Of us, boys and

[7:08] girls for proclamation week for proclamation. So thank you, Mr.

[7:14] Mayor. The next proclamations that I'm going to read. For

[7:19] our June meeting, but as you know, it was canceled.

[7:22] Due to some scheduling conflicts, but we still want to

[7:24] make sure that we honor these so the first one

[7:27] is. Whereas the Boys and Girls Club of Pope county

[7:29] is at the forefront of youth development and serves as

[7:32] a haven and opportunity hub for all young people, especially

[7:35] those who need us. Most. And whereas the Boys and

[7:37] Girls Club of Pope county recognizes that the health, well

[7:40] being and future success of our children. Is a shared

[7:43] community responsibility, and whereas children's abilities, confidence and aspirations can

[7:49] be nurtured through supportive programs and positive environments that. Prepare

[7:53] them to thrive physically, emotionally and professionally. And whereas the

[7:57] boys and girls Club of Poke county helps ensure that

[8:00] our young people have access to resources, offering them a

[8:03] safe and supportive place to go and providing them with

[8:06] quality programs. And whereas the boys and Girls Club of

[8:09] Pope county will celebrate national Boys and Girls Club a

[8:12] week 2000 and. 25, along with some 3000 other clubs

[8:17] and more than 4 million young people worldwide. In an

[8:20] effort to promote great futures for our youth. So now,

[8:23] therefore, I, Morrison west, mayor of the city of Haynes

[8:26] City do proclaim the week of June 23 through the

[8:29] 27th. That was boys and girls. Club week in the

[8:31] city of Hayden city, and we call on all our

[8:33] c. Citizens to join in recognizing and commending the Boys

[8:36] and Girls Club of Pope county for providing comprehensive, high

[8:39] quality services to the young people of this community. And

[8:42] we have here to set our hand and cost the

[8:44] seal of the city of Hayne City to be affixed

[8:47] this day, and I just want to say that the

[8:50] boys and girls club did come and make a visit

[8:52] to city hall and. They had made some lovely bags

[8:56] to give to a lot of directors. That were here

[8:59] in city hall. I took them on a tour and

[9:02] went throughout the whole building. And it was really nice

[9:04] to see them, along with the director, Curtis Reddick, and

[9:07] a couple of interns and stuff like that. And so

[9:10] Curtis was unable to be here because he's with the

[9:13] boys and girls club. On a trip, so they're out

[9:16] doing something. But I understand that there's supposed to be

[9:19] someone here to accept this proclamation.

[10:10] No, we just really appreciate this. Thank you for your

[10:12] support. Thank you. I think we have just right around

[10:15] 100 kids for the summer program. Hot and heavy in

[10:17] it. They're off this. Week for the fourth July weekend.

[10:20] But you guys are truly making an impact on the

[10:22] kids here. In Hayne City, and we definitely appreciate it.

[10:24] Thank you. Thank you. The next one that I'll be

[10:31] reading is for Juneteen th freedom day and I want

[10:34] to specifically state here that we're doing something special this

[10:36] year where we will acknowledge Juneteenth, which we know is

[10:39] on June 19. And then I have a special acknowledgment

[10:42] that I will read in a separate proclamation, but this

[10:45] one. Is. Whereas for 158 years, June 10 day continues

[10:53] to be the most recognized african american holiday observance in

[10:56] the United States, also known as Emancipation Day, Emancipation celebration,

[11:01] Freedom Day. June, June, Juneteen th Independence Day and juneteen

[11:05] th juneteen th national Freedom Day commemorates the survival due

[11:09] to God. Given strength and determination of African Americans, whereas

[11:13] approximately eleven and a half million African Americans survived the

[11:17] voyage to the new world. The number that died is

[11:19] likely greater only to be subjected to the tearing part

[11:23] of families and forced to submit to slavery for more

[11:26] than over 200 years after arrival. In the United States

[11:29] and. Whereas Juneteenth commemorates the day freedom was proclaimed to

[11:34] all enslaved in the south by major Emery and the

[11:38] United States Colored Troops posted general order number three on

[11:41] June 19, 1865 on Reed Chapel AME Church in Galveston,

[11:45] Texas, more than two and a half years after the

[11:49] signing of the emancip. Emancipation proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln.

[11:53] And whereas, until we are free, all are free, none

[11:57] are free. Is an off repeated maxim that can be

[12:00] used to highlight the significance of the end of the

[12:02] era of slavery in the United States. And whereas in

[12:05] 1991, Representative also J. Reddick senior of Orlando authored the.

[12:10] Legislation for the state of Florida's Juneteenth observance, which was

[12:14] signed into law by Florida governor Lawton child in May

[12:17] 1991. And whereas in 1973, as an undergraduate student in

[12:22] Texas, Doris Moore Bailey, was first introduced to Juneteenth during

[12:27] a horseback trail. Ride in June 1992. The Juneteenth committee,

[12:32] founded by Mrs. Moore Bailey, organized the first Juneteenth observance

[12:36] in Florida. And whereas the 19 June along with the

[12:40] 4 July completes the cycle of freedom for America's Independence

[12:44] Day observances. And whereas on July 2, 2022 the city

[12:50] commission approved. Resolution number 201479, naming June 19 as Juneteenth

[12:56] Independence Day in the city. Of Hayne city and then

[12:59] later renamed the date of celebration from Juneteenth independence. Day

[13:04] to Juneteenth Freedom Day. So now, therefore, I, Morris L.

[13:07] West, the mayor of the city of Hayne city do

[13:10] proclaim Jun. June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth Freedom Day in

[13:15] the city of Haynes city and we urge all public

[13:18] officials, educators, librarians and all the residents in Hayne City

[13:21] to observe the month with appropriate programs and ceremonies and

[13:25] activities, and we set our hand in seal to the

[13:27] city of Hayne City. And for those of you that

[13:29] might remember, we had an amazing. Gala event I attended.

[13:32] I know a lot of our elected officials and probably

[13:36] some people out here. In the audience. And that's what

[13:38] this proclamation is for. We have a great committee that

[13:40] puts together a wonderful program. And hopefully it will just

[13:44] continue to grow bigger and bigger each year. She's going

[13:47] to accept.

[14:36] Thank you so much. In order for us to have

[14:43] an amazing gala in order for us to have an

[14:45] amazing June team festival. It takes a collaborative effort. And

[14:48] that's a yes from the commissioners. That's. A yes from

[14:51] the mayor. I told the sound engineer that we had

[14:54] for the festival that. We couldn't do it without your.

[14:56] Yes. And so again, thank you, city of Hayne. City.

[14:58] Thank you. Parks and recreation. Terrell and his team, anything

[15:01] that we needed, they did not. Say no. They graciously

[15:04] did it for us, and we thank you. This is

[15:06] only the fourth year, so we hopefully, definitely get better.

[15:09] On behalf of my Aunt Cynthia Downing, who's the president

[15:12] of our Handson June 10 coalition. We will have to

[15:15] accept this proclamation and thank you so much for acknowledging

[15:18] us. Thank you. So the last one, Mr. Mayor, this

[15:21] one is a little bit special. So this is, we

[15:24] have never done this before, but this is important. So

[15:27] whereas Juneteenth, which is observed annually, on June 19 to

[15:30] commemorates the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in

[15:34] Galveston. Texas to enforce the emancipation Proclamation, ensure the freedom

[15:43] of enslaved African Americans, marking a defining moment in american

[15:48] history. And whereas in 2019, the city of Haynes city

[15:52] began posting major Juneteen th celebrations led by community leader

[15:57] Betty White, along with the northeast community. Revitalization group with

[16:01] strong support of Commissioner Kim Downing, the Northeast Rattlers and

[16:05] the King's Lodge 48. These vibrant events, known as. Be

[16:10] out day were embraced by the community as a celebration

[16:13] of freedom, unity and empowerment. And whereas the Haynes City

[16:16] Commission and our very own mayor, Morris west enthusiastically supported

[16:21] these celebrations, recognizing the importance of Juneteenth as part of

[16:24] the city's cultural identity and historical awareness and whereas in

[16:28] 2020, under the. Leadership of Mayor Morris West, Haynes City

[16:33] became the first municipality in Polk county to officially designate

[16:38] Juneteenth as a paid holiday for the city employees setting

[16:42] that example, and that has since been followed by other

[16:45] cities in the region. And whereas the city of Haynes

[16:48] city remains committed to recogn. Recognizing and uplifting the values

[16:52] of freedom, inclusion, and community pride that Juneteenth represents. So

[16:59] now, therefore, I, Morris west, mayor of the city of

[17:02] Haynes city, along with the city commission, we are also

[17:05] proclaiming June 19, 2025, as juneteenth, a celebration of freedom.

[17:10] And we want to acknowledge these. Key residents and other

[17:15] people who have had. A really great hand in making

[17:18] sure that this holiday is not forgotten, that the lessons

[17:22] are learned. That the history is restored. The mayor didn't

[17:25] want any attention, but tag your it here. Is the

[17:28] attention. And Commissioner Downing is going to accept this proclamation

[17:33] as she was part of. The Northeast revitalization group, if

[17:38] I have that correctly, so that we can put this

[17:40] into the record, so. Let's all give a rounding applause

[17:45] to our mayor, because I, as an employee as well.

[17:48] As all the other employees who are able to get

[17:50] this because he led the charge in making sure it

[17:53] was a paid holiday. Thank you so much, but I

[17:57] don't take credit for this because it was five commissioners.

[18:00] At the time. So. I brought it to this commission,

[18:06] to the. And they follow suit and believed in me

[18:11] and what I had to say to get this a

[18:12] holiday. So I just want to thank to all the

[18:15] commissioners at the time that some fit that this was

[18:17] a very important day to celebrate. And now each and

[18:22] every city employee gets every year. So thank you to

[18:25] the city staff and all the commissions that served beside

[18:28] me when I was a mayor in that year to

[18:29] make this a holiday. And I just want to go

[18:33] on record. She's not here tonight. But I would find

[18:38] it robbery if I do not mention her name because.

[18:43] The Juneteen th celebration came all about through Shamitia Streeter.

[18:47] She first introduced it to northeast revitalization. As an idea.

[18:53] As for us to start celebrating. And she added me

[18:59] to be her co chair person, so. I wanted to

[19:04] just give her her accolades to say if it was

[19:07] not. For her forward thinking back in 2019. To be

[19:13] the first one to actually bring this as a thought

[19:16] to Hayne City. And since 19. We have carried the

[19:20] torch, and Mayor west made it official in 2020 for

[19:25] the employees to have it as a paid holiday. A

[19:29] year before. President Joe Biden made an official federal holiday.

[19:34] So I just wanted to give her her accolades. And

[19:37] thank her for her forward thinking to even start this

[19:40] celebration here in our city. Thank you so

[19:49] much. Back to business. The next item on the agenda.

[19:54] Side item number five. Sorry. The Anderson versus Philippines in

[19:59] the settlement. I'll turn it over to our city attorney

[20:01] for some comments on this particular item. Mayor and commissioners.

[20:07] Item number five is related to the proposed settlement with

[20:11] Erica Anderson in the case which is pending. In federal

[20:18] district court for the Middle district. Of Florida. Earlier this

[20:23] afternoon, we had a shade meeting. Where? The city. Commission

[20:28] met and discussed this case and. Were briefed on the

[20:32] case by their legal counsel. The city and Anderson had

[20:37] previously filed a joint stipulation of settlement in the case.

[20:42] The proposed settlement is contingent on the city commission formally

[20:46] approving the settlement. The basic terms of the settlement. I

[20:52] want to read to the audience so you know exactly

[20:55] what is on the table. The basic terms of the

[21:00] settlement are. A the city's insurer would pay a settlement

[21:05] and the amount of $550,000 to Anderson. The city would

[21:10] be responsible for paying. A deductible of $2,500 to the

[21:15] insurer. The parties would pay their own attorney fees. So.

[21:23] The plaintiff will pay her attorney and the insurance company.

[21:28] That the city has. Will pay the attorneys that litigated

[21:32] the case. The only attorney. That isn't getting paid. In

[21:37] that manner is me. I get paid for doing my

[21:40] normal city attorney. Work. The city. In. Does not admit

[21:47] liability. And. When this is finalized. The plaintiff will be

[21:54] asked to sign a release concerning all claims against the

[21:58] city. In briefing the city commissioners this afternoon, I made

[22:03] it clear that until there's been a final disposition of

[22:06] the case. I respectfully requested the city commissioners and staff

[22:13] refrain from commenting on the pending litigation. And this litigation

[22:20] will not be complete until the. Judge. Approves the orders

[22:25] of dismissal or an order dismissing the case, which is

[22:30] likely to be two to three weeks from now. And

[22:34] I know there may be people in the audience that

[22:37] want to comment on this case. The narrow issue before.

[22:44] The board this evening is whether to approve the settlement

[22:47] or not. That's the issue that should be addressed. The

[22:52] running through the merits of the case and trying to

[22:55] discuss them is not within the scope of what should

[22:59] be addressed this evening. So I'm forewarning people that. Is

[23:07] to me the ground rules. Citizens may want to comment.

[23:13] But please understand. I have is the city attorney have

[23:18] advised my client, the five commissioners up here, that I

[23:24] highly recommend them not make any comments. And that's me

[23:29] being a prudent attorney. And that's me being a disciplined

[23:33] attorney and advising my clients. So. I really hope. That.

[23:41] Recommendation is understandable to people. I'm sure there will come

[23:45] a time where, when the case has been completed where

[23:49] the city commissioners may or may not want to make

[23:52] a comment, but for tonight. They really shouldn't, and there's

[23:57] good legal reason for them not to that's. Where we

[24:01] are this evening. And mayor, I will answer any questions.

[24:06] That the commission may have. Thank you, Attorney Riley. Just

[24:10] a clarification that you do have a right to address

[24:13] your government as under the comments. But you direct them

[24:19] to the entire body of the commission. Not to one

[24:22] individual, commissioner. On the day. So you make sure that

[24:26] when you come and you do address us, you address.

[24:28] Us entirely. We've been instructed, and you heard from our

[24:31] council not to rebuttal. Or say anything, but we will

[24:34] take your comments. But at this time, we're going to

[24:36] continue with this item. We had shade meeting earlier today,

[24:41] and you all heard the comments from the attorneys. From

[24:49] our attorney and our adjuster, so we have a right

[24:52] to either accept or reject that. Amount that the attorney

[24:55] just said to you guys. Ladies and gentlemen. I'm going

[25:01] to ask for a motion either to accept or deny

[25:04] at this time, then. We'll open it up for public

[25:06] comments. Or you want to open, you want to do

[25:08] a public comment first. Well, there's a resolution. The request

[25:13] would be to ask me to read the. Title, and

[25:19] then you would have comments from the board. And then

[25:24] you. Do that. With normal. Okay? Yeah. No different. Okay.

[25:28] At this time. We're going to ask for introduction of

[25:31] this resolution there. Mr. Mayor introduced Anderson versus city of

[25:35] Hayne city settlement. Okay. This is resolution number 25 1881.

[25:42] A resolution of the city of Hayne city, Florida, providing

[25:46] authority to approve the proposed settlement in the litigation case

[25:50] of Erica Anderson versus city of Haynes City Florida. And

[25:55] providing for an administrative authority, providing for an effective date.

[26:00] There was a scribner's. Error in the title and it

[26:03] should not reference Anne Huffman. Ann Huffman was dropped from

[26:07] the case prior to the trial. Starting. Okay, Dana, comments

[26:12] from this? Any comments? Any questions? I have one for

[26:17] attorney Ron only. Thank you for that clarification. If you

[26:23] would. Explain the fact that there were two cases so

[26:27] that they're not combined together. Because most people. That read

[26:34] what the plaintiff's attorney had to say. It appeared it

[26:37] was one case and not two. Well. I'll say this

[26:43] in a legal. Legally scholarly way, which is the way

[26:48] I always talk. There was only one case. There were

[26:55] multiple counts to the case. There were counts against the

[26:59] city. There were counts against you individually. The counts against

[27:04] Anne Huffman were disposed of or dismissed prior to the

[27:10] case going to trial. So prior to the trial beginning,

[27:15] Anne Huffman was no longer a defendant. That's as clear

[27:19] as I can make it. Thank you. Any other question?

[27:22] Comment from the death. We're going to open it up

[27:25] for public comment. Before we catch our votes, anyone from

[27:27] the public wishes address the government. Please state your name

[27:30] and address for the record. My name is Rebecca Rubio,

[27:34] and my address is 1012 series three. In city, Florida.

[27:37] 33, four floors now. Is it illegal or is it

[27:41] against the rules to repost the Facebook post about the

[27:45] case? From Fox News because I got a threatening comment

[27:51] that said that if I repost it and I keep

[27:53] on reposting it to bring awareness to it that I

[27:57] was going to get. Legal action against me, so I'm

[28:00] just saying. I'm not pointing anybody out. Like you said,

[28:04] I gave it to the council, to everybody. Here. But

[28:08] I just want to say, is it bad or are

[28:11] we not supposed to repost it? Or not bring awareness

[28:14] to it. It's that. Trying to silence it, to keep

[28:19] it from coming out from the public. We're your attorney.

[28:25] Well. That's a different issue than what we're here to

[28:29] discuss this evening. The issue that we discussed this evening

[28:34] is whether the city commission should approve the settlement or

[28:37] not. So you raise an interesting question. I am not

[28:43] going to respond to it. Go ahead. Thank you. Anyone

[28:48] else from the audience who wish to speak. We're going

[28:52] to close it and ask for a motion for approval

[28:55] denial. Mr. Mayor, I make a motion to approve the

[29:00] settlement for Anderson versus City of Haynes City. We have

[29:03] a motion on the floor. Do we have a second?

[29:06] I second. We have a motion now. We have a

[29:07] second? All in favor? We'll do a rule. Call commission

[29:10] Downey. Yay, Mr. Royal. Yeah. Commissioner Huffman.

[29:22] Nay, Mr. Smith. And this J for me. So the

[29:27] consensus of it here is a yes to what. The

[29:32] amount that was settled by the attorney. Do you have

[29:37] any other comments? Yes, sir. All right. Thank you so

[29:40] much. At this time, we're going to continue with this

[29:43] agenda. Next item is public comment. Public comments our city

[29:47] clerk should have a list of individuals that actually sign

[29:50] the public. Well, this is a first. No one. Jared

[29:59] is now here, signed up. So maybe we will get

[30:03] out of here early. That's good. Hey, I'm actually worried

[30:08] about sharing. Nope. Okay. Thank you for that. Now we'll

[30:11] move right along with the consent agenda. Consent agenda? Any

[30:15] comments? Questions? Concern about our consent agenda from the day.

[30:18] Does anyone have questions? I just had just a request

[30:22] for clarification. The 7D. Is that about? The

[30:31] dispatchers that we utilize the share department after hours. Okay,

[30:37] then I don't have any questions, just for clarification. That's

[30:42] been continued. So when we approve the consent agenda, we

[30:46] make the motion. We're going to do everything except 70.

[30:50] That'll be continued. Yes, sir. Okay, so. At this time,

[30:54] I'm going to open it up for public comments. Anyone

[30:56] wish to speak? Step fourth to the podium. State your

[30:58] name and address for the record in reference to the

[31:01] senate. Agenda. I'm going to close it and I. For.

[31:06] I make a must approve the consent agenda. With the

[31:10] removal. Of seven e resolution number two five. There's 1877.

[31:15] We have a motion. Do we have. A second motion.

[31:18] And second. All in favor? Aye. All opposed, like sign

[31:21] motion, period. Thank you so. Much. Next item. We're going

[31:23] to table items, so I need someone to make a

[31:26] motion. To table. Continue item eight e until. I don't

[31:31] think we have a later date. Insulin. I'm sorry.

[31:42] The petitioner has requested, and they continue through July 17.

[31:48] Okay? Can we get a motion? May you make a

[31:52] motion to remove. Continue item a. Ordinance number 25 210.

[31:57] Five. To afford the day or next meeting July 17

[32:03] to the July 17 commission. Do we have a second?

[32:08] All in favor? Aye. Opposed to? Move our lump from

[32:14] the ACB Ordinance number 25 20 114, land development regulation.

[32:20] Who's presenting this? Land development recognition. I have old business.

[32:27] On the math. There's new business. Yeah. We don't have

[32:30] all business. I don't. Have an old business on the

[32:31] mine, okay? With this old business here. Should it be

[32:37] old business? Yes. Okay. Any changes? Anything? No changes the

[32:44] second reading. Okay. All right. Thank you for that. Any

[32:47] comments? Question, reference to this item? We're going to open

[32:51] up a comment. Anyone wish to speak in reference to

[32:53] this item? Please come forth to the podium. State your

[32:55] name and address for the record. See you now. Well?

[32:58] Introduction. May I enter this order? 25 2114. Ordinance number

[33:05] 25. Two one 1114. An ordinance of. The city of

[33:08] Hane City, Florida, amending the land development regulations of the

[33:12] city of Hayne. City, Florida adopting tax amendments to the

[33:16] land development regulations of the city by adopting revision. Revisions.

[33:22] To chapter five. Zoning, providing for severability, providing for codification,

[33:28] repealing ordinances in conflict herewith. And providing for an effective

[33:33] date. Move for adoption. Second travel motion and a second

[33:38] for adoption. All in favor? Aye. All opposed, like? Them.

[33:42] And I'm assuming this now. New business, Richard, for you.

[33:45] Yes. Okay. Resolution 20 518. 74 condition of use of

[33:49] myth. That's the one you have? Yes. Conditional use amendment.

[33:56] If this is a request. To have a conditional use.

[34:02] Of beer and wine at 950, Lily. And it was

[34:07] requested that I read into the record the conditions of

[34:10] approval, and with your permission. I would like to do

[34:13] that. One, the approval of the conditioner used does not

[34:18] release the applicant from meeting the requirements of all other

[34:22] applicable sections of the Hayne City land development regulations, including

[34:26] section 22 D regarding conditional uses quota ordinance and growth

[34:32] management plan number two. Violations of any conditions of approval

[34:37] shall be deemed a violation of the land development regulations

[34:41] and shall give rise to the city's right to cancel

[34:44] the conditional use on 30 days. Advanced written notice number

[34:49] three. The applicant shall be required to comply with all

[34:53] applicable Han city sign regulations. Specifically, section 7.4.10. Central business

[35:02] district permitted sign. Number four. The signage must comply with

[35:07] the 2023 Florida Building code, 8th edition. For the current

[35:13] code at the time of permitting. Five. This conditional use

[35:18] permit shall expire in three years from the date of

[35:21] the resolution. Six. The city shall have the right to

[35:25] review and consider the conditional. Permit annually to determine if

[35:30] there's been any issues with compatibility or violations. Seven. Beer

[35:36] and wine shall only be sold during the hours of

[35:39] 06:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. monday through Friday and 02:00

[35:43] p.m. 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 02:00 p.m. To

[35:48] 09:00 p.m. on Sunday. Eight. No offspring parking required for

[35:53] nonresidential uses for start to chapter five, section 5611. Or

[36:00] eleven l of the land development regulations. Nine dysconditional use,

[36:06] which I'll allow the sail and serving of beer and

[36:09] wine from the duly licensed business. Within the building located

[36:13] at 950 Lily Avenue, Hayne City, Florida and the conditional

[36:18] you shall not allow. The stell of serving beer or

[36:21] wine from any mobile vehicle on the property located at

[36:25] 950 William Avenue City, Florida. And that's all of the

[36:29] conditions that apply to that is recommending a question for

[36:33] Richard in reference this item. Yes, I do. When we

[36:38] had our conversation with your staff earlier, Mr. Greenwood. It

[36:48] was stated that. They have to go inside of the

[36:52] building, actual building there, and that's where they purchase. The

[36:56] beer and wine, but they could come out and sit

[37:00] in, I guess you will call it. A courtyard and

[37:02] drink this beer or wine? Is that the case? Okay,

[37:08] but there is nothing in this resolution that says. That

[37:13] they can come outside. In that courtyard and drink the

[37:17] beer and wine because we have no way of knowing

[37:21] whether that beer and wine came from a mobile food

[37:23] truck, or if it came from the inside. I think

[37:28] this city staff will have to monitor that to make

[37:31] sure that doesn't, but. Number nine is the one that

[37:34] I'm really concerned about. And. My other question is, who

[37:39] actually owns this property? Because. I know it changed a

[37:46] couple of times there, so I just want to know

[37:49] who actually owns it. As far as I'm aware. I

[37:55] think we have a representative here, Richard. My name is

[38:00] Jonathan Rodriguez. My wife and I are. The. State your

[38:03] name and address for Jonathan. Rodriguez. Florida. 338444. Me, my

[38:10] wife and I are the owners of NYP Lilly. We

[38:13] purchased the property, I believe in 2017, with all the

[38:17] times. Okay. And the name that's in the original resolution

[38:22] is not Rodriguez Maritza. That's. My wife's name. She doesn't

[38:26] have my last name.

[38:40] Marissa. Lily avenue, florida. So, Mr. Greenwood, who's going to

[38:46] be signing because her name is the one that signing.

[38:49] Off on this conditional use agreement. But they both own

[38:54] it. I just want to make sure that the city

[38:59] is going to be well protected. And what you all

[39:02] are trying to do. I remember several months back when

[39:05] you were trying to make it the Hayne City distillery.

[39:11] And. You were going to, I believe, some type of

[39:13] infusion of alcohol. Into ice cream. Well, we were trying

[39:19] to, but we did get all our licensing for the

[39:21] distillery through the state. And PTV, but unfortunately, the partnership

[39:26] fell apart before. We got approval through zoning through the

[39:30] state. Right. Going through a process with the health department.

[39:38] Well, let me finish, sir. The point that I'm making

[39:41] is that. Serving alcohol in any type of form next

[39:48] to a daycare. Pre K school. I just frown on

[39:56] that. I don't think that. That's the ideal location. And

[40:01] I know about. The land development regulation change that we

[40:06] made, but we did a certain footage away from it.

[40:10] So. Those are my question that you can certainly email

[40:14] to me. I want to know who signing the conditional

[40:17] use agreement so that if we have an issue. Or

[40:22] will you have that with my wife? But I also

[40:24] own it too. Thank you. In regards to. I'm done,

[40:29] sir. Thank you. In regards to the daycare, I actually

[40:34] had a meeting. With each, okay? I also had a

[40:38] meeting with Edisbie, one of the daycare owners. And she

[40:42] addressed some concerns, and I addressed those concerns on the

[40:44] conditional youth. So that's why we're opening after their operational

[40:49] hours, so it doesn't conflict with the date. Right. And

[40:51] thank you for that. Thank you all for your comments.

[40:55] From looking at the back of the hours of operation.

[40:58] It's when the hours of operation is after the closing

[40:59] of the daycare only, and. That's what I'm looking at

[41:02] as well. And then it appears to be, according to

[41:06] my backup here, it says Ms. Brasscon. Is requesting. That

[41:13] will be your wife. That's my wife. It's a requesting

[41:14] the condition of. You. So she is the one that

[41:16] requires. She is on the deed of the property, I

[41:18] say. Me and my wife on the owners because I'm

[41:20] married to her legally, but. Her name is on the

[41:24] deed alone she would be signing. Yes, and I would

[41:28] have an issue. If it was being sold during the

[41:30] same hours while operation as a daycare center sitting next

[41:33] to you, but it appears that there's a sale of

[41:35] alcoholic beer and wine is going to be after hours

[41:38] and after the day. And can I make one more

[41:40] comment on that aspect? Now this. Is not per se.

[41:45] It's not going to be a bar. I don't know

[41:47] if you ever seen those tap rooms where you serve

[41:49] your own beer. They give you a card, there's led

[41:51] screens, and those cards are limited to customers on how

[41:55] many ounces they can be served. So once a customer

[41:58] serves a certain amount of outs, they'll cut them off.

[42:00] Okay, so it's a self tap that allows. The owner

[42:05] to control how much consumption, and it's craft beer. It's

[42:10] just the complement to food. It's not like someone's going

[42:13] to go out there and get drop off of these

[42:16] beers, they're a little more expensive in price. But it's

[42:19] just kind of like just to complement the food. And

[42:22] our location is a family friendly environment. Okay, well, thank

[42:26] you for your comments coming from the dance here. Got

[42:31] a quick one. In reference to adequate being close to

[42:34] it, I don't think. That's for what we have done

[42:38] before. I don't think. That's. Valid. Way of not to

[42:44] approve it. I mean, we have one right down the

[42:47] street. Is right next to a special needs school. And

[42:52] then there is another daycare across the street. On the

[42:54] big building. So I think that shouldn't be an issue

[42:58] because we have done it before. All right. Thank you.

[43:02] Anyone else? No question. This time we're going to open

[43:04] it up. Public comments. Anyone from the public wish to

[43:07] speak in reference to this item, please step forward. State

[43:09] your name and address. For the record. Then I'm going

[43:13] to close it. And ask for introduction of this resolution.

[43:18] Mr. Mayor, introduce resolution number 251874, resolution number 251874, a

[43:27] resolution of the city of Haynes City, Florida, granting a

[43:30] conditional use to permit the sale and serving of beer

[43:34] and wine at the. Hayne City Food Park, 950 Lily

[43:39] Avenue in Ain City, Florida. Setting forth conditions, providing for

[43:43] findings providing for recording in the public records and providing

[43:47] for an effective date to approve. Second, we have a

[43:50] motion. Now we have a second. All in favor? Aye.

[43:53] All opposed? Nay. Motion carries. Next item is going to

[43:57] be. Resolution 20 518 76. Legal service contract.

[44:07] On the p file. I'll yield back to our attorney.

[44:11] Give me just a second. Let me get to the

[44:13] right. Okay. This

[44:23] is resolution number 25. 1876. Last fall, the city commission

[44:29] approved. A contract with the Napoleon firm to do. The

[44:37] help us with the litigation. Claim related to the. PFAS

[44:43] is the forever chemical. The attorney. That I was working

[44:49] with primarily and have been working with ever since, is

[44:52] named David Grossman. And Napole is one of the firms

[44:57] he was working with. Napoleon was not as receptive or

[45:01] responsive as David would have liked. And over time. We

[45:08] really didn't make any progress. And we have since started.

[45:14] The testing procedure. James Keane has been very helpful in

[45:17] the process. I've kept city manage. Manager Linsky up to

[45:22] date on it. James and I have. And deputy city

[45:27] manager Stewart is also aware of what is going on

[45:32] with the testing process. Having said all that. The purpose

[45:36] of this agenda item is. To simply do house cleaning

[45:41] or housekeeping. Item to make sure that the farm that.

[45:46] Is authorized to represent Hayne City. And pursuing this claim

[45:51] is. The correct. Form. So the correct form would be.

[45:57] Grossman and kelly llp. And this is a very simple,

[46:03] straightforward. Resolution in that respect. All the terms of the

[46:08] contract remain the same. And as I've said, they've already

[46:13] started the process of getting. The testing data and starting

[46:19] to get the information so that. We can submit a

[46:24] claim on behalf of the city. All right. Thank you.

[46:26] Turner. Riley, any question? In reference to p five. Yeah.

[46:30] Quick one. So there is no cost for us. They

[46:34] only get money if they recoup some money. Tony Riley

[46:38] or how. That's correct. It's a mass tort case. These

[46:44] type of cases are all in federal court, and we

[46:48] don't have to litigate. It. We're just being part of

[46:52] it. So there's a claim fund. Funds set up and

[46:56] if we are eligible. Based on? What you have to

[47:01] submit for a claim. Then Payne City will receive a

[47:05] payout, and then. The attorney gets pay out of debt.

[47:07] That's incorrect. Thank you, Hayne. City does not. Owe Napoleon

[47:12] anything. At this point. And nor will there ever be

[47:16] a bill. Unless they get some. No Napoleon. The previous

[47:22] one, the company that didn't really follow up with us.

[47:27] Just for the record, I just want to put it

[47:28] on record that our water is safe to drink. And

[47:30] I know you understand. We said pfos. He mentioned James

[47:33] King in the water. But I ordered the drink is

[47:36] treated pfoson found not only in the water system, they

[47:38] all send your clothes in your hair. But it is

[47:42] safe to drink, and I want to make sure that

[47:43] the citizens understand that. Pfas is like, forever plastic. Laid

[47:49] out the questions, comments to the attorney. Okay. At this

[47:54] time, please try to introduce this resolution. Let me open

[47:58] it up for public comment. Sorry. Anyone from the public

[48:01] which speaks forth to the podium, state your name and

[48:03] address. For the record. Mr. Mayor introduced resolution number 251876,

[48:13] resolution number 251876, a resolution of the city of Hayne

[48:18] City, Florida, providing for a legal service contract. With Grossman

[48:24] and Kelly LLP concerning PFAS litigation, providing for findings, providing

[48:30] authority to ratify, execute and delivery of the legal services

[48:34] contract, providing for certain authority and providing an effective. Date.

[48:41] Do I have a second? All in favor? Aye. All

[48:46] the opposed? All right, motion pass. Are we going to

[48:54] move right along to. Eight e. It's going to be

[48:56] resolution number 25 1878. Legal services contract for insulin price.

[49:02] Fixing litigation claim. That's going to be our attorney, Mr.

[49:05] Riley. Thank you, vice mayor. This is a completely new

[49:10] situation. Although it's parallel to the PFAS situation, this is

[49:15] a master claim and. Over time. Has been insulin price

[49:24] fixing. That litigation that's been ongoing. If the city has

[49:31] a claim, we will go through these steps necessary to

[49:35] determine if the city is eligible. To pursue a claim.

[49:40] If so, we will go forward. Attorney David Grossman. His

[49:45] home is the one that would pursue it. And. If

[49:51] we don't have a claim, then there's absolutely nothing the

[49:54] city doesn't. Owe anybody anything. If there is a claim

[49:58] that it's a typical mass tort, He gets a third

[50:03] of what the recovery is and. This is one. I

[50:09] don't know. Whether the city. This one. I'm not assured.

[50:13] That city may have a claim, but it's one that,

[50:17] in talking through city manager with city manager Alinsky, this

[50:21] was one that. I felt strongly enough in that. There

[50:27] is the prospect of us getting a recovery, because out

[50:33] of every 100 people, there's four or five that have

[50:37] get insulin, and over a 20 year period that. Is

[50:45] a lot of money. If you were paying a higher

[50:47] amount than it should out the money. Would not go

[50:50] to the individual, it would go to. The city. And.

[50:55] The people using it would have been city employees, so.

[50:59] If there was. Today, there's 400 employees. There's probably. 15

[51:04] to 20 people that get insulin, and that's who we're

[51:07] pursuing this for. Okay. So do you have any questions,

[51:13] any question for the attorney? Yes. Attorney Riley. Am I?

[51:23] Exempt. Is all in my name. Well. You would not

[51:30] be. The one. You're not going to be a plaintiff

[51:35] in this. I'm not a city employee. No, I didn't

[51:41] say that, okay. I said you aren't going to be

[51:43] a plaintiff. The city pays insurance, and that's where the

[51:50] city got. Short. If the city does indeed have a

[51:55] claim. Well, thank you. That exempts me because I don't

[52:00] use the city's insurance. Any other question? Open it up

[52:07] for comments. Anyone from the public wish to speak in

[52:09] reference to this item, come. To the podium. State your

[52:11] name and address. For introduction. May I introduce resolution number

[52:19] 25 1878. Resolution number 25 1878, a resolution of the

[52:25] city of Hayne City, Florida, providing for illegal services contract

[52:29] with Grossman and Kelly LLP concerting insulin price fixing litigation,

[52:35] providing for findings, providing authority to ratify and delivery of

[52:39] the legal services contract provid. Providing for general authority and

[52:44] providing an effective date. Hope to approve second motion. Second.

[52:48] All in favor? Aye. All opposed? Same time. Next item

[52:52] is resolution 25 83. Good evening, mayor. Vice mayor, commissioners

[52:59] is Omart Hayes, who's finance director the next two resolutions

[53:02] are for our non abalome assessments, the first one being

[53:05] the fire assessment fee. Again, staff has worked with attorney

[53:09] Riley as well as attorney Mark Lawson. City administration the

[53:13] proposed resolution in front of you is to maintain. The

[53:17] fire assessment as. Is again, there's a two tier structure

[53:22] to the current assessment. Eighty five cents per thousand. Dollars.

[53:26] Of value improvements and then a 139 point. 93 cent

[53:30] tier two, plus a $5 collection b. That's on there.

[53:35] The estimated revenue? Coming from this fire assessment this year

[53:38] is estimated to be around $5.5 million. Mark Lawson is

[53:43] here to answer any questions that may you guys may

[53:46] have pertaining to the non affirmative assessment. Question from this

[53:51] debt in reference to this item. No. Here. Yes, Mr.

[53:55] Mayor. Thank you. In reference to. The fire assessment fee.

[54:05] In our last budget meeting, we discussed as far as.

[54:12] Finally reducing. This amount. We've been collecting this amount from

[54:17] the residents about maybe twelve plus years now. And. I

[54:24] am still adamant about reducing this fee and giving our

[54:28] residents tax cut, if you will. And a break. Because.

[54:36] We have collected a substantial amount. From this tax. The

[54:41] fire assessment fee. We have since built the new fire

[54:46] station. Well, currently in the process of that. And. We

[54:54] have over, I believe. $4 million currently in there, or

[54:59] even more. So I want to know as far as,

[55:03] and I think we did your survey. And it was

[55:07] ranked at 83%. That the board was in agreeance to

[55:14] reduce the fire assessment fee, so. I'm definitely looking to

[55:19] have that portion. Reduce for our residents. Going forward. So

[55:28] that's my comment as well as my questions. Director Dejesus,

[55:34] can you tell us as far as what is the

[55:36] total amount that we have collected to date. With this

[55:41] fire assessment fee. Mr. Mayor and madam, this is a

[55:47] public hearing and. The order of the public hearing is

[55:50] typically. To present the items and then have the public

[55:55] hearing and close the public hearing and then have deliberations.

[56:01] We've gotten a little out of order here. I would

[56:03] recommend that we go ahead and let those who've come

[56:06] that one speak. Open the public hearing and close it

[56:10] and combine the public hearing for both stormwater and fire.

[56:12] There's a degree of similarity. Being close to public hearing

[56:17] and then the discussion we just had for the last

[56:19] three or four. Minutes is a form of deliberation and

[56:21] discussion on policy and what to do. That would be

[56:24] the way. I would recommend that you do that, and

[56:26] I would ask the commission to do it that way.

[56:28] Well, these are two separate items, so I do not

[56:31] agree to combine those, too. Yeah, I think because the

[56:35] way it is, In front of us is two items

[56:37] is a stormwater assessment, and it's a fire. Assessment. So

[56:40] normally, the way we do business in Haynes City, we

[56:44] take care of one item and then we go to

[56:46] the next item. We don't combine them like that. We

[56:48] have for 13 years, and I don't do it any

[56:50] way you want to do it. I want. To help

[56:51] you get. Normally, then we get the comments from the

[56:55] dance, and then we'll open it up to cure the

[56:57] public, and then we'll come back with a final fold.

[57:00] Mayor west, may I? Speak. Yeah, sure. Let me make

[57:03] sure. Yes. You recognize? This is Mayor west. Fifth term

[57:11] as mayor. I think he's experienced enough to know how

[57:16] he wants to facilitate the agenda. Not you, Mr. Lawson.

[57:21] I will defer to you. Need to follow his lead

[57:25] and not treat us and the mayor as if we're

[57:29] first. Timers and we don't know how. To facilitate an

[57:33] agenda. I take exception to that. Really? You should apologize.

[57:36] I apologize right now. Thank you. And I try my

[57:39] best to help my clients invest my ability. I'm pleased

[57:44] to do as you wish. Okay, no problem. So we

[57:45] have no other comments? From the day I said this

[57:47] time. It seems to me. Omar that.

[57:58] We should have had this discussion. When. We were talking.

[58:05] At our budget meeting. Because. As commissioner, downing said. The

[58:13] survey and the discussion that we had. Was the fact

[58:17] of reducing. The amount of the fire assessment fee. We

[58:23] had a lengthy discussion about that in the budget meeting.

[58:28] And then to see that. You are requesting. Approval of

[58:34] this based. On what we discussed in the budget. But

[58:40] we never discussed this. I agree. I'm not going to

[58:45] put words on anybody else's mouth, but I agree that

[58:48] we have been requesting this for a while, and this

[58:51] started in 2016. And the purpose of the fire assessment

[58:56] fee was. To subsidize the fire department payroll, and the

[59:03] city was supposed to buy land at Patterson. And orchid

[59:07] drive, and they end up selling it to a developer.

[59:11] There's no fire station. There. So the residents have been

[59:15] paying for something that was promised to them that never

[59:18] happened. And, of course, the public safety. Is. The optimum.

[59:28] Thing that everybody wants to get, but the city needs

[59:30] to figure it out. How to. Either. The city needs

[59:37] to figure out. How to reduce the amount of the

[59:41] fire assessment fee or eliminate the fire assessment fee and

[59:46] you find other grants, funding, whatever. Because public trust. Those

[59:53] two words is what's expected from the residents, and we

[59:57] failed in that area. We just continually. Assume that we're

[1:00:03] going to just use this money. So I agree with

[1:00:06] you. Commissioner. Down. And we have been discussing this for

[1:00:08] years and nothing has taken place. Mr. Mayor, if I

[1:00:12] can. Just make one additional comment and commissioner husband, you're

[1:00:16] correct. Back in 2016. It was actually then put on

[1:00:20] the tax role, but we started collecting all the way

[1:00:24] back to 2013. So it started in 13, and then

[1:00:28] it became part of. Their taxes, if you will, back

[1:00:34] in 2016. So I am still. All for reducing this

[1:00:40] amount. Back when we initially started paying, city was very

[1:00:44] small. We did not have many homes, so we used

[1:00:48] this fire assessment fee to help offset the cost. Of

[1:00:53] public safety. We are now growing. By leaps and bounds.

[1:00:59] We have more larger homes now in Hayne City. We're

[1:01:03] collecting. More revenue from those homes. That could help also

[1:01:09] offset. Some of the cost. Not even mentioning what we've

[1:01:15] already collected from the residents. And with this assessment, We

[1:01:21] can only use it. For that particular item for fire.

[1:01:24] We can't use it for mixed use fire, police it.

[1:01:27] Can only be forefire because it is an assessment. So

[1:01:32] I am still all for a reduction. I'm not stating

[1:01:36] to completely eliminate right now. But I'm definitely for a

[1:01:40] reduction for the residents. Thank you, Mr. Donald. I hear

[1:01:46] you and I hear Commissioner Huffman as well. As far

[1:01:49] as the reduction. But I want you to also keep

[1:01:51] in mind that. I texted manager, I think this morning

[1:01:56] because there was some concern that was raised. In my

[1:02:00] eyes that. We got two items that were vetoed by

[1:02:04] the governor this year and that we didn't. Collect any

[1:02:07] money. And one of the items that was Veto was

[1:02:09] on the new EEoc. Building that. Now we're going to

[1:02:13] have to put all that in debt service because we

[1:02:15] won't get a dime. And we can use for assessment

[1:02:18] to try to help build our EEOC. But I do

[1:02:21] agree that at some point in time, this firm assessment

[1:02:25] should be lower. They're absolutely right. We're continuing to grow

[1:02:28] in the fire assessment, continue to stay the same. At

[1:02:31] what point in time that we'll be able to give

[1:02:33] some type of. Rebate, I would say back to our

[1:02:37] citizen. We got fire sets and we got stormwater fees.

[1:02:42] Every time we can get out of someone, we try

[1:02:44] to get it out of them, and I. Think that

[1:02:46] if we can reduce this, and I understand if we

[1:02:49] eliminate fire assessment, our military will. Probably be almost 10%.

[1:02:55] It's going to cost us six point some million dollars,

[1:02:57] but I think that that's. If we eliminate it, but

[1:02:59] I think if we can find a way to reduce

[1:03:03] this, give them a tax break somewhere. A lot of

[1:03:05] people say it's not a tax. It is. Another tax.

[1:03:08] It's on your tax road. So it is a tax.

[1:03:10] I would just like. To see at some point in

[1:03:12] time can we reduce it like the commissioners? Are saying?

[1:03:17] To help our citizen. Our job here is to try

[1:03:19] to get the best bang for our butt. By our

[1:03:22] citizen fiduciary responsibility of taxpayers dollars. And that's what we

[1:03:26] sit up here to do to try to help these

[1:03:28] taxpayers, not saying that we try to stick it. To

[1:03:30] them every chance we get. And it's not fair. Mayor,

[1:03:33] can I be recognized? Last meeting. I think I spoke

[1:03:40] before, too, about reducing. Some of the millage or something

[1:03:44] to give the residents. A tax break or discount, but

[1:03:49] on this one. On the fire assessment. For this one,

[1:03:54] I think. The way I see it, I think we

[1:03:56] should go with it. And then it feels like there

[1:04:00] is a need to discuss it. I think for the

[1:04:02] next. Fiscal year, not this. Coming up, the next one.

[1:04:07] I think we should have a meeting and talk. More

[1:04:09] about our assessments in our mileage and see if we

[1:04:12] can do something. Allow the experts to bring those numbers

[1:04:16] on how it's going to affect, because as we saw

[1:04:19] in the last one. Just reducing the millage by, I

[1:04:22] don't know, half a point, I think. It was like

[1:04:25] three. Million. Four millions lost. So the city is growing.

[1:04:29] Yes, we're getting more money, but still with that, we

[1:04:32] don't have enough because we don't have the facilities built

[1:04:35] after we have a build. It might be more easier

[1:04:38] because then you just got expenses of keeping up with

[1:04:40] it. But to build it. We have the new Elc.

[1:04:45] There was some discussions about getting another station on power

[1:04:50] line, I think somewhere there, so we're going to need

[1:04:52] money for it. I hate that we cannot reduce to

[1:04:59] a residence. But there are necessities that we need. To

[1:05:03] get to it. And the mayors say, unfortunately, we didn't

[1:05:06] get nothing basically from the state this year. There was

[1:05:11] a few millions that would help. So for now, I

[1:05:14] will stick with the program. The way it is. Ms.

[1:05:18] Mayor, may I be recognized? Really quick? Thank you. So

[1:05:21] as of today, the year to date, we have collected

[1:05:24] $4.8 million strictly from the residents. And you're stating tonight

[1:05:31] that we did not receive anything this year. In grant

[1:05:36] funding, however. In 2023, we received $2 million for the

[1:05:43] fire truck grant, and we received $15 million for the

[1:05:47] fire and EOC, which gives us a total of $16.3

[1:05:51] million. In additional funding, and that was grant funding. On

[1:05:55] top of the $4.8 million that we've already collected from

[1:05:59] the residents. I think the residents has paid enough and.

[1:06:04] They are due at least some type of break. I

[1:06:08] sat in that audience for many years. Fiscal year, after

[1:06:12] fiscal year after fiscal year. Here in the commission board

[1:06:16] discusses. So this is not the first time that it's

[1:06:18] come up for discussion as far as. A possible reduction.

[1:06:23] A possible deletion of that particular fire assessment. I think

[1:06:28] the time is now. Let's. Give our residents this break,

[1:06:32] even if it's a minimum amount. Half or whatever we

[1:06:36] need to do. They deserve a break. They've paid their

[1:06:40] dues. And we need to give them what we promised

[1:06:44] them years ago, and that's my final. Thought. Thank you.

[1:06:47] All right, but if you're talking a percentage or amount

[1:06:50] of a tax, break. I mean, you want to lower

[1:06:53] the buyer assessment. What amount? What percentage? You're going to

[1:06:58] lower about 50%. You're going to lower. About 5%. 1%.

[1:07:01] Commissioners, if I may again, I think. The context is

[1:07:05] perfectly noted. I think the goal is we have a

[1:07:08] meeting July 14. We talked about you guys potentially having

[1:07:12] to make these decisions on July 3 as well as

[1:07:15] July 17 for the trim again. Some of these public

[1:07:18] hearings are required in order to get it on the

[1:07:19] tax roll. I just want to set some context. And

[1:07:22] again, we're vigilant and we're cognizant. Of the fact that

[1:07:25] you guys want to reduce. Our goal at the next

[1:07:27] budget meeting is give you those options. In that first

[1:07:30] budget workshop, we said if we kept everything status quo

[1:07:33] and we didn't try to collect any extra revenue. We

[1:07:34] don't have about $4 million. Available. To spend on capital

[1:07:38] as well as that did not include any new positions

[1:07:40] that did not include any merit increases for staff that

[1:07:43] did not include any operating increases. So we could be

[1:07:46] potentially looking at a budget with no increases that you

[1:07:50] would not be able to fund any capital projects at

[1:07:51] all. So we are constrained. In that sense, that doesn't

[1:07:55] mean we can't get creative and give you options. But

[1:07:57] I want to be able to give you real numbers

[1:07:59] so you guys can make educated decisions. In that process.

[1:08:02] One thing that I will say as well is the

[1:08:04] city has grown. It leaps. And bounds, which is amazing.

[1:08:06] But with that said. We also have increased service. Right.

[1:08:10] So since 2013 to 2024, consistently we've been at a

[1:08:13] million dollar shortfall between what the fire assessment brings in

[1:08:18] and what the fire department budget is. So it's never

[1:08:20] covered 100% of the fire department budget. We're still subsidizing

[1:08:24] that. And that's still happening today, even at the $4.8

[1:08:27] million number. This year's budget was $6.6 million, which means

[1:08:31] we're still at a deficit of 1.8 million. You are

[1:08:35] correct in the fact that we did get a $2

[1:08:36] million grant for the fire trucks and the apparatus grants.

[1:08:39] The 15 million was not a grant that is actually

[1:08:42] a self funded project that we're using these funds from

[1:08:45] general fund. To pick up the full 15 million. We

[1:08:47] did receive a 750. Thousand dollars grant for the design

[1:08:50] portion of that. So again, I say all that just

[1:08:52] to give you guys context. So you understand. It's not

[1:08:54] like we're charging excess. We're not putting away money for

[1:08:57] fire, but we are making sure we're moving forward. Our

[1:09:00] fire department. We're expanding. We only had two stations. Now

[1:09:03] we have a third. We still need a fourth. So

[1:09:05] we need to be realistic is if we want a

[1:09:07] reduction. That may mean foregoing a forestation. And I want

[1:09:12] to present you guys all that data. So when you

[1:09:14] make that decision, you understand how hard you want to

[1:09:16] tailor it, how fast you want to cut or how

[1:09:19] slow you want to cut and what that looks like

[1:09:21] in terms of the impact. You guys will also have

[1:09:23] the option of how soon maybe you want to tweak.

[1:09:26] The millage instead of the fire sustenment because they both

[1:09:28] give. Relief to the residents from a tax burden perspective.

[1:09:31] So that is the goal for the July 14 budget

[1:09:35] workshop. I know we try to unravel a lot at

[1:09:37] that first one, but again, we need to be having

[1:09:40] these conversations where you guys have all the data in

[1:09:43] front of you. To make a decision on that. Mr.

[1:09:46] Mayor, if I can just answer one question. Where does

[1:09:49] the trim notice? Because I know the fire assessment and

[1:09:51] stormwater being with the trim. Note the trim notice. We

[1:09:54] are required by the trim statute to have a response

[1:09:56] to the property appraiser by August 4, which is why.

[1:10:00] We're having the millies on the July. Requirement. That's a

[1:10:03] mandatory requirement. So that's the last meeting we have in

[1:10:04] July. To get back to them. So between now and

[1:10:08] July 17, While eleven is a property appraiser's requirement to

[1:10:13] submit a trim roll. For non edworm. That is not

[1:10:18] mandatory. But the problem you run into if you don't

[1:10:22] do it when it comes out is blank, and it

[1:10:25] misleads a lot of people because there's nothing there. So

[1:10:29] the law requires the property, Fraser, to make it available.

[1:10:33] This data venom on June 1, he turns around in

[1:10:35] 40 days. It says, give me a complete role. We

[1:10:38] can get that done for you. But you all need

[1:10:40] to understand. He needs that on the 11th, and then

[1:10:43] by law, mandatory, you got to pick a millage. And

[1:10:47] give it to him. And once you give that to

[1:10:49] him on the fourth, you really can't change it. We

[1:10:53] can lower it, but we can't change, right? The state

[1:10:58] law says once you give that information, To the property,

[1:11:02] Fraser, then you've got to live with that for that

[1:11:04] fiscal year. Unless. There are some criteria, like an emergency

[1:11:08] or they had a breakdown in their systems and misappraised

[1:11:12] everything. But that's the way the law works. It's 200.0.

[1:11:17] But I'll wait. I want to wait until you ask

[1:11:19] me. I'll help you. But I will wait. Yes. I

[1:11:25] just had one quick question. We discussed this at our

[1:11:30] budget meeting. And then we were due to discuss it

[1:11:35] again on the 14th, so I'm trying to. Figure out

[1:11:38] with you stating that? You plan to give us numbers.

[1:11:43] So why are we not receiving those items before? This

[1:11:48] comes before us. And wanting us to vote on it.

[1:11:52] I cannot stress it enough that. We need to stop.

[1:11:57] Working backwards. You present us something and you say, hey,

[1:12:01] just vote on it, and then you come back with.

[1:12:04] Want to produce us with numbers and facts. After the

[1:12:08] facts I would like to see us get. That first

[1:12:11] because. I was really taken back when we just discussed

[1:12:16] this, and then at the very next meeting, you have

[1:12:19] it on here for an approval when it was already

[1:12:22] scheduled for our July 14 meeting budget. Meeting. So just

[1:12:27] to recap, too, is we did have the June 24

[1:12:30] meeting, the proposed meeting. Was for us to meet. Before

[1:12:34] this meeting today to talk about these same items before

[1:12:37] you vote on. Unfortunately, there were commitments. There were constraints.

[1:12:40] We could not schedule that meeting, which then got postponed

[1:12:42] to the July 14 and even picking the July 14

[1:12:46] meeting date was a hassle. Right. So again, we're trying

[1:12:49] to be proactive. We set a calendar to make sure

[1:12:52] that we're getting out in. Front of you with sufficient

[1:12:54] time to give you the time to prepare. But unfortunately,

[1:12:57] again, that July. 3 budget workshop meeting did not occur,

[1:13:01] but that was the intent and the mindset behind it.

[1:13:05] We also were trying to coordinate with Mark and his

[1:13:07] team, which is the ones who prepared the resolution of

[1:13:09] the trim. So some of that got involved, but our

[1:13:11] goal was to try and get you the information. Beforehand.

[1:13:14] Thank you. All right. Any questions? I like to contribute

[1:13:19] when I can. Yes, I'm going to yield. To you.

[1:13:21] I allow you to speak to Mark. We're going to

[1:13:23] give you an opportunity. Ms. Lawson. I just say one

[1:13:27] thing to Umar? Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Omar.

[1:13:39] I think that a suggestion to you. Is to share

[1:13:44] some of what's in your head. As far as why

[1:13:48] this particular date. We need to get things done. You

[1:13:54] know what? We don't know. And then when you bring

[1:13:56] it to us, we feel. Rushed at that point and

[1:13:59] have more questions. So. If the July 14. I'm sure

[1:14:05] we'll have a meeting maybe in August to then let

[1:14:09] us know about. Those September dates, explain to us why,

[1:14:13] and it may help some of us to say, well,

[1:14:17] if we have it at this time versus that I

[1:14:20] think that I can make it now. I understand. Better.

[1:14:24] What? The importance is because I didn't know what the

[1:14:27] deadlines were, and like we discussed, at the last meeting,

[1:14:30] too. The assumption going into was educate, but also set

[1:14:35] that standard knowing that we could talk through it. And

[1:14:37] continue to have budget meetings throughout that process. And if

[1:14:40] we need to tailor it down, cut it. But again,

[1:14:41] we're making decisions without having to violate the trim process.

[1:14:44] So it's, not a rush. And you're stuck in that

[1:14:47] decision. It's just making sure we're buying compliant, and then

[1:14:50] we'll continue to work through the budget process. Going through

[1:14:52] that information. All right, Mort. Yes, sir. I'd like to

[1:14:57] make an observation. First of all. I want everybody understand

[1:15:01] that I'm here to help you. You don't want to

[1:15:04] do the assessment, it's okay with me. And I really.

[1:15:06] Mean that. But the one thing. That occurs is what

[1:15:12] occurred back in 213. Is that what you typically do

[1:15:17] with a fire department budget? It's up there in your

[1:15:20] high priority items, and it sops up a lot of

[1:15:23] your money. So at that time, you had about 9000

[1:15:27] parcels in the city. And I have listened to the

[1:15:32] process. That the staff and the management went through. They

[1:15:36] had people come in and make presentations on how they

[1:15:39] can cut and how they can reduce because. The entirety

[1:15:43] of your budget is impacted by the assessment. The assessment

[1:15:47] was designed as a means. To assist you from having

[1:15:52] to go up well above nine mils of constitutional caps

[1:15:55] at ten. The design was to create. Equity by diversity

[1:16:03] of charge. Now, I'm not criticizing anybody here, so take

[1:16:07] no offense to this. I'm a purist and expert. There's

[1:16:12] a fee. There's a special assessment and there's a task.

[1:16:18] All have different legal characteristics. I'm not going to call

[1:16:23] anybody out. But this is not a fee. This is

[1:16:26] not a tax. It's an assessment. It has certain rules

[1:16:29] that you have to follow. Taxes have certain rules that

[1:16:32] to follow, and so do fees. So the key here

[1:16:35] is. You have a desire to lower the assessment, but

[1:16:40] it's like a water balloon if you lower the assessment.

[1:16:45] It'll bulge one of two places. You'll either. Cause your

[1:16:50] adorn taxes to go up. There's a whole other crowd

[1:16:53] of people who will come and talk to you about

[1:16:54] that. Or you'll have to cut things. That's what happened

[1:16:58] at 213 and here's. The issue? When you cut, it's

[1:17:02] hard to do. It can't be done. In a four

[1:17:06] to six week period. I've never seen a community be

[1:17:09] able to do it because there are so many competing.

[1:17:12] Desires for the limited dollars in the budget. Though the

[1:17:16] first thing I'm going to suggest to you is. I

[1:17:21] watch. Financial directors around the state work. This man has

[1:17:26] worked hard. He has limited. Resources to figure out how

[1:17:31] to manipulate a budget to fit the needs. So the

[1:17:35] first thing I would say to you is, I think

[1:17:37] it's going to be really hard to lower the assessment

[1:17:40] without. Raising the millage. Now, here's the key issue. Your

[1:17:46] city is grown from about 9000 tax parcels build up

[1:17:49] 16,000. 500. That's substantial growth. Those properties are predominantly above

[1:17:59] average properties. That help pay taxes, so. Whatever you decide

[1:18:06] to do. If you do it by August 4, then.

[1:18:10] I would tell you you would need to do is

[1:18:11] likely adopt these today to keep your options. Open. And

[1:18:15] on August 4, if you're going to raise your village,

[1:18:18] do that. So your trim. Build is going to look

[1:18:21] wild and you'll have a lot of people showing up

[1:18:23] renting about taxes. We're Americans. We do that. The desire

[1:18:29] that I hear tonight and I hear the desire. Okay

[1:18:35] is if you want to lower the assessment. I can

[1:18:39] share with you, but the real issue is. It's a

[1:18:44] process. In a perfect world. It's a process that ought

[1:18:47] to start the day after Thanksgiving and. You have those

[1:18:52] staff is told come prepared to tell us what you

[1:18:55] can take out of your budget, because there's three ways

[1:18:57] to solve the problem. Raise the abnormal taxes, lower what

[1:19:01] you spend the money on, and figure out how to

[1:19:04] get the assessment lowered. It is a very difficult public

[1:19:09] administration chore. And everybody's used to being funded in a

[1:19:13] budget. So if the parks and Rec is used to

[1:19:17] getting. A million one, and they're told it's 500,000. Okay.

[1:19:26] And that's where you all come in. Because once you

[1:19:28] get your staff to look critically, I would tell you,

[1:19:32] you should engage a facilitator so you all can sit

[1:19:34] down. With a big white sheet of paper and decide

[1:19:37] what to cut because just saying, lower it. Places the

[1:19:42] burden. On the manager or the finance director to unitly

[1:19:47] start to slash. And when that happens, the people that

[1:19:51] are the recipients of those services or capital. Like I

[1:19:57] said, it's the Florida comes up. You can go ahead

[1:20:00] and cut right now. But when you cut, you're going

[1:20:05] to be doing it in some degree blindly, because you

[1:20:08] don't know what you're cutting. I can tell you, but

[1:20:11] you will cut. You will cut. Lower priority items, because

[1:20:16] at some point you'll hear from people saying, oops, if

[1:20:21] you cut the fire department. Are. ISO. Rating might go

[1:20:27] up. ISO stands for insurance services organization. And they rate.

[1:20:33] Do I got a fireman in here that knows what's

[1:20:35] your ISO? RatIng, Jim, do you what your ISO rating

[1:20:37] is? I don't know. Four. Let me tell you what

[1:20:42] a four means. Ten is you're out in the country

[1:20:46] and there's no water and you have. A bucket. Be

[1:20:50] great brigade, okay? One is the city of Kissimmee. They're

[1:20:54] a one. Their insurance rates are. Run down because insurance

[1:20:59] service organization drives what your insurers in your community charge

[1:21:04] everybody for. Insurance. If you're an entry level homeowner, I

[1:21:08] guarantee you have insurance because the mortgage lender won't let

[1:21:11] you borrow money without insurance. Four. Is. Not. I'm going

[1:21:19] to tell you. It's a higher insurance you're paying. More

[1:21:22] insurance rates in the city because of that. If you

[1:21:24] could get down one, it'll. Be a huge jump. Get

[1:21:27] to a two is a huge jump. Beyond that, here's

[1:21:29] the point. If you reduce the funding for your fire

[1:21:36] department, I don't care what you do. I want you

[1:21:38] all to understand I'm just trying to help academically teach.

[1:21:42] Your insurance rates will go up because ISO will ultimately

[1:21:45] figure that out. And when people apply for insurance, it

[1:21:49] just goes up. That's one ramification. The other one is.

[1:21:55] I understand that everybody in the budget there's a proponent

[1:21:59] for everything in your budget. You all know that. So

[1:22:05] when you go look at lower priority items, The proponents

[1:22:10] will also show up. And we'll discuss this with you.

[1:22:15] Because of the timing, the way the state law works,

[1:22:17] where you have to tell the property appraiser. What your

[1:22:20] trim is. You only have the option right now is

[1:22:25] adopt this. Because it's not mandatory. But if you want

[1:22:30] to get it on the trim, you got to get

[1:22:31] it to them by the eleven. I would always advise

[1:22:35] you to put it on trim because you'll be criticized

[1:22:38] if it's a blank. And then. If you fill a

[1:22:43] tent on lowering it. Your primary way to lower it

[1:22:47] is going to be. A little more millage and some

[1:22:51] cuts, but it's going to be mostly millage. I'm not

[1:22:55] saying kick can. I'm saying plan to kick the can.

[1:23:00] Start in November. Have a calendar if you bring in

[1:23:04] a facilitator to help you. You all will. Drive. What's

[1:23:08] going to be cut? Because. No offense to Omar. If

[1:23:13] you rely on him to cut for you, you'll get

[1:23:16] what Omar cuts. It's your. I can see in all

[1:23:20] of you you'd like to lower the assessment. The key

[1:23:24] is, how do we get there as a group? And

[1:23:28] every city faces this issue. I just happen to know

[1:23:33] this stuff. I sound impassioned. I want to help you.

[1:23:40] So. I think. You're regrettably ill prepared. And I understand

[1:23:46] your frustration, commissioner. But the decisions on how big is

[1:23:52] your tool budget for the general fund? About 57 million.

[1:23:56] That's a lot of money. And if you start. To.

[1:24:03] Cut and slash without thinking about it. You'll get a

[1:24:06] lot of spanner back. Now, if you work through it,

[1:24:10] where you have a series of sessions where people say,

[1:24:13] we could cut this, no more. This. This is a

[1:24:16] result of that. And you see your budget. Work as

[1:24:21] you go along. Then it's your budget. And you're knowledgeable

[1:24:25] about it. But here's the beautiful part. You can do

[1:24:29] millage and you can do assessment, and these assessments that

[1:24:33] you have can be altered. And still retain their judicially

[1:24:40] approved validity. That's a whole other bag of worms. Thank

[1:24:43] you. Appreciate that. Explanation. On the assessment. The water balloons.

[1:24:51] But at this time, we have this resolution. For. Assessment.

[1:24:58] I need someone to introduce that resolution, and then we'll

[1:25:01] take some action on this. Item, but please have the

[1:25:04] public hearing. You can read it. Read it and then

[1:25:06] have the law. Requires the public hearing. We advertise. Just

[1:25:10] say one comment before we get into that? To the

[1:25:18] fire chief and the city manager. I want you to

[1:25:21] know that I fully support the fire department. I'm hoping

[1:25:28] that. With. This next. Fiscal year budget. That.

[1:25:39] We take better care of them. Meaning? We don't want

[1:25:43] them riding around in old, old. Vehicles, because timing is

[1:25:49] everything. So when it comes to that budget, We're not

[1:25:55] going to rob from. Police and fire to pay utility.

[1:26:01] Okay. Because, you know, I will go to bat. Over

[1:26:09] that. Thank you, Michelle. At this time, we're going to

[1:26:11] open it up for public comments anyone from the public

[1:26:14] wish to speak in reference to this item, please step

[1:26:16] forward to the poll. You can state your name and

[1:26:18] address for the record. Recording. Induction is resolution. Mr. Mayor,

[1:26:26] I introduce resolution number 251879. Resolution number 251879. A resolution

[1:26:34] of the city of Hayne city, Florida, approving the fiscal

[1:26:38] year 20 25 26 non ad valorum assessment role for

[1:26:43] fire protection services, facilities and programs, providing for authority, providing

[1:26:50] for definitions. Providing for findings, providing for direction concerning interim

[1:26:55] assessments, providing for ratification and confirmation of apportionment methods. Directing

[1:27:03] certification of the assessment role. And collection pursuant to the

[1:27:06] Uniform Assessment Collection act, confirming required notice and imposing. Levying

[1:27:13] fire service assessments, providing for additional notice. Under section 200.6.

[1:27:23] Nine Florida statutes. Ongoing work order. Direction and severability and

[1:27:29] providing. For. An effective date. All right, before we vote

[1:27:34] on this, I. Say? And I understand we're in the

[1:27:38] 12th hour, but. We should work in the next coming

[1:27:41] year. Like you said on white paper. We really need

[1:27:44] to start looking at like Commissioner Don and St commissioner

[1:27:46] husband said they need to start soon as November soon

[1:27:51] as this budget season. We need to look at, try

[1:27:52] to lower these assessments, but we can't do it by

[1:27:56] doing it tonight. We don't have time to do it

[1:27:58] tonight. Because of the trim notice and. Because of all

[1:28:01] the other things by law, that we have to be

[1:28:02] within, but we know this. Is coming up every year

[1:28:06] at this time. We shouldn't wait till this time of

[1:28:08] year. To start saying we should be working on this.

[1:28:11] Our finance. Hey, come back to the commission throughout the

[1:28:14] year and say, if you want to lower your fire

[1:28:16] assessment, here's what you got. To cut. Here's what you're

[1:28:18] going to have to happen. I think we're. Under. The

[1:28:21] gun with this in here, and my vote would be

[1:28:23] leave it as is. But I'm. Telling you, next year

[1:28:26] we should, because our citizen has the right to get

[1:28:29] a break somewhere. And it should be in that assessment.

[1:28:31] They've been paying that for a long time. On the

[1:28:33] fire assessment, so casting my vote will be leave it

[1:28:37] as is, don't raise or anything. I think that was

[1:28:40] one of the options. In there. We didn't make any

[1:28:42] changes, but I do see a change in next year.

[1:28:45] Whether we get a finance. Ma'am, we got a question.

[1:28:49] I liked. I want to make sure that I am

[1:28:52] clear with you in how your staff has behaved and

[1:28:55] what you currently do. Normally. Say unbudget. That looks a

[1:29:02] lot. Similar year for year, right? Your assessment, particularly your

[1:29:08] fire assessment. Digest the annual budget. We do look at

[1:29:13] that budget. The preliminary one to make sure you're. Not

[1:29:17] out of kilter legally and economically. And so with that,

[1:29:21] I have given to the clerk the two reports that

[1:29:23] are mentioned. In. Your agenda, and I like they've been

[1:29:28] added to the record. Dated July 2 for both stormwater

[1:29:33] and fire. Want the record to reflect that in there,

[1:29:36] that can help Omar and others as they go forward,

[1:29:39] but that's the evidentiary part of what we do because.

[1:29:43] It's not just the budgeting and the money. There's. A

[1:29:47] whole protect you from. Challenge aspect, you are protected, and

[1:29:51] your attorney can talk to you about that. How that's

[1:29:53] done. Then back to the timing issue. What I said,

[1:29:56] by November, most communities. Don't dark chopping on the budget

[1:30:03] until. February. Am I right? Correct. So by getting started

[1:30:07] earlier and having a plan, Where you decision makers are.

[1:30:15] Involved so that. When. Numbers come to you, there's not

[1:30:19] disagreement because there's no end to I'd. Rather have this

[1:30:24] funded and not that funded, and you need to figure

[1:30:28] a way to speak. In unison as early as you

[1:30:31] can. Your management and your staff need to help you

[1:30:34] do that. What I can do. Is share with. Your.

[1:30:44] Finance department. Some technology that we use for other customers.

[1:30:51] To keep it. In simple terms, based upon our knowledge

[1:30:54] of what you have, we can develop what I call

[1:30:57] a one f calculator. If our rates are instead of

[1:31:02] $139. They're $95. What does that do to the rate?

[1:31:09] And what is the revenue result? And that's the what

[1:31:13] if issue. We did not have that available to us.

[1:31:16] In 2013. We have progressed. And I will continue to

[1:31:20] work with you on that. There are other issues that

[1:31:22] I have to resolve with you with that regard. But

[1:31:25] the whole point is, I want to emphasize. What Omar

[1:31:29] has come here with is the. Oh, my God. If

[1:31:35] we have to do that, I got to go up

[1:31:37] to 93 on the millage. On the trim. Notice that

[1:31:41] be protected or put this in place. Okay. Ms. Hoffman,

[1:31:46] I apologize to you early. I'm going to apologize to

[1:31:48] all you. I don't want you to think that I

[1:31:51] didn't do something right here. But I'm happy to share

[1:31:55] with you what's going on. Yeah, we appreciate your expertise.

[1:31:58] It means a lot and we appreciate that. So we

[1:32:01] had a resolutionary and I need. A motion for that

[1:32:04] resolution to leave it as is. Mayor was I moved

[1:32:08] that we leave the fire assessment as is? Do we

[1:32:12] have a motion to leave it as is. Do I

[1:32:15] have a second? 1st you have a second. All right,

[1:32:17] we have a motion. Now we have a second. All

[1:32:19] in favor, signify. All opposed? Nay. Thank you. Motion carry.

[1:32:25] Are you leaving? Go back to Tallahassee tonight. I am

[1:32:29] 4 July tomorrow. Okay. I just wanted to make sure

[1:32:31] because I wanted to move some. Things around because we

[1:32:33] had some. Can we get the stormwater? Yeah, we're going

[1:32:35] to. Do it. That's why. Actually, I thought you were.

[1:32:37] Stand over. So we're going. To move around. Next item

[1:32:41] is resolution 1880. Stormwater says. So this is the stormwater

[1:32:47] assessment period for the city. We account for all the

[1:32:50] stormwater. Revenues within its own fund. The projection for this

[1:32:53] next year, based on the increases. In parcels is about

[1:32:58] 1.1 million, again dedicated. Strictly for the stormwater fund. Again,

[1:33:04] no proposed changes, leaving it as status quo. And we

[1:33:08] are recommending to approve it, as is. Any question for

[1:33:12] our finance director? None. Here. I have one. Comment on

[1:33:15] the resolution. There's a scripture's error. It refers to a

[1:33:17] report of June 23. I brought it to the clerk.

[1:33:20] Did you have desire's ability? It should be. July 2.

[1:33:23] If I want to make that for the record, that

[1:33:25] shouldn't affect any. Okay. All right, no problem. Do we

[1:33:28] have to breed that into the record? I'm scribbling. It

[1:33:30] there. Okay, no problem. All right, this time we're going

[1:33:33] to open it up for public comments. Anyone from the

[1:33:35] public wish to speak and reference this stormwater item, please

[1:33:38] step forward to the podium, state's name and address. Then

[1:33:42] we're going to close it and ask for introduction, resolution.

[1:33:46] Mayor. I'll introduce resolution number 251880. Resolution number 25

[1:33:56] 1880. A resolution of the city. Of Haynes City, Florida,

[1:34:00] approving the fiscal year 20 25 26 non avalorum assessment

[1:34:06] role or stormwater management services. Facilities and programs, providing for

[1:34:12] authority, providing for definitions, providing for findings, providing for direction

[1:34:17] concerning interim assessments providing for ratification and confirmation of abortion

[1:34:23] methods, directing certification. Of the assessment rule and collection pursuant

[1:34:30] to the uniform Assessment Collection act. Conforming required notice in

[1:34:34] imposing and levying stormwater management assessments, providing for additional notice

[1:34:40] under section 200.69 Board of statutes. Ongoing. Work order,

[1:34:50] direction and severability and providing an effective date move for

[1:34:54] adoption. Sir, we have a motion. And second. All in

[1:34:58] favor? Aye. All opposed? Thank you so much. Thank you

[1:35:02] a heartfelt thank you to you all. I want to

[1:35:06] be a resource to you. Thank you. At this time,

[1:35:10] Brian. I know we always throw in your ride, Brian,

[1:35:12] but I want to move. Something around. I want to

[1:35:15] go to. AI and the request to enter into agreement

[1:35:19] with Tim Co. That way, because I know they've been

[1:35:22] sitting here from the historical society for some time and

[1:35:25] we'll come back. Are you okay with that, Brian? So

[1:35:28] if we're going to do that agreement, I think for

[1:35:30] real. Good evening, mayor. Vice mayor. The attune of this

[1:35:36] item is to seek approval to enter. Into an agreement

[1:35:38] with Simcoe Construction, Inc. Or the old train depot building

[1:35:42] Parish, you may recall the city commission provided a consensus

[1:35:46] at the June 5, 2025 regular city. Commission meeting at

[1:35:54] the old train depot building will serve as a new

[1:35:56] location for the Haynes City Historical Museum. The agreement with

[1:36:00] Simcoe Construction equip will address the need of repairs to

[1:36:03] make the facility habitable and functional. That cost would be

[1:36:07] $137,907 additional renovations. Have been requested by the. Haynes City

[1:36:14] Historical Museum representatives and staff as secured a quote or

[1:36:17] the desired renovations. The additional renovations would be an additional

[1:36:21] $145,000, bringing the grand total to $283,000. Approximately $283,000.

[1:36:31] The budget impact again would be that 283,852 26. This

[1:36:37] is an unbudgeted request and staff request guidance from the

[1:36:41] commission to enter into an agreement with Simcoe construction, so

[1:36:45] it just needs some direction on how the commission would

[1:36:48] like for us to proceed with this item. A question

[1:36:51] reference to this item. Yes. I know I missed the

[1:36:54] last meeting. When this item came before us. This quote

[1:37:00] that we're receiving. This is for a portion of that

[1:37:02] building. Be utilized. So. No, sir. This is for. Well,

[1:37:09] the initial quote was for a portion of it, but

[1:37:12] based off the last commission meeting, it was not necessarily

[1:37:16] decided it was just going to be a certain portion

[1:37:18] of the building. Throughout the building. There is a lot

[1:37:21] of work that has to be done. So that first

[1:37:23] initial quote is to bring that building up. To some

[1:37:26] of the code and different things, and to make it

[1:37:28] habitable would be the biggest. Part of it, but the

[1:37:31] total amount would be for the entire. Interior of that

[1:37:34] building and a few items on the exterior as well.

[1:37:38] At this time. The decision was made to this entire

[1:37:43] building is not going to the historical. At the last

[1:37:48] meeting. There wasn't a consensus. It was actually correct. I

[1:37:53] think they was going to share it and half of

[1:37:55] was going to be. Like a gift shop with their

[1:37:59] staff, and then they was going to share it with.

[1:38:03] The gifts because they said that they can use half

[1:38:05] of it and the other half can be a gift

[1:38:07] shop. That's my understanding. But we have some representative here.

[1:38:12] If it was different than I like. To hear from

[1:38:14] them if that was different. But I think that's what

[1:38:16] we talked about. But the whole building has to be

[1:38:18] renovated, though. You can't just go in and just. Say

[1:38:21] that's why the price is going to redo the whole

[1:38:24] building and the historical society will be in that building.

[1:38:29] With a coffee gift shop. We want to do the

[1:38:32] whole building, not just part. And thank you for that.

[1:38:36] My concern was. With the price that we paid for.

[1:38:40] The builder to that building in itself. And now with

[1:38:42] these renovations. I don't think this is necessarily. Being while

[1:38:48] it is something that needs. Well, it was not a

[1:38:50] good deal from the beginning. We cannot look at the

[1:38:53] 1 million that's got. Profitable. Decision for the city, but

[1:38:59] we own it now. Our responsibility to make sure. We

[1:39:05] don't want a building that. It's a code enforcement violation

[1:39:08] zone, and we own a building, so we don't. Have

[1:39:09] a choice. But we own it now. We got repair.

[1:39:12] It's our ability. I have no issues with the repair

[1:39:17] part. I mean, that's what something we bought and. Everything.

[1:39:20] But once again, And for people looking, I do have

[1:39:28] expertise. I'm a certified builder contractor, so I do work

[1:39:33] in construction. So I do know what I'm talking about

[1:39:35] when it comes to numbers. And I keep saying it

[1:39:38] since I've been here. These numbers to me are just

[1:39:41] crazy, ridiculous. The first section. Where I guess is what

[1:39:47] the city wanted on the beginning, the 100 and something

[1:39:49] thousand. What is it? 138,000, basically. Is really just to

[1:39:55] remove little stuff and install. Two toilets in the restroom,

[1:40:00] remove tables, paint. Electric switches. I mean, all that is

[1:40:06] very simple, economical to me, what I see on this

[1:40:10] scope. Where it doesn't even amount to maybe $50,000. And

[1:40:15] I mean, we're talking about more than double what I

[1:40:17] think this is worth the whole project to me shouldn't

[1:40:20] be worth mainly the 100,000. It's all repairs. Like stock

[1:40:27] or repair. Just a repair. It's not a whole. Building.

[1:40:30] Even if you do, the whole building is probably less

[1:40:32] than 20 grand. I just don't like these numbers. I

[1:40:38] really don't like these numbers. And I know we are

[1:40:40] known CRa, but there was something in CRA. Where. I

[1:40:45] forgot. How much for installing windows? Something is not right.

[1:40:49] We spending money. It's just ridiculous amount. I mean, we

[1:40:54] have the dog part. 600. 700,000 for. What we got.

[1:41:00] And I think at some point we need to really

[1:41:02] start looking. Into other contractors. To get better prices, but

[1:41:08] contractors are more. In the lower spectrum of, instead of

[1:41:14] going to a bigger company, because those bigger companies, they

[1:41:17] have a ridiculous amount of overhead, and a little contractor,

[1:41:21] not little decent sized contractor, can do it for a

[1:41:25] lot less than what those companies. I think it's time

[1:41:28] to go out and start. Looking for others. I'm not

[1:41:32] a big favor of. How do you call this? Continue

[1:41:35] or whatever. If there were good numbers, I'll be fine.

[1:41:41] But these numbers, I'm not fine. With it. Same thing

[1:41:44] with the miles and wires. When we repair that field

[1:41:47] that charges like $380. Just to install. A head sprinkle

[1:41:52] head. They only cost them, like, $40. I thought they

[1:41:55] were going. To replace the pipes and. No, it was

[1:41:57] just replacing the head. Yeah. So anyways, I'm in favor

[1:42:03] of fixing. Some of this. Maybe not the whole thing,

[1:42:07] but some of this stuff. But the numbers are just.

[1:42:10] Not. Sitting well with me. So obviously we've been doing

[1:42:14] RFP and it will delay the project just like the

[1:42:17] dog park. Understand that was not in continuing services project

[1:42:20] that bidding our project. We presented. The proposals that was

[1:42:25] from the companies that be, and again with Timco Construction,

[1:42:28] this is their fees. But if there's direction to create

[1:42:32] the scope being it out to see. What companies out

[1:42:36] there want to put in the bed and see when

[1:42:37] the cars come by that's correct. We're more than happy

[1:42:40] to do that. We need to figure how to. Get

[1:42:44] the word out to other contractors because we just put

[1:42:46] it on those one or two websites. The main start

[1:42:49] or whatever we use. Honestly, out of everybody that I

[1:42:53] know, nobody knows the main. Stories exist, and I know

[1:42:56] a lot of people. In the construction business. And whenever

[1:43:01] I tell them, hey, go and beat on Haynes series,

[1:43:04] like how? I'm like, well, there is this website, and

[1:43:07] they don't know, so I think we got to find

[1:43:10] out some of the other resource. There are other websites.

[1:43:13] They're not. Tailored to municipalities, they're more to contractors. But

[1:43:18] you get a pool. A ridiculous pool of contractors. They

[1:43:23] cost a little bit, maybe cost you about $1500 to

[1:43:26] $2,000 a year. To have that membership, but we need

[1:43:31] to do something about our contractors. I think we wasted

[1:43:34] a lot of money. In that. Yes. Might be recognized.

[1:43:39] Thank you. Okay, so going back to the original vote.

[1:43:46] I was under the impression that we voted on $138,000.

[1:43:51] Now we have an additional $145,000 added to give us

[1:43:56] that total of 283. And I wanted to know who

[1:44:01] added all of this additional worth under new work added

[1:44:05] if you noticed it here. Asking. For stucco and pavers

[1:44:11] replacement. Removing the chain link fence and replacing it with

[1:44:18] the rock iron stance. With a basic design and a

[1:44:22] gate. There's nothing wrong with the fence. That's. There. So

[1:44:27] this is where a lot of the money is coming

[1:44:29] in, which is a bunch of cosmetic stuff. So who

[1:44:33] approved this? To come up to a total of 283.

[1:44:39] When we originally voted. For the 138 already, and now

[1:44:43] we are being presented with an additional $145,000. I'm definitely

[1:44:48] not in agreeance to spend an additional $145,000. With it.

[1:44:54] So I don't know if we bid it out again

[1:44:57] or if we take out this new work that's been

[1:45:01] added since our last meeting. So can you tell me

[1:45:05] who approved this additional work to be done? Because at

[1:45:09] the last meeting, we received all of. The scope of

[1:45:14] work that was going to be done. That gave us

[1:45:16] that total of 138 and. That's what we voted and

[1:45:20] we agreed to, and now. We're getting an additional $145,000

[1:45:26] worth of work being done. So the last meeting. The

[1:45:28] vote was not taking to spend $130,000. Well, it was

[1:45:32] presented to us. As far as what the quote was

[1:45:35] correct and what has happened through discussions with the historical

[1:45:39] museum there were some requests. And again, instead of staff

[1:45:42] making that decision, that. We're going to do this. That's

[1:45:44] exactly why it's being bought before. The commission tonight for

[1:45:47] the commission to make a determination on. Are we wanting

[1:45:50] to stick with the original scope of work or we

[1:45:53] wanting to do the additional work? Because my understanding is

[1:45:57] or not. My understanding, staff has met. From representatives from

[1:46:02] the historical museum, and this is their request. So again,

[1:46:08] At the pleasure of the commission. Rather it's the 138

[1:46:11] or if it's the total 283 again if we want.

[1:46:16] To do an RFP to solicit additional quotes from contractors.

[1:46:21] We stand for direction from the commission as far as

[1:46:23] what you would like to see. Coming from the historical

[1:46:26] society, from the old building that we utilize for this

[1:46:29] building as well. So I do believe there are some

[1:46:32] insurance funds that would be coming, if I recall correctly.

[1:46:35] I believe it was 20 some thousand dollars, if I

[1:46:37] recall. 24. But didn't they say at the last meeting

[1:46:41] they had to verify if they can actually turn that

[1:46:44] over to us because they're not going back into their

[1:46:47] original building. Besides this. Okay, what about the insurance piece

[1:46:52] of it? There's two different parts of the stadium. State

[1:46:58] your name and address. Stacy stokes 91 45 lake cash

[1:47:02] in the hall road, hayne city, florida. There's two different

[1:47:06] portions of the insurance. One you've already received, right? The

[1:47:11] 24 we've already received. But. If you were. Going back

[1:47:18] to the building, and there was. More work to be

[1:47:22] done. It had to be pre approved. It wasn't money

[1:47:25] that the insurance company was just paying out. They paid

[1:47:28] out the 24. But if they got back and started

[1:47:32] working on the building. And so larger scopes of work

[1:47:35] or things that weren't part of the originals then. It

[1:47:41] had to be the insurance have to upgrade going back

[1:47:44] to your original building, not to the train depot, correct?

[1:47:48] Yeah, because that insurance is for that building. So basically.

[1:47:51] They got an assessment of 24,000. They got that. So

[1:47:54] whenever they start working on that, building. If it goes

[1:47:58] over 2000, 400,000, then they can go back to the

[1:48:01] insurance and. Say, hey, we found this and you can

[1:48:05] get additional, but it just would help you. And. The

[1:48:10] night that the meeting. That I stood up here spoken.

[1:48:13] We did the vote and all. I mean. What I

[1:48:19] understood was. That you had approved. Voted for them to

[1:48:25] go over there. They were to meet with Terrell and

[1:48:29] his staff. Get out of scope of work. I don't

[1:48:33] remember a dollar figure being put on that night. There

[1:48:38] wasn't a dollar figure put on it that night. And

[1:48:42] you guys. Told me them up there that the funds

[1:48:46] were there. And that to meet with them. And make

[1:48:51] that place right. We did agree that we would share

[1:48:54] the building with the city for gift shop, coffee shop,

[1:48:58] whatever comes in the future. That was part of that

[1:49:00] agreement, so, yes, but. There was no dollar figure put

[1:49:06] on the work. We were told the money was there

[1:49:10] and to get it. Done. Correct, Mr. Mayor might be

[1:49:12] with my husband, I think. Commission has commented. Thank you.

[1:49:17] I was the one that made that motion. And. It

[1:49:22] was not a dollar amount, but in that motion. In

[1:49:26] the motion that I made. You are not responsible for

[1:49:30] any repairs now. This is still the city building. It's

[1:49:35] been our building for a while, and this is our

[1:49:38] history that is going inside. Of that building. And our

[1:49:44] history is something that. We definitely want to preserve and

[1:49:49] take care of it. I've been to the old building.

[1:49:51] Many a times, and it was really. Cramped in there.

[1:49:56] So whatever they're asking for to bring that building up

[1:49:59] to part it's. Our building, and I think that we

[1:50:03] should do everything possible to make sure that. When people

[1:50:08] come into downtown to look. At the history museum when

[1:50:14] we get. The high speed rail in it gives something

[1:50:19] for them to do, but they don't need to come

[1:50:21] into. A building. Like the one across from the fire

[1:50:27] station where you got to turn sideways to walk in

[1:50:29] there. Because. There are so much things that people have

[1:50:33] donated, so whatever they're asking for, I'm. Sure, is to

[1:50:38] be able to put things on display. And at the

[1:50:42] end of the day, It's still our building. So whatever

[1:50:45] we decide to do to the building, it is going.

[1:50:49] To be an improvement of a building that belongs to

[1:50:52] the city of Haynes city. So I'm in favor. Of

[1:50:56] that. Whatever it is going to be to bring that

[1:50:59] building. Up to where is usable for our history. Okay.

[1:51:05] Ms. Mayor might be recognized. I'll come back to you.

[1:51:08] 1 second. Okay? Thank you. Director Griffin. I know we

[1:51:12] did not vote on a number, but prior to that

[1:51:16] meeting, did we? Or did we not have those quotes

[1:51:19] for 138,000? That is correct. So that meeting, the initial

[1:51:24] scope of work that's on here is what staff had

[1:51:26] received. Okay. And can you. Tell me when all the

[1:51:30] additional work was. Added. The additional work was added after

[1:51:33] the last meeting when the discussion was had. That basically

[1:51:38] it was not free reign, but obviously. We got chastised.

[1:51:43] For not allowing them to move in there. So based

[1:51:46] off those conversations after that we met, had a list

[1:51:49] of exactly what. The representatives from the historical. In essence,

[1:51:55] this additional work was added after the fact because commissioner

[1:51:59] Huffman stated that. We had the funds available. And then

[1:52:07] they decided to add. Additional work that increased the price

[1:52:12] from the 138. That wasn't just Commissioner Huffman statement. Well,

[1:52:17] she just stated that she made the motion. She made

[1:52:19] the motion. That's what she stated. Get us in the

[1:52:22] building. Okay, Ms. Stacey. Give me 1 second. Thank you.

[1:52:24] So I'm just trying to figure out. From Simcoe based

[1:52:30] on them going in. In their proposal. And what needed

[1:52:35] to bring this building up to code so the historical

[1:52:40] society could take possession of this building. Based on that

[1:52:44] $138,000 figure. But this additional work was just in addition.

[1:52:51] To what the historical members would like to have, like

[1:52:56] the pavers and things of that nature. But that was

[1:52:59] not in the original quote that we received for the

[1:53:02] $138,000. No. Ma'am. It was not. And I think part

[1:53:06] of that, too, is based off the previous discussion that

[1:53:09] the museum would take over the entire building while. Sharing

[1:53:12] space with the coffee shop and all that, I think,

[1:53:14] is what led to some of. The additional work under

[1:53:18] the new work addict. Van Dyer for a second. But

[1:53:24] I guess the option would be either you stay at

[1:53:26] the original quote of the city or do you go

[1:53:28] to the second quote? That's what you asked him from

[1:53:31] this? Yes. Because either way, the amount exceeds city manager.

[1:53:36] Lensky. That's right. Exactly. So it has to be our

[1:53:38] approval. Either stay with the first or go with the

[1:53:41] increase after meeting with the historical society. So at this

[1:53:43] time I'm. Going to yield to meet Ms. Van Dyber.

[1:53:46] Yes. State your name and address. Francis van dar 90

[1:53:50] 111 like Sel wrote. I don't think. In the hunt

[1:53:58] first. I think they came up with. We did a

[1:54:03] walk through with them. But the handicap. Availability to the

[1:54:10] fire level. That wasn't in the original 138. Was it?

[1:54:17] Yes, ma'am. It was installed in 88 Ram. Okay to

[1:54:21] put an Ada ramp. In there would take up the

[1:54:27] first room. Most of it, at least half of it.

[1:54:32] So you're cutting down on the size of the building?

[1:54:36] Of the usable space in the building. The two air

[1:54:40] conditioners. I don't think we had anything to do with

[1:54:43] that. We? Didn't know it, so that was not a

[1:54:47] part of the initial scope. We knew nothing about the

[1:54:51] air conditioners. I haven't looked at this list of what

[1:54:56] was added. But that was our biggest concern was. The

[1:55:04] endicap availability. To get up there. To make that area

[1:55:10] usable to us for gift shop, coffee shop, or music,

[1:55:14] whatever it was originally. At ground level. The whole building

[1:55:20] was. The same level. This was added years later. The.

[1:55:31] Bloating ramp. And that. Filled in. Originally there was a

[1:55:37] cafeteria. Cafe. In that part.

[1:55:52] I think what she's trying to allude to, and to

[1:55:54] answer your question about the fence and things like that.

[1:55:59] They went back in history. They looked at how the

[1:56:01] building. Was prior to all the different things that have

[1:56:06] been there, and their goal was to bring it. Back.

[1:56:10] To what it looked like. Which would be if you

[1:56:12] look at the additions taken out. That. Higher part where

[1:56:19] they have blocked it out, filled in with or concreted

[1:56:22] to make it higher. They wanted to bring it back

[1:56:24] down to ground level, the way the original building was.

[1:56:29] Because then you don't need the Ada ramp taken up

[1:56:32] with the entry when you go. In. You'll be able

[1:56:36] to access. This ground level just like it was originally.

[1:56:41] The fence. They looked back at what the fence was

[1:56:43] like when it was like that, and it was probably

[1:56:46] then rolled iron where now it would probably be aluminum.

[1:56:48] I'm not sure what that book was for aluminum. Those

[1:56:53] are some of the things that, when they met with

[1:56:56] Terrell and Darryl, that they looked at was bringing it

[1:56:59] back. To the way that it was, which would help

[1:57:03] eliminate some of the ADA requirements. The reason for the

[1:57:09] road iron fence is. If you're traveling on the train

[1:57:14] of passenger train in the same way, if sunrail comes

[1:57:18] in. When you're going down. The track. We'll take one

[1:57:25] part or just about anything. The first thing you see.

[1:57:31] Is their deep buff. And that one looks awful. If

[1:57:40] you're a pastor on the train. And it was like

[1:57:43] one of our members said, she rides the train a

[1:57:47] lot, and she was going up north. And. She went

[1:57:52] past a couple of towns and they looked so neat

[1:57:55] from the train that she would want to visit them.

[1:58:00] So the next time. When she drove. She did visit

[1:58:03] those towns. And. Toured them up because. When you're on

[1:58:12] the train, and the same way when you put sunrail

[1:58:14] in there. That's the first thing you're going to see.

[1:58:19] All we asked for was. Just the length of the

[1:58:23] depot. Not. The whole. Thing that fits now.

[1:58:34] I think. A railroad requires you to have a bin.

[1:58:38] Up there. To stop people from walking. Around that section

[1:58:44] of the railroad. But all we ask for is just

[1:58:49] section right behind. If it was aesthetic and to bring

[1:58:54] it back to what it looked like. I don't think

[1:58:58] anyone up here disagree with maybe. We bringing that building

[1:59:02] up? Today's code and standard? I think the biggest question

[1:59:07] is the amount the 280. I think that. What I

[1:59:12] direct will probably be, and I can't speak for them,

[1:59:14] is that this should go back out for RFP because

[1:59:18] I think that we should probably rebid this to see

[1:59:21] can we get a lower mouth? We have an expert

[1:59:23] here that works in this field every day. Telling us.

[1:59:25] Hey. You don't think that those numbers are right? We

[1:59:28] agree with you. I agree that 138. We're not disagreeing

[1:59:35] that. We want to get that feeling. It's our building.

[1:59:38] Like commission. Huffman said we wanted to be presentable. We

[1:59:41] don't want to look. Like a code enforcement violation, but

[1:59:43] we also don't want to spend. I'm just looking here

[1:59:49] at one part of it. I don't want 79 it's.

[1:59:52] The central air condition system. At only a 3.5 ton,

[1:59:58] which is. About a four bedroom house. They want $23,000

[2:00:06] for that ac. When I know I can get the

[2:00:09] AC for way less than ten grand. With new dogs

[2:00:13] and everything. I can tell you, we replace acs all

[2:00:17] the time. And we thought that price is very reasonable.

[2:00:21] I can tell you the AC unit we put in.

[2:00:24] The Oakland auditorium was upwards to almost $50,000. So some

[2:00:28] of these units. Really seriously, we need to get. Let's

[2:00:33] try to do this because time. I agree. Let's take

[2:00:37] some action on this. Here's. Two things we can. Act

[2:00:44] out the parks director. Take this back out. Our new

[2:00:47] RFP. I know you all want to get into the

[2:00:49] building, but we want to. Make sure we've done it

[2:00:51] right. And bring it back with us. Maybe some proposals

[2:00:54] may be our best proposal. So just to clarify, am

[2:00:58] I getting an RFP for the scope for the initial

[2:01:01] scope of work, or am I getting no for everything.

[2:01:04] So whatever they act and whatever you have there, let's

[2:01:07] do apples to apple and see. If this is because

[2:01:09] I think that, and I'm going to agree with them,

[2:01:11] I think that's probably too much. And I think we

[2:01:14] put through another RFP. You should probably get a better

[2:01:17] or lower rate, someone. That was what I wanted to

[2:01:24] say. You have a lot of contractors in Hayne City?

[2:01:30] I mean, Spacey's built a house, I've built a house.

[2:01:35] You haven't heard of this company? We use local. Builders.

[2:01:42] I know that you all have your boob ones. Do

[2:01:46] you have a list of? Approved contractors that you'll use.

[2:01:51] There is some, but. I don't know. The way I

[2:01:55] say. The bigger companies. And we're just not getting the

[2:02:02] best deal out of it. At least that's where I

[2:02:04] see. I'm going to get really close into these numbers.

[2:02:09] Personally this time. Item by item, I'm going to see

[2:02:12] what numbers I can get myself to really see. But

[2:02:15] just looking at this. Like I said, the AC for

[2:02:18] sure. I just did a house and actually had a

[2:02:22] four ton unit, and I think I paid like 8000.

[2:02:25] Almost $9,000 for it. Three years ago. I replaced one.

[2:02:30] It was $5,000. And the guy told me because I

[2:02:35] was having problems with it, they come out, there was

[2:02:37] nothing. Wrong with it, turns out. But he said to

[2:02:40] replace that now it cost me $8,000. Yeah. Let's do

[2:02:46] this. We're going to have to close this public comment

[2:02:50] and then we're going to have to take some action

[2:02:51] on this here. Also, let's also just keep in mind.

[2:03:00] With these renovations and upgrades. We need to look to

[2:03:03] make sure that we don't lose the status of that

[2:03:06] building. Depending on what we're doing over there, because that

[2:03:11] is. A historical site. And there's guidelines that we need

[2:03:15] to follow, so we need to ensure that we are

[2:03:17] following those guidelines before we look up, and now we've

[2:03:20] lost that status. Of the builders. Yeah, I'm quite sure

[2:03:25] staff understand, in a historical building, that they know. Mayor

[2:03:29] was I want to ask. Is Van Dyer question. And

[2:03:35] Stacey's looking, and she know always referenced her as Van

[2:03:38] Diaper. He should have changed his name to Van Diver.

[2:03:44] So to your mom, Mrs. Van Diver. Was that? Your

[2:03:53] husband and father. That was the first fire chief that

[2:03:56] we have that old fire engine in. Our fire department.

[2:04:01] He wasn't a fire chief. He was the captain. The

[2:04:04] captain? And he also became a city commissioner and mayor.

[2:04:11] Of Haynes City after he was at the fire department.

[2:04:14] Now you got to see our passion. Yeah. And he

[2:04:19] also did. Bill Drummond, who was city manager, was also

[2:04:23] an engineer. My husband was a land surveyor, and we

[2:04:28] had a land survey in business for 35 years here.

[2:04:31] In Hang city. He worked out of the building that's

[2:04:35] on fifth. That's a house. Like a two story house

[2:04:42] there. That was all. Okay, well, thank you. Such a

[2:04:45] history buff. Him and Tommy Barlow. Started a fundraiser.

[2:04:55] To restore that fire truck. And then. When the new.

[2:05:01] I'm trying to remember if he was still on the

[2:05:04] commission. I don't think he was. When they knew when

[2:05:08] it was built. This one was built, but he was

[2:05:14] in favor of that. Glass petition. And put in the

[2:05:20] park in there. Looks good. And we even talked about

[2:05:24] adding on to the Bermuse building. And putting the fire

[2:05:29] truck there. But thought he would be best where it

[2:05:33] is now. Well, thank you. Just know that me and

[2:05:37] the fire chief will have to rustle you to move

[2:05:40] that fire truck now. No. There's a room in the

[2:05:47] outfit. That is dedicated. It was dedicated. To my husband.

[2:05:56] Into myself. Okay. Thank you. Thank you so much. For

[2:06:04] being a pioneer. So at this time. If I could

[2:06:08] just address Ms. Stokes or something. Could I get a

[2:06:10] copy of the pictures? That you gave to the commission.

[2:06:14] For the record, please. Go. Okay, just so

[2:06:24] I have one. So at this time. In reference to

[2:06:30] the request for the grievance of Simcoe construction. What's your

[2:06:34] pleasure? Ladies and gentlemen. Mr mayor. If I may. I

[2:06:41] do think that we do need to take this back

[2:06:44] out. I'm very familiar with the exact same program. I've

[2:06:48] used it for several years. Some of these numbers are

[2:06:52] definitely. Abnormal, especially the ones which is overhead and profit

[2:06:57] on a lot of these items. I also agree that.

[2:07:04] We do need. I guess the estimate for the entire.

[2:07:10] Scope of work, and I guess we can go from

[2:07:12] there. I don't agree that we should just necessarily make

[2:07:15] a decision to move forward with it tonight. But I

[2:07:17] think if we go ahead and just at least get

[2:07:19] that estimate back then from there. With a couple. Take

[2:07:24] it back for RFP and bring it back. Lower rate

[2:07:29] than what we get. That'll be correct. Correctly. Griffin wanted

[2:07:38] to know if you wanted to just do the scope

[2:07:40] of work or with the. Apples. That way we'll know

[2:07:45] everything. Like I said, you emphasize everything. Don't change. What

[2:07:48] we have. We just want to see what the rate.

[2:07:50] So we have a motion and a second to send

[2:07:52] it back out for an rfps here. We get a

[2:07:54] better rate, we may. Or may not. If not, we

[2:07:57] come back with that. So, all in favor, signify Sen.

[2:08:00] Aye. All opposed? Thank you so much. We'll go back

[2:08:04] to Brian. It's a state fund. State grant. Funding for

[2:08:09] fight. Man, I thought that was the last. One. You

[2:08:19] all could save on your electric bill is reasoning. We'll

[2:08:25] do something about that. All right, Brian, is your show

[2:08:29] all right? Good evening. The purpose of this agenda item

[2:08:32] is to contract with the city's vendor to install. Fiber

[2:08:40] optic cabling to help support the city and its endeavors

[2:08:44] to have redundant fiber optic network. Great question for Brian.

[2:08:53] None here, no. Is this from? Grant or just something

[2:08:58] that we doing. The state is funding the whole portion

[2:09:02] that we are doing. With this particular project is being

[2:09:05] funded totally by the state. Perfect. Thank you. Okay, that's.

[2:09:08] Good. Big fund. Oh, yeah? This time we're going to

[2:09:12] open it up for public comments. Anyone from the public?

[2:09:17] From the public. From the public. Address, then I'm going

[2:09:21] to close it. Motion to approve.

[2:09:31] Motion? Second. All in favor? Cisco equipment and enterprise. That's

[2:09:36] you again. Yes, sir. Purpose of this item is to

[2:09:39] get. Approval to continue the maintenance contract for the city's

[2:09:43] secure networking equipment. This is a three year term, which.

[2:09:51] Should be at least the network that we have now

[2:09:52] should last at least three more years, so. We need

[2:09:54] to keep that under maintenance so we can make sure

[2:09:56] we always get the latest updates. And patches to keep

[2:09:59] the city secure. Any question for Brian river today? No

[2:10:05] question. Is this on budget, right? I want this. Something

[2:10:13] you're requesting out about. Part of it was budgeted, but

[2:10:20] not the whole amount. We worked a deal out with

[2:10:24] the vendor. So the 18,000 is in this year's? Budget,

[2:10:28] and then we'll budget accordingly in the subsequent years to

[2:10:31] cover the expenses. May I be recognized? Okay. Thank you.

[2:10:38] So, can you tell me what the 594, the total?

[2:10:42] Amount financed. Because. Is that over the next two years.

[2:10:49] Two years? Or three years. Next three and a half

[2:10:51] years. So we'll spend almost $600,000, correct? And this is

[2:10:57] the first year or we are in it. We've been

[2:11:00] in it for three years already. Okay. Any more questions.

[2:11:12] At this time, we're going to open it up. Public

[2:11:13] comments. Anyone wish to speak comfort? State your name and

[2:11:16] address. Correct. Then I'm going to close this. Mayor was

[2:11:21] I moved that we approve. Item eight, J for the

[2:11:27] three year term. Do we have a second? 2nd motion

[2:11:34] now we have a second. All in favor? Aye. All

[2:11:37] right, let's move on. Item eight K has been dropped,

[2:11:40] and we'll bring that back at a later date. I

[2:11:42] don't think we even had a date yet, just. Been

[2:11:45] removed. Andrew riley. Vacate. AK has been relocational bible for

[2:11:54] Andrew Riley. That's correct. Yes. We don't need to bring

[2:11:59] that. Okay. Because my question would have been, what do

[2:12:06] you mean? Relocational? You dug it up somewhere or. You,

[2:12:09] couldn't it? The new buildings. It's in the way of

[2:12:12] the new building. Okay, well. They've been taking. The next

[2:12:17] item. Extension provider to fire station number three. Purpose of

[2:12:22] this one is just to extend the city's fiber optic

[2:12:24] network into the new fire station. When we did the

[2:12:27] initial, we stopped short of the property line because we

[2:12:29] didn't know where the building was going to be, driveways

[2:12:32] and everything else. We didn't. Want to have to pay

[2:12:33] to put something in and then pay to rip it

[2:12:35] out and move. It. So we kind of stopped short,

[2:12:38] and now we're finishing. That line so we can bring

[2:12:43] that new station on. Any question for Brian reference. We're

[2:12:47] going to open it up. Anyone wants to speak step

[2:12:49] four, states name, then we're going to close it. Motion

[2:12:54] to approve second. Motion and a second. All in favor?

[2:12:58] Aye. Next item is general employee pension board application. That's

[2:13:04] you. City clerk. Sort of. So we have some vacancies

[2:13:12] on both. The General Employee Pension Board and the police

[2:13:16] pension board. So we have applications submitted for your consideration.

[2:13:20] If you have any specific questions to the pension itself,

[2:13:25] we can forward that onto the consultant we did not

[2:13:27] have them come out here. As he's in Largo. I

[2:13:30] just feel that. Would be cost effective. But the general

[2:13:34] terms of the pension agreement. Is. That the candidate should

[2:13:40] live within the city limits of Haynes City. Am I

[2:13:44] saying that correctly? That's basically it. So you can look

[2:13:48] at the application. We only have, I think, two for

[2:13:52] the suspension and. One. For the general employee. One. Two

[2:13:58] for the police and one for general. Okay. And these

[2:14:01] are opening. Right? Yes. These are vacant positions. Okay, so

[2:14:04] yes, all we need, just need approval from this diaspora.

[2:14:07] Correct. Yes. All right. Any question, reference? Yes, Mr. Mayor.

[2:14:12] Good. Thank you. On these applications, Sharon. Where is.

[2:14:22] Their address? Because how do we know they live in

[2:14:25] the city of Hayne city? Because none of them. Have

[2:14:29] listed. Their address. In the city. There was a question.

[2:14:38] Right. Are they? Law officers. The clerk's office did look

[2:14:45] at the employees, the names, and then confirmed. With guitars

[2:14:51] to where they live. Thank you. So. Is a little.

[2:14:59] Police that has two people or two. No. We just

[2:15:02] need approval to say yes. The applications we've presented. You're

[2:15:07] okay with that? We did the back part to make

[2:15:09] sure that they live within the city. So there were

[2:15:13] two openings? I believe there was two for the police

[2:15:16] and one for general employee. But you have four names,

[2:15:20] right? Okay, so break it down. Who's for what I

[2:15:26] believe. Correct. General employee pension board. And she was the

[2:15:36] only one. Well, then that was that. And then another

[2:15:39] one came that I wasn't aware yet, but. There's only

[2:15:43] one. Position. One space for that board. So you have

[2:15:51] four names, but you have three spots. Correct. So. We

[2:15:55] approving four names or three, but you got to pick.

[2:16:11] That? Oh, days two. Okay. All right. What's your place?

[2:16:21] But on the pension board, there was another application that.

[2:16:28] We didn't receive. Yeah, but that's a different item, right?

[2:16:33] No, the general employee. The general employee received two. That's

[2:16:38] for Thomas Dempsey and Lasandro Rivera. Correct. I don't know

[2:16:46] either, so. They both meet it. I'll say whoever is

[2:16:50] a Lostonder Riviera, that's my vote. Who else? Anyone else?

[2:17:02] I don't know either one either, but I would say

[2:17:05] Lasania. Okay. All right, so we need somebody to make

[2:17:14] a motion because we. 're need a form of emotion

[2:17:20] to slate the Sonia Riviera. As our general pension. I

[2:17:26] make a motion to select Lisandra Rivera? Hold on a

[2:17:30] second. Let's back up. I'm opening up the public comments

[2:17:32] in reference to this item. Anyone wish to speak? Name.

[2:17:37] Make a motion to select Lisandra and Rivera. We have

[2:17:42] a motion? Do we have a second? I'll say. All

[2:17:47] right, now we have a second. Do. All in favor?

[2:17:49] Aye. Okay? She will be on the general pension. Now

[2:17:53] we're going to move to the police. Pension board out.

[2:17:56] How many openings is there for that? Two, I believe.

[2:18:01] Omar believes you got four. Names four people. And there

[2:18:07] was three, and I don't know if you want us

[2:18:09] to come up with. A different way of how to

[2:18:10] do that. It's very hard. Like, how do you pick?

[2:18:12] This one over this because it's just employees that are

[2:18:15] interested in serving. Well. I think we should ask, why

[2:18:24] do they want to serve on the board? What experience

[2:18:28] do they bring? That's what would help me. Just why

[2:18:32] do you want to be a representative? And have him

[2:18:37] redo the application. I don't know if. He's a former

[2:18:43] police officer, right? They all, officer? All of them. This

[2:18:51] one is Hayne, City Police Department officer. This is Mr.

[2:18:55] Steven John. Mr. Brittany. Same thing. Hence the police department.

[2:19:00] Police officer. Bridge. Rodriguez. Same thing. Police officer in Hang

[2:19:05] City and Mr. Brown. Is a retire. Let me ask

[2:19:11] you this question. You got a chief? I'm quite sure

[2:19:14] all these police officer or former police officer. You've been

[2:19:19] there for a while, right, Steve? You should be able

[2:19:23] to give us a background about some of them, right?

[2:19:26] All four of them? Yeah. To me. It will be

[2:19:30] the best person to tell us about them will be

[2:19:32] him, you say? You want to know about them, so

[2:19:34] we don't really know. I know Ron brown and. I

[2:19:36] ain't in favor with Ron Brown. I stand on the

[2:19:38] mic and said off the mic. Are you in favor

[2:19:42] of him? I. Called Richard Rodriguez. I didn't know he

[2:19:48] was an officer. Yeah, he was the community service. Officer.

[2:19:52] But about two years ago, he became a full time

[2:19:55] police officer. Sent him to the police academy. I must

[2:19:59] be thinking about someone else. I know he. I'm thinking

[2:20:02] of the Richard Rodriguez. That does the police chronicles. On.

[2:20:11] Facebook. He does. He does. Those two. Okay, so we

[2:20:13] think of the same person. I didn't. Know it worked

[2:20:15] for these semi famous there. What about Steven? Mr. Evans.

[2:20:21] Evans? Yeah, he's been at the agency. For about. Eight

[2:20:27] or nine. He's still there? Yeah, he's still there. So

[2:20:30] Mr. Steven has been there about eight years. Eight years?

[2:20:33] How about. Ms Brittany Tara has been there about. Two

[2:20:40] and three years. Two and three and. Mr. Rodriguez. He's

[2:20:45] been an officer for two years, and he's a code

[2:20:47] officer for us. For a couple of years before that,

[2:20:51] and he has about 25, 27 years previous law enforcement

[2:20:57] experience. I'm tired from up north and I guess the

[2:20:59] mayor's favor, he's. Been retired for a while. I love

[2:21:09] the experience in Richard Rodriguez that because. Of being around

[2:21:14] that long. You should understand pensions and stuff. He's very

[2:21:18] dedicated for you. Yeah. That many years. I'll tell you.

[2:21:23] I can pick my spin. I don't really know. I

[2:21:24] don't. Want no one that's on this list. I think

[2:21:27] Steven Evans based what you said in Richard Rodriguez. And

[2:21:31] I will follow the mayor. With the same two options.

[2:21:35] That's based on what the teachers that I. Too, would

[2:21:40] be Richard. Packen? I hope not.

[2:21:50] Be ready. Almost him. Ron Brown. I think I'm going

[2:21:55] to go with. The mayor's recommendation based off of the

[2:22:00] information. All right, Mr. Dan. Born with the mayor's suggestion.

[2:22:08] All right, we have those two. We need someone now.

[2:22:10] We're going to open it up. Thank you. Open it

[2:22:13] up for public comments. Anyone we can speak? Your name

[2:22:16] and address, then. Now we're going to close it, and

[2:22:18] then we're. Going to have someone make a motion for

[2:22:20] those two names. May you make a motion that we

[2:22:24] approve. Richard rodriguez. And Steve John Evans for the police

[2:22:30] pension board. That we should vote separately because

[2:22:40] I agree with one of your people. But I still

[2:22:43] have someone. That you all didn't list. Yeah, I'm understanding,

[2:22:46] but those two names is the. Majority, then it will

[2:22:49] be. Yeah, but. We can do a roll call. I

[2:22:54] think it should be. Separate name. Exactly. Oh, you want

[2:22:58] to separate? No problem. You can make change in the

[2:23:01] state you most. I make a motion to approve. First

[2:23:05] Richard Rodriguez for the police pension board. We have a

[2:23:10] motion? Do we have a second for resort? Thank you.

[2:23:13] All in favor? Okay, now we need the second person

[2:23:18] who need to make a motion for that. I'm a

[2:23:21] commotion. For Ron Brown. Okay, we have a motion for

[2:23:28] Ron Brown. Do we have a second for Ron? Brown.

[2:23:33] No seconds for a die from 11 seconds. So there

[2:23:35] are other names on anybody will make another. Motion. I

[2:23:38] make a motion. To. Get a Steve John Evans for

[2:23:47] the police pension board. We have a motion for Steven

[2:23:50] Devins. We have second. All in favor? Aye. Move her

[2:23:57] along. State of manager report. Sir. Mayor, due to. I'll

[2:24:05] make it very short. The governor didn't give us a

[2:24:08] reason why he cut us. He had a very clean

[2:24:11] budget, but betoed us on those two items, and we

[2:24:14] don't know why, but it's very frustrating. That's my. Wish

[2:24:18] you had some more. This dias worked hard to get.

[2:24:27] To James King and I think because he gave 10

[2:24:30] million to Pope state paint city camping Hayne City 10

[2:24:34] million and they already said I just gave him 10

[2:24:37] million for hanging to the public, state, campus or whatever.

[2:24:39] Then it comes to something else. I think that's what

[2:24:43] really hurt. That's just my opinion. I think that. Thankful

[2:24:47] for Pope State College being able to get. Oh, yeah,

[2:24:50] because. All the front walls are done. I'll make this

[2:24:58] quick. First. I need.

[2:25:09] A consensus on who you'd like to nominate to be

[2:25:11] the. Voting. Delegate at the annual conference announcement. I have

[2:25:17] to send that up to them. I think it's. Time

[2:25:18] for someone else to get some experience doing the voting.

[2:25:20] Delegate for the FLC. I agree, Mr. Man. You want

[2:25:25] me to do. I would take that on. So we

[2:25:34] have a consistent vice chance being the voter delegates. Yes.

[2:25:41] And. There was some conversation and I wanted to bring

[2:25:45] it publicly. With. Getting our group picture done properly. There

[2:25:51] was a conversation about costs. There was conversation about possibly

[2:25:56] looking for another photographer. Different opinions right now. I have

[2:26:01] scheduled a photographer that we use the sheriff's office uses.

[2:26:07] And most of the municipalities here on the ridge uses,

[2:26:11] which is the current one that we have. He's been

[2:26:12] doing it. We have worked with him on his cost

[2:26:15] to bring it down. And I have that scheduled for

[2:26:19] the next meeting, the 7th meeting for him to be

[2:26:21] here, but. Everybody to be in their Sunday best prior.

[2:26:27] Jesus, what kind of meetings we have? We have a

[2:26:34] workshop with Melanie Bell. No, I'm sorry. We have a

[2:26:38] July. We have a workshop with Cindy Jenimasa. What time

[2:26:43] is that? I could schedule him for five. Minutes.

[2:26:52] Cynthia should. Cindy shouldn't be. 530. I'll have him come

[2:26:58] at five, set up. Correct. And if she can send

[2:27:03] us something which she's going to be talking to, that

[2:27:05] way. He does it very. Minute. So

[2:27:15] 530, the pictures. We can do her at six. Okay.

[2:27:23] Beginning to not feel. I forgot we screaming.

[2:27:33] Anything else? No. I don't have anything this evening. Yes,

[2:27:38] thank you. I just want to say this for the

[2:27:47] purpose of those that are watching on stream. That I'm

[2:27:54] very happy at the fact that I have been vindicated.

[2:27:58] For not being the sole cost of the $550,000 that

[2:28:05] we voted on. Earlier this evening, and I'd like to

[2:28:09] get back to regular. Business at hand. The case against

[2:28:15] me was. Dismissed April 24, 2025. So there should be

[2:28:21] no. Further discussion. And as for the young lady. Mirwest

[2:28:27] that came up to the podium talking about sharing. The

[2:28:34] Fox News Channel or whatever. She would. Request to post

[2:28:43] on my page. At least four or five times a

[2:28:47] day. Mr. Huffman, I think that's a mistake. Okay, well.

[2:28:53] What I'm doing is identifying the person and why she

[2:28:57] wanted to say that you can. Do it. After they

[2:28:59] found the conclusion, you can then come at yourself. This

[2:29:03] is not about the case. This is about this lady

[2:29:07] that is constantly doing the appropriate way. Okay, well, let's

[2:29:12] hope there's no more. Moving forward, but I wanted to

[2:29:16] make sure that. Everybody on this board understood who this

[2:29:21] person was. Thank you. All I have to say tonight

[2:29:31] is. We need to listen to our attorney. More and

[2:29:38] more and more. I have seen. Us. Some of us

[2:29:42] say, I don't care what the authorities say, and that's

[2:29:45] trouble. So that's all I have to say. Thank you.

[2:29:55] Listen, I had a few things, but in the essence

[2:29:59] of time, I am going to say them. Until next

[2:30:02] meeting, because this has already been. A. Come on, we

[2:30:08] still got another hour. No. So. Nothing. Tonight I would

[2:30:14] bring them. I would add them to the next meeting.

[2:30:24] With the time that we're entering right now, and it

[2:30:26] is my youngest son's. Birthday. I'm so good. All right.

[2:30:31] That's how we're going to join. Well, happy birthday to

[2:30:35] your son. Happy 4 July. I didn't set the date.

[2:30:43] Don't forget the fireworks at 915, right? Oh, yeah. We

[2:30:46] got fireworks tomorrow. The best. One. The biggest one in

[2:30:50] the whole county. And go and tell that to Davenport.

[2:31:02] Thank you. Yes.

City Commission Meeting

Agenda

Transcript