[0:00] >> Calling the special meeting
[0:00] of the City Commission to
[0:02] order.
[0:05] >> Commissioner Carey, you
[0:06] Commissioner Casteel
[0:07] Commissioner Haskell here,
[0:07] Commissioner Lee Air
[0:10] Commissioner mascot here, c
[0:11] Mayor Coffman here. Please
[0:11] stand for the Pledge of
[0:17] Allegiance. United States of
[0:20] America. She the Republic
[0:24] which it stands. Nation.
[0:30] Justice for all. Approval of
[0:32] agenda. Any changes to the
[0:36] agenda? Commissioner, to see
[0:39] you. Yeah, I I know this mean
[0:43] in this on budget, but someone
[0:44] from the public at about
[0:47] public comment.
[0:48] >> And that is this
[0:49] appropriate for this meeting
[0:51] to have a public comment
[0:52] because it wasn't on the
[0:52] agenda. We have public comment
[0:56] for each item. So they can
[0:56] sign up to speak on item 1, 2
[1:01] or 3. Is that sufficient or is
[1:04] there something else that you
[1:05] just deal didn't want to ok?
[1:06] So, yeah, anybody who wants to
[1:07] speak and sign up for item 1,
[1:17] 2 or 3. There's something else
[1:18] MADAM Clerk, do we have public
[1:19] comment available, meetings.
[1:23] We typically don't have
[1:24] general public comment on any
[1:25] special meetings. It's just
[1:25] because it's item driven, not
[1:27] a regular meeting. MISS
[1:28] Hardin. Any reason why we
[1:33] couldn't add the I don't have
[1:33] any opposition to adding at
[1:37] the end okay, okay. Move for
[1:39] couple commissioner Castillo
[1:40] de Pere for the public comment
[1:40] to be the beginning of the
[1:41] meeting or the end of the
[1:44] meeting, MR. Mayor, I trust
[1:47] judgment on that. Do you make
[1:48] rules when we start with
[1:48] public comment and then we'll
[1:52] go from there. Is that ok? So
[1:53] MADAM Clerk, we will add
[1:55] public comment before number
[1:58] one. Yes, I do not. Have
[2:00] anyone signed for a general
[2:01] comment. We know it is MR.
[2:01] Moir so we can ask him. But
[2:05] for the agenda first, all
[2:05] those in favor of approving
[2:07] the agenda with the addition
[2:09] of public comment before a
[2:11] number one say aye, any
[2:12] opposed hearing. None motion
[2:14] carries. But do we need a
[2:17] motion? MISTER Mayor? The only
[2:23] one of the agenda. We have,
[2:26] ok, we or is there second
[2:26] motion by Commissioner
[2:30] Castillo as their second. Yes,
[2:30] motion seconded by
[2:34] Commissioner Rob Rossi. All
[2:35] those in favor. Please say
[2:36] Aye. Aye. Any opposed hearing.
[2:38] None motion carries. Thank
[2:40] you. Okay. Public comment.
[2:47] Leon, where?
[2:48] >> Hello. Good afternoon or
[2:49] evening, MR. Mayor
[2:50] Commissioners, staff and
[2:52] visitors, thank you very much
[2:53] for doing this because I want
[2:55] to speak about something that
[2:57] is not 1, 2, or 3 items on the
[2:58] agenda and it is your
[3:02] resolution. Number 2.15, which
[3:03] says now therefore be it
[3:04] resolved by city commission of
[3:06] the City of Key West, Florida,
[3:09] as follows all meetings of the
[3:11] city Commission shall follow.
[3:12] The rules set forth in this
[3:14] resolution and this resolution
[3:15] says you will have public
[3:16] comment at the beginning of
[3:17] the meeting and at the end of
[3:18] the meeting, you MAY not like
[3:22] that. I've been told it was a
[3:24] mistake, but nevertheless, the
[3:24] law is the law. And this was
[3:27] signed and pass by the
[3:28] commission back in AUGUST, 6th
[3:30] of this year. So you save
[3:35] yourself move not being in
[3:36] compliance with this
[3:36] resolution by allowing me to
[3:37] speak today. And that's all I
[3:41] really have. Thank you. Thank
[3:42] you, MR.
[3:42] >> Okay. Ordinances. First
[3:45] reading item number one,
[3:46] ordinance of the city of Key
[3:48] West Florida adopting an ad
[3:50] valorem tax general mean that
[3:51] municipal millage rate for
[3:54] fiscal year 2026. To 2027
[3:55] providing for severability
[3:56] providing for repeal of
[3:56] inconsistent provisions
[3:58] providing for an effective
[4:00] date. Ordained by the city of
[4:01] Key West Florida that the
[4:03] final adopted ad valorem tax
[4:05] general municipal millage rate
[4:07] for fiscal year 2026. To 2027
[4:13] is hereby set at 1.8, 8, 4, 8,
[4:15] mills, which is 1.8, 4, $8,
[4:17] per $1000 of assessed property
[4:21] value. The 2026 to 2027 final
[4:21] adopted millage rate is equal
[4:24] to the rolled back rate of
[4:25] 1.8, 8, 4, 8, mills. And we do
[4:26] have public comment. Carrie
[4:35] Baker.
[4:36] >> Good evening. Mayor
[4:37] Commissioners, Carrie Baker,
[4:38] executive director of U.S.
[4:38] Chamber of Commerce, the
[4:39] largest and oldest business
[4:43] organization in Key West. We
[4:44] recognize repairing the city
[4:45] budget is difficult and we
[4:45] appreciate the considerable
[4:47] time and effort that city
[4:48] staff he's put into this
[4:48] year's budget and bring it
[4:52] forward at rollback. We also
[4:53] recognize that as property
[4:54] values continue to increase
[4:55] the size of the budget is
[4:57] increased as well. That makes
[4:57] the decisions before the
[4:59] commission extremely
[5:00] important. He west businesses
[5:01] are ready are already under
[5:04] tremendous financial pressure.
[5:05] They are among the city's
[5:06] largest taxpayers while also
[5:07] facing county taxes precinct
[5:11] these higher wages rising
[5:12] operating costs, inflation and
[5:15] rapidly increasing insurance
[5:16] expenses, every additional tax
[5:18] fee or ongoing expense has an
[5:19] impact. Don't whether a
[5:22] business remain here, hire
[5:24] employees. Invest and
[5:24] importantly continue
[5:26] contributing to our local
[5:27] economy at this point. The
[5:27] right response ability rest
[5:30] with the commission to weigh
[5:32] the competing priorities and
[5:32] make difficult decisions about
[5:33] what should move forward and
[5:35] what MAY need to wait. We
[5:36] understand that their requests
[5:37] for additional services and
[5:40] programs that residents value
[5:41] at the same time, the city has
[5:43] significant infrastructure
[5:44] needs and costly repairs that
[5:44] would require attention and
[5:47] the years ahead before adding
[5:50] significant ongoing expenses.
[5:51] We encourage the commission to
[5:51] consider whether their
[5:54] services are truly a priority,
[5:55] identify sustainable funding
[5:56] where possible and look
[5:57] carefully at long-term impacts
[6:01] on the taxpayer. Financial
[6:02] responsibility is an important
[6:03] commitment to the community
[6:05] and we hope it will continue
[6:05] to be an important
[6:06] consideration as you finalize
[6:07] its budget this evening. Thank
[6:14] you. Is that it for public
[6:16] comment? Yes, oh, sorry.
[6:17] That's okay. Yes. Okay.
[6:18] Bringing it back to the
[6:20] commission. This item is to
[6:22] approve the millage rate. Only
[6:22] the second item is to go
[6:24] through the budget, the actual
[6:24] budget. So.
[6:26] >> Bring that back to the
[6:28] commission. Do we have a
[6:31] motion to start with make a
[6:32] motion on that second? Okay.
[6:35] So motion to approve by
[6:35] Commissioner Rossi in a motion
[6:36] seconded by Commissioner
[6:37] Castillo bringing it back to
[6:39] the Commission for discussion.
[6:40] Do we want to hear from staff
[6:44] on the item of millage rate
[6:45] itself we all pretty much know
[6:46] it's roll back or do we have a
[6:50] comment? Commissioner
[6:53] >> the narrative ask this, but
[6:54] I wanted the public to know
[6:54] what this millage rate, which
[6:56] thank you for getting it to
[6:57] roll back. This is not easy
[6:58] and I appreciate staff are
[7:02] doing that. Does not include
[7:04] any mileage additions for
[7:05] bonding or anything like that
[7:05] for fiscal year 2027? Is that
[7:11] correct? That is correct.
[7:13] Thank Time uprising over
[7:15] there, Christina of checks
[7:18] >> Thank you, Christina. So
[7:19] but the bonding millage rate
[7:23] will not be included fiscal
[7:24] year 2027. That's something
[7:25] that will happen in 2028 once
[7:28] or issue correct?
[7:29] >> Correct. They will not take
[7:31] into effect until 5.28 Okay.
[7:35] >> I appreciated speaker's
[7:36] comments about fiscal
[7:37] responsibilities. You know, I
[7:38] I reach we tried to be very
[7:39] fiscally responsible, as is
[7:41] possible. And I know this
[7:41] budget was not easy. So
[7:47] thanks. Thank you for that.
[7:47] >> Okay. Any other
[7:48] commissioners like to make a
[7:52] comment or question? Looking
[7:55] this way? You Commissioner
[7:56] Haskell question.
[8:00] >> Since we MAY approve
[8:01] particular of bond funded
[8:02] projects and and borrow the
[8:03] money this year. And that
[8:07] money is in the budget for
[8:09] this year. But we won't. The
[8:10] citizens including all of us
[8:13] here won't be paying for that
[8:18] until next year's taxes. Asked
[8:20] him it like say at this same
[8:22] millage rate, how much
[8:22] additional that might be next
[8:27] year.
[8:27] >> I do. You have a slide? I
[8:30] can pull out right now. If you
[8:34] want to show my slide. I mean,
[8:36] it is included in the
[8:37] presentation I can wait. Okay,
[8:40] great. Thank you. It's the
[8:41] question. Thank you,
[8:43] Commissioner Haskell. I think
[8:44] that I see some of them
[8:45] selected. You. Everyone's
[8:50] good. I just want to say thank
[8:52] you to staff also having a
[8:53] budget at rollback was what
[8:56] the previous commission ask
[8:57] for.
[8:57] >> And you came your
[8:59] responsive. I appreciate that.
[9:01] And the taxpayers. Appreciate
[9:05] that. That is going to make us
[9:05] really sharpen our pencils
[9:09] over the next year for 2028 as
[9:10] Commissioner Haskell and that
[9:10] the commissioner mascots
[9:12] questions 0.2 So with that, I
[9:16] think we can call the roll.
[9:17] >> On edition we took you're
[9:20] right about mayor. But if the
[9:23] of amendment passes for the
[9:24] Homestead reception, then
[9:25] we're going to have little
[9:30] change there. We're going to
[9:30] have to address them as well.
[9:31] Yeah, personally I don't think
[9:34] it's going to hurt is bad.
[9:35] Here is another counties in
[9:37] the state of Florida because
[9:39] we have I think 25 or 30% of
[9:43] our homes are homestead year.
[9:45] So its only on the Homestead
[9:48] in its $250,000. It's actually
[9:50] a lot less. It's only 16 or
[9:52] 17%. Yeah. Isn't percent based
[9:56] on values? 17%? Yes. Okay. So
[9:57] we're not gonna take that big
[9:57] of a hit. We're going to take
[10:00] a hit. But it will.
[10:04] >> Yeah, there will be other
[10:04] municipalities and, you know,
[10:05] correct governments that that
[10:07] will effect and much more.
[10:08] >> Yeah, just want to bring
[10:09] that everyone's attention. Fy
[10:11] that this is coming down the
[10:15] road. If it does pass, the
[10:16] Finance Department reported to
[10:17] the previous commission that
[10:18] in your one, it would be about
[10:18] $700,000.
[10:20] >> Current year one. And then
[10:24] we would have to make up. But
[10:25] your point, commissioner,
[10:27] also, you're absolutely in
[10:31] North Florida, counties have
[10:31] 70 80% reliance on homestead
[10:32] taxation, property taxation
[10:35] they're going to really. And
[10:36] as we heard to this morning at
[10:37] the meeting, some counties are
[10:39] considering consolidating even
[10:40] because of the because of the
[10:40] issues that they're going to
[10:43] be facing put. Thank you.
[10:45] Thank you for your comments 2
[10:47] MADAM Clerk, please call the
[10:49] Roll. Commissioner Carey. Yes,
[10:50] commissioner Casteel. Yes,
[10:52] commissioner Haskell. Yes.
[10:53] Commissioner Lee. Yes.
[10:53] Commissioner mask a yes.
[10:54] Commissioner Ross Sea. Yes.
[10:54] Mayor coffee. Yes.
[10:59] >> Item passes. Resolutions.
[11:00] Item number 2, a resolution of
[11:01] the city commission of the
[11:02] city of Key West Florida,
[11:03] adopting the tentative budget
[11:05] for fiscal year 2026. To 2027
[11:07] providing for an effective
[11:09] date or as a public hearing to
[11:11] consider the tentative budget
[11:11] budget was conducted on
[11:13] SEPTEMBER 10th 2026. Now,
[11:15] therefore be it resolved by
[11:16] the city Commission of the
[11:18] City of Key West, Florida. As
[11:18] follows that the tentative
[11:20] budget for fiscal year. 26 to
[11:23] 27. It's currently set at
[11:27] 331 million, $385,560 and
[11:29] hereby adopted by fund and by
[11:30] major category. And we do have
[11:41] a public speaker, Tom alone.
[11:42] Tom Malone, 32 Cowan street to
[11:47] West. Items in the capital
[11:49] improvement tent, portion of
[11:50] the budget, which is of
[11:50] concern to me. They pertain to
[11:53] them to city Hall. There are
[11:59] items. Mourners to refurbish
[12:01] the roof. Mourners to Ron
[12:04] actually says we have to move.
[12:06] The second item is to
[12:07] refurbish the hvac system to
[12:10] system. And replace old
[12:12] equipment. And the item is to
[12:16] replace. To remove and replace
[12:19] the fire escapes. Building is
[12:22] not even 10 years old. I
[12:24] remember going to the grand
[12:26] opening ceremony in JANUARY,
[12:27] actually JANUARY 7th of 2017.
[12:32] And we have to now you place
[12:33] the and I'm not challenging
[12:34] that their They're pushing the
[12:37] budget. But we have to push We
[12:42] have the roof. They have hvac
[12:44] system and replace a fire
[12:45] escapes. Any other any
[12:48] warranties still in effect
[12:51] that we can neither defend
[12:51] ourselves bill also wasn't
[12:57] too. Curry holds contract to
[12:58] accountable. Is any kind I
[12:58] guarantee? I know it almost 10
[13:03] years. This kind of work
[13:04] should have to be done. And
[13:05] the building is not even 10
[13:06] years old. It's almost 10
[13:06] years would be 10 years this
[13:09] DECEMBER or JANUARY. Not To
[13:11] me, this is really concerning.
[13:13] It's not outrageous. And the
[13:15] other item pertains to Iran,
[13:19] the hockey rink on there's
[13:20] money in the capital
[13:23] improvements. New lighting,
[13:29] new Roof. Play Side boards, I
[13:36] on replace before the concrete
[13:38] floor and putting money in the
[13:40] budget. Hockey rink and I
[13:42] don't object to it. Why are we
[13:43] talking about putting a hockey
[13:47] rink at I speech. Just putting
[13:50] that out too, for your
[13:50] consideration. That's all I
[13:53] have to say. Thank you. Thank
[13:58] Marble and Sarah Compton.
[14:02] >> Mayor and commissioners.
[14:02] >> First, I would like to
[14:03] thank staff for this budget.
[14:07] This is 8 really, really great
[14:08] budget at the last commission
[14:13] meeting. We did touch.
[14:15] >> On some water quality
[14:17] testing the canals and lake in
[14:19] district 4. I really hope that
[14:22] that can be considered before
[14:25] this is gets. Final approval.
[14:27] I would love to see water
[14:27] quality testing there. I've
[14:30] had a lot of residents talk to
[14:33] me about fish die offs
[14:34] possibly from hypoxia with the
[14:36] sargassum and things like
[14:38] that. And I would really love
[14:39] to see water quality testing
[14:40] there. I think it would mean a
[14:40] lot to our neighbors. Thank
[14:46] you. Great. Think we should
[14:47] start with that presentation
[14:52] from staff.
[14:54] >> Okay. Good evening, mayor
[14:55] and commissioners. We would
[15:02] like play my presentation.
[15:02] >> Just slide your screen to
[15:03] the other side. There. We've
[15:10] got 2 screens. What I Slide it
[15:24] over. To wear. In time again,
[15:38] that's alright.
[15:38] >> So that ended budget at a
[15:39] glance. So we've already
[15:42] discussed and actually on
[15:43] adopted tentatively the
[15:46] rollback operating but mileage
[15:49] of 1.8, 8, 4, 8, That is a 0
[15:53] increase over roll back on the
[15:55] general fund had a total 2.1%
[16:00] increase over fy. 26 the total
[16:00] budget all over all funds is
[16:07] 331. 1 Million, 385,560
[16:09] dollars. And in this budget
[16:11] are known new position,
[16:14] authorizations there is. It
[16:15] also takes into account 18
[16:18] vacant position. Eliminations.
[16:23] There is 35.4 million dollars
[16:25] grant funding programmed into
[16:26] this budget. And 89.4 million
[16:27] of capital equipment and
[16:31] infrastructure investments. In
[16:32] regards to property growth
[16:36] just wanted to kind of show a
[16:38] presentation of where we are
[16:39] currently and where we've end.
[16:41] So the assessed values of
[16:41] properties are now coming.
[16:44] They're kind of. I would say
[16:45] no flattening out. There was a
[16:48] lot of growth over the last
[16:50] couple years. That was higher
[16:52] than usual. So I just wanted
[16:53] to share this that we have all
[16:54] 3.0, 3, 6%. Overall growth is
[16:55] a lot lower than we thought.
[16:58] And and the past couple of
[16:59] years, I guess, you know,
[17:00] immediately following covid.
[17:04] However, it is. Going to be in
[17:08] general like flying increase
[17:11] year over year is around
[17:14] 404 Million. The 97% of that
[17:16] growth is attributable full to
[17:17] existing property appreciation
[17:25] 11.8 construction. As we
[17:25] previously said, the millage
[17:26] rate is proposed at rollback.
[17:29] So it. The revenue collections
[17:34] will be. Very, very similar to
[17:36] what was collected in this
[17:38] current year. There is a small
[17:39] decrease and that's based on
[17:39] the new continue construction
[17:45] valuations. So I wanted just
[17:46] to show everyone the city of
[17:49] Key West. Currently is the
[17:54] only. I guess, municipality
[17:55] with in Monroe County that has
[17:59] a 0 has a rollback millage
[18:01] rate proposed so can rate of
[18:01] one a need for 8 where the
[18:06] only. Institution government
[18:08] rather that is under 2%. In
[18:16] Monroe County. This slide just
[18:18] shows the what the annual
[18:20] changes for each of the
[18:23] property value property types
[18:24] rather so homestead with an
[18:27] average taxable valuation of
[18:29] 638,000 the annual payment is
[18:31] going to go down $12, an $0.08
[18:32] And this is, of course, the
[18:36] city portion only so. If the
[18:36] overall property tax goes up,
[18:37] it is not utter the normal to
[18:42] the city of Key West. And here
[18:43] are non homestead decrease of
[18:45] $7 and $0.14 and commercial
[18:47] properties, $10.99 And of
[18:49] course, this is based on the
[18:51] average. So there will be some
[18:52] that will be more less
[18:53] depending their property
[18:59] valuation. Here's another
[19:00] representation of where your
[19:02] tax dollars are going. So
[19:03] based on every $100 to see if
[19:05] U.S. Is receiving $23 and
[19:17] $0.52 Proposed. Another is the
[19:17] South Florida Water Management
[19:18] District and the mosquito
[19:25] control. So I wanted to put
[19:26] the slide in here. These are
[19:31] the currently estimated debt
[19:32] service issuance since that
[19:33] have been authorized ready.
[19:33] And that's why 27 so that
[19:38] that's Jose Marti. And fire
[19:41] station 3. So the estimated
[19:42] debt millage for year one,
[19:44] which will mean 28 based on
[19:47] the current taxable property
[19:53] valuations is 0.5 0, 5, 5, 3,
[19:54] So that the estimated payments
[19:56] for Homestead will be $35 and
[20:02] $0.33 here. For 15 over 15
[20:03] year period. Non homestead,
[20:06] $58 and $0.40 and commercial
[20:08] $90.13 for fire station 3. As
[20:11] of right now, the estimated up
[20:12] debt. I mean, bond issuance
[20:15] will be 27 Million. That will
[20:18] be an estimated annual payment
[20:19] of 1.7 million. The
[20:19] corresponding payments are as
[20:26] well. Personal services
[20:28] highlights. We have coal offer
[20:29] employees. We have teamsters
[20:33] at 4% police 5% fire and ems
[20:34] 4%. And general employees at
[20:39] 4%. Step increases for police,
[20:41] fire and ems throughout the
[20:42] year, depending on their
[20:45] anniversary will be 2.5 to 5%.
[20:47] Merit increases for Teamsters
[20:48] and general employees can be
[20:52] up to 3%. Police and fire
[20:53] pension allocation, including
[20:54] this budget is 32% and the
[20:58] general employees 12% health
[20:59] insurance allocation for every
[21:06] full-time employee is $18,534.
[21:09] Here are the positions that
[21:10] are currently vacant that are
[21:10] being recommended for
[21:13] donations. The school crossing
[21:17] our part-time Forester. Grant
[21:17] management, administrative
[21:18] specialist Planning Project
[21:19] Coordinator, Administrative
[21:22] Coordinator and Public works
[21:25] for a maintenance workers.
[21:25] Quarter master at the fire
[21:26] Department. Code enforcement
[21:30] Officer City project manager.
[21:32] Parks and recreation
[21:33] maintenance worker and then to
[21:34] waterfront maintenance, record
[21:35] adaptation, energy
[21:38] Coordinator, Port project
[21:39] manager shuttle driver Nancy,
[21:41] they'll and the cre manager
[21:41] position. And all of these are
[21:44] currently vacant positions.
[21:46] Yes, commissioner, to see you
[21:50] before we go any further, this
[21:51] cra manages position. Is this
[21:52] going to be replaced with the
[21:57] cra?
[21:57] >> what what we have budgeted
[22:00] right now to I guess offset
[22:01] that is there's a $20,000
[22:02] allocation in each one of the
[22:06] funds that. Putin professional
[22:07] services currently. So that
[22:08] could be a contract employee.
[22:10] It could write, you know, be
[22:14] and I additional to current
[22:15] employees. China's station, as
[22:17] I said before to staff and
[22:21] reference to this position.
[22:22] It's not a real full time
[22:23] position. It can be it can be
[22:26] done on
[22:30] >> consulting basis. So I just
[22:31] don't want the board think
[22:32] that we just do away with it
[22:32] without any direction. Thank
[22:42] you. Any other questions.
[22:47] >> yes, MISTER Here are 3, 335
[22:51] for 3, 3, 1 million dollars.
[22:52] How much is that? Is employees
[22:59] salaries for everyone? Similar
[22:59] time? You're likely so used to
[23:03] come much of of your total
[23:05] budget
[23:05] >> it's in a later slide.
[23:08] Personal services is 70's.
[23:11] 76 million out of 331. That
[23:12] includes police and Yes, good.
[23:20] Thank you. So what has changed
[23:21] after the JULY The proposed
[23:26] amounts. And actually
[23:29] increased to 2002.7 6%. Some
[23:31] of the larger changes in the
[23:33] general fund. We did a lot of
[23:34] adjustments. The insurance
[23:37] costs went down. There was
[23:41] some revenue in like from the
[23:42] state generator revenues. They
[23:43] they came back a little bit
[23:49] lower than we were estimating.
[23:51] But overall, reduction of 1.0,
[23:53] 4, 5%, in the infrastructure
[23:56] funds. A 3 million dollar
[23:56] change that was the original
[23:58] fire station. 3. We had a
[24:02] 25 million dollar bond
[24:04] issuance was increased a
[24:08] 27 million and also. That that
[24:11] is that is it for fund
[24:12] internal improvements. The
[24:16] 5 million that came from,
[24:18] we're going increase the bond
[24:18] issuance requests from
[24:21] 10 million to 15 Million. But
[24:21] we will talk about that a
[24:26] little bit more later in our.
[24:27] What else had large change
[24:29] under the storm. A utility
[24:30] fund that the 2 million dollar
[24:34] increases in The stewardship
[24:37] funding. That was just receive
[24:39] not too long ago. That is
[24:40] planned there. That's
[24:41] 2 million dollars going to the
[24:43] Harris and 10th project.
[24:44] There's another million
[24:45] dollars that we still have not
[24:46] had a to this budget that
[24:48] we're down to figure which
[24:54] projects identify So Al funds
[24:58] budget is, as I said before,
[25:01] 331 million, $385,560. Overall
[25:04] increases 15.6% over Fy. 26
[25:06] current year. It is primarily
[25:09] driven by Capital Investments,
[25:10] Grant funded projects and
[25:11] planned bond issuances not and
[25:18] recurring operations. For the
[25:22] General fund it. Tentative
[25:25] budget proposed 703 million,
[25:26] 555,905 dollars, which is a
[25:31] 2.1% increase over 2026. And I
[25:33] just wanted to mention that
[25:34] even though total citywide
[25:36] budget increased by 15.6%,
[25:37] general fund only increased by
[25:41] 2%, which because operational
[25:41] savings that we we've been
[25:49] able to find. So this slide is
[25:50] kind we're going to have at
[25:51] the end estimated at the end
[25:55] Fy 27 to have 90 days and fund
[25:56] balance reserve. Each day is
[25:59] the equivalent 225 $1000. So
[26:02] that's a total of 20 0.6
[26:07] million dollars so the policy
[26:09] is between 72 and tiny.
[26:10] Today's we're trying to
[26:12] maintain 90 today reserves to
[26:16] provide financial resiliency,
[26:17] cash flow you know, hurricane
[26:17] or some other sort of
[26:22] disaster. Possible real
[26:24] revenue volatility, that MAY
[26:24] MAY or MAY not happen based on
[26:27] things going on in community.
[26:28] Fema reimbursement timing,
[26:29] future property tax
[26:30] uncertainty and maintaining
[26:35] our strong financial position.
[26:36] Some of the major highlights
[26:38] are, as I said earlier, the
[26:39] grant funding allocations
[26:40] across across all funds from
[26:45] 35 million dollars. The bond
[26:46] issuances. So we do have 2
[26:47] that have been authorized by
[26:48] the commissioner which are for
[26:52] Jose Martinez, Fire Station 3,
[26:53] the streets and roadway
[26:54] improvements we will be
[26:55] presenting to you probably and
[26:56] most likely NOVEMBER in order
[27:01] to forward not. And of course,
[27:01] whatever that issue and says
[27:02] it will be authorized by you.
[27:08] Time. User fee increases. We
[27:12] we increase a lot of fees in
[27:13] order generate enough revenue
[27:14] to actually pay for the
[27:17] services that we're providing
[27:17] would just with time. A lot
[27:23] assessments of the year.
[27:25] Investments in technology, the
[27:27] workday, implementation, there
[27:30] various data center equipment
[27:31] upgrades investments in public
[27:32] safety. We have fire
[27:32] department sport vehicles.
[27:34] Police department pursuit
[27:35] vehicles. There is a quick
[27:36] minute facility improvements
[27:42] for them. That's mayor.
[27:42] Generosity because Sorry, I'm
[27:48] dis. Looking at just 20.
[27:48] 7 million dollars for Fy
[27:50] station. Great is that the
[27:56] Besse? Price? We are to made
[28:01] in that. Oh, no. If you MAY
[28:02] recall, we did authorize up to
[28:05] 32 Million. So we are.
[28:06] Currently trying to get that
[28:11] costs. Nailed it nailed and
[28:13] getting it as low as possible
[28:15] to, you know, help the
[28:16] taxpayers also, which I
[28:16] haven't mentioned yet. But we
[28:18] are we have applied for a
[28:21] grant for fire station 3,
[28:23] which would if awarded, we
[28:25] would know MARCH of and it's
[28:28] for like 12, 12 and a half
[28:29] million dollars mornings
[28:31] saying that in reference to I
[28:32] on on the county's be have
[28:33] bill in the new fire station
[28:36] up that those sugar lows.
[28:44] >> And in at the same time I
[28:45] see they make these concrete
[28:46] walls and bring them down here
[28:46] on trucks. And I'm I'm
[28:48] wondering. You know what
[28:49] category that that that's a
[28:54] then. And now. And all city
[28:55] here. I mean, they built a
[28:56] whole city hall and Gordon in
[29:00] Marathon. And, you know, we're
[29:01] trying to save dollars. You
[29:04] know, I mean, we the colder
[29:07] the clock be full can get a
[29:09] little I you know,
[29:10] commissioner can still I think
[29:13] these great questions.
[29:15] Probably a good subject for a
[29:16] presentation from staff at a
[29:17] upcoming city commission
[29:19] meeting. So we can see what
[29:24] the most up to date. Ideas are
[29:25] for what it would look like.
[29:27] The drawings conceptual
[29:28] designs cost.
[29:31] >> What the status of grant so
[29:32] good. We can have a
[29:33] presentation and don't get me
[29:34] I want the very best, but I
[29:37] want to get every dollar that
[29:38] we spend. We've got a
[29:41] community center down in the
[29:41] full report and not even 3
[29:43] years old. So I'm trying And
[29:45] we had MISTER Malone tell us
[29:46] about City Hall, which, you
[29:46] know, we know. So yeah, for
[29:48] sure. We need to pay attention
[29:49] to this. Thank you. You're
[29:51] absolutely right, MR. Mayor.
[29:53] Because you're going yes, I
[29:55] and could that I'm going to
[29:58] love.
[30:02] >> Citizen input on this. This
[30:05] far station that 25 27 million
[30:06] dollars. Too, would like to
[30:09] seriously sit down. You go
[30:12] over this piece by piece. So
[30:14] we know exactly what's going
[30:17] on. We know that we need to
[30:18] fire station. Discuss that.
[30:19] Have everything the best of
[30:21] everything. But the cost seems
[30:25] very, very high. For for far,
[30:27] you know, for a concrete block
[30:29] building how many you know,
[30:30] I'd like to be brought up to
[30:36] speed on New, yeah, 6 very
[30:36] expensive. A lot of the public
[30:39] are asked the question so
[30:39] many.
[30:40] >> So see your once again
[30:43] right on target but but for
[30:46] commercial grade fire station,
[30:48] it's it's higher per square
[30:49] foot price to be expected.
[30:50] We're looking at probably 1200
[30:53] per square foot. I think I
[30:54] think a one time it was
[30:55] proposed to be 1800 per square
[30:57] foot which did seem high. But,
[31:00] you know, what? They have 3
[31:00] days now. They really need
[31:04] for. You know, the square
[31:06] footage, I think seems right.
[31:06] I mean, to determine 19, we
[31:09] have fire fire here if they
[31:10] want to speak to this. But I
[31:12] think we do. I think the best
[31:15] if we had just a dedicated
[31:15] discussion item on we're we
[31:17] could have presentation from
[31:19] staff to go over where we are
[31:20] in the grants where we are in
[31:23] the square footage, the number
[31:25] of days. But, you know, we
[31:27] need to replace fire station
[31:30] 3. I mean, it's it's been
[31:30] degree, you know, we We all
[31:31] agree to that and it needs to
[31:34] happen sooner than later. So
[31:35] that's something we could do.
[31:37] And Isaac Tobar, realistic or
[31:38] should we wait till NOVEMBER?
[31:38] What his staff think about
[31:44] presentation. Vice Mayor Lee.
[31:47] Few things about fire station.
[31:48] >> Number one, if we're going
[31:49] to have a presentation, I
[31:54] would I would. Suggest that we
[31:55] do it, it sooner rather than
[31:58] later because day that we
[32:01] wait, more expensive. So I
[32:02] would like to see if we're
[32:04] going to have a presentation.
[32:05] Alright, I would like to do it
[32:08] the next. To me. The next
[32:09] meeting you possible? Because
[32:10] I like to do it because every
[32:12] day we wait and every day this
[32:13] gets bogged down, it's going
[32:15] to cost us more. Number one.
[32:16] >> Are are you suggesting the
[32:19] 22nd the next budget meeting
[32:20] is that might be too soon for
[32:20] staff is that's what I do. You
[32:21] know, I think they could do
[32:22] it. Have confidence in him
[32:29] that good. You know about I
[32:30] don't want to that vice Mayor,
[32:30] Leslie, let the vice mayor
[32:35] finished, you know? Hopefully
[32:36] with the presentation will
[32:40] see. Why the cost is what it
[32:41] is when the presentation comes
[32:47] to us but we spoke. We were
[32:48] looking at the debt service
[32:51] there in regards to to fire
[32:52] station. And I don't think
[32:56] anyone here is comfortable
[32:57] with that level of debt
[33:03] service there's a grant that I
[33:05] think about. I think there are
[33:06] going to be opportunities.
[33:07] It's going to reduce that debt
[33:09] service. And I spoke to
[33:10] Cristina spoke to the manager
[33:15] about it. Before we pass on. I
[33:15] don't think it's going to be I
[33:16] don't think the debt service
[33:19] will end up being what we see
[33:19] there at 1.7 million dollars.
[33:21] I think it will be
[33:22] significantly reducing if it's
[33:24] not, I would. I'm gonna do
[33:26] everything I can to reduce
[33:29] that burden to the taxpayers.
[33:31] Even it I would propose using
[33:35] reserve days to reduce that.
[33:36] That debt service if necessary
[33:38] before we end up passing 1.7
[33:39] million dollars on to the
[33:42] taxpayer. Taxpayers. But I
[33:46] don't think that that. That
[33:47] service is going to be 1.7
[33:48] million dollars. The end of
[33:52] the day. I I think we all
[33:53] would probably agree with you,
[33:56] merely but member.
[33:59] >> It's a recurring debt just
[34:00] one year of using reserve is
[34:00] is not going to solve the
[34:01] problem a long term so that
[34:03] the yeah, I'm the manager
[34:07] wanted to something. So
[34:08] there's a lot going on there.
[34:11] So let me do a few things for
[34:13] contextualize station. First
[34:14] and foremost, the $27, the
[34:15] 77 million figure you're
[34:17] looking at is not for the fire
[34:19] station alone. So please
[34:20] delineate that 2 million of it
[34:22] is for the temporary fire
[34:24] station, which we do not
[34:24] believe it's going to require
[34:27] that dollar amount. But that's
[34:27] what's budget. So please use
[34:31] don't use 27. Okay. We we were
[34:34] very clear on the direction
[34:35] that receive regarding our
[34:35] ability to reduce the costs of
[34:38] the fire station. Right now,
[34:40] we establish 25 million as the
[34:41] threshold. We are actively
[34:42] working with k 2 m to reduce
[34:44] that. It is really designed on
[34:47] square footage. So you alluded
[34:48] to dollar per square foot.
[34:49] Please give us an opportunity
[34:50] to work with k 2 him to
[34:51] continue to sharpen the
[34:55] pencil. To ask us to bring you
[34:55] something in the next few
[34:56] weeks is not realistic. We're
[34:57] not close to have any
[34:59] presentation ready, candidly,
[35:00] we've got we have a standing
[35:03] meeting with k 2 m when we
[35:03] have a conceptual drawing in
[35:04] our ability to present
[35:06] something we will but just
[35:10] know that we share leadership,
[35:10] an opinion about reducing
[35:13] everywhere we can. But we are
[35:14] also working closely with our
[35:16] with our team at the fire
[35:18] station to determine what is
[35:20] necessary there. So we believe
[35:20] that the final product that
[35:21] we're going to be able to put
[35:21] in front of you will be
[35:23] representative of everything
[35:25] that we just discussed today.
[35:25] But please understand that
[35:26] we're not building the fire
[35:28] station for 27 Million. That's
[35:32] not an accurate statement, ok?
[35:32] Okay. So we all agree will
[35:35] have a presentation as soon as
[35:35] possible. That's what we're
[35:36] here. Okay. War and pushed
[35:37] Commissioner Rossi, great.
[35:42] >> The grant. We're working on
[35:43] that a time limit on that as
[35:45] time of sweet idea, applied
[35:47] for the grant will no went
[35:48] whether or not we've been
[35:50] awarded in MARCH of 27 and
[35:54] more Sun. We have well. Ok,
[36:00] the says who a few things. 2
[36:01] separate grants.
[36:01] >> We believe candidly that
[36:02] we're going to have a line of
[36:03] sight on the grant for Jose
[36:06] more teen NOVEMBER Ish. It is
[36:09] earmarked both our air market.
[36:10] It's the weather that budget
[36:11] is approved. So we feel like
[36:12] we'll have clarity on the Jose
[36:14] grant latter part of this
[36:16] year. More clarity on the fire
[36:17] station grant the 1st quarter
[36:20] of next year.
[36:25] >> Good. Thank MR. Voting Yes
[36:28] continue presentation. Okay.
[36:31] Major grant funded projects
[36:32] and that in this budget.
[36:33] Mallory Square were pair
[36:37] rehabilitation we were able to
[36:40] secure a 5.2 million from
[36:41] stead. We meaning Steve. So
[36:44] great job. And so that's going
[36:47] to help great me for that
[36:48] project. Now grand prix
[36:50] months. We have rest,
[36:51] restrooms, landscaping, shade
[36:53] structures on speech
[36:55] improvements. Pavilions rental
[36:56] sheep hear pickleball and
[36:58] tennis courts. The seawall
[36:59] Martello hvac downtown bus
[37:00] shelters, safe streets for all
[37:04] on this attempt. Technology
[37:07] demonstration project. We have
[37:08] Harris, intense storm, water
[37:09] improvements. College runoff
[37:10] halls ferry terminal
[37:11] revitalization, seawall
[37:12] improvements and the park and
[37:27] ride facility improvements.
[37:30] Sorry. Our transit system. We
[37:33] do have the island hopper out
[37:35] proposal is including here at
[37:36] a 45 minute frequency. It's
[37:39] going to move clockwise and
[37:40] counterclockwise. It will
[37:41] service stock Allen and U.S.
[37:41] One 3rd street and hurricane
[37:44] hole. The route will begin at
[37:45] 06:00am in the last fall.
[37:49] We'll be around 08:00pm so
[37:50] that is different than what we
[37:52] have presented in JULY. So
[37:56] that is improved as well. We
[37:58] do have investments in water
[37:59] quality in here to include
[38:02] water, quality testing and
[38:03] marinas stormwater outfalls
[38:03] and the inundation
[38:04] infiltration improvements,
[38:07] which will also help the storm
[38:08] water items and then
[38:11] continuation stantec contract.
[38:12] There is 250,000 in Fy 27
[38:16] budget. For water quality, not
[38:22] including the first 3 items.
[38:22] Investments in housing. We
[38:24] will have the housing needs
[38:26] assessment going on. We have
[38:29] some funding identified for
[38:30] correct leveraging and we do
[38:30] have allocation for homebuyers
[38:36] assistance. So our five-year
[38:39] capital improvement program
[38:39] currently is around
[38:41] 181 million dollars. So we
[38:44] have a lot of capital
[38:44] investment in year one. A lot
[38:47] of that is grant funded so
[38:48] that we're looking to make a
[38:49] lot of improvements over the
[38:57] next couple of years. So with
[39:01] that, we do have an allocation
[39:02] or requests for youth league
[39:03] funding to be increased. The
[39:06] amount of $45,000. It's not
[39:07] currently reflected in this
[39:08] budget. However, it's
[39:10] something we could add really
[39:12] the only option we have at
[39:14] this point. I mean, not the
[39:15] only option, but the most
[39:17] feasible one would be to use
[39:18] some of our reserves funding
[39:19] because we've cut
[39:21] operationally pretty much. As
[39:23] much as we can in the general
[39:26] fund unless we had, you know,
[39:27] other direction that that you
[39:35] can come up $45,000 would be
[39:36] just to clarify what like 20%
[39:40] of day.
[39:40] >> Yeah. Looking like that.
[39:44] It's a really small, very
[39:46] corrected trust. One days,
[39:47] 224,000 sounds very reasonable
[39:48] to me in a sense of really
[39:49] good message to the community
[39:50] and support the kids and youth
[39:51] funding. So I would support
[39:57] it. Are we ready for questions
[39:58] and comments? Is that could
[40:02] just a matter? What we really?
[40:03] >> Your statement is very
[40:04] accurate. So this particular
[40:07] item, it doesn't seem to.
[40:10] Impact the reserve days. Much
[40:11] what we would like to just
[40:14] articulate today is we truly
[40:16] feel we've cut everywhere that
[40:18] we can. It's indicative of the
[40:20] budget that were put in front
[40:20] of you. So if we have requests
[40:22] from the commission that are
[40:23] approved, that ask us to add
[40:26] to this budget in any way. We
[40:27] either need very clear
[40:28] indication of where do you
[40:31] want us to take that from? But
[40:32] right now our answer is going
[40:33] to be it's going to come from
[40:34] reserve case. So just please
[40:38] keep that in mind as you. Have
[40:40] a passion point and say, look,
[40:41] we need to do this either.
[40:42] It's going to come from some
[40:43] other location, which you'll
[40:44] say, ok, we'll eliminate this
[40:46] from either a capital plan or
[40:47] a 5 year strategic plan or
[40:50] what have you. But right now
[40:51] the answer our team will
[40:52] provide you would be okay. We
[40:53] will do that. We would add it
[40:54] back in, but it's going to
[40:57] come from a survey. Fair
[40:58] enough. And understood, Vaulti
[41:02] you complete your.
[41:02] >> was gonna say are there
[41:06] other additional changes
[41:07] requested because really end
[41:08] and I just where we're going
[41:11] next. So so let me bring it
[41:14] back to the commission.
[41:16] Commissioner Castillo, MR. I
[41:17] want to congratulate staff
[41:20] again on job. Well done this
[41:22] probably the best budget I've
[41:26] seen since becoming the
[41:26] commissioner. It matches
[41:30] everything to the penny.
[41:31] Finance and staff of will job
[41:34] well done. Thank you. Thank
[41:36] you, commissioner, to see
[41:36] anyone else. Commissioner
[41:40] Carey. Thank you, MR. Mayor,
[41:42] just a couple quick questions.
[41:43] First, I want to know, I think
[41:49] its slide 5. It shows a
[41:50] comparison between the city
[41:51] and the other municipalities
[41:54] or government agencies.
[41:55] >> I just want to say that
[41:56] it's really outstanding it. So
[41:58] you guys did a tremendous job.
[42:01] And I think that shows right
[42:02] there what a great job guys
[42:04] have done. So thank you. And
[42:06] then I had a question about
[42:07] the additional funding for the
[42:12] use. Leaks where did that
[42:13] request come from lead to the
[42:15] league's request, the
[42:15] additional 45?
[42:19] >> I believe that.
[42:19] >> a resident requested and
[42:20] then it came through. The
[42:23] mayor has a request. So we
[42:24] presented it so that we would
[42:26] have consensus whether or not
[42:28] fund and Fy 20's 7. It was
[42:33] proposed to have lower funding
[42:36] amount it in previous years it
[42:38] was 125,001 town, based you
[42:39] know, our efforts to try to do
[42:40] that. Sarah Base budget and,
[42:46] you know, that's have we had
[42:47] an opportunity to ask the
[42:47] leadership that the different
[42:52] leagues. I know that. You
[42:55] know, a resident speak up for
[42:58] these organizations or I think
[43:00] we kind of sigh last year with
[43:01] the funding of the food banks
[43:05] and I mean, I support you
[43:07] sports million per cent. And I
[43:10] think it's very important
[43:11] investment to invest in the
[43:11] children in the future. This
[43:14] community. But I'm just
[43:15] curious, have we spoken to the
[43:17] leadership that those
[43:18] different you sleeves and
[43:22] asked? If they need it. I
[43:23] spoke with one member of the
[43:23] board of one of these leagues
[43:26] and you know, the kind of
[43:29] express Lee. Is what you know.
[43:32] We will keep moving forward.
[43:33] We will keep providing the
[43:34] same level of service with
[43:36] that without that funding will
[43:38] make sure children get what
[43:38] they need and it's not from
[43:42] the city. Then. I mean, we
[43:42] have a really giving community
[43:43] that that funds the sort of
[43:44] things. So just curious, if we
[43:47] spoken to leadership, MR.
[43:49] Mayor Commissioner Carey,
[43:51] thank you for the question.
[43:52] One, we did not get any
[43:55] request not just from the
[43:55] league's but
[43:57] >> we actually sent letters
[44:00] out last. When was the timing,
[44:01] Christina, so were accurate on
[44:03] the statement when we sent out
[44:05] e-mails with the applications,
[44:06] we alerted them to that. The
[44:07] funding MAY be in a lower
[44:09] level based on what?
[44:11] >> You know, challenges we had
[44:12] in this fiscal year. What was
[44:13] it? I mean, I'm That was
[44:15] probably in MARCH or APRIL. So
[44:18] what I would say is early last
[44:18] year.
[44:19] >> Or I'm sorry. Earlier this
[44:20] year, we communicated that
[44:20] there would be a reduction. We
[44:22] would be planning the
[44:24] rejection to answer your long
[44:25] answer to question. We did not
[44:29] receive any feedback from any
[44:30] leak official that represented
[44:31] leagues in general or any
[44:31] other entity that said,
[44:35] please. Advocate for return.
[44:37] It the request that you are
[44:38] referring to went to you all
[44:39] didn't come to us. And then
[44:40] the request that Kristina
[44:42] reference came from the mayor
[44:47] directly missed. Okay. To
[44:48] Commissioner Carey's at the
[44:48] different. I just wanted a
[44:49] swimmer question then. So do
[44:52] you need a response on this?
[44:53] >> Right now in today, which
[44:54] like the contest will in order
[44:55] to incorporate whatever change
[44:57] into the next iteration of the
[44:58] budget into the final
[45:00] iteration. Yes and sorry,
[45:03] you're almost done how many
[45:04] leagues are there in total
[45:07] that we're funding?
[45:11] >> 6 or 7 and?
[45:14] >> Well, that 45,000 be
[45:15] distributed equally between
[45:18] between of 6 or 7 weeks now it
[45:19] would restore them to what
[45:20] they in this current year,
[45:22] which is 125 total. But I I
[45:24] don't know the detail of them.
[45:25] You can get that information
[45:28] to you, though. We do have
[45:29] second the second budget
[45:30] meeting which we can get that
[45:31] information. So I think we had
[45:34] a lot of other commissioners
[45:35] that wanted to speak about
[45:39] this. I anybody else
[45:40] commissioner has us a first.
[45:41] Yeah. I totally support
[45:42] restoring the youth league
[45:45] funding to the current levels.
[45:46] So I totally support that. And
[45:48] I did hear from mom the
[45:50] someone speaking for the Youth
[45:54] Football League.
[45:59] >> And on another topic,
[45:59] >> at the last budget workshop
[46:02] we heard from of Steve Hansen
[46:08] from the bike toward and he
[46:08] was concerned about 6 million
[46:09] dollars that the by for
[46:13] transfers to the city and also
[46:14] about reserves that board
[46:17] would be left with. And the
[46:18] long range forecast, the
[46:20] chilled over a period of about
[46:22] 5 years. Those reserves go
[46:23] down to nothing in being a
[46:24] negative number.
[46:29] >> That that's not.
[46:29] >> Accurate. What it would
[46:32] show is like in I think it was
[46:33] 5 or 6 that they would no
[46:36] longer have access reserves.
[46:36] They still had operational
[46:37] reserves. They still have
[46:38] their capital reserves. They
[46:39] did not have excess reserves.
[46:44] Okay. He said he made a good
[46:47] point. That insurance not
[46:47] cover destruction of the dax.
[46:49] If that should happen in a
[46:50] major hurricane.
[46:51] >> And so that was a good
[46:53] point for wanted to have more
[46:55] reserves in the bite. Then the
[46:55] 90 today said the city might
[46:57] have in general. But I don't
[47:01] see that any budget shifts or
[47:02] changes were made. It looks
[47:05] like it's the same now as it
[47:05] was.
[47:06] >> We did not get any feedback
[47:09] in order to change that. So it
[47:09] was not incorporated into the
[47:16] budget.
[47:16] >> MR. Mayor Commissioner
[47:18] Haskell, thank you for the
[47:20] question. What I do would like
[47:22] to layer on that answer is I
[47:23] believe it was articulated in
[47:28] that meeting that. It's not
[47:29] the bite in the city where
[47:31] one. So if there was an impact
[47:32] to the bite that required a
[47:34] restoration of and investment
[47:37] of that magnitude. We would be
[47:38] coming together and that would
[47:41] be coming from the city, not
[47:41] necessarily from insurance.
[47:45] Does does that help answer?
[47:46] >> Meaning that it a separate
[47:47] fund, though. And I mean,
[47:50] don't don't active site funds
[47:51] see in their own silo except
[47:54] when they transfer something.
[47:55] Is general operating? They are
[47:58] separate funds. However, we do
[47:58] have we pull our cash
[47:59] altogether. So in the event of
[48:01] some sort of
[48:04] >> drastic disaster, we we
[48:05] would figure out how to make.
[48:07] Would look to ourselves store.
[48:10] That is what I we all right.
[48:12] Try to layer on the answer. I
[48:15] to help. He's concerned. Okay.
[48:15] We'll GOD forbid that doesn't
[48:18] happen. Commissioner cat mask
[48:22] up. Thank you, MISTER Mayor.
[48:25] I-2 heard from football. So I
[48:26] fully support.
[48:26] >> Restoring the funding to
[48:27] air it is it sends a good
[48:29] message to our community. I do
[48:33] want to support that. And in
[48:36] regards to life. I want to
[48:37] reiterate what Commissioner
[48:39] Velez had is that we are all
[48:43] one team and, you know, if
[48:44] something were to happen to
[48:45] the docks and a hurricane or
[48:46] something, we all as a city
[48:46] are going to figure out like
[48:47] how that's going to get paid
[48:50] for it. So I'm not worried
[48:51] about the excess reserves at
[48:52] the for that. So thank you.
[48:54] That's all I got. Thank you,
[48:56] commissioner. On the side.
[48:57] >> that going to Vice Mayor
[49:02] Lee? I would say I support the
[49:04] adding the 45 back from
[49:04] reserves. She wanted to know
[49:06] Thank you. Vice Mayor Lee.
[49:09] Commissioner Rusty.
[49:11] >> We're doing on the 45, but
[49:15] also the bite either. The
[49:15] bacon so fun. Sure. Little
[49:20] bit. Put some money away. 4, a
[49:20] potential disaster. And then
[49:23] that money could earn interest
[49:24] and be used as a
[49:26] self-insurance fund. I mean,
[49:27] we're talking about, you know
[49:30] this and that just for couple
[49:31] $100,000 a year away in.
[49:34] You'll have that you can 5
[49:38] years. You know, Hopefully
[49:39] this year we don't get nailed
[49:42] with a hurricane. But I would
[49:43] say self insurance. So, you
[49:44] know, put the money in the
[49:46] bank. Good interest grows so
[49:47] that that's where a man on
[49:53] that. So, you know. Thank you,
[49:53] Commissioner Commissioner I
[49:57] get a phone call every day
[49:58] about
[49:59] >> Chris Sale dance and
[49:59] particularly I don't know
[50:04] everybody farming but this is
[50:04] the most important thing. They
[50:08] are out few jail tomorrow.
[50:09] Those kids that going to
[50:10] college in coming back home.
[50:13] We need a place full and we
[50:14] need a place to keep them out
[50:17] of trouble. We'll be going
[50:18] through with these e-bikes
[50:19] right now driving And Dani,
[50:24] thank you. But anyway, again,
[50:26] you're in charge 40 $45,000 a
[50:28] drop in the bucket for this.
[50:30] And so I'm just thankful we
[50:31] able to to fund these sport
[50:34] and the keep it going. So
[50:36] staff again, job well done.
[50:39] MISTER Mayor, thank you again.
[50:41] Thank you, commissioner.
[50:44] Commissioner Haskell thank
[50:45] you.
[50:46] >> I have a question. Bigger
[50:49] ticket item. This being the
[50:53] bonds and apparently yesterday
[50:55] there was bonds were put out
[50:55] to like, do we have any update
[50:58] on that? We have.
[51:00] >> That was for the Jose Marti
[51:03] bond. We we issued the well as
[51:04] competitor Levy. Did we have
[51:08] an issue yet, however, on the
[51:12] bid itself was accepted. It's
[51:15] around 3.9, 5, 3%, interest.
[51:19] So we will have more. Details
[51:22] on coming out the next week.
[51:23] >> So we know exactly what the
[51:23] interest rate will be that
[51:25] will be paying on it. Okay.
[51:27] And follow-up question on
[51:33] that. If we. Can, we draw down
[51:34] the money in increment or do
[51:36] we draw down all at once? And
[51:38] we draw down all at once and
[51:40] we don't need to spend it all
[51:40] at once, can we keep some of
[51:43] it in an interest bearing
[51:43] account?
[51:46] >> Yes, we just
[51:49] >> Make money on the money.
[51:54] It's a little I can give you a
[51:56] better explanation like after
[51:57] we get the money. But we
[51:59] cannot just like invest the
[52:02] money and make all kinds of
[52:03] interest it. That's not the
[52:05] way works. However, for the
[52:06] Jose Marti, we are going to we
[52:08] have to get all of it at once
[52:11] and given a f dot, I believe
[52:11] OCTOBER 7th is when we have
[52:16] get there.
[52:17] >> Ok, cause if we if we draw
[52:19] down the entire bond amount
[52:20] for fire station number 3, 4,
[52:27] it. I your slide show that the
[52:29] average not not this year next
[52:31] year, the average home said
[52:34] property would increase about
[52:37] $125 in taxes and then onto
[52:44] over 200. That was my math.
[52:45] And it for all 3 bonds when
[52:48] their initiative would be 895.
[52:48] >> $5. I don't know you can
[52:55] see them but for Homestead.
[52:58] $5322 for this is on based on
[53:00] average valuations. Keep that
[53:03] in mind. $322 in commercial is
[53:09] on $490.
[53:10] >> So that's a big increase.
[53:11] You know, recent recent years.
[53:13] So when next year comes
[53:17] around. You know, if don't
[53:17] want to settle the citizens
[53:19] with extra tax burden. Gonna
[53:22] have to slash even more for
[53:26] the regular budget.
[53:27] >> You're correct. Week on an
[53:29] annual basis where we evaluate
[53:31] how we're going to make the
[53:33] However, I just want to remind
[53:34] everyone that the taxpayers
[53:37] did vote these issuances in so
[53:38] while we are going to try to
[53:42] mitigate it as much as we can.
[53:43] It's not necessarily true that
[53:44] we will be able to completely
[53:50] mitigate it. MR. Mayor. MR.
[53:51] >> Commissioner, just no great
[53:53] questions. And and we have,
[53:54] you know, obviously this is
[53:58] not done in a vacuum.
[53:58] Approach. Was the grant
[54:01] requests, we believe strongly
[54:02] that we feel that we're going
[54:02] to get some of these grants,
[54:03] if not all our plan would be
[54:08] to. Mitigate the dedication.
[54:11] Now, whether that's at once or
[54:12] whether that is put that into
[54:14] a separate line item and pay
[54:16] as we go from that fun. So
[54:20] just know that we are. We are
[54:20] establishing different
[54:22] approaches based on what we do
[54:23] moving forward. But it's all
[54:24] in an effort to mitigate the
[54:24] total obligation to our
[54:28] community.
[54:31] >> I have one more item that
[54:36] relates to. At the following
[54:38] year and 2 this year, I would
[54:39] like to put some money in this
[54:42] year's budget or direct. The
[54:46] city manager to take it out of
[54:47] of funds that he has the
[54:50] ability to spend to do during
[54:53] this fiscal year and
[54:54] efficiency review of city
[54:57] staffing and operations. And
[54:59] the reason to do that
[54:59] efficiency review is if we're
[55:03] going to have to reduce our
[55:06] expenditures next year I would
[55:08] like to do it intelligently.
[55:12] The most intelligent way
[55:15] possible. So would like to see
[55:16] some moneys and I don't
[55:17] exactly know how much an
[55:20] efficiency review would cost.
[55:21] This would be bringing in. I
[55:22] would assume someone to work
[55:23] work with us, but not
[55:24] necessarily an in-house
[55:28] person. It would be a
[55:32] collaborative effort so I just
[55:33] want see if a gift can get any
[55:37] support for that. So if I if I
[55:38] can make a suggestion that
[55:40] that had a topic.
[55:45] >> Some years ago that win. We
[55:46] had our interim city manager
[55:50] and that was a directive that.
[55:52] Pryor Commission was looking
[55:54] at. So I think that would be a
[55:54] good topic for city commission
[55:55] meeting. So maybe maybe you
[55:58] can sponsor either a
[56:01] discussion item or or a
[56:05] resolution with some backup
[56:06] materials so that we have some
[56:07] options to really, you know,
[56:08] concretely, think about now
[56:13] the my suggestion and started
[56:16] actually had information on
[56:17] health at the time that we I
[56:18] pursue that. Some might be
[56:19] something if you would,
[56:21] please, bring that back.
[56:22] That's because I think it's a
[56:23] very good. Thank mayor. That
[56:31] suggests yep. Anybody else?
[56:31] Okay. Have a few comments or
[56:37] questions. So one is. On
[56:39] transit. Very progress. Thank
[56:40] you to our transit director
[56:45] and staff is there. I saw the
[56:46] response from the county. The
[56:50] county did not choose to
[56:50] providing the funding yet, but
[56:51] they said they would revisit
[56:54] that in DECEMBER. I think
[56:55] that's what the e-mail said
[56:58] from the county administrator.
[57:00] And there was some commentary
[57:02] about the availability for tdc
[57:03] money, maybe for the Duval
[57:03] Loop. I know this is a
[57:05] compound question. Sorry, but
[57:08] do we have idea for the
[57:08] commission about where we're
[57:11] headed? This year for transit
[57:14] will be be more availability.
[57:18] For funding in. And as
[57:21] increased service, MR. Mayor.
[57:22] Thank you for that question.
[57:24] Christina, do you want to
[57:25] field? I don't think it's a
[57:26] difficult one. We could talk
[57:26] about the funding from tc. I
[57:29] think that's a very
[57:30] >> cancer in regards to
[57:32] funding for the Tdc for the
[57:34] Duval. We have been given the
[57:36] opinion that it would not be
[57:38] available to to run the Duval
[57:38] it. So unless there's some
[57:40] sort of legislation.
[57:44] >> Change or request? From
[57:45] them, I guess directly. I'm
[57:46] not really sure how that could
[57:47] be accomplished. But at this
[57:51] time, they the Duval it
[57:51] operations would not be
[57:54] something willing to fund. And
[57:55] is that we have a written
[57:58] opinion about that or is that
[57:59] something that came directly
[58:02] from was an ag opinion on
[58:04] that. Okay. Okay. Thanks. So
[58:05] MISTER Mayor, get that again.
[58:06] I didn't mean as manager.
[58:07] >> MR. Mayor and thank you,
[58:11] Christina. This question
[58:12] continues to surface. And I I
[58:13] would imagine because we're
[58:15] getting a lot of traffic on
[58:16] outside individuals telling us
[58:20] how Fix this problem. It's
[58:23] been vetted and we've received
[58:24] information directly that we
[58:25] are not able to use tdc
[58:26] funding for the Duval Street.
[58:28] So this is where this concept
[58:31] of one loop came from. So to
[58:32] continue to ask these
[58:33] questions, perpetuates the
[58:35] narrative we need to. We need
[58:36] to be able to pause that. So
[58:37] there's no additional funding
[58:39] from Tdc regarding that as it
[58:40] pertains to the additional
[58:41] stops in Stock Island, that
[58:42] would be a direction that you
[58:43] would give We believe that we
[58:45] can accomplish it. We were
[58:46] under the impression, although
[58:48] we are take ya later, that
[58:49] that was not an approved
[58:50] budget from the county going
[58:52] towards this. If you all give
[58:53] us indication or direction to
[58:54] pick up additional stops in
[58:55] Stock Island, that's what our
[58:57] team will be able to do right
[58:58] now. What we're presenting new
[58:59] is everything that we can
[59:01] during the current budget. So
[59:03] just to wrap up the discussion
[59:07] about transit, are we
[59:08] satisfied that the recurring
[59:09] budgetary needs for transit
[59:11] for 2028, for example.
[59:13] >> Are going to be in place or
[59:13] is this a one year fix where
[59:17] we're at? The words? Are we
[59:18] gonna be able to carry this?
[59:19] You know, because in order to
[59:21] have a successful transit
[59:22] operation and has to be
[59:24] consistent over years. So
[59:27] again, we haven't had that.
[59:29] Well, the one will the island
[59:30] hopper survive? Not just this
[59:30] year we haven't 2028 coming.
[59:33] Grow it from there or are we
[59:34] going to have the same problem
[59:35] next year trying to have that,
[59:39] you know, one year fix. Well,
[59:39] this to Whaley is up here. So
[59:40] thank you, MR. Mayor.
[59:44] >> I wish I had a an answer
[59:46] for that. Really we don't
[59:47] know. So things are changing
[59:47] constantly with thought and
[59:50] that the federal level we do
[59:53] apply for reoccurring funds.
[59:55] Those funds will be there
[59:56] should be there next year. We
[59:58] apply for it again. And if you
[1:00:01] know, things change, things
[1:00:02] change. But at the moment, we
[1:00:05] do have dedicated funding from
[1:00:05] 53 11 Ford on local routes
[1:00:07] such as the island Hopper. But
[1:00:13] there's no guarantee. It's
[1:00:13] it's a concern because in
[1:00:14] order to have a successful
[1:00:15] transit system, we have to
[1:00:17] have consistency. So.
[1:00:18] >> I think that we need to
[1:00:21] really pay attention to that.
[1:00:21] And I know what this is going
[1:00:23] to be controversial. And I
[1:00:24] don't like saying it, but I
[1:00:27] think we have to get our
[1:00:27] amazing director Wilkens
[1:00:31] involved. He's here. He's
[1:00:32] hearing me say that. So if we
[1:00:35] could get him involved little
[1:00:38] loose. Well will and folks
[1:00:41] know what I'm talking about.
[1:00:42] Some folks know what I'm
[1:00:42] talking about and not going to
[1:00:46] say the word but we need I
[1:00:46] think we need to start
[1:00:51] actually thinking about it.
[1:00:52] And dedicating increases to
[1:00:53] transit to have the
[1:00:53] consistency for our system
[1:00:56] because we don't have a
[1:00:57] dedicated fund for transit. We
[1:00:58] have to have it so anyway,
[1:00:58] that's my. Those are my
[1:01:01] thoughts. Not for this budget.
[1:01:01] Going forward. We need to
[1:01:04] figure it out because I you
[1:01:05] know, seems like every year
[1:01:06] for the last 3 or 4 years, we
[1:01:11] have the same. Problem. Why we
[1:01:14] do have the 50% funding we
[1:01:15] we've identified that. That's
[1:01:16] something we're going to have
[1:01:18] every year. It's just for all
[1:01:21] of the, you know, the Deval it
[1:01:22] bore for the extra services or
[1:01:23] the services that are outside
[1:01:26] of what the core services.
[1:01:26] Those are ones that we do not
[1:01:27] necessarily have dedicated
[1:01:30] funding for.
[1:01:31] >> Just couple other last
[1:01:33] point before imminent. As for
[1:01:34] a vote.
[1:01:34] >> The 1 million dollars for
[1:01:36] storm thank you are fantastic.
[1:01:40] Director of transit for the
[1:01:44] 1 million dollars storm water.
[1:01:45] This what would staff
[1:01:46] recommends should should be
[1:01:47] have a discussion item, a
[1:01:48] presentation about the options
[1:01:51] for the commission to weigh in
[1:01:53] on what you want for Inc. I'm
[1:01:55] sorry, the storage. Stuart of
[1:01:57] money for the 1 million
[1:01:57] dollars can. How can the
[1:02:00] commission weigh in to provide
[1:02:04] some feedback as in terms of
[1:02:05] priorities for that 1 million
[1:02:09] facility. Let me let me grab
[1:02:09] this one. You look like
[1:02:14] they're ready. MR. Mayor and
[1:02:15] Commission, the process to
[1:02:17] direct where funds go. You
[1:02:19] control, you control that by
[1:02:20] approving the cip process that
[1:02:24] we present it. Matt does a
[1:02:25] great opportunity because
[1:02:26] obviously the steward for
[1:02:26] funds are earmarked
[1:02:27] specifically for certain
[1:02:28] things. So.
[1:02:29] >> Matt can present that which
[1:02:31] he already has. We have a plan
[1:02:34] cip in front of you. It should
[1:02:36] be something that you all are
[1:02:37] reviewing. If there's a
[1:02:38] passion point or a location
[1:02:39] that you want us to re rack.
[1:02:41] Keep in mind, we were unaware
[1:02:43] of what the stewardship
[1:02:43] funding was going to Now that
[1:02:44] we have an indication of a
[1:02:47] five-year funding mechanism,
[1:02:47] we feel very comfortable in
[1:02:49] planning accordingly. But you
[1:02:51] tell us and there's
[1:02:53] iterations. But the process
[1:02:53] you already own the process is
[1:02:54] you tell us where you want
[1:02:56] that money to cup.
[1:02:58] >> I think that would be a
[1:02:59] good another good presentation
[1:03:02] or discussions. So that
[1:03:02] especially in light of our
[1:03:07] legislative affairs process
[1:03:08] directing law or lobbyists to
[1:03:11] try to go after more money.
[1:03:11] What those projects are and
[1:03:15] what would be shovel ready.
[1:03:16] And in a expectation for the
[1:03:19] commission so that we know all
[1:03:20] 7 of us could be making the
[1:03:23] phone calls, all 7 of us could
[1:03:23] be, you know, going to
[1:03:25] Tallahassee and say, hey,
[1:03:28] this, 10th and Harris or
[1:03:29] whatever, the next whatever.
[1:03:29] Next flood mitigation project
[1:03:32] is. So that that's really what
[1:03:33] I'm saying is what I guess we
[1:03:34] would. It would be good for us
[1:03:35] to have a presentation soon
[1:03:36] about what those priorities
[1:03:41] are. So we're up to date, MR.
[1:03:41] So fielding that the request
[1:03:44] you would like a presentation
[1:03:48] at the next budget meeting.
[1:03:50] Are you want know whatever you
[1:03:51] sober up, Tobar, Spine board
[1:03:51] NOVEMBER? I mean, I think I
[1:03:53] think we should have it this
[1:03:56] year in light of upcoming
[1:03:57] legislative process. If you
[1:03:59] give us an opportunity, I feel
[1:04:00] NOVEMBER would not to delay.
[1:04:01] How about this? Give will will
[1:04:02] exhaust every effort to
[1:04:06] deliver it on OCTOBER. Ok,
[1:04:07] first mats great. The last
[1:04:08] thing we're going to be
[1:04:09] talking to water quality. The
[1:04:09] next items will skip those
[1:04:12] items and then the other
[1:04:13] comments that we receive from
[1:04:14] the public eye plan to follow
[1:04:14] up with an email and then we
[1:04:19] can go from their offline ok,
[1:04:20] before ask for a vote, we have
[1:04:21] more comments. Okay.
[1:04:21] Commissioner Castillo and then
[1:04:22] Commissioner Haskell. Ok, I
[1:04:28] just want to know. Senator
[1:04:29] Rodriguez and moving for
[1:04:33] yesterday, bringing us
[1:04:34] 5 million, 500,000 dollars to
[1:04:39] city Hall. The city in some of
[1:04:40] us are we went to Tallahassee
[1:04:44] and we brought her home we did
[1:04:48] do terrific job by. I never
[1:04:49] will. I felt like I was back
[1:04:49] in school the way I was woken
[1:04:51] them holes and Tallahassee.
[1:04:53] And I want you to know that it
[1:04:55] wasn't an easy thing to bring
[1:04:57] it home. Likely voter at home.
[1:05:01] But job low down again, out
[1:05:07] lobbyists brought home
[1:05:09] 5 million, $500 yesterday and
[1:05:11] what a check to us. That was a
[1:05:12] beautiful day. Thank you,
[1:05:16] commissioner school. Thank
[1:05:17] you. I want to bring the
[1:05:19] conversation back to transit.
[1:05:21] If you could pull that slide
[1:05:26] back up and budget highlights.
[1:05:28] So and maybe MISTER Manager,
[1:05:29] you could ask Rogelio to come
[1:05:32] back up to answer some.
[1:05:33] >> MR. Commissioner Haskell.
[1:05:34] We will do that season. Come
[1:05:37] back So my question is about
[1:05:41] right now about serving Staten
[1:05:42] Island.
[1:05:42] >> overview says services,
[1:05:45] Stock Island at 2 stops about
[1:05:46] on us. 1, 1, at 3rd Street and
[1:05:50] one and Hurricane Hall. Can
[1:05:51] you please explain? There's
[1:05:54] there's 2 sides of Staten
[1:05:55] Island. There's the city owns
[1:05:57] the side with the college and
[1:05:59] the hospital. Is there bus
[1:06:03] service in this current island
[1:06:04] hopper that's services that
[1:06:06] side of Staten Island? Yes,
[1:06:09] both directions. Ok? Every 45
[1:06:14] minutes said is correct. Cable
[1:06:15] or Keys Medical Center or
[1:06:15] Garden be apartments there
[1:06:18] along with the college. Okay.
[1:06:18] Great.
[1:06:18] >> The other side of Staten
[1:06:27] Island is county owned county.
[1:06:27] Didn't seem to be interested
[1:06:30] supporting our bus service on
[1:06:32] that side of the island. But
[1:06:37] maybe change their minds do we
[1:06:38] have in this island Hopper Do
[1:06:40] we have any service that goes
[1:06:42] into the county side of
[1:06:42] stepped out of the sides. The
[1:06:44] 2 stops on us. One. No, we
[1:06:48] okay. So let's let's get the
[1:06:53] county that chip in some for
[1:06:54] >> Commissioner they did say
[1:06:55] they were going to revisit
[1:06:55] that in there. I think their
[1:07:00] DECEMBER meeting so we we can
[1:07:02] talk to our elected officials
[1:07:03] and we can encourage them. And
[1:07:04] look this. I think that shows
[1:07:04] good faith, right? We are
[1:07:07] doing our part and I think
[1:07:07] they're gonna want to do their
[1:07:09] part. So I think it's all it's
[1:07:09] all good, MR. Maher, MR.
[1:07:16] Bennett. Commissioner has just
[1:07:16] for awareness. We've provided
[1:07:21] them
[1:07:22] >> cost analysis of additional
[1:07:25] stops. If we add x, y and z,
[1:07:25] we believe this is what we had
[1:07:29] some empirical data of this is
[1:07:29] what we believe it would cause
[1:07:30] additional. So it's not that
[1:07:33] we just gave the counties some
[1:07:36] number arbitrarily we we
[1:07:36] Rogelio and Rod really dug
[1:07:40] deep to say, ok, we'll if this
[1:07:40] is the additional locations
[1:07:43] you would like for us to
[1:07:44] service. This is the dollar
[1:07:46] amount that that would be
[1:07:47] equivalent to. I want to be
[1:07:48] very clear if you give us
[1:07:51] direction, too, at a stops, we
[1:07:55] believe our team will do that
[1:07:56] and we'll do everything will
[1:07:57] endeavor to do everything we
[1:07:59] can to support that.
[1:08:00] >> Thank you. Okay. I think we
[1:08:04] are ready for a vote. Okay.
[1:08:07] MADAM I'm sorry. Okay.
[1:08:08] Commissioner Carey, I just
[1:08:09] want to make one one more
[1:08:12] comment we should be very
[1:08:13] cautious when we get e-mails
[1:08:14] for requests for money because
[1:08:18] >> the U.S. Junior Football
[1:08:19] League did reach out just now.
[1:08:21] And that request was not from
[1:08:21] door of representatives from
[1:08:24] their peak. They will get with
[1:08:26] you. But we just have to be
[1:08:31] careful like I know it. Looks
[1:08:31] and feels and sounds like it
[1:08:32] might be coming from the use
[1:08:34] leaks, but it's not. So I just
[1:08:43] wanted to make that comment.
[1:08:43] We'll
[1:08:43] >> At MADAM Clerk, can you
[1:08:45] please call the roll? We need
[1:08:46] a motion. Is there a motion to
[1:08:49] approve? So moved? Okay.
[1:08:51] Commissioner mascot moves to
[1:08:51] approve Commissioner Rossi.
[1:08:54] Seconds up. Please call the
[1:08:55] Roll.
[1:08:55] >> Commissioner Carey, yes,
[1:08:57] commissioner Casteel. Yes,
[1:08:58] commissioner Haskell. Yes.
[1:08:59] Commissioner Lee. Yes.
[1:08:59] Commissioner mascot. Yes.
[1:09:00] Commissioner Ross Yes. Mayor
[1:09:04] Coffman. Yes. Motion passes.
[1:09:05] Item number 3, directing the
[1:09:07] city manager to procure
[1:09:10] equipment at an estimated cost
[1:09:15] of $46,534.93 to be installed
[1:09:16] on Le Mans structure located
[1:09:16] in the key West Harbor for the
[1:09:19] purpose of performing
[1:09:19] continuous harbor monitoring
[1:09:21] and water quality testing in
[1:09:23] the harbor, directing the city
[1:09:23] manager to include all
[1:09:24] necessary funding for the
[1:09:28] continuous monitoring program.
[1:09:28] In the says the city's fiscal
[1:09:29] year 2027 budget authorizing
[1:09:32] the city manager to execute
[1:09:32] any necessary documents
[1:09:35] consistent there with. And we
[1:09:36] do have public comment. The
[1:09:37] first is Sarah Compton
[1:09:44] followed by our low Haskell.
[1:09:47] >> I just wanted to express my
[1:09:48] support for this item. I'm
[1:09:49] very excited about it. This
[1:09:53] was a very energizing
[1:09:56] conversation that we had at
[1:09:59] the last see, thank you so
[1:10:00] much for bringing this forward
[1:10:02] in getting this ball rolling.
[1:10:03] i think all of the residents
[1:10:04] of Key West, thank you. So
[1:10:04] many people have been waiting
[1:10:07] for this for such a long time.
[1:10:08] And I think this really gives
[1:10:13] us a chance. 2, you know,
[1:10:15] really look at what's
[1:10:16] happening in the harbor. You
[1:10:19] know, if if the cruise ships
[1:10:20] are making our coral stronger,
[1:10:21] this will show us that. And
[1:10:22] they you know this. So the
[1:10:26] monitoring is very exciting.
[1:10:26] >> Our low and then will
[1:10:30] Benson.
[1:10:30] >> Mayor commissioners are low
[1:10:34] Haskell 7.16, love Lane. Yes,
[1:10:35] I also want to say thank you,
[1:10:36] See, this is just a great,
[1:10:40] great piece of work. Great to
[1:10:41] hear the conversation last
[1:10:44] week really happy with some
[1:10:44] seeing this to, you know,
[1:10:46] direction. I stood up here at
[1:10:47] the last meeting. You know, I
[1:10:48] said something to the effect
[1:10:49] of, you know, first, let's fix
[1:10:50] what was what was broken. And
[1:10:53] I think this is a just a great
[1:10:54] step to repair. You know what
[1:10:55] we lost in terms of water,
[1:10:55] quality monitoring over the
[1:11:00] last couple of years. So just,
[1:11:01] you know, hats off to you. And
[1:11:01] I also really enjoyed that
[1:11:05] that discussion. So, you know,
[1:11:06] that's that's number one. And
[1:11:08] then next steps. And it's
[1:11:09] it's, you know, discuss it
[1:11:11] last time. And I know staff is
[1:11:13] looking at expanding that
[1:11:15] testing to look scrubber
[1:11:19] wastewater discharges. Great
[1:11:20] water ballast tank So I
[1:11:21] recognize that that's a that's
[1:11:25] a, you former monitoring
[1:11:27] that's for the experts. We
[1:11:28] know that we had worked for
[1:11:29] certain parameters and will
[1:11:31] get with the experts. You all
[1:11:32] staff will get with the
[1:11:32] experts to figure out what
[1:11:35] works for those other
[1:11:36] substances. You know, I'll
[1:11:39] just point out that those
[1:11:42] things a scrubber wastewater
[1:11:46] grant water ballast federally
[1:11:47] regulated as discharges for
[1:11:50] ocean going vessels, vessels.
[1:11:51] They're all addressed in title
[1:11:53] 40 of the federal code. Part
[1:11:55] one. 39. So I think part of
[1:11:56] what monitoring program will
[1:11:57] do will help us establish, you
[1:11:58] know, whether or not a large
[1:12:01] vessels are in compliance with
[1:12:03] federal law and, you know,
[1:12:03] defer to the scientists as far
[1:12:07] as how to how to test for
[1:12:10] that. The other thing I would
[1:12:11] say given in particular that
[1:12:13] that direction is so clear to
[1:12:15] kind of replace what had been
[1:12:16] there before. I think this
[1:12:17] could be a great opportunity
[1:12:22] for the city to reach back out
[1:12:25] to the college to see if they
[1:12:26] have no advice from from their
[1:12:26] experience with that material,
[1:12:27] whether it's just about
[1:12:28] getting the equipment
[1:12:31] purchase, right? Or
[1:12:32] installation tricks of the
[1:12:32] trade, you know that that kind
[1:12:34] of thing that they would know.
[1:12:37] I think the city I mean, the
[1:12:38] the citizens, the people of
[1:12:43] the city saw a lot you know,
[1:12:44] sort of heated moments between
[1:12:45] the city of Key West and the
[1:12:45] college. And I think this
[1:12:47] would be a great opportunity
[1:12:49] to to show the community that,
[1:12:50] you know, the city and the
[1:12:51] college still are wonderful
[1:12:53] partners and work together on
[1:12:55] think so. You know, I haven't
[1:12:56] haven't talked to them, but I
[1:12:56] would imagine they would have
[1:12:57] something to offer. I don't
[1:13:00] relish invitation to to be an
[1:13:01] adviser on this on this
[1:13:05] project. That's Thank you. Rj
[1:13:06] to support this resolution.
[1:13:06] Thank you, Commissioner,
[1:13:07] Aussie for for bringing it
[1:13:09] forward.
[1:13:13] >> Will and then Bart Smith.
[1:13:17] >> Good evening, MISTER. Mayor
[1:13:18] Commissioners. Well, Benson, I
[1:13:21] run a charter fishing service
[1:13:22] out of city marina over there.
[1:13:22] One of our small business
[1:13:25] owners here in Key West. Is
[1:13:26] this kind of striking to me
[1:13:27] tonight, looking over that
[1:13:32] budget. As 332 million
[1:13:34] dollars. That's a huge budget.
[1:13:35] For the city of Key West.
[1:13:38] There's a lot that we are
[1:13:38] responsible for here. You
[1:13:42] guys. Our response. One of my
[1:13:43] dad. Great job. By the way to
[1:13:45] the team that put that
[1:13:48] together. It's a really
[1:13:48] important thing. It's a really
[1:13:49] important, you know, thing
[1:13:51] that we're running here and it
[1:13:53] just kind of struck me a
[1:13:55] little bit. You know that our
[1:13:57] businesses, our property
[1:13:59] owners, you know, all the
[1:14:00] people that have interest here
[1:14:03] in the city of Key West. It's
[1:14:04] really valuable as we can see
[1:14:05] reflected by that budget. And
[1:14:08] I would argue that, you know,
[1:14:09] the thing that and you've
[1:14:10] heard me say this before, that
[1:14:13] makes it special is the water
[1:14:13] that surround us. It's this
[1:14:15] unique environment that we
[1:14:16] live in. When visitors come
[1:14:18] here, they want activities to
[1:14:19] do. You know, they want to be
[1:14:20] able to go out and I would say
[1:14:22] more and more as we look into
[1:14:23] the future, making sure that
[1:14:26] that part of our economy is
[1:14:26] strong and vibrant is
[1:14:34] paramount. I really appreciate
[1:14:35] see you saying that you want
[1:14:37] to know what's going on? I do
[1:14:38] because I think that that
[1:14:39] you're going to run a
[1:14:40] business. You're going to run
[1:14:41] the city Qs. You're going to
[1:14:42] have this big budget
[1:14:43] understanding what's going on
[1:14:46] in these waters is really
[1:14:47] important. And yes, it's down
[1:14:47] there in the harbor, but it's
[1:14:50] also down on the beach. It's
[1:14:51] also out by the trash and in
[1:14:53] the sailboat fields. There's a
[1:14:55] lot of issues and I would
[1:14:57] argue that it is the single
[1:14:57] most important thing that we
[1:15:01] pay attention to. Just want to
[1:15:03] say thank you for And if we're
[1:15:05] talking about losing water
[1:15:05] quality, whatever happened in
[1:15:06] the bat, you know, in the
[1:15:09] past. Here's the opportunity
[1:15:10] to rebuild trust with the
[1:15:12] public right here tonight. You
[1:15:13] have a resolution in front of
[1:15:16] you, you can vote for and we
[1:15:18] can. We can move forward with
[1:15:20] clarity with scientific
[1:15:23] certainty and we can make
[1:15:24] great decisions on a really,
[1:15:26] really important issue here in
[1:15:27] the city. That is, as I would
[1:15:29] argue, underpins all of this.
[1:15:31] And it is a huge, huge deal
[1:15:33] that struck me tonight. And I
[1:15:35] think doing this, it's going
[1:15:35] to be a great idea. Thank you
[1:15:44] guys. That's good evening.
[1:15:44] Bart Smith and a half Pierre
[1:15:47] be.
[1:15:49] >> First, we support water,
[1:15:51] quality monitoring that is
[1:15:51] scientifically based reviewed
[1:15:55] and approved by professionals.
[1:15:58] We do not support to and must
[1:15:59] reiterate is the patently
[1:16:01] false statements being made by
[1:16:03] representatives of safer,
[1:16:04] cleaner ships regarding
[1:16:05] temporary turbidity from
[1:16:09] cruise ship Prop wash and the
[1:16:09] claim that there was 35
[1:16:10] violations of state and
[1:16:11] federal water quality
[1:16:13] standards operating at Pier b.
[1:16:17] These statements are untrue.
[1:16:18] Here. Turning to them you. The
[1:16:19] prop is not a violation of
[1:16:21] state and federal water
[1:16:22] quality. Your former interim
[1:16:25] city manager Todd Stone
[1:16:26] confirm with the Coast Guard
[1:16:27] which enforces environmental
[1:16:31] protection. The prop was for
[1:16:32] many vessels, not a violation.
[1:16:32] State, federal water, quality
[1:16:36] standards. These false
[1:16:37] allegations of violations of
[1:16:39] water, quality standards are
[1:16:40] made by advocates trying to
[1:16:40] eliminate cruise ship tourism
[1:16:44] at any cost. These false
[1:16:47] claims which are pushed out
[1:16:49] e-mails and articles hurt the
[1:16:50] city's reputation as they
[1:16:50] claim nothing is being done by
[1:16:53] the city. It is a disservice
[1:16:58] to the community. Ask in the
[1:16:59] future when someone stands up
[1:17:01] and falsely claims are
[1:17:01] violations that staff corrects
[1:17:02] these false statements of
[1:17:04] violations at Kirby. If you're
[1:17:09] going to buy equipment. For
[1:17:10] continuous real-time,
[1:17:11] monitoring of water, quality.
[1:17:12] Confirmed word is appropriate
[1:17:15] to locate it by comprehensive
[1:17:17] water quality plan prepared by
[1:17:18] independent expert group in
[1:17:23] peer reviewed. And gauging
[1:17:23] professionals and your
[1:17:24] professional right now stand
[1:17:29] tech. To not to not simply
[1:17:31] arbitrarily place it in one
[1:17:32] spot is the appropriate way to
[1:17:33] determine where to place this
[1:17:37] equipment. To just throw it in
[1:17:39] front of a bolt or a service
[1:17:41] cruise ship is not a
[1:17:41] comprehensive and
[1:17:42] scientifically objective
[1:17:44] assessment of water quality.
[1:17:45] There are beaches where
[1:17:46] children swim that you not
[1:17:49] have constant monitoring.
[1:17:50] There are these areas were
[1:17:51] level boards are that are at
[1:17:53] that do not have consomme are.
[1:17:54] Maybe there are better places
[1:17:57] for such an expenditure. And
[1:18:02] mayor. Great bringing it back
[1:18:03] to the commission, a
[1:18:04] commission Rossi. This is your
[1:18:05] item to going introduce it.
[1:18:08] >> Yeah, I'm ready to they're
[1:18:09] do sit. We've heard from both
[1:18:14] sides tonight here. Right?
[1:18:14] Who's wrong? We're going to
[1:18:18] find out. Stand tax, going to
[1:18:19] come in and they're going to
[1:18:22] monitor not only the harbor.
[1:18:23] But also been trashmore area.
[1:18:28] And that area over city
[1:18:28] beaches. So we all know
[1:18:31] exactly what's going on here.
[1:18:34] The most important thing is
[1:18:39] that have do it logical way.
[1:18:41] And that means that we're not
[1:18:41] after a storm because we know
[1:18:44] what happens there. And also I
[1:18:44] want it done in garrison. But
[1:18:48] so, you know, all right. And
[1:18:50] will you have a good outcome?
[1:18:54] Yes, sir. You have fit. You
[1:18:55] You have a very good point.
[1:18:57] But you made I want you to
[1:18:59] know that and I too want to
[1:19:00] make sure that we first keep
[1:19:03] our pristine waters for the
[1:19:06] future for children. Okay.
[1:19:07] Doing this, we're going to do
[1:19:11] that. But we have to make sure
[1:19:14] won't sign. Saying does is but
[1:19:16] were, you know, there's per
[1:19:17] that's in there and that
[1:19:19] arbery moving fast. Summit
[1:19:22] even down there the bout
[1:19:23] thrusters, what they call
[1:19:28] fans. Okay. We'll see what's
[1:19:28] going to happen down there.
[1:19:31] You might be surprised. Okay.
[1:19:32] Oscar ballots covers that you
[1:19:34] were talking about covers that
[1:19:37] I would be shocked. It's
[1:19:39] cruise ships were bumping gray
[1:19:42] water and they're scrubber
[1:19:43] water. They're to be honest
[1:19:47] with you. I just don't see it.
[1:19:48] So these this sign that what
[1:19:52] we're doing here is going
[1:19:53] do-everything guys and I want
[1:19:53] to move for approval. Second
[1:19:57] dose. Okay. We have a motion
[1:19:59] to approve Commissioner Rossi
[1:20:00] and second from Commissioner
[1:20:03] Castillo are going to continue
[1:20:03] discussion.
[1:20:04] >> MR. Manager, want to say
[1:20:06] something. MISTER Mayor
[1:20:08] Commissions, I believe it's
[1:20:09] appropriate that during this
[1:20:10] time to bring up Allison
[1:20:14] Allison. Would you be able to
[1:20:15] give us an update? I didn't
[1:20:17] believe that. We said last
[1:20:17] meeting we didn't need a
[1:20:22] resolution to move forward. So
[1:20:23] before we take a vote on this
[1:20:25] resolution. Allison One, thank
[1:20:26] you for all the hard work
[1:20:26] into. Could you update with
[1:20:27] the team has accomplished
[1:20:31] since the last meeting?
[1:20:32] >> I am very excited to say
[1:20:34] Not only did we find
[1:20:34] appropriate equipment, we
[1:20:37] found it almost have to price
[1:20:40] It can be in in a month. It
[1:20:41] can be deployed quicker and
[1:20:45] it's easier to maintain. So
[1:20:46] the great and the great part
[1:20:48] of that is it now comes in
[1:20:50] just under $25,000 which means
[1:20:50] only needed the 2 quotes which
[1:20:54] we've got. So it got ordered
[1:20:57] good job.
[1:20:57] >> Priority those reading
[1:21:01] years. Look.
[1:21:04] >> one other thing, though,
[1:21:06] just could the information I
[1:21:06] have is we will need another
[1:21:10] resolution in OCTOBER, though,
[1:21:11] and that is that is not
[1:21:11] correct. Can we get
[1:21:12] information about that from
[1:21:13] our legal department or so
[1:21:16] that? The full commission can
[1:21:18] have the full discussion about
[1:21:20] what the next steps Not just
[1:21:22] MR. Maher with discretion.
[1:21:25] Also want to make sure that we
[1:21:25] start all this, that we're
[1:21:30] doing it in over by Mount
[1:21:32] Trashmore over on city
[1:21:33] beaches. Okay. Higgs Beach
[1:21:37] sheriff spotted speech Dog via
[1:21:37] the reach. That's good for
[1:21:40] Taylor. You know, let's get a
[1:21:44] good idea of where words that
[1:21:44] your son, but it is. I'm going
[1:21:49] with imminent. So 100% agree
[1:21:51] with you, but we need money
[1:21:52] for that. We have to add that
[1:21:53] to our legislative agenda
[1:21:54] because we don't have the
[1:21:55] money in this budget for all
[1:21:56] of that.
[1:21:59] >> That means a comeback
[1:22:00] probably as part of what we
[1:22:02] hear in OCTOBER. But in any
[1:22:03] case, I think we first have to
[1:22:04] hear from the legal department
[1:22:07] about what the next steps are
[1:22:07] so that we can really
[1:22:08] understand how we're going to
[1:22:10] implement this equipment.
[1:22:14] >> MR. Mayor commissioners,
[1:22:14] yes. So specifically this is
[1:22:15] just for funding. And as the
[1:22:16] city manager said, it could
[1:22:18] have been done through his
[1:22:20] authority. This just left
[1:22:20] direction to make sure that
[1:22:24] was followed through on. But
[1:22:25] that's clearly in the process
[1:22:26] of being procured and Earp was
[1:22:28] pick. You're done being sent.
[1:22:30] So ultimately the concerns
[1:22:31] from the legal department is
[1:22:33] just to make sure whether it
[1:22:35] would be stantec or another
[1:22:35] company, whether we have to go
[1:22:36] back out to our fee just for
[1:22:38] the continuous monitoring
[1:22:40] excuse me, this concern would
[1:22:42] just be to make sure that the
[1:22:43] scope of the original rfp
[1:22:45] accounted for potential
[1:22:46] continuous monitoring. So the
[1:22:48] legal department is reviewing
[1:22:50] that now that however,
[1:22:51] something will pre presented
[1:22:51] to the commission in OCTOBER
[1:22:52] on how to move forward with
[1:22:55] that.
[1:22:55] >> Ok, thank you want get back
[1:22:59] to See so I think we also said
[1:23:00] at the last meeting that we
[1:23:02] wanted to get a break down on
[1:23:05] the costs for the additional
[1:23:07] monitoring. So Mount
[1:23:08] Trashmore, the encouraged the
[1:23:08] beaches, even though we don't
[1:23:10] have that in our budget. We
[1:23:14] want to know, you know. So
[1:23:16] when we do go to Tallahassee
[1:23:17] or wherever to ask for more
[1:23:20] money because we want to know
[1:23:20] what the what the current
[1:23:22] budget will, how far that will
[1:23:23] take us and then how we, you
[1:23:28] know, we can go further if we
[1:23:29] can get additional funding
[1:23:31] because in my opinion, this
[1:23:32] should be something that we
[1:23:34] focus on our legislative
[1:23:37] agenda. It's Listen. When
[1:23:40] people hear negative things
[1:23:41] about the water in the keys,
[1:23:43] that just doesn't hurt
[1:23:43] tourism. Here. It hurts. All
[1:23:46] of Florida tourism. Everybody
[1:23:48] has understand that right? Is
[1:23:52] everybody understand that. We
[1:23:53] will. We need to protect our
[1:23:57] water, but that the the state
[1:23:57] legislature should have an
[1:23:58] interest in protecting the
[1:24:00] water, Florida and the Florida
[1:24:00] Keys to protect tourism and
[1:24:04] everything. So I so I think
[1:24:05] we're going we're going to get
[1:24:05] that in I am I right about
[1:24:09] that. MR. Maher Commission,
[1:24:09] you gave us direction to do
[1:24:12] that. Our team is
[1:24:13] >> actually acquiring that
[1:24:14] information will present
[1:24:15] OCTOBER. Before we go back to
[1:24:17] see, let's hear from
[1:24:19] commissioner has thank you.
[1:24:23] And another thing we can is
[1:24:24] encourage other partners.
[1:24:27] Other state agencies.
[1:24:30] >> To work with us.
[1:24:31] >> And continue the work that
[1:24:31] they do that Florida
[1:24:34] Department of Health.
[1:24:36] >> Does test many of the
[1:24:39] Beaches, Hague Smathers what
[1:24:41] about twice a month? I think
[1:24:44] and it's published. You can,
[1:24:45] you know, read it every month
[1:24:49] to comes out and I was
[1:24:50] following it for several
[1:24:51] years. And I like swimming at
[1:24:52] Simonton Street Beach, which
[1:24:55] was never tested. So. I asked
[1:24:57] him to add it. They said,
[1:24:58] well, we don't have the budget
[1:25:00] to do that this year. I said,
[1:25:01] well, how about next year? Can
[1:25:02] you see if you can put in the
[1:25:06] budget Simonton Beach is being
[1:25:07] tested now. I MAY not have
[1:25:08] been the only citizen that
[1:25:09] requested it, but, you know,
[1:25:13] they were responsive. So
[1:25:13] Florida Department of Health
[1:25:14] is doing excellent work, you
[1:25:16] know, in testing I
[1:25:18] recreational beaches letting
[1:25:23] us know the results. It could
[1:25:24] be my specific. You know, it
[1:25:25] tells you the re the level of
[1:25:26] fecal coliform, but it doesn't
[1:25:27] tell you where that fecal
[1:25:28] coliform came from this in
[1:25:31] from sea gulls from ball in
[1:25:34] whatever. We also work with
[1:25:34] our partners and not other
[1:25:37] agencies and thank Absolutely.
[1:25:39] Yes. Commissioner Carey, thank
[1:25:42] you. MISTER Mayor Allison,
[1:25:42] have a quick question for you.
[1:25:47] That's okay. How soon will we
[1:25:49] have the results from that
[1:25:53] water quality testing. The we
[1:25:55] will have the equipment and a
[1:25:57] month. But how we go forward
[1:26:00] and who picks it up to install
[1:26:00] know that that's up to
[1:26:01] illegal. So we don't know that
[1:26:03] yet.
[1:26:03] >> So could be like a year
[1:26:05] before we get risotto. I would
[1:26:08] say at the minimum, if you are
[1:26:10] allowed to go with stantec, it
[1:26:12] would it would be in OCTOBER.
[1:26:15] We have results in OCTOBER.
[1:26:15] You would start getting the
[1:26:18] first and points so it would
[1:26:22] wait installed in deployed. I
[1:26:24] know we have data points from
[1:26:25] the last round as water
[1:26:27] quality testing, but where
[1:26:32] those results that. So the raw
[1:26:33] data has been given over to
[1:26:36] sew up a has it. The epa has
[1:26:39] it and Stantec has it. So
[1:26:40] they're one of the reasons why
[1:26:41] we put in it see the reference
[1:26:44] to a no-cost extension at the
[1:26:48] very least was because biggest
[1:26:49] picture of this contract was
[1:26:49] them to look at all the data
[1:26:52] we already have. Find out
[1:26:56] where their problem areas.
[1:26:56] Pitch to you. What we could do
[1:26:59] about those problem. Areas and
[1:26:59] then actually designed the
[1:27:02] water quality monitoring track
[1:27:02] the fact that we fixed
[1:27:05] something. We don't want to
[1:27:08] sample for sampling sake. We
[1:27:10] want to be if we decide to
[1:27:11] figure out mitigate of effects
[1:27:15] for Prop wash. Then we need to
[1:27:15] see whether we made a
[1:27:20] difference or not. So I guess
[1:27:21] just never for one second. I
[1:27:21] hate to be rude, but I want to
[1:27:22] acknowledge that Commissioner
[1:27:24] Castillo needs to leave.
[1:27:25] >> For his district 6 meeting
[1:27:26] and I just don't want anyone
[1:27:29] to think that he is doing
[1:27:31] leaving for any other reason.
[1:27:32] He has a legitimate reason.
[1:27:33] And I want to say thank you,
[1:27:33] Commissioner Castillo and I'll
[1:27:36] see you at the District. 6
[1:27:37] meetings I call the question
[1:27:41] then before he departs up.
[1:27:44] Could could we vote? That
[1:27:44] we're ready to vote because
[1:27:45] then he could then
[1:27:45] commissioner, because you can
[1:27:46] vote are what's the pleasure
[1:27:49] of the board? I would like
[1:27:50] just finish asking located,
[1:27:52] going pay will can you wait
[1:27:53] another minute? He's probably
[1:27:56] going to be late.
[1:27:56] >> The quick time he look,
[1:27:58] sorry, law hate. I would like
[1:28:02] to When we're going to have
[1:28:03] some results. You said we have
[1:28:03] all the data point. We're
[1:28:04] waiting for Stantec to give us
[1:28:08] answers on that.
[1:28:09] >> as as reported DECEMBER is
[1:28:12] when they intend to report on
[1:28:13] the that what they found from
[1:28:16] all of the data analysis.
[1:28:16] Okay. So that is going give
[1:28:17] you a rough idea where we
[1:28:21] could go with that just within
[1:28:22] testing for a long, long time.
[1:28:23] But it doesn't sound like
[1:28:24] we've gotten any answers for a
[1:28:25] long, long time when exactly
[1:28:27] what's going just got to love
[1:28:28] this
[1:28:29] >> The epa, epa report on the
[1:28:30] agenda from the last meeting
[1:28:33] and it has all the data in
[1:28:33] there.
[1:28:34] >> Yeah, it's on the agenda.
[1:28:36] So it was there. They they
[1:28:37] have been battering the voting
[1:28:37] analyst some of it has just
[1:28:39] shown up.
[1:28:42] >> Doctor Rice's report, but
[1:28:43] the epa is on the agenda
[1:28:46] DECEMBER 3rd. Okay. If it's
[1:28:47] ok, really want to help
[1:28:48] Commissioner Castillo, if we
[1:28:49] could call vote, call the
[1:28:49] Roll. Please. Commissioner
[1:28:53] Carey. Yes, commissioner
[1:28:55] Casteel. Yes. Commissioner
[1:28:56] Haskell. Yes. Commissioner
[1:28:57] Lee. Yes. Commissioner mascot.
[1:29:00] Yes, See Mayor Coffman. Yes.
[1:29:01] >> That said we have a motion
[1:29:07] a second. Yes, Yes, yes. Every
[1:29:08] friend will be right there. I
[1:29:15] think are we adjourned, MADAM?
[1:29:15] Well, it's up to up to date.
[1:29:16] We are adjourned. Thank you
[1:29:16] for a great meeting,