City Commission

City of Deltona 2345 Providence Blvd. Deltona, FL 32725 Minutes City Commission Monday, October 18, 2021 6:30 PM Deltona Commission Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL – CITY CLERK: Present: 9 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez Commissioner King Commissioner McCool Commissioner Ramos Commissioner Sosa Vice Mayor Bradford Mayor Herzberg Acting City Manager City Attorney 3. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: A. Invocation Presented by Commissioner McCool. Commissioner McCool led everyone in the invocation and Commissioner King led everyone in the pledge to the flag. The National Anthem was sung by David Castro a 6th Grader at Trinity Christian Academy. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES & AGENDA: A. Approval of minutes of the Regular Commission Meetings of July 6th & 19th, 2021 and August 2nd & 16th, 2021 and the Special Commission Meetings of May 24th, June 28th and September 27th, 2021, as presented. - Joyce Raftery, City Clerk (386) 878-8502. Motion by Vice Mayor Bradford, seconded by Commissioner Ramos, to approve the minutes of the Regular Commission Meetings of July 6th & 19th, 2021 and August 2nd & 16th, 2021 and the Special Commission Meetings of May 24th, June 28th and September 27th, 2021, as presented. The motion carried by the following vote: City of Deltona Page 1 Printed on 10/21/2021 City Commission Minutes October 18, 2021 For: 7 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, Commissioner Ramos, Commissioner Sosa, Vice Mayor Bradford, and Mayor Herzberg 5. PRESENTATIONS/AWARDS/REPORTS: A. Joint Presentation from Commissioner McCool and Commissioner William Sell from the City of DeBary. Joint Presentation from Commissioner McCool and Commissioner William Sell from the City of DeBary announced a joint weight loss challenge. B. Proclamation - Proclaiming October 28, 2021 as “Lights on Afterschool Day”. The Mayor and Commission presented a Proclamation to Joe Sullivan, Chief Professional Officer, and TJ Rivera, Deltona Unit Director, proclaiming October 28, 2021 as “Lights on Afterschool Day”. C. Proclamation - Proclaiming the week of October 18-24, 2021 as “Florida City Government Week”. The Mayor and Commission presented a Proclamation proclaiming the week of October 18-24, 2021 as “Florida City Government Week”. 6. ORDINANCES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2021-55, vacation of lots and rights-of-way associated with a portion of the Yourlando Farms and Groves plat - Ron A. Paradise, Director, Planning and Development Services (386) 878-8610. Strategic Goal: Economic Development - Expanding target business niche. Planning and Development Services Director Ron Paradise gave a brief explanation of the item. The Commission and staff discussed Portland Industrial Park, Amazon fulfillment center, right-of-ways, a 1920 vintage plat, vacation of rights-of-ways, 3.46 acres of land, the Rhode Island Extension, swapping property, improvements to Rhode Island Extension, and the plan for 6 acres of land. Motion by Commissioner McCool, seconded by Commissioner Ramos, to approve Resolution No. 2021-55 vacating certain Right-of-Way segments and lots of the Yourlando Farms and Groves Subdivision Map Book 10, Pages 227-228 as further described in Exhibits A and B of City of Deltona Page 2 Printed on 10/21/2021 City Commission Minutes October 18, 2021 Resolution No. 2021-55. The Acting City Manager has the authority to make corrections of scrivener's errors and the like. Mayor Herzberg opened the public hearing. Elbert Bryan, Deltona, spoke about land swap, front and back side of property, what right-of-ways will be used for, property stormwater drains, no questions, and questions unanswered. Mayor Herzberg closed the public hearing. The motion carried by the following vote: For: 7 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, Commissioner Ramos, Commissioner Sosa, Vice Mayor Bradford, and Mayor Herzberg Resolution No. 2021-55 was approved at 6:55 p.m. 7. OLD BUSINESS: None. 8. NEW BUSINESS: A. Request for Approval of Interlocal Agreement with Volusia County Sheriff’s Office for provisions of Law Enforcement Services for October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. - John Peters, III, Acting City Manager (386) 878-8850. Strategic Goal: Maintain current fiscal stability/ Public Safety Acting City Manager Peters gave a brief explanation of the item. Commissioner McCool asked if the VSO (Volusia Sheriff's Office) has everything they need as far as technology and staff. Captain Marino replied yes ma'am, the VSO is very appreciative of the relationship they have with the City and that they are excited that often times they can collaborate with the City to come up with projects. The Sheriff is a very innovative and forward thinker and this past year one of the things mentioned was the program with the iPADs dealing with mental health crisis situations. The VSO receives great support from the City which they appreciate. Motion by Commissioner Ramos, seconded by Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, to approve the Interlocal Agreement with Volusia County Sheriff for the provisions of law enforcement services. The Acting City Manager has the authority to make corrections of City of Deltona Page 3 Printed on 10/21/2021 City Commission Minutes October 18, 2021 scrivener's errors and the like. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez complimented the VSO on their recent CompStat Meeting, she is happy with the figures presented for Deltona and she thanked them for all the activities she sees on the street of Deltona, especially on Deltona Blvd. She is very happy to see that the warnings went down and that the VSO is giving out citations to everyone speeding. She thanked the VSO, the 28th is First Responders Day, and she thanked them for bringing the juvenile pilot program to the City. Mayor Herzberg opened and closed the public comments as there were none. The motion carried by the following vote: For: 7 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, Commissioner Ramos, Commissioner Sosa, Vice Mayor Bradford, and Mayor Herzberg B. Request for approval of an Indemnity Agreement to assign new indemnitees to serve as agents for the City of Deltona 401(a) and the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans - Mari Leisen, Finance Director (386) 878-8553. Strategic Goal: Fiscal Issues Finance Director Mari Leisen gave a brief explanation of the item. Motion by Vice Mayor Bradford, seconded by Commissioner McCool, to approve of the Indemnity Agreement to assign new members to serve on the Deferred Compensation Working Group as presented. The Acting City Manager has the authority to make corrections of scrivener's errors and the like. Mayor Herzberg opened and closed the public comments as there were none. The motion carried by the following vote: For: 7 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, Commissioner Ramos, Commissioner Sosa, Vice Mayor Bradford, and Mayor Herzberg C. Request approval of an agreement with Mead & Hunt, Inc. for the Construction Engineering & Inspection Services in accordance with the City of Deltona RFQ #PW 2021-05 for Phase 4B Lake Monroe Intake, Pump Station, and RAW Water Transmission Main Project dated May 27, 2021 in City of Deltona Page 4 Printed on 10/21/2021 City Commission Minutes October 18, 2021 the amount of $470,352.00. - Steven Danskine, Public Works/Deltona Water (386) 878-8998. Strategic Goal: Infrastructure The Acting City Manager gave a brief overview of Items 8-C, 8-D, 8-E and 11-B. Mayor Herzberg opened and closed the public comments as there were none. Motion by Vice Mayor Bradford, seconded by Commissioner Ramos, to approve the agreement with Mead & Hunt, Inc. for the Construction Engineering & Inspection Services in accordance with the City of Deltona RFQ #PW 2021-05 for Phase 4B Lake Monroe Intake, Pump Station, and RAW Water Transmission Main Project dated May 27, 2021 in the amount of $470,352.00. The Acting City Manager has the authority to make corrections of scrivener's errors and the like. The motion carried by the following vote: For: 7 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, Commissioner Ramos, Commissioner Sosa, Vice Mayor Bradford, and Mayor Herzberg D. Request approval of an agreement with Tetra Tech for the Engineer of Record Construction Phase Services in accordance with the attached agreement for the Lake Monroe Reclaimed Water Treatment and Management Facilities Project 4B in the amount of $177,245.00. - Steven Danskine, Public Works/Deltona Water (386) 878-8998. Strategic Goal: Infrastructure Mayor Herzberg stated this item is part of the previous item which the Acting City Manager explained. Mayor Herzberg opened and closed the public comments as there were none. Motion by Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, seconded by Vice Mayor Bradford, to approve the agreement with Tetra Tech for the Engineer of Record Construction Phase Services in accordance with the attached agreement for the Lake Monroe Reclaimed Water Treatment and Management Facilities Project 4B in the amount of $177,245.00. The Acting City Manager has the authority to make corrections of scrivener's errors and the like. The motion carried by the following vote: City of Deltona Page 5 Printed on 10/21/2021 City Commission Minutes October 18, 2021 For: 7 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, Commissioner Ramos, Commissioner Sosa, Vice Mayor Bradford, and Mayor Herzberg E. Request approval to amend an unsigned agreement with Prime Construction Group, Inc. for the Construction of the Phase 4B Lake Monroe Intake, Pump Station, and RAW Water Transmission Main Project from $8,674,740.00 to $9,479,901.51, an increase of $805,161.51 due to industry wide shortages and price increases since the bid opening. - Steven Danskine, Public Works/Deltona Water (386) 878-8998. Strategic Goal: Infrastructure The Commission and Acting City Manager discussed the 10%, increase, historical costs and lack of resources, historical demand, unprecedented times, time sensitive projects, industry shortages, securing materials and manpower, no more price escalations, ordering all at once or piece mailing material, and quality of piping and life span. Motion by Vice Mayor Bradford, seconded by Commissioner Ramos, to amend an unsigned agreement with Prime Construction Group, Inc. for the Construction of the Phase 4B Lake Monroe Intake, Pump Station, and RAW Water Transmission Main Project from $8,674,740.00 to $9,479,901.51, and increase of $805,161.51 due to industry wide shortages and price increases since the bid opening. The Acting City Manager has the authority to make corrections of scrivener's errors and the like. Mayor Herzberg opened and closed the public comments as there were none. The motion carried by the following vote: For: 7 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, Commissioner Ramos, Commissioner Sosa, Vice Mayor Bradford, and Mayor Herzberg The Acting City Manager acknowledged Acting Public Works Director Steve Danskine and his staff, Chief Utility Accountant Julia Johnson, and Purchasing Agent Jacque Cioffi for pulling this altogether, he appreciates all their efforts. City of Deltona Page 6 Printed on 10/21/2021 City Commission Minutes October 18, 2021 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. Members of the City Commission shall not enter into discussion or respond to individuals' comments during the public forum other than to give directions or to ask for clarification. However, individual Commissioners may wish to respond under their "City Commission Comments". 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. Elbert Bryan, Deltona, spoke about Biketoberfest, hospital admissions, traumas and a death, 2018 traumas and deaths, use and nonuse of helmets, number of residents, 50,000 people attending events, car accidents, events impact on the economy, sales tax, more residents in accidents than out of State, knowing the roads and abusing them, thanked the VSO, accidents shutting down roads over the weekend, and to stop trying to shut down the event. Troy Shimkus, Deltona, spoke about the Community Gardens grand opening, having big plans for the coming year, partnerships, looking forward to working with the City and he thanked the Commission, the economic development team, the video producers, parks staff, and Joe Hearn for all that they did. Richard Bellach, Deltona, spoke about intervening at 7-11 during an incident, Officer Richardson's and Captain Marino's assistance, substance abuse, wanting video in case the issue escalates, and 1749 West Arcadian Drive. Brandy White, Deltona, spoke about online request to speak form requirements, Item 5-C and wanting an explanation, what is happening this week, she read sections of the proclamation, and she questioned what everyone is being encouraged to do. Sean King, NAACP President, DeLand, spoke about immediate resignation of Commissioner King, he read the duties of the Mayor and Commission, Oath Keepers and its founder, he read quotes from Oath Keepers, where the name Oath Keepers stems from, the false interpretation of The Constitution and the Bible, extremist groups, Commissioner King no longer being part of the group, protecting the integrity of the office, avoiding future division, and "F" Biden signs. Doug MacDonald, 1494 Surrey Run Court, Deltona, spoke about Commissioner King, what is best for the City, News Journal article, rebellion on January 6th, being a member in the past, other Commissioners not conducting themselves well, look at your conscious, censure and reprimand Commissioner King and do what is best for the people. City of Deltona Page 7 Printed on 10/21/2021 City Commission Minutes October 18, 2021 10. COMMENTS ON CONSENT ITEMS: Citizen comments are limited to issues and concerns on the Consent Agenda item(s). Please complete a public participation slip and indicate in the subject line the issue you wish to address. Members of the City Commission shall not enter into discussion or respond to individuals' comments during the public forum other than to give directions or to ask for clarification. 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. Elbert Bryan, Deltona, spoke about his opinion of Item 11-B, sinking wells, hydrolic engineer on north side of Lake George, proof this does not work, causing sink holes, hoping not near homes, Sink hole on Howland by Deltona High, doing homework and stuff like this causing problems for all of us. 11. CONSENT AGENDA: The Consent Agenda contains items that have been determined to be routine and non-controversial. If discussion is desired by any member of the City Commission, that item must be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. All other matters included under the Consent Agenda will be approved by one motion. Citizens with concerns should address those concerns by filling out a public participation slip and giving it to the Deputy City Clerk prior to Consent Agenda items being pulled. Commissioner McCool requested to pull Items 11-A and 11-B and Commissioner Sosa also requested to pull Item 11-B. Motion by Commissioner Ramos, seconded by Vice Mayor Bradford, to approve Consent Agenda Items 8-C through 8-G. The motion carried by the following vote: For: 7 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, Commissioner Ramos, Commissioner Sosa, Vice Mayor Bradford, and Mayor Herzberg A. Request approval of the Task Authorization with Tetra Tech for the bidding support and construction administration of the NW Drainage Improvements Project, in accordance with their Agreement with the City of Deltona and RFQ# PW 2020-08 for Continuing On-Call Stormwater Engineering Services in the amount not to exceed $75,286.00. - Steven Danskine, Public Works/Deltona Water (386) 878-8998. Strategic Goal: Infrastructure Commissioner McCool stated that because this is tied so heavily to drainage and infrastructure she wants to understand more and she wants to hear more about Items 11-A City of Deltona Page 8 Printed on 10/21/2021 City Commission Minutes October 18, 2021 and 11-B which are tied together. The Acting City Manager replied there will be opportunities for the public to be involved and hear what is being proposed. When staff changed the prioritization process they put a priority on flooding which moved this project down the list. Now they are back up on the list and staff is ready to pursue the modification to the plans and proceed to construction. Again, there will be neighborhood meetings to discuss what is being done, what to expect and the like. Motion by Commissioner McCool, seconded by Commissioner Ramos, to approve Consent Agenda Items 11-A. The motion carried by the following vote: For: 7 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, Commissioner Ramos, Commissioner Sosa, Vice Mayor Bradford, and Mayor Herzberg B. Request approval of the Task Authorization with Mead & Hunt, Inc. for the design, permitting and bidding assistance for a new Upper Floridan Aquifer (UFA) exploratory well for the purpose for direct aquifer recharge using treated surface water from the St. John’s River (SJR), in accordance with their Agreement with the City of Deltona and RFQ #PW 2020-10 for Continuing On Call Water and Wastewater Utility Plant Engineering Services in the amount of $180,878.00. - Steven Danskine, Public Works/Deltona Water (386) 878-8998. Strategic Goal: Infrastructure The Commission and Acting City Manager discussed needing more hand holding, needing a better understanding of the project, the Blue Springs borrow pit, the CUP (Consumptive Use Permit), educating residents, replenishing the aquifers, land application and reclaimed water, RIB (Rapid Infiltration Basin), injection wells, Dell North Wastewater Plant, Fisher Plant and the cost to upgrade it, surface water of St. Johns River, treatment center at Alexander RIB site, filtration and chlorination, flood plain requirements, working with SJRWMD (St. Johns River Water Management District) and DEP (Department of Environmental Protection), the process, monitoring component, protecting the environment and resources, Deltona’s portion of the borrow pit project cost, the status of the borrow pit project, municipalities currently using UFA (Upper Floridan Aquifer) process, the anticipated cost for the injection sites and the success rate of the City of Sanford. Mayor Herzberg talked about the Utilities, Natural Resources and Public Works Policy Committee discussions, Senate Bill 64, the City’s injection well, moving toward toilet to tap, the goals of the current Senate President and Legislators, saltwater intrusion, the State’s strict guidelines, new legislation, and looking at basically not wasting water which ties to agriculture so that is also a driver statewide. Motion by Vice Mayor Bradford, seconded by Commissioner McCool, to City of Deltona Page 9 Printed on 10/21/2021 City Commission Minutes October 18, 2021 accept Consent Agenda Item 11-B. The motion carried by the following vote: For: 7 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner King, Commissioner McCool, Commissioner Ramos, Commissioner Sosa, Vice Mayor Bradford, and Mayor Herzberg C. Request approval of 4-Post, Open Front, 18,000 pound capacity service rack for the Fleet DivisionThe quote for this purchase shall not exceed $29,870.22 - Steven Danskine, Public Works/Deltona Water (386) 878-8998. Strategic Goal: Infrastructure Approved by Consent - to approve the Authorization to purchase a 4-Post, Open Front, 18,000 pound capacity service rack from Mohawk Lifts, LLC in the amount of $29,870.22. The Acting City Manager has the authority to make corrections of scrivener’s errors and the like. D. Approval of budgeted purchases for FY21-22 - Mari Leisen, Deputy Finance Director (386) 878-8553. Strategic Goal: Maintain current fiscal stability maximize alternative funding sources, and promote an effective system of checks and balances. Approved by Consent - to approve the list of purchases for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. The Acting City Manager has the authority to make corrections of scrivener’s errors and the like. E. Request approval for purchase of a 4” Trailer Mounted Solids Handling Sound Attenuated Vacuum Assisted Pump for the Stormwater Division. The quote for this purchase shall not exceed $61,229 - Steven Danskine, Public Works/Deltona Water (386) 878-8998. Strategic Goal: Infrastructure Approved by Consent - to approve the Authorization to purchase a 4” Trailer Mounted Solids Handling Sound Attenuated Vacuum Assisted Pump in the amount of $61,229. The Acting City Manager has the authority to make corrections of scrivener’s errors and the like. F. Request approval for purchase of a Caterpillar 299D3 Compact Track Loader based on piggybacking the 2021-2022 Florida Sheriffs Association City of Deltona Page 10 Printed on 10/21/2021 City Commission Minutes October 18, 2021 Contract for the Stormwater Division. The quote for this purchase shall not exceed $92,163 - Steven Danskine, Public Works/Deltona Water (386) 878-8998. Strategic Goal: Infrastructure Approved by Consent - to approve the Authorization to purchase a 3100 pound 299D3 Compact Track Loader/Skid Steer in the amount of $92,163 based on piggybacking the 2021-2022 Florida Sheriffs Association Contract. The Acting City Manager has the authority to make corrections of scrivener’s errors and the like. G. Request approval for purchase of a tandem dump truck based on piggybacking the 2020-2022 Florida Sheriffs Association Contract for the Stormwater Division The quote for this purchase shall not exceed $126,404 - Steven Danskine, Public Works/Deltona Water (386) 878-8998. Strategic Goal: Infrastructure Approved by Consent - to approve the Authorization to purchase a Freightliner 114SD Truck in the amount of $126,404 based on piggybacking the 2020-2022 Florida Sheriffs Association Contract. The Acting City Manager has the authority to make corrections of scrivener’s errors and the like. 12. CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL REPORTS AND REQUESTS: Commissioner McCool stated she does not know if all parents are aware of this, but she was tagged in a post regarding an incident at one of the City’s middle schools. A child was beaten up and the whole story came out, there was a board of education member that addressed it and it was the result of a TikTok challenge. She wants parents to understand this is what their children are doing right now. Some other challenges are: October is smack a staff member, November is kiss your friend's girlfriend at school, December is decked the halls and show your balls, January is jab of breast, February is mess up school signs, March is make a mess in the courtyard or cafeteria, April is grab some eggs, May is ditch day, June is flip off in the front office, and July is spray a neighbor's fence. So parents, this is what your children are being encouraged to do on social media and this is what is being socially encouraged right now. My request is that the City have a qualified person go into each one of the local schools and speak about this and bring awareness to this. If your children would like to be noticed and they would like notoriety what about donating their service to a local charity or do some community service. She is requesting that the Commission talk about somebody going into the schools or making sure that somebody is going to each of the elementary, middle and high schools and addressing this matter. City of Deltona Page 11 Printed on 10/21/2021 City Commission Minutes October 18, 2021 The Commission and Acting City Manager discussed who would address this issue, the School Board already addressing it, make the request as City, being addressed at CompStat meeting, VSO addressing criminal activity, VSO Juvenile Division, the City’s responsibility, stopping it before it gets to VSO, parents are not aware, doing outreach, try to get in front of it, a harmless Halloween prank, serious crimes and not pranks, to work with School Board Member Ruben Colon, not duplicating messages, using DTV and social media, connecting to the students, playing a more active role, school challenges, lack of adult participation, outreach issues, making parents and guardians aware, news media presenting awareness, and consistent messaging. Mayor Herzberg suggested contacting Mr. Colon and with the news media see how the School Board wants to blast that out to the media and bring that awareness forward to see what the City can do. If Commissioners in their individual capacities address it and see what the level is that the School Board will let individuals get involved and speak, that has to be their guidelines. 13. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS: None. 14. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: The Acting City Manager stated the City had a highly successful job fair and next Monday will be a community job fair from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Center. Mark Manning has been doing an excellent job and it is interesting that a job fair the City is sponsoring has Volusia County, Volusia County School Board, Halifax Health, and Volusia County Sheriff. The City is still working on Advent Health and it would be nice if Family Health Source would be part of it. There is also a number of small businesses that are coming and he is hoping for another highly successful job fair. He views this as an outreach opportunity for the residents to find employment either a new position or something that pays better. This is part of the City's effort to help out the community. The Acting City Manager stated the second item is a reminder that he has in his contract annual evaluation, it is coming due, so he will work with the City Clerk to get the evaluation forms out to the Commission with a date certain that is based on the contract. 15. CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commissioner Ramos stated he was not going to talk about this, but he thinks because of the conversation that the Commission just had he wants everyone to realize the importance of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department and the activities they are creating and working on. It is important for the City to be involved because when building relationships with students that are participating with these activities. Parks has had a successful basketball league for six seasons with about 200 kids participating. Parks had flag football that started last season which is coming back and there was dodgeball today. The Parks and Recreation Department are providing and creating these activities so that the City can, not necessarily have to go to the school, but be able to work with them in an environment that is much more approachable. There is going be a Zombie Walk and again, these are City of Deltona Page 12 Printed on 10/21/2021 City Commission Minutes October 18, 2021 activities that we as individuals can participate in and promote so that the young people who are involved can see us. There are opportunities for coachable moments. The Zombie Walk is on October 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at Wes Crile Park. The Commission recognized the Boys and Girls Club, the City has a tremendous group at Harris Saxon with over 70 boys and girls that the City is working with. There are opportunities to do some of these things. The Community Garden was a great success and he congratulated Delta Strong. It was great to see Paula and Jim Pescha out there who are the ambassadors in reference to the Community Gardens. On October 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at The Center will be 80s night and tickets can be purchased at The Center. Community Games over at Wes Crile, this is for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Tuesdays there will be cards and on Thursdays is dominoes. These are a lot of the activities that are happening in the City that are positive and that the City can continue to promote those things to have continued success. On Saturday night, he participated in the Battle of the Boulevard which was a great success and it was great to be able to give the torch over to Deltona High School who keeps winning. The Pine Ridge High School Principal says it is in his contract that he cannot leave or be moved until Pine Ridge High School wins the Battle of the Boulevards. Commissioner McCool stated first of all, she would like to take this moment to recognize Terri Ellis and Troy Shimkus for the inordinate amount of work that they put in to help make the Community Gardens such a success. It is so beautiful out there and congratulations on following through with Jim and Paula's vision, engaging the community in a real and sustainable way. Everything that you guys did was just wonderful out there and she is very proud to be a part of Deltona Strong. She is excited to see what is going to be happening out there as we move the community to a more sustainable and green future. Another person that she would love to thank is the incomparable Joe Hearn, he comes in like saving the day, bringing stuff, and rescuing us when we were needing stuff and participating. Mr. Hearn is such an integral part of the community and she just loves him so very much and everything that he brings to the community. The City is really, really privileged to have him in the community and he needs a day off. The amount of work that Parks and Recreation contributes and the heart and soul that they put in out there at the gardens. They continue to elevate the City, continue with the improvements and they are so important. She wished that she had staff names to say thank you for all the hard work. More importantly the residents that came out and showed up. Some did not even know that the Community Gardens was there, but when they saw all the activity out there and they stopped by and bought plants. It was really successful and she would like to thank the community for that. Have a good night. Commissioner King stated he guesses he has to make a comment tonight or maybe he does not, but he will. Fifty-one years ago, he joined the military and he took an oath. He took an oath to uphold the Constitution and defend this country and the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. That oath has never been rescinded and he still defends this country and the Constitution against any enemies foreign and domestic. He does not apologize for that. Three and a half years ago, he took on the responsibility of running for office here in Deltona as a City Commissioner for District #1. He did that because he thought that he could serve the City and the citizens of this community in the right way, helping the City move forward and representing the people who live here. He made an oath City of Deltona Page 13 Printed on 10/21/2021 City Commission Minutes October 18, 2021 with the citizens of Deltona, especially in District #1 that he would not quit or resign like people before him had done. He recognizes that oath night and if anyone is calling for his resignation, do not hold your breath because he is going to stay another year unless the Commission somehow run him off. He thinks he is doing what he is supposed to be doing here and he thinks the citizens of the City think so too. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez gave congratulations to the Community Gardens, awesome job and beautiful presentation. She announced that New Hope Services, Human Services is having a food drive this Wednesday at Lake Helen Osteen Road which starts at 8:00 a.m. and everybody is welcome. Vice Mayor Bradford gave congratulation, Deltona Strong hit it out of the ballpark with the Community Gardens. She was standing in the back listening to residents and some of the comments she heard was “do you hear this, we are at a Community Garden, we got kids playing in the back, this is our City I am so proud.” Just listening to comments of everybody in the audience it was heartwarming to hear how excited they were about that event taking place. She wanted to say thank you to everybody, Deltona Strong, Joe Hearn, staff, and the Acting City Manager for allowing staff to do it. This was a total community effort and she does not know if everyone realizes the impact it had on the community. Hearing the comments was amazing to her and it was better than anything out there. This is what community is and Deltona Strong nailed it, great job. You are not going hear her say this often, but Mr. Bellach had a point tonight. She believes over the weekend VSO had arrested another individual who tried to lure another 12-year-old into a car. Luckily, she bypassed it, other individuals saw it, took the information and this individual was actually apprehended. Back in her day, there was a saying “it takes a community/village to raise a child”. She thinks a lot of times people go past that and are afraid to even do that anymore and intervene. It is like oh my god this person is looking at my children wrong or talking to my child wrong, but everyone needs to be on the lookout and needs to be watching. There was more information being posted, at another supermarket and there was a sticky note on their windows. What was the goal there, it was to get the person out of the car so that something could happened to them? So, these are the things that everyone has to be on the lookout for. In this day and age when people think of human trafficking they do not think it is in their City, county or near their home. It is very real and it is very scary. She is so glad she does not have to raise her children in today's time. Everyone needs to keep their eyes and ears opening and be aware of the surroundings and it goes back to the parents to teach their children, make them aware and get it out there. She is reading more and more about this on social media. How this child was approached, this person was approached and they are approached by walking home from school. So, make sure everyone goes back to the old adage of teaching our children what to look for and how to handle those situations because it is imperative and could save a life. She encourages everybody to come to the job fair on Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and she believes the Acting City Manager stated he is accepting more businesses to participate in job fairs, but is there a cost and how do they get involved. Mayor Herzberg stated she has two quick items. The first is Florida City Government Week, City of Deltona Page 14 Printed on 10/21/2021 City Commission Minutes October 18, 2021 it has always been mentioned, this year there was a proclamation, and next year she hopes to have more participation in terms of providing civic engagement for residents. Maybe have tours of City Hall, have the Fire Stations or Fire Department participate, and so forth. That is a lofty goal for a City that is as young as Deltona is, but that is a goal that she has. Florida City Government Week promotes civic engagement, education and collaboration. A lot of the things that her fellow Commissioners talked about just in their City Commission comments talk about collaboration. The Commissioners talked about collaboration with the Community Gardens, with public private partnerships, with The Center and Joe Hearn, the park cleanups, DTV’s social media presence, and that is civic engagement. It is getting the word out and admittedly the City has not been the best at over all the years that we have been a City. It is difficult and the City is really working towards that by doing things like announcing when the City gives funding to New Hope or the Boys and Girls Club. All these things are public private partnerships, it is part of civic engagement, and part of bringing a community together. The City has a long way to go, but she is proud of all of the Commissioners. Commissioner McCool’s passion in bringing this out tonight. Commissioner king’s passion for the Veterans. Commissioner Ramos’ passion for the parks. Commissioner Sosa who is always asking pointed questions and being involved with a lot of things that are part of the City. The same with Commissioner Avila-Vasquez who has been a part of the City for a long time, on the private end. Vice Mayor Bradford has such an investment in the City with her business and with her heart. So, each Commissioner does civic engagement, but it is up to all of us on this Dais. As the Commission leads and moves forward, it is what the Commission can do and have that outreach. The Commissioners are ambassadors for the City, that is part of the Commission’s job. She commends staff and the Acting City Manager for bringing all the items on tonight's agenda forward and to have them vetted in public and not just be done because it was in the budget and approved. It makes for a longer meeting, it makes the Commission ask questions, but it is transparent. That is the way it should be, as it was years and years ago when these items were on the Consent Agenda and she thanked the Acting City Manager for his transparency. On a lighter note, last week she attended the unveiling of the Mary McLeod Bethune Statue at Lincoln Park in Daytona. It was truly amazing to hear everyone speak that participated in this. It was very interesting to her to see that it is Statuary Hall every State is allowed to have two statues that most States fund. The State of Florida chose not to fund anything and this was a complete private group that raised $800,000 collectively, to make this happen. Those people, the City of Daytona Beach, community leaders, businesses and those representatives and senators that allow this to happen were all part of a collective group that allowed this statue to now be placed in Statuary Hall in beginning of the year in Washington. If anyone has a desire to see this amazing piece of artwork it is going to be at the News Journal Center on North Beach Street in Daytona through December 12th of this year. The exhibit hours are Sunday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the exhibit closes at 4:00 p.m. every day, it is free admission and you can get tickets through Eventbrite at MMBstatue.com. She strongly encourage everyone to go there and just look at the amazing piece of artwork. It is going to be the first African American man or woman to be placed in Statuary Hall. The first Hispanic sculptor that sculpted this piece. Just from the symbolism and artwork standpoint it is so amazing to just stand there and look at that piece. Again, she encouraged everyone to go and Florida should be very proud of what it has accomplished with that. City of Deltona Page 15 Printed on 10/21/2021 City Commission Minutes October 18, 2021 16. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. ______________________________ Heidi K. Herzberg, MAYOR ATTEST: ________________________________ Joyce Raftery, CMC, MMC, CITY CLERK City of Deltona Page 16 Printed on 10/21/2021