City Commission

City of Deltona 2345 Providence Blvd. Deltona, FL 32725 Minutes City Commission Thursday, September 10, 2020 6:30 PM Deltona Commission Chambers A. In an effort to reduce the possibility of exposure of residents to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are allowing limited public access into the Commission Chambers and practicing social distancing with the City Commission, staff and residents. 1. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL – CITY CLERK: Present: 9 - Mayor Herzberg Vice Mayor Ramos Commissioner Avila-Vazquez Commissioner Bradford Commissioner King Commissioner McCool Commissioner Nabicht Interim City Manager Cooper City Attorney 3. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: A. Invocation Presented by District #6 Commissioner. Commissioner Nabicht led everyone in the invocation by reminding everyone of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers, never forget. Commissioner King led everyone in the pledge to the flag. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES & AGENDA: A. Approval of minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting of August 17, 2020, as presented. - Joyce Raftery, City Clerk (386) 878-8502. Motion by Vice Mayor Ramos, seconded by Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, to approve the minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting of August 17, 2020, as presented. The motion carried by the City of Deltona Page 1 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 following vote: For: 7 - Mayor Herzberg, Vice Mayor Ramos, Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner Bradford, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, and Commissioner Nabicht 5. PRESENTATIONS/AWARDS/REPORTS: A. Presentation by the American Legion Post 255 for the Law and Order Awards - Commissioner King (386) 878-8850. The 2nd Vice Commander Pedro Rosario and Commander Loren King with American Legion Post 255 presented the following three awards: Law Officer of the Year, Detective Robert McCabe; Firefighter of the Year, Larry Nipper and EMT of the Year, Brandon Brower. 6. ORDINANCES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2020-43, adopting the Tentative Millage Rate for the levy of ad valorem taxes for FY 2020/2021 - Camille Hooper, Finance Director, (386) 878-8552. Strategic Goal: Fiscal Issues Motion by Commissioner Nabicht, seconded by Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, to approve Resolution No. 2020-43 adopting a tentative millage rate of 7.85 for the levy of ad valorem taxes for FY 2020/2021. Upon approval of this item authorizes any and all necessary actions, documents or budget transfers to facilitate Commission approval and further authorizes the Interim City Manager to sign any documents necessary to further Commission approval of this item. Mayor Herzberg stated this is a public hearing to hear and consider comments and questions regarding the City’s tentative millage rate and proposed annual budget for the coming fiscal year 2019/2020. The City of Deltona hereby proposes a tentative millage rate of 7.85. The tentative millage rate reflects a 9.76% increase from the rolled-back rate of 7.1520 mills. The tentative millage rate is higher than the rolled-back rate of 7.1520 in order to cover increased operating costs. Mayor Herzberg stated the floor is now open to hear public comments and to take any questions from the public. Gail Dardano, 672 Preston Avenue, Deltona, spoke about people being out of work, taxes going up, people not surviving as is, the amount of people hurting right now, it is a burden and right now it is a big deal, this taking a toll of the residents, people trying to get by, and people not having the will. City of Deltona Page 2 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 Mayor Herzberg closed the public comments. The City Attorney stated prior to adopting the millage-levy resolution, the name of the taxing authority (City of Deltona, Florida), the rolled-back rate (7.1520), and the percentage increase or decrease compared to the rolled-back rate (9.76% increase), and the millage rate to be levied (7.8500) must be publicly announced. The tentative millage rate and budget will be used to advertise the final budget hearing scheduled for September 21, 2020. The City Attorney read the title of Resolution No. 2020-43 for the record. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELTONA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE FOR THE 2020-2021 FISCAL YEAR; COMPARING TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE WITH THE ROLLED-BACK RATE; ESTABLISHING A DATE, TIME, AND PLACE AT WHICH A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD TO ADOPT A FINAL MILLAGE RATE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The motion carried by the following vote: For: 7 - Mayor Herzberg, Vice Mayor Ramos, Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner Bradford, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, and Commissioner Nabicht Mayor Herzberg stated the City of Deltona has adopted a tentative millage rate of 7.85 mills for fiscal year 2020/2021. The tentative millage rate reflects an 9.76% increase from the rolled-back rate of 7.1520 mills. Resolution No. 2020-43 was approved at 6:55 p.m. B. Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2020-44, adopting the tentative annual budget for FY 2020/2021 - Camille Hooper, Finance Director (386) 878-8552. Strategic Goal: Fiscal Issues Mayor Herzberg stated the proposed annual budget is summarized as follows: General Fund $77,924,097; Special Revenue Funds $48,222,592; Enterprise Fund $66,604,649; Capital Project Funds $5,133,400 and a Total City-wide Budget $197,884,738. Mayor Herzberg stated the floor is now open to hear public comments and to take any questions from the public. Elbert Bryan, 1625 Joyner Drive, Deltona, spoke about the number of budget workshops, discussing numbers, infrastructure, roads, parks capital improvements, the process, what is in the budget and if it is needed, next year's budget, evictions, the millage rate, a 10% tax and a 10% cut, money being put back in the budget, reserves and the condition of roads. City of Deltona Page 3 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 Mayor Herzberg closed the public comments. Mayor Herzberg passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Ramos. Motion by Mayor Herzberg, seconded by Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, to approve Resolution No. 2020-44 adopting the tentative budget for FY 2020/2021. Upon approval of this item authorizes any and all necessary actions, documents or budget transfers to facilitate Commission approval and further authorizes the Interim City Manager to sign any documents necessary to further Commission approval of this item. The City Attorney stated the adopted tentative millage and budget will be used to advertise the final hearing scheduled for September 21, 2020. The City Attorney read the title of Resolution No. 2020-44 for the record. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELTONA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR THE 2020-2021 FISCAL YEAR; ESTABLISHING A DATE, TIME, AND PLACE AT WHICH A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD TO ADOPT A FINAL BUDGET; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Commissioner Nabicht asked what is required to pass the budget, is it a super majority and Mayor Herzberg replied no, a majority. The motion carried by the following vote: For: 5 - Mayor Herzberg, Vice Mayor Ramos, Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner Bradford, and Commissioner McCool Against: 2 - Commissioner King, and Commissioner Nabicht Resolution No. 2020-44 was approved at 7:03 p.m. Vice Mayor Ramos passed the gavel to Mayor Herzberg. 7. OLD BUSINESS: None. 8. NEW BUSINESS: A. Presentation - Monument sign for the Center at Deltona located within the median of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Howland Blvd. - Ron A. Paradise, Interim Deputy City Manager/Director of Planning and Development Services (386) City of Deltona Page 4 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 878-8610. Strategic Goal: Fiscal Issues - improve the Center Planning & Development Services Director Ron Paradise gave a brief explanation of the item. Interim City Manager Dr. Cooper stated this has been discussed for several years with The Center being built for some type of signage to accent and highlight The Center itself. This year staff did design the sign to fit in the median along Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. Commissioner Bradford stated this is the third time this has come before the Commission and the other two times the Commission turned it down. She objects to this for the following reasons. One, this is not the time to spend $45,000 and two, the Commission discussed having a meeting about renaming and rebranding The Center. Third, the property in front of The Center is not owned by the City so what happens when it is built out and what will the property owner do about signage. The Center does not highlight what the City has there and when someone says "The Center" people still think of the old Community Center. She stated the Commission needs to have a workshop regarding rebranding The Center before installing signage. Commissioner McCool stated she agrees with Commissioner Bradford and it is symbolic to not spend this money on a sign right now. The Center stands on its marketing and she is not against the sign, but this is not the right time to talk about rebranding or placing a sign at The Center because it sends the wrong message to the residents. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez stated The Center has earned its reputation already, the building is known to the residents as The Center and she does not know why the name has to be changed because the Commission voted on that name. She asked if the property where the sign is being placed is on is City property and Mr. Paradise replied it is within the City right-of-way. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez asked since the sign would have nothing to do with the other properties the sign would never be moved or changed and Interim City Manager Dr. Cooper replied that would not be in the plans to do, no. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez asked where the funds were coming from for the sign and Mr. Paradise replied it comes from left over construction money from The Center and some other funds. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez asked if the funds could be used on something else and Interim City Manager Dr. Cooper replied there is an amount in the funds for The Center that can only be used for improvements and things at The Center. The other monies that will be transferred is coming from a different line item in the budget, from City Hall improvements aspects of the budget. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez clarified that the funds are strictly for The Center and Interim City Manager Dr. Cooper replied yes, approximately $10,000. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez stated she does not have a problem with the sign and currently there is only a little unprofessional sign. Commissioner Nabicht stated the name is "The Center" and it was voted on by the Commission. Professionals have said that signage is necessary, the money is in the City of Deltona Page 5 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 construction fund to pay for this and yet there will come a day when someone stands up and asks why The Center is not making money. The Center needs branding and look at all that Mr. Joe Hearn, Sales & Marketing, has done marketing the facility. This is just finalizing everything that has been planned in terms of signage. The sign fits well, he happens to like it and any business person will tell you that a business needs signage. Signage is advertising, it finishes off the project and it has always been planned to have a sign. The City has tried to work with Mr. Larry Cavallaro with The Cavallaro Group, LLC. for a marquee sign with no success. This will help generate interest and revenue for The Center. Vice Mayor Ramos stated he does not recall the Commission wanting to rebrand The Center. He asked what the pros and cons are for the sign and is this part of the process that The Center needs. Mr. Hearn replied absolutely, the money sounds astronomical and respects that point of view. The branding of The Center is constant and people are always passing the facility by. This helps with the branding and getting the deficit down. This is a tough year, but it is something that is needed for branding and to make a difference. Commissioner King stated the sign is necessary and he asked who designed the sign. Mr. Paradise replied Planning & Development Services staff during their normal work hours along with Don Bell Signs. Commissioner King asked who came up with the cost and Mr. Paradise replied it was based on cost estimates to obtain the sign and install the sign with a contingency. It involves Don Bell Signs, electrical services to wire the sign and a slight landscaping element as well. Commissioner King asked if this should be contracted out instead of having it done in-house and Mr. Paradise replied if the City were to assume that role it would probably void some of the warrantee elements that Don Bell Signs would be able to provide for building and placing the sign. Commissioner Nabicht stated Don Bell Signs is also going to provide engineering. Commissioner King asked if the City received quotes from any other company and Mr. Paradise replied no, the City has done business with Don Bell Signs for awhile and staff feels this is the most efficient way to handle this. Commissioner King wonders if someone else could do the sign for less money and as much as he wants the sign he does not think this is a good time to do it. Commissioner Nabicht suggested posting this on Demand Star for 10 days which is what staff would do in the past, is that doable and Mr. Paradise replied he is not sure what the procurement implications are on that. Commissioner King replied he thinks that is a good idea and he suggested to hold off on approving this. Commissioner Bradford asked when was staff given direction to do this and by who because she thought anything over $25,000 had to go out to bid and how much did the current drawing cost. Mr. Paradise replied nothing. Interim City Manager Dr. Cooper replied he will have the City Clerk go back and check, but when he first got here the sign was discussed and the former City Manager and staff was given direction to figure our what sign, where, how and what it would look like. Mayor Herzberg stated the $25,000 is the spending limit for the City Manager and needing to look at the City's Procurement Policy which she would like a copy of. City of Deltona Page 6 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 Commissioner Nabicht stated the Commission has already authorized that expenditure when The Center was built because the sign was included and the Commission approved a total amount of money for The Center and this is still within that budget. Commissioner Bradford asked where the sign would be located and can other businesses do the same. Mr. Paradise replied in the center median which is owned by the City. Commissioner Bradford asked if the sign would impede any traffic and Interim City Manager Dr. Cooper replied no. Commissioner King asked how far the front edge of the sign would be from the corner, from Howland Blvd. and Mr. Paradise replied it is a 45 foot radius, but he does not know the exact distance, but it would be from the edge of the road. Commissioner King expressed concerns that the sign may obstruct people's view. Commissioner Nabicht stated the county traffic engineer will also need to approve the location of the sign. Commissioner Bradford expressed concerns regarding the maintenance of bushes in the area and she does not see a high visibility of the sign in the proposed location. Mayor Herzberg stated she believes the City is in charge of maintaining the bushes in that area per the property agreement and Mr. Paradise replied he is not sure. Commissioner King also expressed concerns regarding visibility and he asked for an explanation of where the money is coming from for the sign. Finance Director Camille Hooper replied it is $10,500 from the senior community center construction project and the remainder is from City Hall improvements. Interim City Manager Dr. Cooper stated the HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system came in cheaper. Motion by Commissioner Nabicht, seconded by Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, to approve the project contingent upon it going out on Demand Star for the required amount of time, 10 days, and not to exceed the estimates presented by staff today. Commissioner King stated to make sure the Commission sees the bids before a decision is made. Commissioner Nabicht replied there is a whole process that purchasing does when an item is place on Demand Star. Mayor Herzberg opened the public comments. Elbert Bryan, 1625 Joyner Drive, Deltona, spoke about the sign being nine feet off the road, the sign not being visible, get rid of the plants, the sign starting a fire, add a scrolling electronic sign, the height of the sign, Mr. Hearn doing a great job, the sign not lit up during the day, branding, the sign being embarrassing, tabling the item, Halifax's monument sign and The Center already having a sign. Kathy Bryan, 1625 Joyner Drive, Deltona, spoke about driving Howland Blvd. regularly, the traffic, a sign is needed, the plant maintenance, the design could be better, the perception, redesigning the sign, and making sure it is what the Commission wants. City of Deltona Page 7 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 Carolyn McPherson, 743 Whitemarsh Avenue, Deltona, spoke about maintenance, the cost of the sign, the length of the discussion, bench marking or a survey, the appeal of the sign, the whole objective, and having two sign locations. Mayor Herzberg closed the public comments. Commissioner Bradford asked if the welcome sign on Howland Blvd. was replaced yet and Mr. Paradise replied no. Commissioner Bradford stated she likes the idea of having a sign displaying events and she asked what the difference in cost would be for that. She suggested making the sign similar to other City signs with information on them and she asked what Mr. Hearn would prefer. Mr. Hearn replied what can be done legally and clearly it would help to have a reader board, but aesthetically need to be careful. Commissioner Bradford asked if the intent is to put sign back the entrance sign on Howland Blvd. and Mr. Paradise replied the intent was to co-locate signage with Halifax Hospital in that area. Typically the electronic message boards are an extra $10,000. Commissioner Bradford asked if that would be similar to what is on Saxon Blvd. and Mr. Paradise replied yes, but then staff starts to worry about sight lines for the fire station because it needs to be a higher profile. Commissioner Bradford asked if it was allowed to be a higher profile and Mr. Paradise replied by Code yes. Commissioner Nabicht stated if the City could have acquired the Cavallaro property an electronic sign would have been perfect, but in the median it sits too far back and at 55 mph (miles per hour) a person would not be able to read a message on that sign so it almost has to be stagnant sign. Mayor Herzberg stated she liked The Center being vertical and not having any plants. She asked what the cost of the new sign is at Wes Crile Park and Mr. Paradise replied about $60,000 to $70,000. Mayor Herzberg asked how much the new sign at the Veterans' Museum costs and Mr. Paradise replied $45,000 to $50,000. Mayor Herzberg stated the City is spending that kind of money for the parks, but not for the premier venue in the City. She asked if the parks signs were designed in-house and who is the contractor for those. Mr. Paradise replied yes some of the work was done in-house and Don Bell is the contractor. Mayor Herzberg asked if Don Bell provided a bid when the City put this on Demand Star and she suggested doing a dual bid to see what the cost would be or is it truly not going to be worth while. Commissioner Nabicht stated the Commission in the past discussed electronic signs and he gave a brief history of that discussion. This sign was designed to fit this location and there are constraints with this location and have to go with a lower profile sign. He suggested the planter portion of the sign could serve as a base for a future electronic sign. City of Deltona Page 8 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 Mayor Herzberg stated as long as the sign can be modified to an electronic sign in the future, but the money needs to be used at some point and she asked if there is a limit on that and Ms. Hooper replied no. Interim City Manger Dr. Cooper replied the sign is designed purposely so that in the future a marquee could be placed there once other developments come in. Mayor Herzberg asked if that was mentioned previously or if she missed it and Interim City Manager Dr. Cooper replied no. The motion carried by the following vote: For: 6 - Mayor Herzberg, Vice Mayor Ramos, Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, and Commissioner Nabicht Against: 1 - Commissioner Bradford 9. PUBLIC FORUM: Citizen comments are limited to issues and concerns not on the agenda and comments on items listed on the agenda will take place after discussion of each item. Please be courteous and respectful of the views of others. Personal attacks on Commission members, City staff or members of the public are not allowed, and will be ruled out of order by the Mayor. None. CONSENT AGENDA: The consent agenda contains items that have been determined to be routine and non-controversial. If anyone in the audience wishes to address a particular item on the consent agenda, now is the opportunity for you to do so. Additionally, if staff or members of the City Commission wish to speak on a consent item, they have the same opportunity. 10. CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Vice Mayor Ramos, seconded by Commissioner Nabicht, to approve Consent Agenda Items 10-A through 10-C. The motion carried by the following vote: For: 7 - Mayor Herzberg, Vice Mayor Ramos, Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner Bradford, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, and Commissioner Nabicht A. Request for approval a renewal of a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement with Software House International. - Robert Cordero, IT Director, 386-878-8807. Strategic Goal: Internal/External Communication Approved by Consent Agenda – to approve the procurement and term agreement with Software House International. Upon approval of this item authorizes any and all necessary actions, documents or budget City of Deltona Page 9 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 transfers to facilitate Commission approval and further authorizes the Interim City Manager to sign any documents necessary to further Commission approval of this item. B. Request for approval of solution for remote commission meetings - Robert Cordero, IT Department (386) 878-8807. Strategic Goal: Internal & External Communication Approved by Consent Agenda – to approve the solution for remote Commission meetings. Upon approval of this item authorizes any and all necessary actions, documents or budget transfers to facilitate Commission approval and further authorizes the Interim City Manager to sign any documents necessary to further Commission approval of this item. C. Request for approval to purchase routers for Mobile Data Computers in Fire apparatus - Fire Chief Snyder, Fire Department (386) 575-6902. Strategic Goal: Public Safety Approved by Consent Agenda – to approve the purchase of routers for the Mobile Data Computers in Fire apparatus. Upon approval of this item authorizes any and all necessary actions, documents or budget transfers to facilitate Commission approval and further authorizes the Interim City Manager to sign any documents necessary to further Commission approval of this item. 11. CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL REPORTS AND REQUESTS: Vice Mayor Ramos stated Percy Williams with ECHO (Environmental/Ecological, Cultural, Historical/Heritage or Outdoor) Volusia Forever sent him an e-mail in reference to see whether or not this Commission would like to do a resolution to support the ECHO Volusia Forever that is going to be on the ballot November 3rd. He asked if there was any consensus whether or not this is something the Commission wants to do. The City has benefited from it and it is a great opportunity that the City can still use. Mayor Herzberg stated that this is on the November ballot to renew again for Volusia Forever and ECHO funding and yes, the City has benefited from it. She asked if there are other municipalities that have done anything and Vice Mayor Ramos replied yes, he received a copy of Daytona Beach's resolution of support that passed on thier consent agenda yesterday. He also received some type of form that the Commission can submit as well. Motion by Vice Mayor Ramos, seconded by Commissioner Nabicht, to City of Deltona Page 10 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 do a Resolution in support of ECHO Volusia Forever. Vice Mayor Ramos stated sometimes people think that this does not benefit the City, but he was biking on Monday and believe it or not he takes time to talk to the folks that are either walking, biking or jogging and the City has people from Port Orange coming all the way over here to use the City's trails. He says that to keep it in mind that if the City can start developing things like the old Community Center off of Lakeshore Drive and create a destination this becomes a benefit for everyone. Mayor Herzberg asked how many different parks has the City done with ECHO funding or projects and Mr. Paradise replied about six. Commissioner Nabicht stated there is one ongoing at Wes Crile, right and Mr. Paradise replied the City has done ECHO parks for Three Island, Blue Heron, the event yard at The Center and Thornby Park. Mayor Herzberg asked what about Keysville Dog Park and Mr. Paradise replied he thinks that was done back in the 2000s, but he is not sure. Mayor Herzberg asked what about Dewey O'Boster and Mr. Paradise replied he did not think the City did anything there. Mayor Herzberg stated the each Commissioner can also do their own personal letter of support and someone provide her with a template for that if anyone wanted it. The motion carried by the following vote: For: 7 - Mayor Herzberg, Vice Mayor Ramos, Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner Bradford, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, and Commissioner Nabicht Mayor Herzberg asked the Interim City Manager to draft the resolution, have the City Attorney review it for compliance, to provide a copy to the Commission and forward it to the appropriate person. 12. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS: None. 13. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: None. 14. CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commissioner King thanked the Commission and the Mayor for allowing the American Legion to be here this evening and presenting the law and order recipients with their awards for 2020. The American Legion will continue to work with the City in any way it can for the betterment of our community. He stated he has Wreaths Across America information City of Deltona Page 11 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 for everyone after the meeting is over. The program has already started and he knows it is going to be a tougher time this year with the situation everyone is in, but the American Legion will do its best, some how, to put 1700 wreaths on the graves of Veterans at Deltona Memorial Gardens on the second Saturday of December. He asked that nobody get mad if he comes to them more than once asking for support. If anyone is available to help in any way by donations of $15 a wreath or $30 for two with an additional free one. Mayor Herzberg asked Commissioner King to put something together with all the information for the Commission regarding what he is requesting so the Commission can promote the event or find volunteers and the Interm City Manager can distribute it to the Commission. She asked when volunteers would be needed and Commissioner King replied Wreaths Across America will be the 12th of December at about 10:00 a.m. at Deltona Memorial Gardens, 1295 Saxon Blvd, Orange City. The American Legion will need all the help it can get that day to lay the wreaths. Mayor Herzberg asked what time will they start laying the wreaths and Commissioner King replied at 10:00 a.m. Mayor Herzberg asked that Commissioner King put a PSA (Public Service Announcement) together and Interim City Manager suggested Commissioner King provide him with all the information he will distribute it to the entire Commission. Commissioner Nabicht stated in the past the Commission has paid for tables for the Commission at the Martin Luther King breakfast and NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) events. Motion by Commissioner Nabicht, seconded by Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, that the City donate $1,000 right now for purchasing wreaths for the American Legion's Wreath Across America Program from the City Commission. Commissioner King clarified that any checks should go to Wreaths Across America. Mayor Herzberg stated especially in these times organizations are going to be short on volunteers and funding. The Commission has not done a lot this year just due to the situation and this is definitely worthy. The motion carried by the following vote: For: 7 - Mayor Herzberg, Vice Mayor Ramos, Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner Bradford, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, and Commissioner Nabicht Commissioner McCool stated the Commission and the Mayor received an email from City of Deltona Page 12 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 Brandon Shaffer who is a proud Deltona product of Volusia County Schools and currently an educator working with special needs students at Heritage Middle School. He wrote to the Commission about the City's own Deltona Miss Betty White whose name was Miss Ellie and she passed away recently at age 93. In talking with people she was very beloved, she worked at the Publix on Courtland and Fort Smith Blvds. since the 90's. She spoke with the Interim City Manager and she would like to explore presenting a proclamation and entertaining planting a tree in her honor from the tree fund. This would be something nice to start doing to memorialize residents who have made a difference in Deltona. She would appreciate if staff could look into that. Interim City Manager Dr. Cooper replied that can be done. Mayor Herzberg asked if there was any problem with taking the funds from the tree fund and Interim City Manager Dr. Cooper replied no ma'am. Commissioner McCool stated she will follow up with Mr. Shaffer and speak with the family regarding a location for the tree and the manager and her did also discuss where the City could plant a tree. The next thing is there are going to be a lot of families struggling this year with Christmas and she would like to encourage residents to change their porch light bulbs out to a different color for Christmas because a lot of people will not be able to do decorations. She would love to see all of Providence Blvd. lit up with different colored porch lights all the way down it. She suggested talking to the residents about that and it can be any color. This would be a show of show of support and solidarity, something that everyone can all do together to show the real spirit of Christmas and it would not cost that much. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez stated she knows it is late, but this is the first Commission meeting since the City lost a very good friend, very dear friend of ours, Former Commissioner Miss Lucille Wheatley. She met Miss Lucille Wheatley 21 years ago and her organization the Martin Luther King Committee of Deltona was the first one she had joined. She was a wonderful lady and she liked to say she was the Lady with a "hatatude". She made all her hats, she is on the City's Wall of Fame, and she was a Commissioner for District 5. She was an awesome Lady and a good mentor. Just the other day she was looking at her Facebook pictures and she came across a picture of her that was taken about three years ago when she was honored at the Martin Luther King breakfast. She was a Veteran stationed in Puerto Rico and they talked about rice and beans and the African culture that is celebrated in Puerto Rico. Miss Wheatley was one of the first Commissioners when the City became a City and she was like a permanent fixture here. She just wanted to give Miss Wheatley a shot out and tell everyone how much she was loved. Commissioner Nabicht suggested to see if somebody can get one of Miss Wheatley's hats to include in the City's memorabilia because that was her trademark. Commissioner McCool stated she attended Miss Wheatley's service and she had the most marvelous pink hat on. Mayor Herzberg stated Miss Wheatley is already on the Wall of Fame because she had City of Deltona Page 13 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 asked the City Clerk to check that. If there is anything that anyone can think of like planting a tree which was mentioned by Commissioner McCool, something aside from being on the Wall of Fame. Commissioner Nabicht suggested the Commission come up with a policy on what the Commission would want to do to honor Former Commissioners when they pass. Planting a tree is a very nice thing, but if it is done for one it should be done for all and it could be built upon as time goes on. If the Commission moves forward with a policy then when these things occur nobody slips through the cracks and nobody gets offended. Commissioner Bradford stated Rafael Ramirez, Administrator of Halifax Health, sent an e-mail out to the Commission, Halifax is having a community PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) Pack Giveaway for the residents on Saturday, September 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The information states it is a drive-thru pickup and the PPE packs will include masks, sanitizer solution, wipes and gloves. There will be one PPE pack per car and nobody has to get out of their vehicle. Again, that is on Saturday, September 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Commissioner Bradford stated Former Commissioner Wheatley was on her list as well to go over, but the Commission went over that. She stated she talked to Santa the other day, she is not kidding, she really did and Santa (Mr. Crumbs) brought up a very valid point. He is really big on the Toys For Tots and it is going to be a really hard season physically and mentally for families. Mr. Crumbs brought up that his company is actually adding an extra charge to everything they do, but they are being up front about it and they give people a choice to either pay the extra amount that goes towards buying toys or the person can donate that amount in toys to Toys For Tots. He is doing this to get a jump start on the season and she just thought that was such an awesome idea for businesses to do that. It is going to be a hard season and it is crazy that it is September and she is talking about Christmas. She would love for the City to figure out a way that it can start jump start the Toys For Tots because she thinks there will be a lot more families in need. She brings this up because she thinks the City needs to put its creative hats on and figure out how to encourage more giving this holiday season. Commissioner Bradford stated she has also been asked if the City is doing the turkey giveaway this year. Interim City Manager Dr. Cooper replied he would have to discuss that with Mr. Hearn. Commissioner Bradford stated that she knows in years past the City did the turkey giveaway and now everybody's like oh God. Several Commissioners and the manager stated that last year was the first year the City did the turkey giveaway. Commissioner Bradford stated people are saying of all the years that they need those turkeys, we need those turkeys this year. She thinks this year is going to be critical, this is part of the City giving back to the community. If the Commission uses money for anything she would love to see what can be done to get those turkeys to the community. She suggested to reach out to sponsors old and new and also, to see what the City can do to start kicking up the Toys For Tots along with any other program that the City can help with to help the community this holiday season. She does not think it is too early to start thinking City of Deltona Page 14 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 about these things. Commissioner McCool stated she thinks that Amazon would love to help the City out with that and Commissioner Bradford stated Amazon is a very big proponent of the communities they are in and she has always heard how awesome they are at giving and that maybe staff can reach out to them to see what they can work with the City on. There were several companies like Publix and Winn Dixie that gave donations last year and if the City starts now let's double what was done last year in turkeys or even triple it because there are so many families in need this year. She just thinks the City needs to push that and see what the City do to kickup Christmas. She loves Santa's idea of charging an extra say 10% for whatever and provide the choice to either pay the 10% or to donate 10% in toys. It really made her start thinking that she has been very fortunate this year so how can the City bless everybody else. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez stated it is a great idea and she thinks that the City was so lucky with donors who came out to help people during the hurricane season and packed the old Community Center on Lakeshore Drive with donations that maybe the City can do something similar, you know drive-by and drop off a toy. Commissioner Nabicht suggested to start publicizing it now and put the boxes out now and not to wait to start. He also suggested that if a Commissioner goes to Bonkers to steal the microphone before the act goes on stage and tell people that the City is taking donations because there will be about 130 people there tomorrow night, a captive audience. Interim City Manager Dr. Cooper stated he received an e-mail, he cannot remember the organization, about Toys For Tots and a whole list of things that have to happen so that is something that staff will be pursuing soon. Vice Mayor Ramos stated they have reached out to him about the City and they have been working with Mrs. Angelia Briggs, Community Development Supervisor, to see about getting some boxes around City Hall, Deltona Water and The Center/Bonkers so he knows staff is working on that. He suggested following up with Mrs. Briggs because that was the name that was given to him. Commissioner Bradford thanked Commissioner King for his service and thanked him for always keeping the Commission in line with the Veterans. She thinks people do forget how we all got our freedom and why we are here able to sit today. She knows Veterans put their time in, their families put their time in and sometimes we forget. She thanked Commissioner King for his service and what he does to keep us all on our toes and remembering, thank you. Commissioner King replied he is glad to be here doing what the Commission is doing and he thanked Commissioner Bradford, he appreciates it. Vice Mayor Ramos stated he talked about Toys For Tots and Mrs. Briggs. Commissioner Bradford talked about the PPE giveaway by Halifax Health on Saturday, September 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tomorrow September 11th Volusia Hispanic Chamber of City of Deltona Page 15 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 Commerce will be having a live Facebook coming out of The Center for anyone who can get on Facebook live. They are going to be having a whole ceremony thanks to Mr. Joe Hearn who is also part of that and there is a nice little agenda going on in remembrance of 911. Commissioner Nabicht asked he was sorry, there is one thing he would like to say. With regards to 911, at 8:46 a.m. the North tower was struck; at 9:03 a.m. the South tower was struck; at 9:37 a.m. the Pentagon was struck; at 9:59 a.m. the South tower collapsed; at 10:07 a.m. flight 93 crashed into Pennsylvania; and at 10:28 a.m. the North tower collapsed. Please take a moment and pause tomorrow to remember that, thank you. Mayor Herzberg stated 911 seems so long ago yet not. Commissioner King stated he did not know if this is inappropriate or not, but he wanted everyone to know that the last thing that went through Bin Laden's mind was a US Seal team members bullet, sorry just had to say that. Mayor Herzberg stated talking about Miss Wheatley, she received a message from a Former Commissioner who in the past reminded her that when something would come up with a previous Commissioner that the old Commissioners were all notified about that whether it was someone that was gravely ill or was in the hospital or someone that had passed away. The has not happened in awhile so she asked to please reiterate that to Executive Assistant to the Commission Sandy Jackson, Sharon and Julio that they continue with that policy and have the courtesy of notifying previous Commissioners, especially those that may have served with the individual to let them know. Commissioner Bradford asked if the City flew the flag at half-staff for Former Commissioner Wheatley and Mayor Herzberg replied she did not know and Interim City Manager Dr. Cooper replied no. Commissioner Bradford stated that is also supposed to be a City policy to fly the flag at half-staff. Mayor Herzberg stated she thinks that is a courtesy that as time goes on the City gets away from some of those may be old school things. It has been the same when the City has had Christmas events or anything like that, it is a courtesy to let those that have previously served as Commissioners and Mayor in the City to reach out to them and send them an e-mail or give them a call. She asked that too be incorporated and go back to that because that Former Commissioner was 100% correct. Mayor Herzberg stated regarding the discussion about the holiday season, so just listening to what some other cities are going through. She has a Mayor's call once a week or once every two weeks now and other cities have looked at doing things for Labor Day which obviously nothing happened and then they were looking at the holidays, Christmas and so forth. For Halloween some cities are doing a trunk or treat drive-thru. The speedway does that big light drive-thru and charges a fee for it which municipalities do not do. The one big thing that several people had mentioned and that vendors were all for it initially to do something like that, but to actually be donating either candy for Halloween or toys. It was not City of Deltona Page 16 Printed on 9/15/2020 City Commission Minutes September 10, 2020 and has not been as forthcoming as in the past and she understands that, but it is important that the City put together a plan and her suggestion would be to talk to Mr. Joe Hearn at The Center because he has a huge outreach and can maybe look at some sort of a consistent thing that the City can put out there. She stated the Commission is right, start now to see which vendors the City can get to participate, but it has to be done in a manner that is consistent and it has to be like the same messaging for the entire City and all the facilities. Vendors like Publix, Target, Wal-Mart, Lowe's and Home Depot are all huge and these vendors are making money and if anybody is making money during COVID it is that type of business. She asked that the City start that corporate outreach soon, have a consistent message and maybe Mr. Hearn would be the person to do that. Interim City Manager Dr. Cooper stated staff has already started that, not only for Halloween, but even ideas that staff has for something for Christmas because of the COVID situation. Again, staff has already started that and he will get the messaging for all the Commissioners if they would like so they can promote the events. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez stated during the hurricane collection the local Wal-Mart donated boxes, not just one, but cartons full of air mattresses so they are really awesome to reach out to as well. Mayor Herzberg stated whatever the City does to keep a list of those sponsors and make sure they are acknowledged because especially in this time it is very important that the City acknowledge those who help the citizens. Vice Mayor Ramos stated this Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to Noon there is going to be a plant sale at 1984 West Chapel Drive so again if anyone wants some great plants at a great price from 9:00 a.m. to Noon this Saturday. They are asking people who show up to please wear masks. 15. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m. ______________________________ Heidi K. Herzberg, MAYOR ATTEST: ________________________________ Joyce Raftery, CMC, MMC, CITY CLERK City of Deltona Page 17 Printed on 9/15/2020